Be Delighted Daily

~ good game

2009-05-05T23:05:00.001-07:00

(May 5/09) Well, the Vancouver Canucks are in the second series of the playoffs, playing the Chicago Blackhawks, and they just won another game, which puts them 2 to 1 in the series. Can't help but be delighted by that.

~ room with a view

2009-05-05T23:03:00.000-07:00

(May 4/09) Now I got the old junk off my balcony and organized a bit of my bedroom, I can actually sit outside and enjoy the trees, birds, blossoms and houseboats.

~ inspiration

2009-05-05T23:01:00.001-07:00

(May 3/09) My sister dropped by and we talked about framing our artwork for an upcoming show that we're going to be in. After she left I was going through more of my artwork, looking to see what else I had... and I found my big sketch book. I looked through it, got excited... and now I've tidied things up a bit, I was able to put up my easel and start a painting.

~ room to move

2009-05-03T08:49:00.001-07:00

(May 2/09) I could also call this 'getting things done.' One of my resolves over the past few weeks is to get over the blocks / reluctance that stop me from moving forward. Today I had the junk van come and take away an old chair from my balcony, an old dresser, an old tv (that I'd had for 19 years, only had 32 channels, was used when I bought it for $600, and still worked although the sound was fading), a box of junk, and some old rugs. I'll have to get the junk van back again, as I have more to sort out. Some stuff you can give away, some you can sell, some needs to be recycled.

~ double chocolate porter

2009-05-03T08:44:00.001-07:00

(May 1/09) I could also title this one 'getting things done'. A friend introduced me to double chocolate porter a couple weeks ago. As it's the beginning of the month I had to pay the rent, pay my bank loan, and deposit money to my chequing account so I can pay the bills. This requires going to three banks. I'd gone to number one, that was okay, but the other two - as it's Friday afternoon and first of the month - were lined up. I was hungry, and the banks are open late Friday's... so I tried out one of the new upscale pubs and had a delicious salad with grilled halibut, and half a glass of double chocolate porter. And then got the rest of my banking done :D

~ keeping it simple

2009-05-03T08:38:00.001-07:00

(Apr 30/09) I have a hard time getting my head around official government stuff. A friend helped make what seemed incomprehensible into something simple. A music publisher wrote the letter I needed. I mailed my form today.

~ getting things done

2009-05-03T08:35:00.001-07:00

(Apr 29/09) I am delighted the mountain of laundry I gathered together is done with the help of a friend. Sometimes carrying everything to the laundrymat, even with the use of a local bus, is difficult. A friend with a car drove me to and from. I am grateful for friends like that.

~ spare energy

2009-05-03T08:31:00.001-07:00

(Apr 28/09) I have been working on my health since last year at this time. I've slipped off the wagon a few times, but even my doctor says you have to allow yourself a little treat now and then. What I'm finding is... I have more energy now than I have had in quite some time. And I've said this before... but the fact that I can walk, strongly stepping out the direction I wish to go - for this I continue to be grateful.

~ spring gardens

2009-04-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

(Apr 27/09) I just love this house a couple blocks away, tulips in front of the fence, beautiful garden behind... butterflies and hummingbirds hang here.

~ surprises

2009-04-26T10:59:00.001-07:00

(Apr 26/09) At the end of my gig last night, someone who I hadn't seen for many many years came up with flowers, to say hello. We ended up talking for a couple of hours. It was wonderful.

~ lilacs

2009-04-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

(Apr 25/09) The lilacs by the front porch are hinting they will be here soon.

~ nature at my door

2009-04-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

(Apr 24/09) I was sitting on the front porch with a cup of tea, chatting with a friend, when she noticed a robin building a nest in the bush to the left of the porch. That IS delightful. Hope they stay safe and undisturbed.

~ keeping a commitment

2009-04-24T19:52:00.001-07:00

(Apr 23/09) I promised myself I'd start to organize my bedroom today so I could set up my easel. Happy to report I got about 40 percent of it done. That's good!

~ silence and movement!!

2009-04-22T15:03:00.001-07:00

(Apr 22/09) Yay!! They have finished digging up (jack hammering & blasting) the street in front of my house (where they have been for a month). Traffic is now moving through the intersection, and all I hear is the breeze off the ocean!

