The Great GORP Project

A day for reflection. . .

On a day such as this, I feel like my words are so ill equipped to speak to the sacrifice of the men, women, and families that all contributed to the freedom we ENJOY today. . .so instead of a half baked ramble. . . .today I'm setting aside some quiet time to reflect and pray and just BE WITH THANKFUL THOUGHTS. .. .

So I started out thinking today would be a GORP update. . but that's not what's on my mind. . .instead I'm obsessing about making Leo's quilt.  .the maroon corduroy was dropped on my lap (thanks Andrea!) It will be the border. I bought some black velvet for the squares. and the part I'm most excited about is the fabric pictured above, which I plan to use as the backing. .. how funky is that?? You should have seen the fabric store clerks raised eyebrows when I spotted this bolt of fabric from across the room, literally ran and dragged it back to the cutting table in a protective bear hug. . .what-ev. It will R-O-C-K.

Problem Secretary is another pleasant obsession lately. .. .no not our office managers at the farm;) They are superstars. I'm talking PROBLEM SECRETARY the font. . .I love fonts. .. as in I comb over font sites in my spare time. . .nerd love. Here's a peek:

I love it. . .PROBLEM SECRETARY. . it's just the type of quirky funny that I eat up. . fun.

I felt a bit like a problem secretary yesterday when I fell asleep during Bible Study. . ACK. . so embarrassing. .. and of course it's not like I nodded off and woke up discreetly and rejoined the movie. .. instead I did the large motioned flailing shaking trembling wide eyed wake up. .. where you don't have control of your limbs. . you are just dazed enough to be at your body's mercy. .. but conscious enough to be fully embarrassed about the shaky crazy show you've just put on for the ladies. . .awesome. . .to top it all off I forgot it was my turn to bring snack. . .my poor partner who was flat on her back sick still managed to send her portion. . but ME! Ohhh noooooo. .. no snack. . just the shaky time show. .. well, we all need to laugh at ourselves once in a while. .. yesterday was my turn. . .:)

Happy Wednesday everyone: Number 8 from the list is this:

8) It's O.k. to get angry with God. He can take it.

enough said. Most times we won't feel what we are "supposed" to. .. he knows our inner battles. . lie it out there for Him. .. be honest. . it's not like He doesn't know. .

Peace.

 

Art plus Chocolate. . .

Art first.

The Details:

Who: Kal Barteski (Check out her site, she gives sneak peeks of paintings in progress)

What: A sure to be stunning art show

Where: The District, 177 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg Manitoba

When: December 2nd from 4pm to 10pm

Why: Because Kal is a hard working, life loving, local artist. AND. . .you won't regret it:)

Make a date night with your hubby, put on your little black dress/or funky tie...what ev. . .and hit the town, sip some wine, enjoy the eye candy and Gawk away! Seriously. .. go to the show. . .if I was just a tad more of a jerk, I wouldn't be telling you about this because I can't be there, and will be missing out on nabbing my favourite piece. .. .. but alas, supporting a local rocking entrepreneur chick is more important:)

You are sure to leave INSPIRED. I promise.

Chocolate Second.

You can't beat this recipe for the speed factor. Only 4 ingredients. Sweet indeed.

Chewy Chocolate Crunch Cookies

(crispy outside, chewy inside. .. divine.)

2 large eggs

1/4 cup oil

Box of devils food cake mix

3 Skor bars, coarsely chopped

Beat eggs and oil until combined, add cake mix, mix well. Then pour in the Skor! Mixer up and roll into balls. Approximately 2 tsp per cookie, arrange 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes until tops are domed and cracked. DON'T OVER BAKE OR YOU WON'T GET THE CHEW GOING ON. . .I WARNED YA.

Todays list fun:

6. You don't have to win every argument.

What?? Hmmmm. . .who knew?;) This simple reminder is quite the revelation when you really "get it". I'm a stickler when I feel entitled to be mad. .. even if it has nothing to do with the disagreement or issue at hand.  ..if I'm sitting there feeling like I deserve to feel angry. . .look out. Sadly it rarely gets me anywhere, I'm always shocked at how a simple give and take strategy cools the waters on both sides. (plus there is way less ugly snotty face tears. . .bonus.)

