Enchanted Chameleon

photo journal :: applebarn field trip

So homeschooling.  Ya.  It's kind of a combination of fun and exhausting just like online dating this past year has been fun and awful.  I'm always up for the challenge.  C and I did our first field trip along with the North Short homeschooling community last month in hopes of making some connections, learning some stuff, getting out of the house and most importantly, selecting the perfect pumpkin.  Yes, this post is a tad overdue.

It was a great little outing.  We've been to Applebarn before but it was nice to take the school trip route and learn a little about the applesorter and the cider press.  The best way to keep C entertained when things weren't really going on was to pass him the camera or my iPhone, ahem. I tried my best to avoid the latter but he did start to connect with a few other boys when he opened Minecraft.  Hey, I'm learning too.

This little trip turned out to be the first time I open up my dad's camera that I inherited.  Having my dad's camera there brought some fond memories back from a little trip C and I took with my dad a few years ago to Chudleigh's Apple Farm in Milton when we were visiting, before he got sick.  It was like a little piece of dad was with us that day and it was sweet.  As sweet as caramel apples on a stick.

I'd like to stay on top of my homeschooling adventures a little more here.  But then all this talk of apples reminds me of the amazing autumn apple sangria that I had last night with a girlfriend over great chats and laughs and I'm thinking I'd rather post about that.  It takes a good balance of both to make this mama feel complete.  XO.  Suzanne

~ meet the makers @ whole foods market ~

You know what I love?  Grocery shopping.  I make a strategic effort each week to make grocery shopping my time.  I love the packaging and the marketing as much as I love finding everything on my shopping list.  You know what I love more?  Farmers Markets.  If I could get everything I needed from one market each week I would be in Heaven!  Nothing completes me like a walk through my local Farmer's Market.  Insert Whole Foods Market and I can get everything I need in one place from many local food artisans and farmers that I would find at my local farmers market.

If you didn't already know, Whole Foods Market's seek out local products from small, dedicated food artisans who share the Whole Foods Market passion for excellence, tradition, purity and regional identity.  No kidding.  They even have a person called a Local Forager, whose job it is solely to seek out these small businesses in this particular region and bring them to the shelves of the store.  I'll mark that one on my grand list of dream jobs next to bass guitar in a rock band and Carrie Bradshaw.

This month Whole Foods Market's have been celebrating these food artisans with a Meet the Makers event each weekend and the good news is there is still one more opportunity at the West Vancouver Park Royal Village store this Saturday August 23rd from 11 am to 3 pm to meet some of these makers and maybe even find a new favourite local producer.

Are you a local producer?  Did you know that Whole Foods Market's also provides up to $10 million in low-interest loans to independent farmers and food artisans?  It's true.  They proudly support small producers that need a hand, not a handout, to help make their dreams a reality.  For more information on the Local Producer Loan Program click here.

Check out my little local producer wishlist featured above.  These are some amazing companies that provide tasty products that could easily fill my basket each week.

XO. Suzanne

Suzanne's Wish List: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06

~ serendipity smoothie ~

I love blending.  That's why you're here aren't you?  It's sure why I started here and ended up here.  That is for shizzle.  A blender would be my coat of armour.  That and some knitting needles and Persol glasses and if possible, without looking overaccessorized, flip flops.

I'm not sure that I've come flat out and said it here but I'll say it today:  I sold the Juice Caboose.  It's true.  It lives on in my soul and in memories and the blog that is still up to taunt and tease Vancouverites with the possibility of it coming to a venue (not intentionally, just sheer laziness and hope that it may come in use again).

It was a bittersweet decision.  Naturally I didn't want to give up my dream but in so doing I have freed up my life and finances in a way that I wouldn't have been able to do before in order to be with my family throughout my father's sickness this past year and a half, not to mention giving me a ton of space and time to heal.  Sometimes even marriages that aren't meant to be and past their expiration date require time for mourning.  Another dream, gone.  Grieving, a necessity. 

One hard thing about giving up the Caboose was giving up the Vitamix blender.  My Cuisinart was great and I know how to work a blender to make things like a Vitamix but still, it's a nice piece of kitchen bling that is hard to part with.  However, the decision to sell the business included that piece of equipment.  It was a package deal and regardless of what I wanted, the right decision was to keep the package together.  So I let it go.

Not long after, I was visiting Harvest Project, a place where I shop once a month for free groceries for low to no income people, a place that has helped me stay afloat and treading comfortably since I became a single parent.  They offer career counselling and professional clothing as well for those in need.  An amazing and award winning not-for-profit here on the North Shore that I'm eternally grateful for and hoping to repay someday with time, money or whathave you that I can offer when the opportunity arises.  I was there for my monthly shop and one of the volunteers approached me with a paper bag and asked me if I juice or blend.  Well, yes, if anyone does, I do.  Thinking she was handing me a bag of culled apples or juicing carrots I accepted the bag from her only to discover a practically new Vitamix Blender.  I but but butted, that this was a Vitamix.  The volunteer agreed it was in fact a really nice blender and it was mine to keep. 

