note to self.....

born to be a Pip

lpp72 — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:50:48 +0000

I think I should have been born in the 40′s so that I could have become a Pip, a Ronnette, or a Shirelle. I am the queen of learning backing vocals for whichever album I am currently listening to. Not necessarily on purpose either. It just kind of happens. My Father once commented that I am the only person he knows that picks out the accompaniment of a classical piece to hum. I think it started with my Sister and the evening we spent in the basement with her singing lead and me back up, perfecting the harmonies of Diana Ross’s ”I’m Coming Out”. It actually makes a lot of sense, if you know me. I have never been one to look for the spotlight. I like to join in, and help out, but I don’t want to be centre stage. I am pretty much like that in all aspects of my life. So I continue on, picking up the harmonies, learning the ooohhs and bops , staying in the background, but making myself seen a little.

Oh, and Stereophonics, if you are looking for a backup singer, I am ready to go at the drop of a hat!

“She came all the way from America…..”

lpp72 — Sat, 15 May 2010 02:50:48 +0000

…..She had a blind date with destiny, And the sound of te awamutu Had a truly sacred ring, “ For those of you who aren’t singing along, these are the opening lines of “Mean to Me” by Crowded House. Perhaps, I think, my favourite Crowded House song. Though that designation changes on a regular basis, I always seem to come back to that one. It is truly the song that made me a life long fan.

I liked them from day one. I remember seeing the video for “Don’t Dream It’s Over” for the first time and going oooo who is this, and where can I hear more? I liked them enough that for my 15th birthday my sister Heather got us tickets to see them at Place Des Arts in Montreal. We both loved the album, my sister was already a Split Endz fan, so going was a no brainer. We had great upper level seats, a high energy crowd and then the lights went dim. Silence. Then simply a solo voice…..” She came all the way from America” and that was it. A life long fan had been born. I still get a shiver when I hear that song start. I can never remember where it comes on the greatest hits cd, so the anticipation is like the night of the concert. The show was non-stop energy, they inadvertently invited the crowd on stage, but went with it, enjoying the moment. They were obviously having so much fun themselves it was contagious. For weeks after, I would play the album and relive the experience in the basement.

Crowded House have just stuck with me. Neil Finn, Nick Seymour and Paul Hester played their way onto the soundtrack of my life. I have every cd, my concert t-shirt somewhere. The Wiggles became that much cooler when I realised Paul the Cook was none other than Paul Hester. I remember where I was when I heard Paul had committed suicide in 2005, cried more than a few tears while listening to “Better Be Home Soon”. Saddened at the loss of a true talent and the thought that I would never be able to relive that live experience again, but grateful that I had been able to see him play in his prime. It was tough listening to them after that, but it kept getting easier.

The bands place in my heart was re-affirmed July 2002 when Neil Finn set out on a solo tour and landed at the Palais Royale in Toronto. My friends Fran and Alan and I made our way to the small, standing room only venue that holds maybe 400 people. 400 people, no air conditioning and the hottest bloody day of the year. The heat and humidity were unreal, but no one was going anywhere, and the night that unfolded was well worth any discomfort. First song complete, Neil took his off his shoes and socks, made sure we were okay, told us to drink plenty of liquids and suggested that if “we all blow at the same time, we may get a decent breeze in here” What a showman, what a show. (coincidentally the Palais Royale was fitted with A/C the following Summer)

Okay, I say to myself, I managed to get another dose of live Neil Finn and some Crowded House tunes, I am a happy girl. But wait, can it be, could it be…..WHAT DO YOU MEAN CROWDED HOUSE ARE TOURING ???!!! Oh yes, you read that correctly, August 2007 and the boys were back. Exactly 20 years after that first concert in Montreal. Saddened knowing that Mr. Hester would not be there in person, I knew he would be in spirit. This time round Neil and Nick were joined by Neil’s brother Tim and son Liam, and they were heading to Massey Hall. Two tickets for my sister and I, and two for Fran and Alan and we were ready to go. Now it just so happened to be Alans 30th birthday that year, and I think the tickets may have been the best present he received. He never, ever thought he would have the chance to see Crowded House live. I think I was almost more excited about Alan getting to see them than I was for myself. Almost. And yup you guessed it, another amazing show. It was like nothing had changed, no time had passed by. Paul was definitely there in spirit, and the rest were playing a great tribute to him.

