The Great GORP Project

Our GORP VIDEO:)

Video time:)

So the link above will bring you to our GORP VIDEO:) It's a place I go when I'm looking for solid ground. Some happy music and a reminder of my "WHY" is needed every so often when the days get long and the complications of life, motherhood and running a business all fall heavy on my little weak shoulders;) LOL. . .yup. .. had to come to terms with the truths of my physiological make up this year. .. but that's another story. . .(I'm a freakishly strong amazon woman. ..  in my head. . .apparently. . .come on!!!;)

It's been an interesting month of mistakes (BIG EMBARRASSING social media disasters/lessons) and honours (being nominated for the mompreneur of the year award. . .and some cool (FREE) publicity. . .thanks Global TV and CTV Winnipeg:) 

This month we will hire our VERY FIRST OFFICIAL sales person. . .which is pretty crazy. . .up until now our customers have literally been doing the selling for us and they deserve a break;) We are honoured and astounded at the passionate ambassadors and loyal following our little company has managed to attract. . .and now we will work harder than ever to keep our customers coming back for more:)

We are coming up to a big milestone for us. . .the sale of our millionth bar!!!!!! WHAT!???!! Updates to come:) We will also be venturing into the USA for the first time ever??!! A tad unnerving. . .but nothing compared to the business of running a business. . .and by that I mean the insane responsibility of having a team of people depending on you. .. this hit me hard this year. . .I need to overcome some stubborn childhood shyness and be a leader. . .while this fills me with excitement and adrenaline. . .it also weighs heavy. . .the need to reflect and constantly evaluate yourself is exhausting and downright time consuming. . .but I can't help but believe the evolution will be worth it. . .it has to be. . .:)

More adventures to come. . .stay tuned! Our new flavour is submitted to the Food Development Center for shelf life testing. . .so hopefully we have a few more fun announcements before long!

Adventure on. . .and remember to be kind to yourself along the way. . .

Colleen

 

Je suis une pamplemousse. . .?

 

Yup. You read correctly. . .I am a grapefruit!

Ahhh. ..the memories of french class of yester year. . the fun we had. . .this was a joke that materialized sometime in those awkward early teen years between my sister and I. . .my recollection of the exact circumstance is somewhat fuzzy and is eluding me, but I suspect it was on a long road trip or something like that. We would often challenge ourselves to converse en francais. . .fun for a while, but then the fighting would begin. . .this insult surfaced when one of us was at the end of our available french vocabulary. . .out of desperation it was blurted out, probably because we didn't know any french curse words. . .grapefruit would have to do. . .what I do remember very clearly is that we ended up bursting into fits of laughter and it became one of those family jokes that we brought up again and again and again. . .(it just kept on getting funnier. .plus there were endless possibilities to insert other various fruits and vegetables into the mix.. .Tu es un pomme de terre etc. )

So naturally when our exchange student from France arrived the other day, it was only a matter of time before the terribly immature grapefruit joke would force it's way out of my mouth. .. it was sitting there in the back of my brain, I could sense it. . .it wanted out. . and bad. I did my best to repress it. . but unfortunately it made it's awkward appearance at the cabin last weekend. . I'll blame it on the sun. . and maybe the G&T I had earlier. . .I'm not sure how it actually went over. .or if Honore (our french guest) was too polite to correct me. . or if his smiling meant he thought I was the wittiest host EVER. . .but I wished I could have taken it back as soon as it came roaring out. . .

This is the thing. .. I've turned into a bumbling idiot? Honore is an awesome guy. . hardworking, great with the kids and he's totally eager to learn English. . .but what he probably didn't anticipate is his hosts equally enthusiastic eagerness to learn french. . .I imagine we are getting pretty annoying while we practice our rusty grade 9 francais out on him. . The worst part is how I transform into a super nerd in the presence of someone who speaks a different language than myself. . .I immediately start speaking poor english, then I start using excessive body language with wide eyed/wild eyed abandon in the hopes that my bulging brown eyes can somehow make my words more understandable???

Grant (because he loves me) gently pulled me aside today and explained that I am talking to our guest like he's 4, plus the sound effects I include in my communication with him might not be necessary! (ie. urrp. .zip.  .zing. . click click. . zoink! That's Colleen-speak for how to load the dishwasher. . ) Also, my tendency to unconsciously yell at Honore in the hopes that increased volume will help with the language barrier might not be all that helpful either. . .why am I acting like such a dolt?? I have to find someone fluent in french to come over so I can explain to him that I'm not a total dork. . I'm just acting like one. . .yeah, that makes sense. . .? Or should I say. .zink zink. .burrrr. .ding dong blich?