~ a clear day

2009-04-21T08:36:00.001-07:00

(Apr 21/09) I love it when it is clear enough to see the mountains across the strait.

~ pine trees

2009-04-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

(Apr 20/09) I'm not clear on what kind of pine this is, but I think it's native to the north. Caught this on a walk in the park. Gorgeous colours.

~ family lunch

2009-04-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

(Apr 19/09) A surprise visit from my Dad and his wife led to lunch at a local pub and then a walk in the park. Beautiful day.

~ beautiful blossoms

2009-04-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

(Apr 18/09) Don't ask me what it is, but it's beautiful. I caught these just walking along one of the streets in my neighbourhood.

~ creativity at play

2009-04-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

(Apr 17/09) Always interesting to see how local musicians make extra cash. Darth Vader gets lots of attention, and takes lots of photos with tourists.

~ long walks in spring weather

2009-04-21T08:24:00.001-07:00

(Apr 16/09) In November 2006, I was in California, walking with two canes. Now I walk cane-free and pain-free, at my normal speed. I am tremendously grateful.

~ keeping a commitment

2009-04-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

(Apr 15/09) Seems like such a silly thing, but when you work well into the evening, as I do, the logical result was consistently leaving kitchen clean-up til the morning. So I'd get up every morning, put the kettle on, and then have to do the dishes. But I would often feel a huge amount of reluctance to do them. Sometimes I'd give in to that reluctance, and the dishes would pile up all day while I felt bad for not doing them. I realized it was one of the ways my ego used to beat me up. So I came up with simple solution: do the dishes before you go to bed. I've kept to it pretty well. The once or twice when I've left them for the next day, I've regretted it; if I feel any reluctance to do them at night, I remind myself that I won't feel good in the morning if they aren't done. So now I take great delight in waking up to a clean kitchen, not only because it's clean, but because I've kept a commitment to myself.

~ a good night's sleep

2009-04-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

(Apr 14/09) Woke up to blue sky and sun after a night of good sleep, the second in a row.

~ silence

2009-04-13T13:36:00.001-07:00

(Apr 13/09) They've been digging up the street outside my house (including blasting) for 3 weeks. Today, being Easter Monday and I guess a day off for them, I find myself profoundly aware of the silence. I am grateful for this oasis of peace, and hope that they finish their noise-making soon.

~ rainy Sunday

2009-04-12T15:15:00.000-07:00

(Apr 12/09) Sometimes it's okay to sit and watch the rain glisten on newly sprouting leaves... and write a new age instrumental track, or watch an old movie.

~ music plus sea view

2009-04-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

(Apr 11/09) I love the little cafe down on the waterfront, by the harbour mouth. I play here a couple of times a month with my trio, "Easy". It's a lovely location.

~ hoola hoopin'

2009-04-12T15:11:00.000-07:00

(Apr 10/09) A joy to watch two adults playing with hoola hoops in the square.

~ beautiful artwork

2009-04-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

(Apr 9/09) I love this picture, painted by my sister. It seems dreamy and beautiful. It represents one of the little islands up the coast.

~ the scent of spring

2009-04-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

(Apr 8/09) Have to admit I love walking under the cherry trees in bloom and just breathing in their essence.

~ spring arriving

2009-04-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

(Apr 7/09) Hard not to talk about spring as it slowly appears. Such a lovely day, warm. Blossoms peaking out, leaves starting to sprout on trees, birds building nests.

~ sunny breakwater

2009-04-06T11:47:00.001-07:00

(Apr 6/09) It's been so beautiful the last couple of days, I love my favourite walk down to the breakwater at the entrance to the harbour.

~ scent of spring

2009-04-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

(Apr 5/09) Posted about blossoms before but the sweet scent of these low-hanging cherry tree branches is delightful.

~ horses

2009-04-06T11:36:00.000-07:00

(Apr 4/09) Some people complain about them, but I love to see the horse drawn carriages wandering the neighbourhood.

~ people who feed birds

2009-04-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

(Apr 3/09) I love people who feed birds (properly) in their gardens, expecially in the city where natural foods might be less available. I've watched my Dad & step-mom do this for years. It gives us a chance to see and enjoy the creatures around us, and listen to their songs.