Now you are probably thinking how lucky I am. To have been able to see one of my favourite bands more than once considering the circumstances, members passing away, side projects and dis-banding etc. Well folks, they managed to surprise me again, and came back to Toronto in 2008. 2008, as it turns out, was the year I was moving from the big city to the East Coast. Personally, I think they came back to say farewell to me. Someone must have told them I was moving and that is why they came back. You know it’s true! The venue this time, the Danforth Music Hall. A former movie theatre, with great sound and we, Fran, Alan, my sister and I, had amazing 12th row seats. The band, well, they just seem to get better and better. It was so relaxed, hanging with friends you had not seen in a while. A hint of improv thrown in. The banter between the band and the audience, the crowd shouting out requests, segue ways into Rush songs, and the biggest surprise of the night, getting to hear “Throw Your Arms Around Me” , a Hunters and Collectors classic…..seriously hairs standing on end. It was like every single person in the audience was singing along, but quietly enough so that we could hear Neil sing it….you know what I mean? That quiet way of singing at the top of your lungs. Amazing. The show could have ended right then and there, but thankfully they went on for a wee bit longer. The four of us were tempted to go back the next night and do it all again, but I think a bit scared of tarnishing the great memories we had just made.

I am not really sure what brought all this on today. I don’t think I heard them on the radio, but something just got into me. Into my head. I just love this band. I have nothing but great, wonderful memories of my time with this band. From being in high school discovering them with my friends, enjoying them, appreciating them just as much 20 years later. I can sing every word to almost every song, and I do so out loud. I can’t help but smile and bop around when I hear them. The speedometer tends to climb if they come on in the car. They are just one of those bands that I keep going back to time and time again. Rediscovering my love for them. Not that it has diminished or gone away, just dusting it off, shining a light on it and feeling the need to share it with others.

Enjoy.

note to self……

lpp72 — Sun, 02 May 2010 23:24:10 +0000

……don’t open e-mail attachments from your Dad in the car. The tears brought on by what the old softy has to say causes others in the parking lot to wonder if everything is alright. It also makes your mascara run.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness

lpp72 — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 14:05:23 +0000

Is it just me or does anyone else peel the labels off of lotion jars and bottles that sit out on the bathroom counter? Just the ones that are not pretty. As well as the pretty ones that unfortunately announce that I use anti-cellulite cream (can you guess which one that is?). I always feel kind of silly, a bit anal retentive, but it just looks so much neater.

the trick is remembering what is in them.

note to self…

lpp72 — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 01:39:15 +0000

…..remember that you have set the weekly timer on the satellite pvr. That way when you come home to an empty house and head to the basement, you are not freaked out by what turns out to be Buffy and the gang hunting vampires.

no one to blame but myself.

lpp72 — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:18:07 +0000

I do put some of the blame on , dooce.com, “Sarah’s House” and Liberty of London though, in no particular order. I have for a long time loved playing with decor. Designing rooms on graph paper, arranging things, wishing that I had an unending supply of time and money to just do a room, or two or three. Lately though, the urge to be creative has been almost insatiable. Dooce’s HGTV blog and links to ETSY, Sarah’s beautiful renovations and the Liberty of London catalog have just added fuel to the fire.

I have started collecting things I like, simply to have for future design reference and to look at. Nothing crazy, stuff to put on my cork board. The scrapbooking store is my new mecca for gorgeous paper. It was a good thing I had yogurt in the car or I would have been looking at paper until they kicked me out. Last week I got way too much pleasure in picking out a new shower curtain and a couple of towels. Yesterday, out loud in the car as my friends and I passed a run down old truck I said ” that would make a great picture” (I fully plan on going back with my camera and will share the results).

The kicker though. The clue that something is definitely going on, is the incredible desire to strip and refinish two chairs that were left in an apartment above the office where I work. That my first thought when seeing them was “these would be great with a little work” is an indication that I watch far too much HGTV. What surprised me the most though, is that I actually sounded and felt like I knew what I was talking about. That I think I can actually do it and want too makes me giddy. Yes giddy. I could not wait to tell Shawn about them, that kind of excitement. They will be perfect in a little corner with a small, possibly “refinished by me” table in the corner or our house, when we get one. I figure , if you refinish the furniture, the house will come.

Retooling this site, and keeping up on it is another want. I have been thinking about this for a while and everything just seems to be coming together this week. Maybe it is the new position at work, the overhaul of the apartment, or just Spring in the air. Not sure really, but I hope it sticks around. I like it. This site will have to keep my creative desires sated until I can google all I need to know about refinishing furniture.

hello old friend

lpp72 — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 13:29:50 +0000

Well…..it has been a while, not sure what happened. Not sure if life or laziness got in the way. However I figured that seeing as Spring has sprung I would dust off the old blog here. Clean out the cobwebs and post anew.

It is Easter Sunday, Happy Easter everyone. Nothing like waking up to a basket full of 1 pound chocolate bunnies and Daniel Craig. Now a chocoalte Daniel Craig……….yum!

and bubbles…..if only it was a nicer day outside.

Two cups of coffee and peanut butter toast to kick off the day, and I am ready to tidy (boo), make lemon squares (yay) and make myself presentable before the Hebb family members start to arrive for ham dinner. 10 in total….should be fun. The Aunts and Uncles still do not know me very well so my stories are all new and fresh. Less pressure for me to find something interesting to say, and allows the other half to relax and not be the centre of all interest. Trust me he appreciates this.

