February 25, 2004
'Blue and green should never be seen except inside the washing machine.' Have any of you ever heard this saying or song before? I can't remember where I first heard it, I just know that it has stuck with me all these years. But there is no way that I can endorse this fashion rhyme for the simple fact that my Irish eyes and my love of blue jeans would have me clashing at least every other day. And I am sure that I have some sweaters and t-shirts that have both green and blue in them. And, what about the bright blue eye shadow so prevalent in the 70's (and still today for some but that's another story). What if your eyes were green? Did this mean that you could not embrace the oh so hip styles of the times? So what's a girl to do? I say to do just that, be a girl in any colour that you want.
February 10, 2004
Why am I lying about my age? I'm not even really that old. I'm not sure why or even how this is happening. I just know that I am guilty of this offence. The pathetic thing is that I am only downsizing myself by one year. I should at least make it worth my while. Might as well shave off four or five years. I think that I could get away with it, especially if I wear ponytails. We're all legends in our own minds aren't we?
Okay, 35. That is the age I am giving in conversation. It's usually to strangers so I don't really feel that I am doing something morally wrong, like lying. Its not like someone asks me how old I am and then I lie. I am just offering the information. Something like this, blah, blah, blah, well, at 35 you would think I would know better. The thing is, I'm 36 and I don't know why I just don't say it. This could require some leather couch therapy sessions. Either way, from now on I am 20/16. Sounds good doesn't it?. Kind of vague and sophisticated at the same time....
February 5, 2004
I
lost a good friend this week. Not someone I saw all the time, but a good
friend nonetheless. It didn’t start out as a friendship. It was more of a
business arrangement. His name was Thomas and he was my ‘hair guy’ in the
beginning and quickly became a friend to confide in and laugh with throughout
the nine plus years I had the pleasure to know him. He was a kind and gentle
man who also possessed a quick wit and a great humour along with the ability
to ‘say it like it is.’ He was intelligent, a good listener. Someone
appreciative of the arts and many other fine things that life had to offer.
You could say that he was well equipped to deal with pretty much everything
life would throw at him, including his illness.
I remember that it was shortly after 9/11 when I was in for my ‘natural’
highlights and Thomas and I were talking about how this event had made us
(like others) realize that life was too short. We agreed that we needed to
spend more time enjoying the little things life had to offer. That we needed
to slow down a bit, to enjoy the process of doing things and to realize what
was important in life. We spoke about the hectic pace life often offered and
the struggle to find a balance. Everyone who knew Thomas was aware of the time
and effort that he put into his craft. It was soon after this very
conversation that I received the news that Thomas was ill.
Thomas always saw the bright side of things. I remember him telling me that
his illness had brought a lot of positives in his life. I could not believe
the strength that he had. He talked about a renewed relationship with many
family members and going to his parent’s house for lunch during the week. He
reflected that this was something he never would have done if he had not cut
back on his work schedule after receiving treatment for his illness.
I will miss Thomas. This time will be particularly hard on his wife and boys
as they will feel that they no longer have their husband and father. I know
this journey all too well as I lost my father at a young age and would like to
offer these thoughts. Although Thomas is no longer with you physically, know
that he continues to be with you spiritually and that he will help you when
you need it. Remember him and try not to sweat the small stuff. Thomas
wouldn’t want you to.
Thomas appreciated a lot of the little things in life. One activity that
Thomas and I had in common was that we both liked to curl up in our living
rooms with a favourite book. We agreed that after a busy day it was a relaxing
and peaceful way to spend an evening. This is how I choose to remember Thomas,
relaxed and at peace.
February 3, 2004
Groundhog smoundhog! Who started this conspiracy anyways? The fact that a bunch of grown adults would rely on an animal to predict the weather is just too much!!! For those of you that are not familiar with this tradition, I will explain. A hairy hog that lies close to the ground comes out of his hole on February 2 each year and if he is scared back in by his shadow, we will have six more weeks of winter and if he doesn't see his shadow, the patio furniture is dusted off with the promise that spring is just around the corner. It's not very scientific to say the least! But it sure is entertaining and probably good for tourism in that groundhog town somewhere in Pennsylvania.
I'm not a big winter fan so you can understand why I am grumpy! Six more weeks of wind-chill has been predicted.......