Skippin' Rocks

Last night my husband suggested we go down to the river to enjoy some time alone, just Mr. Stuff, me and the rocks.

I like rocks and I always have. When I was a kid I had a huge rock collection that I would lug around in an ice cream pail. I remember how satisfying it was to find that perfect tiger rock (you know the ones that are orange and have the black stripes or speckles in them) and racing back to the house to show mom, yet another rock. I loved taking my tooth brush, yes the tooth brush I was currently using to clean my teeth, and scrubbing the dirt off that beauty of a stone. But, last night’s expedition down to the river wasn’t in search of striped wonders; it was a lesson in skippin’ rocks.

So, if you don’t know me here is a quick tutorial on how I work.

1.       Have very little to no coordination.

2.       Am top heavy, don’t believe I need to explain why.

3.       Am a girl.

4.       Am very girly in most things I do.

5.       Never wear the appropriate foot wear.

Mr. Stuff picks up a beauty of a rock, flat, round and smooth and without any effort skims the surface of the water jumping that baby three times across the river.

“Wow, that’s amazing.” I’m in awe at how effortless this is for him.

“It’s easy, you try.” He always has such faith in my abilities, but I know he secretly loves to watch how much effort it takes for me to do any boy related tasks.

“Ok, but I don’t think I’m gonna do it.” You see, I believe in planning ahead, that way there are really no expectations in place for either one of us if I fail.

I find a rock, looks like it will work to me and take up my rock skippin’ stance. I feel like I have good form, I watched how Mr. Stuff carefully placed his rock between his fingers and mimic his motions and I fling my rock into the water. It ricochets off a boulder in the middle of the river and almost hits Mr. Stuff in the head.

“So, let’s find you a better rock.” He is so patient and supportive. He lines me up, shows me how to use my whole body and not just my tyrannosaurus arm, moves my hips in the motion I need to create an effective follow through and hands me a rock. Okay, it is at this time that I realize flip flops are not appropriate footwear for any river rock trek or balancing on for rock skippin' adventures.

I hurl it into the water, then another and another; I am now a rock flicking robot. Like an out of control mechanical thing I just start throwing rocks into the water as he dodges the ones that fly sideways and way too high in the air. And then finally, I do it. It skips once.

“I DID IT I DID IT!” Not since I gave birth to my youngest son have I accomplished such a feat of skill and agility.  Never, have I been as proud of myself as I was at that moment when that flat, round pebble skipped across the water.

Mr. Stuff was proud at his teaching skills, and then told me to do it again. AND I DID! How exciting! But then I could see him from the corner of my eye flicking something at the exact moment I released my rock. Mr. Stuff was skipping my rocks.

Garage Sale Score

Just look at how lovely this bracket is! I got it from a garage sale a couple of weeks ago and haven't quite found the right place to display it yet, but I absolutely love the curves and scrolling along the iron. I will not repaint it for it is beautiful just as it is. I was told that it came from an old Victorian house in Calgary that was being renoed. Awesome find for me!

The Whub Whub Culprit

So, the other day I was driving along in my beautiful car, Isabella, when all of a sudden she starts to make the saddest sound. It was like a piece of her was wounded and I couldn't figure out what it was. I pulled into the closest parking lot and inspected my girl. I knew the sound was coming from some where near the front passenger tire, and prayed that I hadn't bent any part of her wonderful shape. Everything seemed alright so I continued on to my destination, but again the horrific noise plagued us like some sort of cruel intentioned beast was mocking me for not understanding the delicate dynamics of my precious automobile.

My destination was Home Depot and once I pulled up to the amazing store, I immediately began a text to Mr. Stuff.

Me: "The car is making a funny whub whub sound and it shakes on the passenger's side."
Mr. Stuff: "Something rubbing?"
Me: "Don't know, will you take it for a drive tonight?"
Mr. Stuff: "Sure."

Just to be clear, I am a fanatic about my car, I LOVE HER!!! So frequently I hear strange sounds and feel slight movements that cause me to wig-out, thus turning to Mr. Stuff who has the job of calming his fanatic wife and dispelling any imaginary concerns I have for Isabella. I could feel his eyes roll when he hit the 'send' button on his phone. But this time I wasn't conjuring a situation up in my head, this time there was a serious issue with my car and I didn't think Mr. Stuff was totally understanding the gravity of the situation.

I again started my trek up the hill toward home, all the while fretting about the terrible possibilities of what was causing such a whub whub effect on my car and my sanity.