~ practitioners who care

2009-04-03T17:04:00.000-07:00

(Apr 2/09) Went to the dentist this week, knew it would be somewhat tramatic getting the front teeth fixed properly. They were so gentle and caring. I had a bit of a reaction to the anaesthetic afterwards, they were extremely concerned, the dentist called me himself and even gave me his cell number to call if I had any worries. That is truly being a care giver. (And I am grateful to say the reaction is slowly going away.)

~ saving cash

2009-04-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

(Apr 1/09) I like it when I'm given an estimate, then the work is done, and very well... yet it cost less than anticipated.

~ day dreaming

2009-04-03T16:57:00.000-07:00

(Mar 31/09) Throughout my life, my ability to day dream has been a blessing, in most cases. Of course I day dreamed in school and would have a novel tucked behind my text book when sitting at my desk. My concentration, my ability to take myself somewhere else, would occasionally get me in trouble. But it also helps me cope with stress, helps me relate to others, and helps me see stories and write them.

~ time to be

2009-03-31T23:29:00.001-07:00

(Mar 30/09) Today I am grateful for the work that I do, that seems to touch other people and assist them in feeling inspired and able... I am also thankful for the time I am able to find to find calmness and serenity.

~ the pacific

2009-03-30T08:27:00.001-07:00

(Mar 29/09) There is something about the ocean that calls to me, that gives me serenity, that (to borrow from John Denver) 'fills up my senses'.

~ listening

2009-03-29T14:37:00.001-07:00

(Mar 28/09) Today I breathe deeply in the spring air, knowing that under the carpet of earth, something is beginning to grow. The trees are budding, even in the rain and wind. My life is based on resiliance and founded in faith that I will find my way if I look inside and listen to my own creative voice. I used to ignore that voice in favour of all others, thinking they knew best. Now I listen carefully to all voices but value my own as well. I question why I think what I think. Is it my truth, or is it something I've integrated over time. I gather information and try to put aside preconceptions in choosing my path. I find time to be alone and think, to be silent and breathe, to observe the season changing from winter to spring. I value each moment of living and life.

~ opening

2009-03-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

(Mar 27/09) I used to be like this little squirrel, observing life from a distance, suspicious of others, wishing to be unseen. Yet at the same time I longed to be acknowledged, to be part of something, to belong. Today I look at the path I have walked. I've fallen, I've ended up lost, I've despaired. But somehow I've found my way. I'm grateful for the instinct that led me to explore my creativity. That exploration led me to my Self, and authentic living.

~ slow growth

2009-03-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

(Mar 26/09) I love walking the neighbourhood and noticing that the bush that was budding a couple of days ago is beginnning to flower. Or turning down a street I haven't been on for a little while and finding something new to stop and appreciate. It's said that you should try to 'get out of your mind' and 'be present in the moment' to relieve stress (and live authentically). I remind myself of that as I walk, whenever I start to mull over a problem. I use my eyes, my ears, my sense of touch, to be receptive to what is around me. Focussing on the moment, I am free, for a little while, from my concerns.

~ making the right choice

2009-03-25T23:44:00.000-07:00

(Mar 25/09) Went to the music supply store today. On the list were: a mic stand, a mic chord, and a harmonica rack. The budget: $80. On the way to find a harmonica rack, I walked through the piano room and saw an M-Audio controller keyboard (you use this with your sample libraries - you play something and assign the sound of the instrument to it) on the wall. Mod wheel, USB interface, touch sensitivity. $160. The sales person shows me the controller. He mentions they have a similar keyboard, used, normally $300 new, selling for $168. I'm thinking, well, I have my credit card with me. I say, well I'll get the other things I came for and come back. Then I get the other things and leave. On the way out, I say to my girlfriend - "I told myself, I can get it if I can find a way to pay cash. But no credit card."

I was delighted I stuck to my resolve to pay down my debts.

~ hummingbirds

2009-03-24T09:08:00.001-07:00

(Mar 24/09) I was walking down one of the streets in my neighbourhood, a back street, with little traffic. These streets are lined with character homes of all shapes and sizes, and I noticed many gardens are being prepared for spring. Some bulbs have sprouted into daffodils. Fruit trees are starting to flower. And I was lucky enough to see two rufous hummingbirds, so tiny, so fast, little sprits of humming beauty. I couldn't get a pix of them tho, so you have to be satisfied with cherry blossoms.