After nearly falling over and scooping my jaw from the floor I thanked the Universe.  Sometimes when a dream comes to an end, it is easy to think one is not deserving.  I couldn't have questioned my deserving in any measure at that moment.  Again, thank you Universe, Higher Power, Good Rich Person of the North Shore that Didn't need a Vitamix?!?!  Thank you, you made my life.

It took me a little time to warm up to it.  It sat on my counter like a very expensive piece of art for the first few weeks till I finally mustered the acceptance that it wasn't going anywhere and it was mine to keep.  And naturally, just like my beat up used one that was from craigslist that went off into the sunset of someone elses dreams, so did this one magically start to make delicious smoothies from random who knows what I had in my fridge, was on sale, etc., just like I used to do in the truck.  Enter my Serendipity Smoothie.  The most delicious smoothie to touch my lips since October 2012 when the Caboose unknowingly sold its last batches.

Isn't she a beaut?

Serendipity Smoothie, fills a Wide Mouth Mason

Needed: 1 young thai coconut water and meat, 1/2 large bunch of fresh cilantro, 1/2 large bunch of fresh mint, 1 large mango or 2 small, 1 lemon, juiced, honey or agave to taste (I used about a tablespoon), 1 cup ice if you prefer it chilled (don 't bother with ice if you use frozen mango)

If you are blending with a regular blender or a bullet, first don't feel bad, I have used them for years.  Blend the greens with the liquid first until smooth and then add fruit and meat.  If you are fortunate enough to have a Vitamix or a Blendtec just throw it all in a blend up this delicious smoothie.  Enjoy.

XO.  Suzanne

 

Related articles

just-like-pumpkin-pie-no-pumpkin-smoothie

~ happy birthday juice caboose ~

vancouver aquarium :: expansion complete!

Hey everyone!  Last week I had the chance to join a bunch of my fellow bloggers at the Vancouver Aquarium to tour the new expansion that is now complete and sample some delicious Ocean Wise canapes from the new Executive Chef.  I have to say that the Aquarium is a whole new place inside, I barely recognized it!  I used to take C as a babe and we knew that place inside and out.  We went earlier this year to meet with a friend and we were super surprised to not only not be able to meet at the whale statue where everyone meets (see above, its return to the front of the Aqarium) but a whole other temporary entrance plus all the stuff that was getting done inside.  Well this time I tell you it is complete and it is amazing!  "The new sustainable, state-of-the-art building will almost double the existing gallery space and dramatically enhance visitors’ enjoyment in exploring, learning and connecting with over 50,000 aquatic creatures." The Aquarium has so much to be proud of and this expansion project is just one to name a few, with the wonderful research and care of animals that they do at the top of my list.  When I mentioned to C that it was a whole new place and of course, the super cool story of how the octopus used to escape at night and eat the fishes in other tanks, it was on the top of his list to go back and check it out.  My mom comes in from Ontario next week and I can't think of a better way to spend the afternoon, all of us together.

Things that got me excited during the tour: indoor seating and eating area; water bottle filling stations with a counter that shows how many bottles are being saved (LOVE!); the new bat area; the delicious food - the Halibut Poppers with house tartar sauce was sustainable fish heaven in my mouth (all the more reason to book an event!) and of course, the personalized tour where we got the inside scoop on the expansion and the little, yet amazing details that went into this project from the water wall outside, the landfill that was saved, and the colour refelctions of the building made to resemble the scales of a fish.  There is SO much room and potential for corporate and other events now.  I look forward to the possibilities in the large, teaching space that is decorated with photographs, captured by the aquarium staff themselves.  One of my absolute favourite, final, personal touches. 

But of course, you don't need to take my word for it, go visit yourself!  I assure you it will be a whole new tourist attraction to those that have already been a million times before.
XO.  Suzanne

Ambleside

"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered."  Nelson Mandela

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.
Nelson Mandela
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/place_2.html#BIFiz47v5w3AtPgy.99

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.
Nelson Mandela
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/place_2.html#BIFiz47v5w3AtPgy.99

cutting out TV

Last month, during the first couple of weeks of school, C's teacher and I had the talk.  Hand in hand with a Waldorf education, no TV.  Not even because he's a Waldorf teacher and that's what they have to say, C wasn't adjusting to school life so easily and we discussed the extent of our TV watching and decided on a plan.  The plan was to go back to the world of TV that I grew up in: Saturday morning cartoons.  I loved waking up, as did C's teacher, to Saturday morning cartoons. Certain ones were only available Saturday mornings and I was excited to wake up and watch Jem, Smurfs and Fat Albert.

Further to that plan but not C's teacher actual responsibility was to fill the weekday TV time with something new.  I have been long wanting to start reading out loud chapter books so I decided now was as good as a time as any.