"Maybe its a rock that's wedged in the hub cap." I said to myself. "But what if it breaks free and flies out and into some unsuspecting jogger running up the hill? Would I be held accountable for his injury?" Or "What if it's that little black and white dog that was at my friends house when I dropped a package off? Come to think of it I never saw that dog again after he ran out of the house! OH MY GOD I HAVE SOMEONE'S LITTLE BLACK DOG WEDGED IN BETWEEN THE TIRE AND WHEEL WELL OF THE CAR!" And then, "Ok you don't have anyone's dog wedged between the tire and the wheel well, you would surely have heard something. But, what if the nuts on the tire are lose or a couple have fallen off and now the tire is going to break free from the car and roll into on coming traffic? What if I have to leap out of the car's door because I can no longer control the vehicle because I am only driving on 3 tires. That's really gonna hurt!" But then I calculated the chances of the nuts actually falling off the wheel and realized that this scenario was unlikely but, "What if the front axles are ready to snap and I'm unable to turn the wheel and I run into the gas station lot? What if I hit one of the gas pumps and cause a massive explosion? What if I forget my purse in the car and am knocked unconscious by the sudden impact of the vehicle hitting the gas pump, am thrown from Isabella and behind a shrub? What if the car explodes and all they find in there is a bag of romaine lettuce, some toothpaste, a jug of milk and my purse? What if they are looking for my ID and find my driver's license and have to notify next of kin? Wait, I better program an In case of Emergency contact behind Mr. Stuff's name. Should I pull over now, or just risk it and drive up the rest of the way?" I continued driving.

That evening I totally forgot about the possible wound my car had incurred, I am a bad bad automobile owner, and Mr. Stuff failed to remind me of his promise to take her for a spin to access the damage. The next day my son, who has received his learner's permit, jumped into the driver's seat and readied himself for a trip to work. As he eagerly threw the car into 'drive' I thought I should ask him if he could feel a difference in how Isabella was handling.

Me: "Do you hear that?"
Kid: "What?"
Me: "That whub whub sound?"
Kid: "What?"
Me: "Listen. See, whub whub whub whub.and it pulls to the right."
Kid: "You've lost it Mom."
Me. "No listen. It's in the front passenger's side."

This morning, I decided to venture out and forage for food at Costco. I hesitantly write out my list, pack up my things and head out the door. Today I am determined to solve this conundrum and will prove that I have not lost my marbles. I am the mistress of this automobile and it is my duty to ensure she is kept in top performance, after all Isabella is a Jaguar, a luxury car, a sexy beast.

See, I'm not a lunatic!

Junky ReDo Showcase

Here are some of my Junky ReDo projects completed so far in 2012. Everything was salvaged from garage sales, thrift stores or someones back alley.  I love every single one.

Pretty, Pretty Thing

It was such an amazing day at the local salvage centre, and I just have to share this pretty light fixture I found there, for FREE!!! Mr. Stuff doesn't know it yet, but he will be rewiring it so it will work as a lamp for my office space upstairs. It will be such a surprise for him! I think the tacky star-burst glass will have to go.

Found a Treasure

Look at these beauties! I found 6 of vintage, wood framed windows with all glass in perfect shape. Now, just have to think about what I'm going to do with them. A very good find!

What would you do with these treasures?

An Abosultely Amazing Book Signing at Indigo Spirit in Calgary

That was the most amazingly wonderful book signing I have ever had! I am so grateful to Indigo Spirit in TD Square, Calgary, AB for having me and I Want a Dragon. The staff was absolutely fantastic and I met so many wonderful people. I look forward to enjoying another day there very soon.

Count Down, 2 Days Until Book Signing Event

Two days until I WANT A DRAGON (children's picture book for ages 3-6) book signing on July 18, 2012 from 11:30 - 1:30 at Indigo Spirit TD Square, 317-7th Ave. SW. Unit T159 in Calgary. It's going to be an amazing experience.

I look forward to meeting you.

Gluten Free Brownies

A friend of mine sent me this amazing recipe and you are going to be totally shocked when you read the ingredients.

Gluten Free Brownies

1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
3 eggs
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (optional)




Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8x8 square baking dish.
2. Combine the black beans, eggs, oil, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, sugar, and instant coffee in a blender; blend until smooth; pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the mixture.
3. Bake in the preheated oven until the top is dry and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 30 minutes.

FANTASTIC!!! And, almost guilt free.

Decor on a Budget

So, you’ve been paging through the home decorator magazines and have decided to take on the adventure of decorating your home. But, how many of us actually have the cash it takes to hire an interior decorator, or buy from the home décor shops featured in those magazines? Decorating doesn’t have to break your bank account, nor does it have to be complicated.