~ having a plan

2009-03-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

(Mar 23/09) I took the time last week to sit down and write up task lists and create work plans for each of the things I work on for the next little while. I often write to-do lists, but by separating out the things I want to accomplish (blog writing, music for film/tv writing, book writing, album writing/producing), and figuring out how much time I will devote to them each week... I accomplished something important. In the last few days when I started to think about all the things I have to do, I could go and look at the plan again and settle my thoughts by seeing that it's there. And most important, I'd be in the middle of one thing, worrying about another, and I could say to myself, "that's not on today's task list, but it's scheduled later in the week." That last has helped me focus. It's helped me be more productive. So much so, that all I had to do when I woke up today was write this blog, and get myself ready to teach. I've also been doing the dishes before I go to bed, which means I don't have household chores to do when I get up in the morning. Yay!

~ boathouses

2009-03-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

(Mar 22/09) I live near the docks and I think the boathouses are fun and interesting. I've considered living on one myself, but I think I have too much junk & could never fit all my stuff into one. And I don't know that I'd want to brave the storms.

~ cherry blossom time

2009-03-22T10:38:00.001-07:00

(Mar 21/09) Oh yes, there is a street one block away from me that is lined with cherry trees... and I have been watching them with great anticipation.

~ battlestar galactica

2009-03-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

(Mar 20/09) One thing good about being sick is that they are showing all the recent episodes of Battlestar Galactica on the 'space channel' today, leading up to the 2-hour series finale which will air tonight. I can just sit back, try to not to doze too much, and catch up on any episodes I missed.

~ hockey

2009-03-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

(Mar 19/09) Still sick. Sicker, really. Good thing is the Vancouver Canucks are playing the St Louis Blues tonight. I’ll croak “go Canucks!!” at the tv.

~ enforced rest

2009-03-18T17:23:00.000-07:00

(Mar 18/09) Well I didn't find a lot to be delighted about today, given that I am sick with a cold, and pretty much cancelled everything to just lie in bed and read. But I do enjoy lying in bed and reading.

~ happy St Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

(Mar 17/09) Was thinking today of my Irish grandparents, and remembered I had this photo of my maternal grandparents with their children. My mom is the youngest - ain't she sweet? I never met my mom's mom, she passed away before I was born.

~ good memories

2009-03-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

(Mar 16/09) Was working on updating one of my blogs, and looked for some photos to add, came across some from the music conference I went to last year. Being in one place with so many people who love music as much as you do can be very inspiring.

~ corrie

2009-03-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

(Mar 15/09) I confess, my favourite Sunday morning thing to do is to watch the Coronation Street omnibus. Great characters, great writing.

~ silence

2009-03-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

(Mar 14/09) I am delighted that the jack hammering outside my window has stopped for the weekend.

~ hidden gem

2009-03-13T09:08:00.001-07:00

(Mar 13/09) Just one of those things that you see if you walk with your eyes open, observing. There's a house down the street with a brick fence, and unless you were right up close, looking in, you would miss the fact that their lawn is very sketchy... but there are flowers scattered all over it. Crocuses and snowdrops, open to the bright sun.

~ pain au chocolat

2009-03-13T09:03:00.001-07:00

(Mar 12/09) so I get this weekly delivery of organic veg to help me manage my health / time.... yesterday, I open the box and there's this little bag labelled "pain au chocolat". I look at my invoice, cause I didn't order any such thing. It says "0.00" - it's a thank you gift cause someone joined up & mentioned my name. A chocolate croissant, I'm estatic. I open the bag. There are *four* in there. Now I'm over the moon. Yummmmmmmmm. I had one, with an organic apple, for dessert. Just to make sure I get my fruit, ya know. You can bet I was delighted.

~ full moon

2009-03-12T00:22:00.000-07:00

(Mar 11/09) Driving down the street with my sister, see this big oval sign up in front of us, over the traffic. Then I realize - it's not a huge sign - it's the moon!!!

~ a brief but beautiful snowfall

2009-03-12T00:19:00.000-07:00

(Mar 10/09) Bit of a shock to wake up, walk in the living room and look out the window and see... snow falling... especially when you were taking pictures of spring a couple of days ago.

~ daylight savings time!

2009-03-12T00:16:00.000-07:00

(Mar 9/09) It's a bit of an adjustment - I felt tired today, but I really like that it is now light out until at least 7 pm. Beautiful sunset, pix doesn't do it justice.