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

(even if it's your dog. . .Ohhhh Muddy Waters where are you?)

O.k.. . . I'm long overdue for a Gorp update. .. tomorrow will be a Gorp day:)

Rock out.

Done.

Doesn't look like much. .. EXCEPT PURE THANKFULNESS. 

The last day of harvest was yesterday night. I packed up the kids and hauled everyone out to the field to watch the guys finish the last rounds. There was cheering and fireworks, it was awesome. Plus no snow, plus the canola was actually dry?? Yes.

Thanks God.

Thanks Artel Crew.

Thanks Grant.

Thanks spouses of the hardworking guys and gals who make this all happen. I know it's not always easy to be husband-less or wife-less for days on end. THANK YOU.

 
I made a huge batch of chili. .. and waaaaaay to many ham and cheese sandwiches. We all piled into the lunchroom and had a party. I sat and soaked it all in. .. watched the guys reminise about the highs and lows. .. .the bust your gut laughing moments and the sobering challenges. .. then the veterns started telling war stories of years past when Grants dad Jake was at the helm. It was humbling to be privy to it. I love our crew. . .you'd be hard pressed to find a more loyal or harder working group of folks ANYWHERE. Grant and I both know they are the most important part of this farm. Without them we are nothing. They make it all worthwhile. My heart is full.
 

The next batch of items from the list are these:

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

Amen to that.

4. Your Job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

Ahhh come on LIST. ..  way to end it on a sour note:)

O.k. I'm kidding. . (sort of) Paying off your credit cards is the new black. Fine. 

Tomorrow. .. I've got a chocolate treat for ya. .. the easiest and quickest cookies EVER. Officially tested on the Artel Farm Crew. They passed with flying colours and only have 4 ingredients. .. yeah Hoooo.

Rock in.

   

The smile of my very tired amazing husband. . .you don't even need to see his mouth, there are a thousand smiles in those blue eyes:)

A job well done honey. I don't know how you do it.

Happy Sundays.

(our soggy, fiercely determined canola. . .gotta love the power of a seed.)

Hmmmm. . .I never thought about it until now, whether or not I should include the weekends in my quest to post every day of November. .. I think I'm going to leave it open for if the mood hits me:)

Today we are shuffling things around in the house so the flooring guys Shawn and Joel can actually see the floor they are supposed to be covering:)

Today could also very well be THE DAY. . THE DAY WE FINALLY FINISH THIS (insert my scrunched trying very hard not to swear face here) YEAR! I cannot tell a lie, it's been a hard slug farming 2009, but it's almost over.

I've had a crash course in spiritual warfare lately. .. .and what's come to light is that the reality is. .. I have a hard time trusting God. I really thought I had it down pat. Then I was tested, and what I affectionately call my FLESH FIGHTER came out swinging. . .she throws a mean sucker punch too:) My feisty fighter side comes in handy when it comes to things like NOT GIVING UP ON MY DREAM OF RUNNING A MULTI-NATIONAL SUCCESSFUL ENERGY BAR AND CLEAN FOOD COMPANY DESPITE ALL THE SETBACKS;) But not so handy when dealing with things that should just be left in Gods hands.

Live and learn. .. learn.. ..oh learn again. . did I mention there was more learning. . .well isn't that just learn-a-rific. (sorry, I know that was nerdy. .. but I can't backspace it out-ta here because I'm now smiling:)

A sneak peek at the tile going in the mudroom:

Me thinks I didn't make a mistake when ordering this site unseen from Mexico. . Yum.

Ohhhh. . .and after my post on beautiful non-obnoxious toy boxes here. The owner of the company actually took the time to leave a comment and she also gave a helpful tip. .. you can go to her etsy shop and get the toy boxes for a better deal than some of the on-line stores. Check her out. This is a mom entrepreneur who took the bull by the horns and makes these beautiful creations with her own hands, in her own workshop. I'd say that's worth the extra few bucks, just to support HER.

 
www.modmomfurniture.etsy.com

It's so cool to learn about what folks are up too. . .love grass roots. . .love real.