After the first 2 days of no TV on a weekday which can only be likened to detox and withdrawal, C became quite interested in the first book that I decided to go with: Charlotte's Web.  It turned out that it was the right book at the right time and the stars aligned quite beautifully.  We were ready for reading chapter books out loud.  Since last month we have finished Charlotte's Web, The Wizard of Oz, Winnie the Pooh and are currently finishing up and looking forward to the second book in the series, Little House in the Big Woods.  All of these books were sitting on our shelves just waiting for us.

If only all changes in life could be so sweet and simple.

The result: C brightened up in class and settled into the daily and weekly rhythms and routines better than I could have hoped for.  We eliminated the exhausting, energy depleting nature of the TV and found an astounding amount of energy for all kinds of little projects and happenings around the house.

We've eliminated TV before but it's never gone so smoothly.  This past year it has been a blessing.  While I sort out myself and my new life as a working, single parent, TV has been the extra 5 minutes while I get ready in the morning or the afternoon nap that I desperately needed. Maybe it's in part due to C's age and he was just really ready for this.  I'm feeling pretty grateful that we were able to eliminate it, when it really was a crutch that I didn't want to use any longer.

And don't get me wrong, it hasn't been perfect.  Some days I fall asleep reading to him, or I cry the last 20 pages of reading Charlotte's Web.  Those are the minor extra responsibilities of taking on this challenge, and it is in our day and age, it really is.  I don't blame those that watch so much TV.  We're scared to let our kids out in the street to play and roam and be the way I grew up 30 years ago.  We are assimilating to our environment as best we can and when I say we, I mean all parents surrounded by so much technology.  Can we even break the bad that is Netflix and the convenience of watching an entire series in a couple of days.  Heck, I'm still watching TV after he goes to sleep, but my excuse is it is Little House on the Prairie and I'm learning really great parenting skills from it!  The sacrifice is and I'm aware and not complaining about it, that I don't have time for this and that.  I choose TV.

In any case, we have success at this time.  Knock on wood.

If you are further interested in the effects of TV on children, there is a really great lecture coming up at the Waldorf School that I am looking forward to.  Bottom line of the lecture is to learn how to use media to your advantage and to not let it use you.  Next Monday evening with Jaimen McMillon.     

Related articles

local event :: the magic of media with jaimen mcmillan

martha's not an expert either

I don't want to come off as a Bitter Betty saying this in response to Martha Stewarts recent interview in which she states that Bloggers are not experts.  I actually kind of agree with Ms. Stewart on the topic and voice myself by frequenting blogs that are professional and well edited. I think I naturally just prefer the content of those blogs and strive to make mine like them.  I do try to put a lot of work into my posts and never just post without my best editing and content. Blogs that contain the kind of editing and testing that Martha mentioned are more likely to succeed but aren't necessarily more expert. Possibly more funded. I'm positive Martha is an expert in that. As I see it, Martha also is not an expert at least not an expert in all she does. She's business woman first.  For example, Martha is not a health expert but I'm sure the group of well paid individuals that created her new vitamin line are experts. Personally, I won't be trying them. I prefer my vitamins and supplements from an expert not an opportunist.  

It's unfortunate that old Martha can't go back and visit young Martha.  Perhaps she might see what I see:  a pioneer of the blogging community.  No different in the beginning than the millions of homemakers, bloggers, crafters, etc. that supported her and her work and whom now have just been insulted by her.

XO
Suzanne 

local event :: the magic of media with jaimen mcmillan

Children need to interact with the tangible world in order to be in touch with reality.  Children need real people to connect with in order to develop truly. Programmed on a steady diet of virtual reality, they are becoming increasingly immobile, unable to create and channel their own energy. To boot, they have difficulty seeing clearly what actually needs to be done. They seem to perceive actuality with a “film” in front of their eyes. Their attempt to be escape artists from reality has led to the imprisonment of initiative.

Televisions, videos, computers, hand-held devices, and smartphones have created a virtual reality that threatens to usurp the roles that parents, siblings, and friends should play. True play itself is virtually disappearing; in fact, the virtual media is playing with us. The message of this workshop is not to eliminate technology, but rather to show how to use technology, so that it does not use us.  It will show that virtual reality is really a spatial consideration. The virtual world does not really exist out there; it takes place within the confines of the brain. The message is to learn to act on the three-dimensional stage of the physical world on which the drama of human life was meant to take place. Our taking the initiative now will help our children escape being victim to the ultimate, riveting, vanishing act:  the disappearance of being able to act out of one’s own free will.

Jaimen McMillan has been training movement therapists and educators for over three decades. Along with maintaining a private therapeutic practice,  he provides professional movement consulting, is an international lecturer, and served as the co-director of the School for Bothmer Gymnastics in Stuttgart, Germany for over 20 years.

WHEN:         October 28, 2013 @ 7 - 9 pm

WHERE:        Vancouver Waldorf School
                    2725 St. Christophers Road
                    North Vancouver

COST:           $20 Suggested donation at the door

CONTACT:    Ronaye @ 604-985-7435 

taste of thanksgiving - tonight!

{this moment}

Inspired by SouleMama