Other than my weirdness, having Honore in the house and working on the farm has been awesome. .  .we love him like family already:)

On a side note. . .if you are wondering how Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown workout video is. . .IT'S AMAZING. . I give it two thumbs up. . .I am totally sore today in all the right places:) I blew off my 5 am wake up call AGAIN. . .but am biking to pick the kids up from daycare today. . .so there we go:)

I love the idea in the comments yesterday from Kyla to put a sticky note on the alarm clock that reads "CHOOSE". I'm totally doing that! This is reminding me about this rant from a while back, to choose puts you in a postion of control and power. . .to feel like you "have" to do something is almost like a victim mentality. . .don't be a victim of your expectations. . instead rephrase your whole self talk and choose!!

Onwards and upwards. . .

Oh. . .and if you are interested there is a neat on-line community of women at www.toneitup.com. . .they have fantastic workout videos on youtube and diet tips, recipes. . you name it. . .check it out, I promise you will spend 5 minutes on the site and be inspired:)

But. . it was so pretty. . .

 
It was so pretty. . so I ate it:)

Kinda the way I feel about chocolate covered almonds. . .oh and chips.

(I stumbled upon this photo on the National Geographic website. . you can find the original here.)

. . and yes. Stumble Upon is my latest addiction:)

 

spider cupcakes. . .

 

Sooo Georgia FINALLY got a party:) My first "official" kids party at my house. . .the first 7 years of her life I conned her into having "family parties" or inviting one friend out for a movie or something. .(I know, I'm terrible!) there was one "build-a-bear" party that snuck in and will never be repeated. . .kids parties scare me. .no clue why. . .but I get all anxious and weird. .. I think it might be because when little girls get together a hyper-crazed phenomena starts and they get all unpredictable and fizzy. . . I stayed up until midnight constructing spider cupcakes and hanging giant blow up bugs from every light fixture in the house. .I thought it was pretty awesome. . .until. . .

. .  the morning of the party I was feeling confident enough to go for a run, spider cup cakes were chilling in the fridge, decorations were hung, craft supplies set out, goody bags packed. . .but then 10 minutes before the party was supposed to start Grant turns into the party police and decides that I can't possibly have planned a party without . . .gasp. . CHEESY PARTY GAMES. . triple gasp. .. so then I panic and second guess my whole plan. .. I thought my mega craft-a-palooza and eating pizza was enough to fill 3 hours? Well, the worry was all for not. ..I was right:)

 

Spider cup cakes turned out awesome, thanks for the suggestions everyone:)

 

 

For the craft the girls were let loose on this table filled with every make and model of google eye, pom pom and pipe cleaner known to man, the challenge was to create the craziest spider/bug/monster possible! We then attached the monsters to long wooden dowels with invisible thread and the girls proceeded to run around the farmyard chasing each other with their creations. . no party games required:) I dare say the giant spider craft-a-palooza was a success!
 
 
Whew. It was a tonne of fun. . .I think this might be my party "gig" for the next 5 years. . .YES!

 
. . and what's a party without one of Aunty Ella's crocheted creations? My kids LOVE these vintage toys she whips up. . .even more than the Xbox. . score!

All day yesterday I was at an amazing Ag policy discussion event organized by MRAC, U of M, and the MFPA. . (translation: Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council, University of Manitoba and the Manitoba Food Processors Association) It was an industry and academia response to the CAPI (Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute) destination paper, I just LOVE discussion/debates about pretty much anything. . . especially Ag policy. . o.k. . .better stop typing before I ruin my reputation as a "cool mom";)

If you want to read the paper, you can find it here. .. it's not just for Aggies or policy heads. . it's food. . it's business, it's your health. . . if you eat you are entitled to an opinion. ..

It's a discussion on what needs to change in order for us to have. .

“the most successful good food systems on the planet.”

I think that's a pretty big deal.

Today: I'm attempting to put together a more formal launch plan for Gorp while distracting my teething baby boy. . :(

be mighty!

Mighty in the mail!

Look what squeaked in BEFORE the nasty Canada Post strike struck!