Next week is nutbar so I'm going to kick it with the kids today. . .although somehow I might have to devise a plan to make the house clean up at the farm a "game"?. . instead of the reality which will be watching mommy work from the play pen? (o.k. fine. .. in all likelihood there will also be a portable dvd player involved. . only for a few hours though:)

Roll out. ..

Narnia ate me for dinner.

I fell asleep watching Narnia with the kids last night, so this post will be a double exposure to The List I talked about yesterday. .. It's about 44 items that are just kinda fun reminders to keep things in perspective. . .I added a few myself to make it an even 50. .. I will share a few each day (in theory, unless Narnia consumes me again;) Here we go!

BUT. .. before that I have to give a shout out to my mother in law who had her art show opening yesterday at the Galeria de ida  Victoria in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.

(Image from www.idavictoriaarts.com)

November 5 - November 19
"The shoes, which are placed in emotional or physical spaces, act as metaphors for societal and cultural situations in which we find ourselves."
Helene Dyck

I am soooo excited for her, and so wish I could have been there to support her. I just love the whole concept of the show and can't wait to hear the lowdown! YES HELENE!!!! A woman's shoes, how many stories over the centuries could they tell? How they helped her float across the floor at her times of greatest accomplishment or happiness. .. how they held her up during times of loss, or sorrow. . or were even flung across the room in anger or soulful passion. . ..countless ways to think about the possibilities. . ..the most haunting thing about it is my desire to know the story behind the subject. .. why are those shoes left there? Are the scuff marks from living life with joyous abandon? or abuse? I want the artist to write a little story FOR ME, so I know how to capture the mood of the image in my head. . . Ahhhh. .. but instead you are left to stare at the painting and watch what your own mind conjures up. .. then you are left to ponder even the reasons behind what kind of story YOU wrote for the shoes and why? Ahhhhhh. . I love how art can do that. ..with an image. . .amazing!
 

This is a BIG CONGRATULATIONS shout out to my wonderful, and talented mother in law!

Awesome.

Now a few items from The List!

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

YES!. . . tell me about it, the only two art shows I would have loved to be at this year, I can't. Helene's and Kals. .. oh well, LIfE IS INDEED STILL GOOD;) And if my biggest complaint today is not being able to attend an art show.. . then I'm doing pretty darn GREAT. As we all know, there are some folks waking up today who don't know if they or their loved ones will be laying down their heads safe and sound on their pillows tonight. 

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

This one really resonates with me. As I've said here before. . .when things get hairy that's what I repeat to myself over and over. . just take one more step Colleen. . one foot in front of the other. Funny that this one should come up today, the day I post about Helene's art show The Shoe Project. . STEPPING. .. SHOES. ..get it?! ;)

Let's take a good long look at our shoes this morning and decide that no matter what story they will carry us through today, we will face it with a strong positive mind and at least start it with a determined smile on our faces. Yes, these days my smile is more determined than let's say "natural" but hey. . some seasons demand more from us and we have the power to choose. . .so fickle emotions look out. . .this gal is rocking out with a DETERMINED SMILE this day of November. . .

Rock-ing. 

Battle.

Sometimes it's funny how God brings people into your life. For instance, the other day as I was leaving MEC with my hiking supplies, I heard somebody say. .. "hey GORP girl". . .I'd never been called that before, but responded instantly!. . . It was a guy who I had met somewhere only once before, non-the-less it was the type of encounter where you instantly like someone. . .your spirits connect. . .and as I later told him via email. . .if we worked in the same office, we would sooooo be lunch buddies. So he emails me this list the other day, and I asked him permission to use it on my blog. . .to which he graciously gave me the green light. The day he emailed it to me I'm sure he had no idea how much I needed it. But throughout the month of November I'm challenging myself to blog everyday, and to start every post with a few items from the list and see where it goes.