~ sleeping in

2009-03-12T00:11:00.000-07:00

(Mar 8/09) A sleepy Sunday morning, dozing in bed, reading... not needing to go anywhere or do anything very important!

~ being warm

2009-03-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

(Mar 7/09) Today I am rather glad to be home. I went for a walk (and met a friend for coffee). The wind was very cold, and very strong - there were white caps in the habour itself, which is rare. As I walked home, the wind was whipping the trees, and cold rain mixed with snow was falling. Walked fast through bitter gusts to get into the house. Nice to be sitting inside, warm & dry, watching the clouds slide across the sky.

~ walkin' the inner harbour

2009-03-06T17:23:00.000-08:00

(Mar 6/09) Just a beautiful pre-spring day... breeze a bit cold, but sun shining down on the harbour, everyone who could be was out for a stroll.

~ this flower shop

2009-03-06T09:02:00.001-08:00

(Mar 5/09) I was walking downtown and saw a store with all these beautiful flowers arranged outside... the air was still chilly, but the sky was blue and the sun was shining. I stopped and took this photo.

~ yummy bread

2009-03-04T17:30:00.000-08:00

(Mar 4/09) There's this great little Italian restaurant tucked away on a side street downtown - busy place. Their food is fresh & fast. But it's their bread that I love... it's crunchy & sort of salty and just really good. Treated myself to lunch there today... a fresh little half salad with chicken, a basket of bread, a glass of water... $10.

~ helping someone understand music theory

2009-03-03T14:44:00.000-08:00

(Mar 3/09) Started to talk to one of my students today about music theory: notes, chords, keys, the Nashville numbering system, and stuff like that. Was neat to see her leave here excited by this information. Really, we should all learn this in school. The language of music should be more accessible to us. We should all be included in singing, playing, reading, writing, understanding the building blocks that make up the sonic textures of the music we listen to... this thing that makes life more enjoyable and more meaningful, and connects us to each other.

~ my ukulele

2009-03-03T14:39:00.000-08:00

(Mar 2/09) Don't think I've mentioned yet how delighted I am with my newest acquisition... a baritone ukulele. Even if I did, I have to say that I am pleased with the comments I've received from folks who have listened to recordings I've done with it. Still paying for it. It has great tone, plugs in, and is fun to play. I've written 3 or 4 songs with it, too!

~ sunlight

2009-03-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

(Mar 1/09) Love to sit in my little room and see the sun streamin' in. Air is still cold, but the sky is blue today.

~ fireplaces

2009-03-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

(Feb 28/09) It's been chilly the past few days - even had a sprinkle of snow. There's nothing nicer on a cold day than heading out to one of my local cafes to sit by the fire, drink tea, and write.

~ f.a.w.m.

2009-03-01T01:52:00.000-08:00

(Feb 27/09) I love "February is Album Writing Month". It's a personal challenge, in which you attempt to write 14 songs (an album's worth) in 28 days. The first time I did it I struggled to write even a few. The next year, I managed to squeak out 15. Last year I wrote 23. This year, I wrote 32. More than rising to the challenge of finding ideas, sketching them & uploading a rough sample of your first draft... the community of FAWM is amazing. The energy and creativity is contagious. FAWM has helped me to be more prolific. It's taught me to write without worrying about the end result, knowing the process of rewriting and honing will come later.

~ Danish baking

2009-03-01T01:48:00.001-08:00

(Feb 26/09) One of my friends is going to a songwriting event in Santa Barbara, CA... and that reminded me of this lovely little Danish bakery I had lunch at when I was there.

~ this little house

2009-03-01T01:44:00.000-08:00

(Feb 25/09) I've always loved this little house near where I live. I often walk by it.

~ my work

2009-02-25T06:48:00.001-08:00

(Feb 24/09) I'm lucky enough to be able to do something I am passionate about every day. I find such satisfaction with connecting with people in a meaningful way, in striving to be a good mentor, in being a small part of the personal growth of another awakening human being.

~ the harbour

2009-02-25T06:35:00.001-08:00

(Feb 23/09) I had to walk fast to keep warm in the cold wind down by the breakwater, but it was nice to come back to the little wharf nestled in the harbour, which is slightly sheltered because of the high ground to the south. I saw a seal swimming. I saw a crowd of harlequin ducks resting on their way to somewhere. It reminded me how much I enjoy living in this area.