Winter was a long one. A lot of work, evenings by the fire, a new job and car for Shawn. With the first sign of warmer weather though, thoughts of bike rides (once we get bikes) hikes, photo trips….just getting out of the house and getting some fresh air.

oh and to not have to wear socks and full shoes…. my feet are soooooooo ready for sandals. They cry every time I pull the socks from the drawer.

holiday restraint

lpp72 — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:59:54 +0000

December 1st…. the first day of the last month of 2008. and what a year it has been. but i will save that for a January posting.

December 1st, only 25 days until Christmas and I am pretty much ready to go. In the holiday spirit. Working at the store has helped. Starting in my 3rd week, we were already unloading the Christmas ornaments and, trees and decorations. For about 6 weeks festive goodies were trickling down the rollers and making their way out of the store. Every box that came down we were hanging around waiting to see what was inside.

I had fluffed more Christmas trees in a 2 week stretch than I have in my lifetime, or at least it feels like it. And the whole time doing it, i was expecting to get tired of it, but nope. If anything it helped me get into the spirit. It was fun, the ladies and i had a blast setting up the winter land creatures, organizing the Santas and angels, and figuring out which items were coming home with us. And i am happy to announce that i have been very good this year, and have not purchased any unnecessary items.

i cannot promise the same restraint come December 27th when everything goes 50% off!

Wishbook 2008

lpp72 — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:36:12 +0000

you remember when you were a kid, and one of the most exciting times of the year was the unexpected arrival of the Sears Christmas Wish book??? You would turn every page one by one, taking in every little detail of all the goodies they had to offer. The Cracker Barrel cheese gift sets, the jam sets, the gifts that you thought your granny or grandma would love…..patiently waiting for that first glorious page of toys…..oh the toys that they had! they had everything from Super Star Barbie on page 119, to the Millennium Falcon play ship on page 132 to all the board games you could imagine. You could spend hours, days, turning the pages just taking it all in and hoping and wishing that the treasures in the book would somehow find their way under the tree. The only disappointment came when you turned the page and found the make-up mirrors as that signfied the end of the good stuff.

30 years later and i still get that excitment, except not from the Wish book…. for this girl, the Sears catalogue has been replaced by another tome of pleasures, the annual President’s Choice Holiday addition Insider’s Report. The unofficial kick off to the holiday season. Barbie, Star Wars and Clue have been replaced by the Wild Pacific Salmon Mini Wellingtons on page 7, the Pumpkin Triaggoli Pasta on page 11, and the Dark Chocolate covered Caramels with Sea Salt on page 33. Every page showcasing delicious treats to dream about.

The beauty of being 36, is that I can make sure that these treats arrive in my kitchen….no waiting for someone to get the hint, or for Santa to get my letter. The power is in my hands. The other wonderful thing about the Insiders Report is that you don’t have to wade through pages of menswear and power tools to get to the New York Sicilian Pizza on the last page!

an extra hour, an extra day

lpp72 — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:26:06 +0000

have you ever had one of those days that you get so much done, so many different things done, that it feels like it was more than one day?

i love those days… they are few and far between, but i love them and i had one this past Sunday.

I am not sure that it was the extra hour that we got this past weekend, but it sure helped. Yup i was up at 7:00am…not my normal 8 and that got it all started. Up at 7, some coffee a bit of breakfast, read e-mails, tidied the kitchen and then chatted online with my sister until about 10. It might not sound like a lot, but an hours worth of conversation and it is only 10 am, I am usually just working on my second cup of coffee at this time.

Next up a trip to Bridgewater to do some grocery shopping, hit the liquor store and the bank.

Back by 12:45 and time for lunch/dinner. BBQ as it was blue skies and sunshine, though it was bitterly cold. Shawn had to get ready for his afternoon gig at the legion, so as he did that i cleaned the kitchen, did some online banking and made coffee, yes more coffee, read the fliers… i love fliers…. and wrote a few more e-mails. Shawn was out of here by 3 and i headed to the legion at 5, met up with the in-laws and proceeded to spend the evening cutting the rug with an 85 year old veteran who plays hockey weekly and knows all the classic moves.

Shawn was finished and packed up by 7:30 and then we were off to Chester to catch Jill Barber at the Chester playhouse. A friend of Shawn’s, Adam Warner, is playing drums for her on this tour. Now we did not buy tickets ahead of time, and showed up to a sold out show with the opener already on. We luckily ran into someone who turned out to be the Theatre Manager who graciously led us to a couple of seats and let us pay at intermission. The show was great, it was cool to see Adam and we learned to not take live events for granted in small town Nova Scotia.

We were home by 10:30, spent a few minutes outside in awe of the stars and milky way on such a cold, clear night, headed in for a snack, some ”Family Guy” and off to bed after a full day that really felt like more than one…….

can’t wait for the next time that happens.