 

When my other kids were small I ordered them each one of these customized posters from one of my favourite local artists. Then when Moses came along I was mourning the fact that he would be the only kid without one. .. until Kal from Lovelife decided to offer them again. . .sweet! I chose the Rhino and the adjective MIGHTY (it just so happened my word of the year fit Moses completely;) and this beautiful glossy print arrived unscathed by the strike. .. there is something about seeing your own name in print. . .I gingerly pull out the posters from time to time for the kids to gawk over. . until I frame them properly I hide them away for safekeeping.

 

After writing to my daughter yesterday. . and seeing/hearing the response on facebook and here on my blog. .. it really got me thinking. . .

Man, all these kind vibes have given me an idea. . .I'll post about it soon:)

Part of what inspired me to write Georgia this letter was a brown crinkled note in the bottom of my keepsake box that was written to me 25 years ago (errr. .actually 29 argh!)it was from my Kindergarten teacher, she had taken the time to write down a few nice things about me and gave me the note at the end of the year (I had a hard time in Kindergarten, I was a bit of an odd duck and very emotional and she really went the extra mile for me). . I kept that letter, and still have it. . I remember taking it out and reading it as a teenager when I was going through hard times. . it grounded me somehow. . .when I came across it again the other day I was shocked at how many memories and warm feelings surfaced...something as simple as telling someone how you feel. .a simple encouragement. . . how far can it go?

I wanted Georgia to have something she could put in the bottom of her keepsake box. . .maybe she will pull it out when things are rough, maybe not. . but it will be there, and even if our relationship goes through those rocky seasons. . .it will be my voice expressing love to her even when she might not want to hear it from me at the time. . .

Soooo if you want one of those rad custom posters for someone you love, you can order them here!

My BIG IDEA. . is growing by the minute. ..work to do and a birthday party to plan. . any ideas on how to construct a cake that looks like a spider?? Don't know why I promised that feat of baking magic.  .but I did.  .shoot!

Oh. . and my sister is on a knitting rampage and has been making these crazy cute knit animals for my kids for their birthdays. . .I think they are brilliant:) (pic of flamingo coming tomorrow)

 

Roar!! Yup. . this one was for Leo our lion:)

be mighty!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assiniboine Park Children's Garden! Yay Winnipeg:)

 
 
 
 
 
I just can't say enough about the new Children's Garden at Assiniboine Park. . .The first time I saw it in full bloom after the grand opening I had to use every ounce of willpower to stop myself from openly applauding. . .then skipping and running through the darn place like an overgrown ape-like child. . .instead I contained myself, although I couldn't do anything about the stupid grin plastered across my chops. . or the many random outbursts declaring (to nobody in particular) THIS PLACE IS FLIPPING FANTASTIC!!!

I'm not just saying this because we happen to be partners in the company responsible for constructing some of the amazing installations out of reclaimed wood. .. ahem. . cough. .Wood Anchor. . .cough!

The best part about the "thinking" that must have been invested into the design of the garden was that unlike a giant "McDonald's Play-land" full of so much distraction that kids are overwhelmed and can barely think straight, the Assiniboine Park Children's Garden built into the design. .. room for IMAGINATION !! There is room for space(if that makes sense?). . .room for imaginary play. . .and the flow incorporates opportunities for discovering the unexpected. .. I LOVE the organic flavour. . .this granola loving gal gives it 2 thumbs up with a side of Whooopeeeee!!

This week has been packed full of "stuff". . .yesterday I attended a workshop on Strategic Planning. . .and it blew my mind. .. in more than the figurative sense. . .my head is still aching. . .I think I might have blown a fuse. . .but that's alright. .stretching right?? I'm putting together a short summary of some of the neat take-aways from the lesson plan. I'll share next post. . .tonight my dear Georgia competes for her yellow belt in Taekwondo, and right now I've got a 3 year old on my lap requesting some reading time. .. so off I go!

Rock out. be mighty and make someones day. . .do something EXTRA kind, just because it's Wednesday:)

birthing in the air. . .

 

Yup. . our house birthed out a cheeky mini-me bus shelter to keep the kids from being blown away on these cold March mornings. . (thanks Rudy, for building this beauty for us;). . .there is even a flag attached to the side that is connected to a pulley cord, so the kids can raise the flag to signal to the bus driver that they are needing a pick up. . that way she doesn't have to stop if they are sick or being driven or whatever! Genius? Hardly. .. but we think it's pretty cool!