~ this old house

2009-02-22T13:44:00.000-08:00

(Feb 22/09) I love this old house I live in. Shared with other folks. The plumbing is old but it sits in an overgrown garden. It's drafty but when the sun shines it's filled with light. It defines the 'character' in 'character house' - as do the people who live in it, lol.

~ blue sky smiling at me

2009-02-22T13:43:00.000-08:00

(Feb 21/09) I love blue sky. The colour blue, outlining bare branches in the winter... or framing ripe green in the summer. There is something comforting and magical about the sky.

~ daffodils

2009-02-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

(Feb 20/09) Yes, when I was on my walk in the warm sun & cold air of February... I looked carefully at the gardens... and, lo and behold... not even in a hothouse... saw daffodils poking their heads out.

~ crocuses

2009-02-20T11:51:00.003-08:00

(Feb 19/09) Neat to be walking through the neighbourhood and see snow drops and crocuses sprouting.

~ looking at paintings

2009-02-18T11:29:00.000-08:00

(Feb 18/09) Okay, I'm cheating a little cause this is one of my paintings, but there's something about it that I really enjoy. I recently moved it from being wrapped up in plastic in the corner of the bedroom... to the top of the mantel. I like looking at it while I'm teaching. It's the path... and reminds me of summer on the island.

~ waking up to the sun

2009-02-17T09:07:00.001-08:00

(Feb 17/09) Lovely to wake up and see the sun streaking through the trees.

~ my digital camera

2009-02-16T12:51:00.001-08:00

(Feb 16/09) I finally bought a digital camera in late October, and I'm still getting used to the luxury of being able to take a picture, see it right away, decide whether it's a "keeper" & take another if need be. Then come home & upload them to the computer.... instead of keeping rolls of film around until I finally take them to the photo shop... and then discovering that some don't work. It's neat.

~ snow drops

2009-02-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

(Feb 15/09) I think these are snow drops, anyway. Love to see them in the garden this time of year. The weather is all over the place - cold, rainy, grey one day (even a dash of snow)... beautiful clear blue sky & bright sun the next. Sunday was a lovely spring-like day.

~ lovin' yourself first

2009-02-16T12:40:00.000-08:00

(Feb 14/09) On Valentine's Day I remind myself that for many years my self-worth was based on what I thought other people thought. I 'bought' love and approval by striving to be what I thought they wished I would be. Over the past dozen years or so I've worked to become who I think I ought to be. It's a cliche, but I really think you do have to know and like yourself in order to have the life (and the relationships) you desire.

~ Friday is cafe day

2009-02-16T12:39:00.000-08:00

(Feb 13/09) Since I always have an appointment on Friday afternoon, I've taken visiting a cafe either before or after my appointment, to sit and read the paper, or write in my journal.

~ bein' cosy

2009-02-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

(Feb 12/09) When the wind is howling & the rain is whipping the trees, it's nice to sit in the big old easy chair with a rug and a cup of tea.

~ a morning off

2009-02-16T12:30:00.001-08:00

(Feb 11/09) I enjoy having a morning off. I get to sleep in a little, lie in bed a little longer with a good book, go for a long walk that ends at a cafe where I can write in my journal, tidy up the house... the list goes on. Wednesday morning off, I like.

~ unexpected gifts

2009-02-16T12:27:00.000-08:00

(Feb 10/09) Ain't it nice when someone gives you something you didn't expect? Just a little thank you card, or flowers, or brings you a little home baking. A thoughtful and meaningful gift. It's nice to give them too... feels good.

~ mom's buttermilk scones

2009-02-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

(Feb 9/09) Melt in your mouth good. Great with cheddar cheese or jam. Highly addictive.

~ treating myself

2009-02-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

(Feb 8/09) Well every so often I do something special. I'm sure we all do. Sometimes you don't have a lot of money, but when I lived in Vancouver my friend and I used to sometimes just go to a fancy hotel lounge for a drink. Just to sit and sip and soak up the ambience. So I went to a big hotel down the street which I've been walking by for years... and went into their very fancy lounge which looks over the water, and had a lovely time, writing and looking at the scenery.