Want to change-up the color of your space, but don’t want to pay full price for paint? Go to your local Home Depot or paint store and ask if they have any mis-tints.  Often times the paint department has a difficult time matching colors, or simply mixes the colors wrong. The store doesn’t want to throw out a full can of paint, so they discount the can, deeply discount it to ensure it will sell. Find a neutral or earthy color because these are the easiest colors to match décor to. Creams, browns and sages are your best bet. These colors can be dressed up or down depending on your style. If you want to paint a large area find colors that are close in shade that you can combine in a larger pail.  Usually you can find different shades of white and cream that can be used to paint baseboards, trim and doors. Just make sure it is the same type of paint. You don’t want to mix acrylic and latex paint together.

Thinking the curtains and cushions might need a change as well? Go to the thrift stores or fabric centers. There are tons of material options in each. End of the roll bargains, and old drapery are great ways to find material on a budget. Materials like tooling, cottons and old brocade make beautiful additions to any home’s décor. Can’t sew? No problem. The glue gun is a miracle worker. Hot glue can be used to hem curtains, build pillow covers, and add bobbles and trinkets to any creation. Browse the jewelry section of thrift stores. You’ll be surprised at the treasures you find that will add that finishing touch to curtain tie backs and throw cushions. Earrings, broaches and strings of glass beads are waiting for you at yard sales, retro shops and dollar stores. Just be creative.

Worried that your décor might not match? Don’t worry. The home decorator’s best friend is her likes. If you like that vintage hat you saw at the Salvation Army, buy it. It’s your home and should be filled with things that define who you are. Just keep the colors in the same palate as you are decorating and you can’t miss. If you’re still unsure about color schemes, grab some paint sample swatches from the hardware store and you’re set. The swatches are designed to help you stay with colors that work together.

Now for the finishing touches. Why not incorporate nature into your home? You can’t miss with this one. Everything in nature matches because as the seasons change, so do their colors. Grab a box or basket and take a walk around your local park. Branches make incredible curtain rods, and if you’re unsure about their color, spray paint them. Find some willow branches and create your own natural wreath. Wind tooling around it to soften the look and add buttons, leaves or pine cones, whatever you like. Again, your home is all about you and your likes should be the foundation of its décor. Tie together bunches of branches with raffia, twine, or lace. Stand them in the corner of your dining room or living room. Fill baskets with pine cones or river pebbles, place unique stones, fossils or drift wood in your bathroom or bedroom. Nature brings peace and solitude to a home. Fill your home with the stillness of natural beauty. By bringing the outdoors inside, you can create a dramatic look for free.

Yard sales and thrift stores are endless sources of decorating supplies. You can buy old books for pennies. Use them in piles in between family photos, or find books filled with crafts or nature pictures and display them on your coffee and end tables. Take old picture frames, hang them from one corner and tie raffia, a scarf or checkered material on them. Beautiful wall art for less than $5.00. Look for jars of buttons, boxes of broken jewelry and crystal looking vases. Fill the vases with buttons, gems or pebbles. Snatch up an old painting. If you can find one that has a nice frame, repaint it. Not so keen on the artwork? Use it as a new canvas and paint a new creation yourself. Or, paint the picture black and glue family photos, pictures of your pet or clock works to it.

Remember, your home should reflect who you are. Don’t feel pressured to mimic a magazine layout or follow the newest trends. Be happy in your space. After all, your home is your castle.

Zero the Superhero Is Released as an EBook!!

Looking at Zero the Super Hero by Vanessa Canevaro @MsCanevaro at #smashwords https://t.co/IIDbBdUr

Zero the Super Hero, an Ebook by Vanessa Canevaro

smashwords.com/books/view/180…

Henry the Superhero and Superbird have super imaginations. Can their mighty powers outwit, out battle and out imagine the Evil Medusa and Cyclops? Join Zero the Super Hero and his trusty side kick as they try to protect their town from evil doers.

I'm Confused!

Take a look at the Mona Lisa. Take a long, close look at her. She has been the epitome of beauty for more than 400years, and yet society bombards us daily with an overwhelming amount of advertising that is convincing us that beauty and success can only be achieved if we are thin. Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rembrandt painted portraits of beautiful, healthy, voluptuous women, having pleasing curves and ample bosoms. They are considered history’s geniuses, inventors, and visionaries. Their women were full of life and gave the world a feeling of control and stability. Women that could weather any storm, not blow away with a gust.

