The Christmas List

My husband gave me a $25 gift certificate for Chapters, a bookstore chain, for Mother's Day.

There was a time when I would have cashed in the gift certificate as soon as I received it. Now my time is precious and any moment I am not at work, I am at home with my little guy.

Earlier this month, however, I needed to pick up a book I ordered. So I left work early and spent a leisurely hour looking at the end displays and special sections I wouldn't usual look at. And because the Christmas season is upon us, the store was filled with all things seasonal - from knick knacks to books.

Not only was it completely relaxing to spend time within a place filled with books, it was a joy to not have to worry about money and simply buy what I wanted.

I found three Christmas books on sale, one of which was called The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans. I read The Christmas Box, also written by Evans, each Christmas.

The Christmas List is as good as The Christmas Box A Christmas Carol with a character more nasty than Ebenezer Scrooge. It was a fantastic book that haunted me days after. It was another book I had to re-read parts in order to get it out of my head.

A recommended read to anyone who loves Christmas and happy stories.

Colours of My Dreams

For as long as I can remember, my favourite colours have been blue and yellow.

I have always loved the magazine Victoria and for years saved each copy I purchased so I could flip through its pages and dream of my perfect house.

At least once a year, the editorial staff would dedicate their issue to blue and my eyes would feast on the possibilities.

We have lived in our house by the lake for almost 10 years.

For the first eight years, the only room that was painted was my stepdaughter’s room, which eventually became our son’s room.

This year for Mother’s Day my husband gave me one of the best presents ever – he was going to paint our bedroom in the colour of my choice.

The pick was easy. I have been carrying around a paint chip for years and I simply had to pull it out of my wallet and give it to my husband.

The bedroom is lovely. I never tire of the colour.

My husband recently painted our living room, which holds my library, the same colour, and on the Saturday before Father’s Day painted our hallway muse, which is a yellow colour.

Slowly, my house is becoming a place of my dreams.

Forecast today: Rain, cold and windy

My son has the book Duck and Goose, How are you feeling? By Tad Hills.

One page, either duck or goose, I can’t remember which one, is strolling through a field. It’s a dark, grey day, the flowers are closed and he is ‘sad.’

The next page, duck or goose is jumping for joy. The sky is blue and dotted with white clouds, the sun is shining and the flowers are open and bright. He is ‘happy.’

I think that is why I have been a little sad recently.

We had snow on Mother’s Day, and it’s been dark, windy, rainy and cold since.

However, the rain doesn’t always make me sad. In the spring when the rain is accompanied by some warmth, I love watching the rain, playing in the rain and listening to the rain. And I love the smell of rain, just after a spring shower.

Happy Thursday Thoughts

I didn’t want my first posting since Friday to be one of bitterness and panic, so I thought I would instead focus on Happy Thursday Thoughts.

• Good news week.
There was happy news from both sides of the family this weekend. As it’s not my business to share, that is all I can say. I know that’s not very nice but you can trust me – it’s happy news.

• Spring is here.
It seemed like it happened overnight. One day there were buds on the trees and the next, the trees were offering a full canopy of leaves. I have decided spring, pre-bugs, is my favourite time of year.

• Secure employment.
There was a story on the radio this morning about how people are doing the jobs of two or three because so many people have been laid off. I am lucky that I have an enjoyable job that is fairly secure.

• Mother’s Day.
It’s Mother’s Day Sunday. I am thankful I have such a strong, caring mom. She means the world to me. For the second year, I am also being celebrated. My little guy brings joy to me every single day.

• Family.
I have a loving family who brings me happiness and joy.

• Thursday.
Only one more day to go and then it’s two days of hanging out with my little guy and my family. Bring on the weekend.

• Sun and warmth.
The day can’t be bad when the sun is shining and there is heat within its rays.

Happy Mother's Day

To all the women who love, cherish and appreciate a child, Happy Mother’s Day.

To my mom, who always puts everyone’s needs a head of her own, thank you.

Thank you for being such a wonderful mom, a great role model and fabulous person. I feel honoured and blessed that I have you in my life.

You always listen, you never judge and you are always there for me. Thank you for showing me how it’s done.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Love Lisa