So, tomorrow it begins. I have no idea how it will play out. .. I rarely have any idea what will come out of my fingers even as I'm typing the words. . .so it should be interesting:)

Battles. They often happen when you least expect them. Then wham. All of a sudden you are engaged, and are fighting to keep your flesh in check, and be true to your spirit, to God, to be mature, and not indulge in actions or words which temporarily appease your selfish brain, but do little to contribute to the greater good. How to be humble, despite your yearning to prove your perceived intelligence or have the last word. To walk in love without lying down and being walked ON. A constant battle. Learning to take time to breathe, to not trust your fickle emotions, but to trust God instead.

God, help me to lay down prideful thoughts and be a humble vessel for your will to be done through, not because of my own ability, but because I have surrendered to YOU....help me to KNOW BETTER, and in turn DO BETTER. I pray for the patience to wait when you need me to wait,the courage to act when I need to act, and the wisdom to rely on you for divine timing.

For such a time as this. .. .

Tweet Dreams;)

Feast your eyes on this puppy. .. .with the house nearing completion,I've got design on the brain. ..

Tweet dreams indeed. This bed is by Shawn Lovell Metalworks. . .Gorgeous, but don't get any grand ideas unless you have $15,000 sitting in your back pocket:)

Rock on! Gotta love it. . .these pillows are a beautifully creative design by Stephanie Marin. . .since I'm not really into paying the shipping from France. .. I may just have to sew up a few of my own. . .

Speaking of which, my solution to the uber cool toy box search gone bad due to woes of the pocket book is this.

O.k. . .I know it looks plain, but it's solid wood construction (no veneers) and has safety hinges and all that glam, AND you can get it from www.cedarchests.comfor $159.00 unfinished. SWEET! So I buy it and finish it with a walnut stain SO IT LOOKS ALL MID-CENTURY MODERNISH LIKE THE GRACIE BOX FROM YESTERDAY. Check. Then I apply any one of these:

  O.k.. . these pics turned out a bit blurry. . .but you can check them out and others at www.modernwallgraphics.comor just google modern wall decals and find something awesomely you.

 
 I love this one from www.fermlivingshop.us 

But I digress. . .I find a cool modern stick on wall decal and apply it to my ohhh so basic walnut stained chest. THEN. . I can either leave it as is, or paint the box some funky colour. . .then oh so carefully peel the decals off. . .so you can see the walnut stain underneath in the shape of the cool decal. Then you can smack the decal on the wall (after you wash the paint off. . )

Wait, i'm not done. Then I find some castors from Princess Auto, or I rip some mid-century modern legs off a chair at the thrift shop, attach to my toy box and VOILA!!! A sorta hand made, uber custom unique toy box. Whew. .. sounds like a plan. . .and I just saved myself $250 buckos. Now there's some recession proof creativity for ya:)

Rock on.
  
 
 

Gawking for Midcentury Modern Loving Moms. . .

So I went on a search to find some nice. .. non obnoxious, non primary coloured, non plastic storage for my kids rooms. . .AND slightly mid-century modern inspired. Unfortunately I found what I was looking for. Now that I've seen what I LOVE everything else pales in comparison!! Oh the joys and sorrows of on-line shopping. .. so while these toy boxes are beautiful. . .they are also not EXACTLY pocket book friendly. . .but here's to good design. Cheers!

I will have to get creative. .. that's all. . .I'll share my brilliant plan next post. But for now, browse and enjoy the creativity:)

 

This is the Owyn Toy Box, organic materials, non toxic paint and finishes, made by a mom in her very own workshop. . very well made. . .but retails for around $475.00. . .(sob!) You can find it at www.modmomfurniture.com

(The Bertie Box. . also by Mod Mom Furniture.)

(Owl Box by Mod Mom as well. .. also around $475.00. .. beautiful:)

This is the Fugi Box by Argington. . .also made with non toxic materials. . .it is an adult friendly toy storage system, it retails for around $350.00.

 

This is the Mojo Toy Box. . the slightly more price friendly option to the Fuji, you can find it at www.landofnod.com for around $250.

And yes, I saved the best for last, the Gracie by www.modmomfurniture.com.

Midcentury modern? Check!

Super cool non abrasive and beautiful? Check!

In my price range? NO CHECK:( $550 buckers for this pretty sucker.