My friend accused me of having a martini bar in there. .. which got me thinking. . .maybe I'll make another flag to signal happy hour in the hut? I'm thinking Martini Mondays sounds good;) Gin with extra olives. . yes. .. mommy's "quiet time". . .?

 

. . .And I'm loving this right now. . .as I'm battling to return to pre-birth condition. . it's nice to create a routine around something healthy. . and there are some HEAVENLY loose teas out there, if you are in Winnipeg try Scoop and Weigh or Cornelia Bean. . .sooooo goooooood:)

. . .some public speaking woes to tackle tomorrow. . judging by my sweaty palms a month before the events. . it makes me wonder why I say YES to these things? Actually, I know why I say yes. .. sometimes I just can't believe that's the word that comes out of my mouth. . .

yes, it's time to employ my word of the year and. . . . be MIGHTY.

. . .but first a stop at the martini hut?! (yes, I'm kidding. . .sort of. . .)

Snakes and Ladders at Assiniboine Park. . . . Sneak Peek!

Yesterday we attended a sneak peek at the newest installation/massive project going on at Assiniboine Park. . .a Children's Garden with a Snakes and Ladders theme. Wood Anchor worked on many of the artistic wood works you will see in the following pictures. . the robins nest.  .stump hop scotch. . . .and massive snake to name a few! All made from reclaimed wood of course:) We are so proud to be partners in this company which is obviously filled with talented and amazing folks. .. we can't take any credit for the creative genius. ..so we are content to point and stare happily:)

 

A birds nest indeed:) And there's even a little worm in there. . . an uncommonly cute worm if I do say! 

See the snake?

This picture doesn't do this sculpture justice. .. it's over 10 feet tall and quite a sight. . .

Stump hop scotch was the biggest hit with my kids.. ..probably because there was the danger of falling into the newly planted foliage and doing some damage that would cause their mommy angst!

An alley way of musical frogs rocking it old school. ..can it get any better?!

 
 
 Only if there's tunnels for running, hiding, and general all purpose scally wagging. .  . SWEET!

Way to go Winnipeg. . .we soooo needed this!!

Hopping out.

 
 
 

Most expensive trip to the thrift store. . .EVER:(

(my oh so sweet thrift store SCORE, wooden bowls, vintage coffee cups and tea set, funky vases, midcentury candy/nut dish, and sleek bag and garbage can:)

So, I actually had to take a self induced "blogging break" this week cause if I got anywhere near the computer I was in danger of spreading some very bad words around the blogesphere that I would later be ashamed of FOR SURE.

THE NIGHT "BEFORE":

I hosted Bible study. . .where most of the conversation was around the topic of how easy it is to get a nice spiritual high after church or Bible study. . only to fall apart and freak out about something the next day, or even the next hour! And totally forget to invite God into the picture, or act in a way that honours Him and gives Him the glory in every situation. .. .I was all. . yes yes. .. and ohhhh yes. . UH HUH.

. . . the very next day. . .I get a call from a friend giving me the 411 on some awesome chairs at the thrift store that would go awesome in the house:) Sweet! I'm thinking as I rush into my truck to wade my way through the apparently very competitive and INTENSE crowd that floods the thrift store on tuesday mornings (who knew?). .. .anyways. .. the chairs didn't work out, but I found a PLETHORA of other awesome finds. . all for $13.00. .. I even threw in the extra 2 bucks as a donation to make it an even 15. ..cause I was just in that good of a mood.

6 MONTHS AGO:

I get nailed with a seat belt ticket on Main Street Niverville. The cost: $300 bucks and 2 count em 2 BIG FREAKING FAT DEMERITS. The result: I learned my lesson and have been diligently wearing my seat belt ever since.

