January 27, 2015

And so God Created a Blogger...




And so God Created a Blogger

They called us prophets...
We were revered as oracles.
Foretellers of the great future.

We became known as philosophers.
During a time of great thinkers.
We were the enlightened ones...

Over centuries our names have changed.
But truth be told we are really angels.
And though many hats we've come to wear.
Only one fits in this twenty first century.

Now, we are simply known as bloggers!

Others need something to believe in.
And we are the ones who inspire...
People need something to learn from.
So we publish our life stories for example...

Yes, we are simply known as bloggers!

Interwoven by an international movement.
Embracing our voices and speaking from the heart.
Creating change within our own lives,
And sharing for the world to discover.

We are made by god's hand.
Touched by a vision of perfection.
And ingrained with goodness.

We are still prophets, oracles and philosophers.
Our wings always allow us to fly.
But with a flash of light and the blink of an eye
We've grown with the earth over time.

We are bloggers. By many names.
Messengers delivered by god.


- Angélique Dawn ~ 2015 -

January 22, 2015

The Power of Positive Thinking And Practicing Gratitude...

I've decided to downsize from a two bedroom spacious upper in a duplex to a single bedroom cozy sixth floor apartment on the opposite side of town... I still haven't caught my breath. But here's the short version of the story.


It's been an emotional journey but I am pretty sure I found a place to call home! Tomorrow, I am going to the bank to get a money order for the last months deposit. And then Friday I'll bring the application and money order to the manager. So, I can't exactly say that it's mine yet- but I'm already visualizing the the puzzle of fitting my furniture into the layout.

In my previous post I mentioned that I'd heard a two bedroom might be available in a building that I really liked. This information was faulty. However, like a "hail mary" play, I asked to view the single bedrooms available in this particular building. Though it is quite petite, it's exactly what I need!

It's your basic apartment building unit. You walk into a mini hallway looking at the galley kitchen. Beyond the kitchen is the dining area, which extends to the living room. The cats will enjoy running in circles! Off of the living room is another small hallway with a closet. Beside that closet is the bathroom. And beside the bathroom is a bedroom. It's just big enough to fit my queen size bed, my glass-door cabinet (handed down from my mum), and my nightstands. I have to get a new tall dresser because my long one will not fit. But I think I have enough plastic drawer organizers for small clothing items and the bedroom closet is pretty big. So maybe I don't need a dresser after all... There is a coat closet at the entrance and the unit also has an en-suite storage room that's basically a large square closet.

I plan to keep the cat litters in the storage room. I'll have to clean the litters much more often now... Being in such a small space. Oy! Well, at least the cats will benefit from that. I do however keep two litters for the three girls. They won't have a problem with the smallness of the apartment, I am certain of that! All three of them pile in bed snuggled up either on me altogether or each close enough to touch. They shouldn't be bothered by the size themselves, but I definitely CANNOT get anymore critters! lol

My fav awesome feature is that this apartment has a long balcony! I will get to start and grow a garden (right in time for spring) using the containers I've saved from my past indoor gardening trials. I will also be able to enjoy sitting out on the balcony because it faces west. Another great feature, being that I work afternoons and sleep all day. I will actually have sunlight in my home during the afternoon when I'm awake and getting ready.

The new apartment has a large dining window as well as the glass balcony doors so I will still be able to keep most of my plants. Well, the ones that have names anyway! lol I am giving a few to my friend Lindsay. She helps take care of my cats when I am out of town. And I should at least let go of a few plants. I do honestly talk to my plants. I take time to admire them during my watering routine! I talk gently to them whilst I prune their leaves and I do the same as I repot them into new containers. I can't believe I've had some of my houseplants for about ten years. I guess they've grown on me... I really love being surrounded by luscious greenery. I just feel so alive watching life thrive on the very basics of nature. However, houseplants and vegetable gardens are completely different creatures. I am excited to see what and if I get to harvest any bounty in the fall.

Wow! Look at me getting ahead of myself here. Goodness. I just have this feeling, ya know...

So, I can grow a garden outside on the balcony during the comfortable weather and bring it inside under the grow light in the winter. I think it will work out swell! The apartment unit has a dishwasher. On top of laundry facilities, the building has an indoor pool and a sauna, a cozy common area and a party room. I could actually host a family gathering. How cool is that? I think living in "The Terrace" will be my next best adventure! I am lucky to have so many people in my life, supporting and loving and wanting the best for me. I believe the universe has heard all of our prayers and happy thoughts.

I owe a great big shout out to my sister Natalie! Without her help I wouldn't have had the motivation to search and search the internet and streets for a new home. She is patient and purposeful and her opinion in these matters has been a guiding light.

I also owe a shout out to my parents! For listening. And listening. And listening... ;)

In a few days when I know that things are locked I'll write another post to share that update. I just can't stop thinking about it. How amazing is it that my intentions and prayers directed the universe in my favour? I am forever grateful.

Each morning (though I fight a wall of crankiness) I am thankful to be alive. And each night (whilst I mull over possibilities) I recall how lucky and blessed I am to have the things I've prayed for in the past. There is no doubt in my mind that good will, visualization and a constant sense of gratitude are the ingredients to a want fulfilled. And living fulfilled is thriving, my friend...

