What Makes Me Laugh

Three random things that make me laugh...

Remember, these are not in any particular order...

•  A clever comedy show/movie (British preferred, then again, I  LOVE Big Bang Theory and Gilmore Girls)
•  When we are travelling and we come across something different or interesting. Or when we make an (honest) error (thinking it is one thing when its the opposite, for example) .... Wait a sec.... That's more something that makes me don a huge smile.... Okay. Let me put another two down as this one doesn't count...
• Playing with the dog/cat and they are twisting themselves around, playing tag or watching them think they are being stealthy
•  Looking through old photos, yearbooks and scrapbooks, and seeing the hairstyles, silly poses and remembering the stories that go along with the pics. Oh, remember the mid eighties to mid nineties...

Alright.  Now its your turn.  Quick! Name three things that make you laugh.

Words.

Words.  

Do I have your attention yet?  Read on...


According to dictionary.com, the definition of words includes the following:

1."a unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, that functions as a principal carrier of meaning."  
2. "contentious or angry speech; a quarrel."
3. "a short talk or conversation."
4. "warrant, assurance, or promise"
5. "news; tidings; information"


Synonyms to words are:
 statement, declaration,  pledge,  message, report, account, 
catchword


Words hold much power.  They can build up. 
Or....  They can tear down.  


It always amazes me the ways in which we use our words to do both.  And often the latter happens without realizing that our words hurt or destroy.  So I have to remind myself to monitor and chose my words wisely.  The words I chose should be ones that "build up" and enhance the days of my children and my friends.  I want them to be blessed and/or guided by my words.  


When my Papa passed away in ' 97, I stood in the long receiving line after his memorial service.  I must have shook hands and spoke with close to 300 people.  All these individuals had such kind things to say about my Papa, not only about the man he was but about the words he said to them.  His choice of words had such an impact on those around him. I recall one man telling me that my Papa made him feel like he was worth something.  Papa didn't pass him off just because he was using the soup kitchen, but rather made him feel like a human; someone of importance.   He told me that my Papa would sit and talk to him. Papa encouraged him.  The man continued to say that when my Papa was in the room, my Papa would step back into the shadows and make people shine.  


And that's what Papa did.  Often.  My Papa, with his choice of words, would provide those around him with encouragement, respect, support and friendship.  [Isn't that a  true practitioner of the faith, as well?]  


Now, think back to when someone has said something positive or encouraging to you.  How did you feel?  What was your reaction?  Did you share or extend those kind words to someone else?


That is my experience.  The more you give away your positive, encouraging and supportive words, the more words from others are carried on in the same light and spirit.  I am always striving to keep this at the forefront of my mind and on my tongue.


However, honestly, like everyone else, I am humbled every so often when my choice is not that of positive words and the effects are the opposite. Hurt feelings and undue stress are put on relationships.  


As a teacher, a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend and a neighbour, I need to be an example (just like my Papa.)  I don't have to be perfect, but it is necessary to then use my words (along with actions) to heal the hurt that I unduly caused.  Not only is this a humbling and important act, but it is an example how to correct myself, the situation and to get back on track.  


Sometimes, those hurtful words are directed at you.  How do you respond?  How do those words make you feel?  What words to you give back? 


Its a never-ending game.  But we are reminded in Proverbs 16, of the power and effects of our words, and why we need to chose them wisely. 

Proverbs 16:21

²¹Good judgment proves

   that you are wise,

   and if you speak kindly,

   you can teach others. (CEV)

Proverbs 16:23, 24

²³You can persuade others

   if you are wise

   and speak sensibly.

    ²⁴Kind words are like honey--

   they cheer you up

   and make you feel strong.(CEV)

Proverbs 16:27

²⁷Worthless people plan trouble.

   Even their words burn

   like a flaming fire.(CEV)

(PS. I chose the Contemporary English Version for the verses as I think it spells out the point clearly)


What kind of words will you chose today?