THAT FATEFUL TUESDAY MORN.: I'm leaving the thrift store floating on a cloud due to my ever so thrifty finds. And see a cop pass me. . .no big deal. .I'm wearing my seat belt. . I smile and keep driving. I see him pull a u-turn and turn his lights on. .. I thought the guy behind me must be in trouble. ..poor sap. Yeah, not so much. . .he passes the "poor sap" and pulls me over right in front of the credit union just as the lunch time rush is starting. .sweet perfect. . how humiliating. .. I see my friend Gary on the street waving and smiling. .. yeah. .funny Gary;) The cop comes up and I ask perplexed if I was speeding. . .wordlessly he just points at my seat belt. . .Yeah, I'm wearing my seat belt I say. . .NOT PROPERLY he responds. . .I'm smiling, cause I think he's joking as he's asking for my license. .then I'm getting mad. .and incredulously I'm saying. . yeah right. ..your kidding. .this is a joke right. . as freaking if. . no way????? Yeah, I went on and on. .. I tuck the belt under my arm when I'm driving because it chokes me. . .I've always done it because I get nauseous. . .I really didn't think it was illegal.  .maybe not PROPER. . but certainly not illegal???? If I would have thought I was going to get nailed with another $300 ticket and 2 demerits. . wouldn't it have been awful tempting to slip it over my arm??? Instead I'm sitting there like a dolt on main street at lunch hour in front of the credit union with my seat belt tucked under my arm as he walks up to my window. . I wasn't being a schister. ..would it not have been "reasonable" to give me a warning. . considering I soooo obviously wasn't trying to pull one over on the right side of the law???

$300 bucks and 2 more demerits. . .I'm so ticked I'm crying (cause that's how I roll when I'm mad) and unfortunately and embarrassingly swearing a blue streak as I walk into the office and rant to Grant about what just happened.  ... .we just bought furniture that needs paying off. .I could have made a nice payment with that money.  .blah blah blah. . effing unreasonable. . effing blah blah blah. .. .Yeah, it wasn't my proudest moment. . .Grant sat there wide eyed smirking at me and all he said was "I'm scared". . .it made me smile, but I was fuming for hours/days afterwards. . .I was even less impressed with myself when I calmed down and remembered the conversation at Bible study I'd been a part of just the night before. .. .how did I blow it so fast????

Man. . .sometimes I think God must just shake his head. . .time to get back on the horse and keep trying, seeking and remembering to focus on Him even in the midst of BLINDING RAGE AND STINGING TEARS;)

Ahhhhhhhhhhh. As if copper. . .BOO!

reclaiming fun.

 Each of these pieces I either got for free or paid less than 15 bucks for! A bit of elbow grease from my good friend Rudy, and a few cans of Rustoleum spray paint and these pieces will live to see another day. .. another few thousand days if I have anything to say about it!

If I would have been thinking (and you can never assume I am!)I would have taken before and after pictures. . so you will have to use your imagination.  .just trust me. . .these pieces were mondo ugga before their grand transformations:) O.k fine.. . there are some folks out there (that shall remain nameless) that think I did more harm that good. . . . with my colour choices. . what ev. You can't see the knobs very well here, but they are amber glass!

The dresser I had as a kid! This is actually called "heritage red" and looks orange here, but is indeed a beautiful deep vintage looking shade. . the pic doesn't do her justice:(

A 15 buck garage sale find. .. this sucker used to be a gross pale cream/yellow veneer with stains all over. .. .now with a bit of sanding, wood patcher stuff and swanky crystal knobs she is back and lookin for trouble. .. .which she is bound to find living with us. . .

A small side table (this is the red of the dresser above in way better light) is now home to 2 hamsters. . ..who have developed a nasty poo throwing habit. .. who knew? We have to keep the dust buster in one of the drawers because of this crazy night-time activity that results in poo pellets scattered within a 5 foot radius of the cage. ..CRAZY ARMS ON THESE STINK BOMBS. .. nasty little beasts;)

 
This hand me down table got a black gloss treatment and the 4 chairs a satin white. Cool.

TODAY: I officially approved the packaging for Gorp! Done and Done. .. all I have to do now is find some $$$$ that the bank wants to part with and get this show on the road. aHHHHHHH.

OH AND ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Next post. . .more gorp updates. . perhaps a little rant/thoughts about watered down Christianity that has been revolving through my brain these days. . and some pictures of the furniture I ordered a few weeks ago from Room and Board (awesome company). G and I stayed up till 2 in the morning the other night setting up beds and arranging the living room furniture. . .three cheers for no more sleeping on the floor:)

Oh and the natural latex mattress we took a chance on ROCKS THIS PLANET. . .and I can't stop thinking about getting a tattoo? Am I crazy? Is it a bad idea? Will I regret it when I'm 92? But by then will I really give a flying hoot? Hmmmmm. . ..

Crazy days. . coming and going. . .step.