The statistics are heart breaking. 1 in 3 women hate their bodies, their temples, the givers of life, and the sustainers of the population. That’s our mothers, our daughters, our best friends, and our mentors. It’s the silent bully that stares us in the face day after day after day, glaring back from that mirror of paranoid nonsense. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, ‘90 % of those who have eating disorders are women between the ages of 12 and 25.’  In North America, the average dress size is between 12 and 14. Yet clothing seems to be getting tighter and smaller. Most fashion models are thinner than 98% of North American women, still we strive to become this so called ‘normal’ image. How can we possibly live up to such confusing and unrealistic expectations?

In 2006, the US weight loss market was worth $54.4 billion and was 60.9 billion by 2011. These numbers include weight loss supplements, sugar free products and weight loss programs. Sure, in this world of cook-it-quick packaged lifestyles, it has become increasingly difficult to cut calories and commit to healthy choices, but wouldn’t the issues with self image be better served with mind changing programming instead of or in addition to weight loss programming? It is interesting that schools and communities have taken a stand against poor eating habits and physical education programs, but seems to be missing the core of the self demoralizing issue; poor confidence and ability to love and feel accepted in one’s own body. Maybe changing the image of beauty from within can help change the perception of beauty by the media.

When will the fashion industry and the human ideas of beauty understand that a woman shouldn’t feel guilty for being what she is, a woman. We need to realize that women come in all shapes and sizes. We need to learn how to love the way we look and focus on the parts of our bodies that are truly magnificent, not dwell on the bits that aren’t. It’s time to evolve into what nature intended us to be, real women with real bodies size 0 to 36. And we are beautiful!

Chicked Out Toilet Paper Holder

And here she is, my cute galvanized toilet paper holder. Once I scrubbed all the coup out of this little chicken feeder, clear coated it and added a 5 (cause seriously can a girl have enough '5's'?), she's ready to become storage in our main floor bathroom. Beautifully chick!

So Excited!!

I am so excited that I can hardly stand myself. On July 18th from 11:30 to 1:30 I have a very important book signing at Indigo Spirit TD Square, 317-7th Ave. SW. Unit T159 in Calgary. I Want a Dragon for ages 3-6.

The Shelves of Destiny.

So this morning I tackled my office/storage space. We have been living in our home for a little over a year  and although I love my cozy joint, this little nook at the top of our third floor made me crazy. Why would the designer have put in a counter/desk area at the top of the stairwell?  Didn’t he foresee that I would desperately need storage space for all my doo dads? Mr. Stuff wanted to pull the whole unit out and build a cabinet, but I said, "Whoa, Mr. Stuff, don't be doing that! Let's just build some shelves so i can stack all my cool stuff and maybe, one day use this as an office."

 Mr. Stuff had been quite patient with the stacks of treasures and papers that were piled high and toppling over because I am a lousy stacker and am spacial relationally challenged. He promised that one day soon (1 year ago) I would have functionally beautiful (as I requested) shelving to adorn this spot. Well, this weekend Mr. Stuff came through! And, after a weekend filled ‘honey do’ list (that I had made the previous Thursday and I crossed out as each job was completed because that's what the books say will motivate someone into doing what you want, and is like rewarding a job well done), set to work on hanging The Shelves of Destiny. It was a painfully grueling task, and once the measuring, re measuring, hole making, head shaking, new swear word creating, taking a break to finish a blender full of strawberry daiquiris was accomplished, Ta Daaa!!! The shelves were up and ready to be filled with pretty, pretty finds and all my writing paraphernalia.

Mr. Stuff made my long weekend with his show of husbandly perseverance and great feats of figuring out sloped hangers. You are my hero!

Kudos to you Mr. Stuff!! You are the best husband I have ever had! I think I will keep you on staff.

This is a Blog About Stuff!!

I am thrifty, and by thrifty I mean cheap! I love metal, rust, old stuff and re-purposing. It is my belief that a home should be filled with pretty things that the owner loves, old, new or new to you.I will salvage, hunt and dig through your garbage to retrieve a cool piece that can be turned into something creatively beautiful. I am a published writer of 2 amazing children's books, 'I Want a Dragon' and 'Zero the Super Hero' and am working on an adult historical fiction novel titled, 'Of Lions and Lambs'. I have ADD and like to bounce around topics and interests, and that's why I am A Chick with Stuff. I will post what ever meets my fancy that day whether it's a piece I have created, a story that I'm working on, a book signing or something that just pops into my head cause there is lots of room in there. I think life is an incredible adventure and every day a wonderful gift.