A Snow Fort in a Typical Nova Scotia Winter

I spent the first 10 years of my life in a little town of Port Hope on the shores of Lake Ontario.  While that's not an exciting tidbit of information, it does pertain to how I see winter now.  I can remember we would receive LOTS of snow... I mean LOTS of it.  Hours and hours were spent sledding, making forts and just "playing" in the white stuff.  It was awesome.

When I moved to the East Coast, I discovered a different kind of winter.  One that really hasn't changed much since I moved here over 20 (or so) years ago. While snow happens, it doesn't tend to stay long.  It is an endless pattern:  snow-rain-freeze-get warm-rain-snow-freeze-rain.  Get the picture?

Right now, I look out my front window where the epic fort that was built almost 2 weeks ago lies in ruins.  It became subject to a typical Nova Scotia winter weather pattern.  Only a couple of days after this amazing fort was built, which the neighbourhood kids flocked to and others drooled over, it rained.  Then it froze.  Then it rained again. The roof has caved in, the tunnels and walls have shrunk and well, it can no longer support life.  Ok.  Maybe Plio is the only one that can make use of it.  But otherwise, it is now a monstrosity in our front yard.

I can recall spending hours outside in the snow many days a week after school and on the weekends growing up.  My hands would be so cold, and my toes lost all feeling.  It didn't matter.  It was too fun to come inside until I absolutely had to be dragged inside the house.  I am saddened that my kids can't experience a glorious Canadian winter to this extent.  The weather doesn't allow days on end like this.  A couple of hours, yes, but not day after day. And tomorrow, well, the snow-freezing rain-snow cycle will be in full force once again.

In memory of our January 2011 snow fort.  Here are some pictures of it in its prime.

FORT CONSTRUCTION

(The night of its construction with help from our neighbour).  

Notice the "working light" in the first picture and the "foreman" checking the workmanship out in the third photo.

                                    

                                    

The FINISHED Fort 

      

THE NEXT DAY

The fort is still standing, no real change.  Playable and enjoyed by all.

Spicy Lentil, "Kale" & Sausage Soup

It is FREEZING outside today and what a better way to warm up our insides than with a hot bowl of soup.  I wanted to try something a little different than my usual.  I wanted a break from my yummy Lentil and Chickpea "stew" so I found a tasty recipe in this month's Chatelaine.  I had most of the ingredients, but I still ended up substituting quite a few.  Nothing like making it truly your own right from the beginning!

Lentil, "Kale" & Sausage Soup

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 Italian sausages (you can omit this if you want vegetarian version.  Everyone else likes sausage but me so I ate it without the sausage.  I gave my pieces to Mac)

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 leek (white and light green parts only), sliced

3 - 4 carrots, thinly sliced

2 -3 large garlic cloves, minced

156 mL can tomato paste with garlic

1 tsp Italian spice (I used a mixture I picked up in Florence a couple of years ago.  Its spicey!)

1/2 to 1 tsp sea salt

8 cups  "kale," about one small bunch (I couldn't find any at the market, so I used green chard.  You could use spinach, too)

540 mL can lentils, rinsed and drained

4 cups water

grated cheese, ie. parmesan

HEAT a large, wide saucepan over medium.  Add a little oil and then the sausages.  Cook the sausages until they are no longer pink.  (You can even crisp it up a little, too.  Barbecued would be amazing!)  Remove to a plate.

Heat a little more oil in the pan.  Then add onion, leeks, carrot and garlic.  Cook until the onion is soft, about 3 -5 mins.  Add the tomato paste and spice.

Meanwhile, thinly slice the sausage and add back to the pan.  

Cook for 5 mins, stirring frequently.

Pour in 4 cups of water.  Bring to a boil.

Add "kale" and lentils.  Stir and reduce to cook on medium.  Cover and boil gently, until "kale" is tender, about 7 -10 minutes.  (If soup is too thick, just a add more water.)

Ladle soup into bowls.  Sprinkle with (parmesan) cheese.  Serve immediately.

******************************************************

Let me tell you, it is full of flavour and very spicy.  So good! And it warmed us up tremendously, too!