Oh well, I still love to see what's out there. Nice. Plus. . this mid-century modern loving momma has a plan. Sweet. Tweet.

Speaking of tweet. .. wait till ya see what I found to post tomorrow. . .wowsers. ..:)

Rock this Sunday away. .. kiss your kids. .. love on your spouse. .. call a friend.

Life is good.

 

 

He came.

 
  
Yesterday my fathers oldest and dearest friend flew in from Ontario. Today I sit chatting with him at the kitchen table. Closer than brothers. A soul connection these two men have. They came together at a point in their lives when each was searching for truth. . .newly married. . .away from home. . .they installed carpet together, fished, drank, debated endlessly about the existence of God. My dad needed some convincing. Gord was just the man for the job;) Years have passed, babes born, each have followed their own paths, but now they will connect again. . .after more than a decade apart. ..and thousands of miles. . . Gord has come to see his friend, his soul friend, as ALS is stealing my fathers life. .. .a goodbye cannot go unsaid. I understand. Tomorrow he will drive out with my brother to see my dad. .. my heart is squeezing in my chest. . .a lump in my throat already. . .I am so happy he came.

Friends. You know the ones. The ones who have your heart. Your eyes tear up thinking of them. An agape love. It only happens maybe once in your life. I'm so happy for my dad. . . .his friend, his agape friend is here. After all this time. 

Glad I got that outta my system:)

 
(I'm just going to naw on some wood for a while to cleanse my mouth of all the WTF's from yesterday;)

(In case you are wondering this picture was taken on the Newfoundland Trail hike!)

Ha Ha! Thank you Thank you Thank you for all the awesome comments yesterday. .. I sat here at my computer and laughed out loud. .. then I called my mom over and made her read them, and laughed some more. .. then I dragged Grant into the fun. .. it was just what the doctor ordered:)

I generally don't indulge in the use of profanity. . .but every once in a while an EFF may slip. . .yesterday was one of those days. .. sorry.

A funny thing happened just as I was leaving the fabric store yesterday. ..after attack of the mean clerks! You know my hunt for the perfect maroon corduroy? Well. . .as I was leaving I check my phone. .. and an email is sitting there from a friend who reads my blog, she just happened to have a big piece of maroon corduroy she picked up at Value Village a while back and she sent me a picture and offered to give it to me. . .!! Just after such a bad experience. .. little rays of sunshine still make it through. . .THANKS ANDREA:) Thanks God. .. yet another great reminder about not letting what's happening to you at the moment hang on and create angst in your heart for the rest of the day. . .funny that I chose to brew on the bad experience instead of the good one that dropped right in my lap at EXACTLY the perfect time. . .man. .. I'm a slow learner some days. .. .sorry God.

Although, I must say I was relieved to see that I wasn't the only one with this experience with fabric sales people!!!!. . .and Jeff. . thanks for the gentle reminder. . .a sharp pencil with intelligent intent behind it need not have any use for swearing. . .got it:) (And I happen to know you aren't the only guy who reads this blog. . .they are a quiet bunch .. . but they are out there:)

Today is a day for coffee and praying. .. lots of praying. Someday I will write a big long rant about the trials and tribulations and joy and blessings all associated with being a farmers wife. .. but today I will spare you the theatrics. . .crop is still lying on the ground and rain is in the forecast. . .and it's almost November. I know everyone deals with some type of uncertainty in their jobs. .. so suck it up right? Time to think of someone other than myself. . .maybe even my husband;). . .I have a feeling he needs a big cup of hot coffee and an ear. So off I go. .. the dishes can wait. As can Gorp.

Some days you just gotta do what's on your heart. .. even if it's not what's on your TO-DO list.

Rock on. . .

Oh. ..and try this tonight on your popcorn drizzled with coconut oil, sprinkle on some cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. .. IT'S FANTASTIC. .. even the kids like it. . .and it's super healthy to get those spices into ya body. .. .especially during this flu season. . .and don't forget to up your dose of vitamin D (you can get peppermint flavoured chewables for the kids) These are just a few of the precautions I'm taking this season due to the whole H1N1 thing, especially since as of right now, I'm sitting in the "NO" to vaccination camp.