OXO
Angélique

January 15, 2015

A Make Over For The Season ~ In Celebration Of Change!

From the very beginning I've been trying to do it my way! I often feel that I want to join in with the others, but I never want to follow along. Until, finally- I break down and try what's all the hype! Then, I wonder what took me so long...

I have a lot of imagination, but only so much patience and my drive is sometimes questionable. The thing is, lately I can't shake this feeling of dissatisfaction. I hope that when I move to my new "home" that feeling will fade and be replaced with comfort and joy. I look forward to the new scents, sights and sounds I will come to know in the near future. For now, I've started packing, I am vigorously looking for a new apartment and I'm trying to keep it cool. But my heart is up in my throat, I can't take it much longer! lol



I have my mind set on a particular apartment. Well, it's a building that I have "inside information" that a two bedroom is coming available. I'm on the waiting list. I received an email that their tenants only have to give thirty days notice so I hope that I am at the top of the list and they reach out to me on February 1st. It's a bit more than I wanted to spend but it has an indoor pool and sauna. I haven't even seen it in person. I just fell in love with it on the site. For the prices of what's out there I don't mind paying a little more for better amenities.

I plan to go see some more places over the next few weekends. I don't want to settle for what's easiest like I did when I moved in to my current place. I need to learn to live more frugally. Choosing a home because it's cheap does not suit me anymore. I deserve the best!

I expect that paying more for where I live will teach me to take my money spending habits more seriously. I hope it does... Because I've concluded that frivolous spending is a side effect of being a commercial junkie! As much as I preach that I am trying to keep it simple- I still can't get over my ingrained fear of not having enough. And I am so easily convinced that I do need things. Whether I buy it from a big company or a hand crafted local business I am still acquiring more and more things every day! I need to go on a spending fast lol...



I've noticed that many of the bloggers I follow have recently had facelifts. And most of them maintain only one side bar throughout their blog. I didn't want to get on that band wagon for a long time, but I figured with the new year, the new home search and the itch I can't seem to scratch, I might as well update the blog too! It's ironic too because I was having difficulty getting my gadgets/etc. to fit efficiently. I had way too many photos (for no reason), and I couldn't get the recommended sized adds to fit in either side bar. My stubbornness was a big challenge to overcome, I suppose.

I removed the left side bar, made the right side bigger, fiddled for a few days with the layout and I think I am happy with how it looks now. I still like the way my blog flows like a journal/diary. But with all those pictures and fillers my posts seemed crowded and lost in the stream. I think I've got it balanced now. The main posts will get much more attention as they have space to breathe. And my OCD can rest for a while...

Going along with the popular kids is quite an achievement within itself. It's an attitude like that which will lead to my success. You have to follow the trend to keep the public's interest. I'm not a copy cat. I don't like trying to be like anyone else. However, I want to make a greater impact on my readers. I want them to come away feeling changed for the better when they read these pages. I want my fans to grow with me. And I believe that following those who have created their own success will help me to do so. No worries, I'll always be keeping it real! ;)

Feeling Restless,

OXO
Angelique

January 7, 2015

My Awesome Indoor Winter Garden Fail...


I set off on a goal to grow an indoor garden for the tenth time. It all started nice and pretty. Excitement overwhelmed me each day as I entered my spare room filled with sprouts of good intentions! But again, my little babies didn't get to grow into the beautiful bounty they were meant to be. Alas, my indoor garden just doesn't work...

Dancing Dill Sprouts! :)



I ordered these two important starters on Amazon Canada. A mini green house and a heating pad to mimic the right conditions. This is exactly what seeds need in order to sprout. High humidity and warmth. Within a few days I welcomed new life all around me! I personally find sprouting and starting plants to be a rather easy task. But other than houseplants, I have a hard time compelling my babies to mature. Most seem to fade before they get a real chance to live. I believe the most likely explanation is that my apartment is too cold. And I really don't know what the heck I'm doing yet... lol... It's been a lot of trial and error learning to work my green thumb.






Lettuce Sprouts

Lettuce about a week old...
Lettuce almost a month old...


Cucumbers repotted in their new home...
A little while later!






Just this week I finally gave up on my cucumber plant. It was so beautiful and flourished for a long time, but just as soon as it started to flower it dried out. Almost overnight... It's such a heartbreaking moment when you notice your plants shrivel. But such is life when it comes to being green.

My peppermint is still alive. It's a slow grower but it's growing. And there are these tiny bitty leaves that have been poking out of the dirt for a few weeks now. They weren't part of the original sprouts from the greenhouse. I know peppermint is basically a weed, so it makes sense why it's still kicking. I look forward to some fresh mint one day!

So that's what's going on with me. Besides looking for a new home. I'm knitting more and reading a lot. I am totally dreading the idea of packing up this apartment over the next couple months. The task seems so much bigger than it really is. It's true. So, I may not be posting much on the blog over the next while. Just to let you know...

Stay Warm out there!

oxo
Angelique