~ 'he's just not that in to you'

2009-02-07T21:51:00.000-08:00

(Feb 7/09) Took myself out to a movie on Friday night, enjoyed 'He's just not that into you'. It's light and frothy, well acted and well written. It says nothing really profound but it did make me chuckle a few times.

~ ukulele's

2009-02-07T21:47:00.000-08:00

(Feb 6/09) I love my new baritone ukulele! It cost more than I intended to spend (as usual) but has great tone. I'm also finding I can play bar chords on it (unlike the guitar). I wrote my first song ever with a ukulele this week! Fun.

~ Stargate

2009-02-07T21:43:00.000-08:00

(Feb 5/09) Hey I finally got to watch "Stargate: Continuum" and I really enjoyed it. I thought it was loads better than the original Stargate movie (which spawned the series). Of course it was filled with familiar characters and the relationships that really made the show work, but I also thought it was well-written and well-directed.

~ I cheerfully pay my bills

2009-02-05T03:33:00.000-08:00

(Feb 4/09) Ha ha. When my girlfriend and I were working through the Artist's Way together, we would try to find the little things in life - the things we don't really seem to notice - and take joy in them. Kinda like this blog is doing. One of the things we used to say to each other (being like, starving artists and all) is 'I joyfully pay my bills' meaning, 'I got money and I can pay 'em'. I need to remember that when I go to the 3 banks and do my deposits and pay the bank loan & the bills. At least... even if there isn't much left over... I can pay them.

~ needing fewer layers

2009-02-05T03:30:00.000-08:00

(Feb 3/09) Was out for a long walk and was nice not to need the vest and big scarf. Actually had to take my gloves off, cause the sun was out and it was warm!! When I got home I had to have a big glass of cold water. Nice!

~ cherry blossoms

2009-02-05T03:27:00.000-08:00

(Feb 2/09) Out on a long walk today, saw the cherry blossoms sprouting on some trees. Yah! They are SO pretty when they are fully out. There's a street near my house that's lined with trees which bloom in spring. So fragrant, so pretty.

~ sleeping in

2009-02-01T03:38:00.000-08:00

(Feb 1/09) Oh yes, I adore sleeping in. I stay up too late and then am forced to get up early for work most days of the week. If I'm on holidays, pretty soon I'm staying up til 2 or 3 am, hitting the sack, and getting up at 11 am. Even with a busy life, I try to have at least one morning a week that I can sleep in. That means, no alarm clock, nothing important needs to be done (or at least it can wait). It's rather late now... and I'm planning to sleep in tomorrow. How delightful!!

~ cookies

2009-02-01T03:30:00.000-08:00

(Jan 31/09) I am trying hard not to post about food all the time. But I do like edible things. Can't help it. I try not to buy cookies when I'm getting groceries, cause I know I will have a cookie or two for dessert after every meal, including breakfast... and for snacks, too.

So, my sister gave me some cookies to bring home tonight. Big smile on my face, lol. I think I got maybe 6 or 7 cookies, and there's like, 2 left. Well, I was having tea, and oatmeal cookies taste so nice after you dunk 'em, you know?

~ the ocean

2009-02-01T03:23:00.000-08:00

(Jan 30/09) Have I mentioned yet that I love walking? (I can see that as I go through the year I may repeat myself more than once. I often can't remember what I just said. Now, what was I saying? Oh, yeah. Walking.)

I love walking, striding out in the air, taking in the scenery. Doesn't matter if it's city or country. I love being a tourist someplace and exploring. I love walking to the store and seeing the little changes in the gardens and in the houses as I pass by. But I especially love walking by the ocean. I lived away from it for a time, but that's not for me. I'm a west coaster, and I need to see the Pacific on a daily basis.

~ community

2009-02-01T03:17:00.000-08:00

(Jan 29/09) It's very interesting to me that I grew up as a very shy and reticent person who never put themselves forward for anything, wanted to be invisible, and avoided social events like the plague. It's taken many years and slow growth to get to the place where I reach out and look for community, and respect it as having value in my life. Social networking, being part of a group of people having similar goals & concerns. It's become a big part of my life.

~ daffodils

2009-01-28T12:05:00.000-08:00

(Jan 28/09) When the first daffodils arrive at the corner store, I know spring is not very far away. I bought two bunches today. They are not open yet, but I know that they will soon open their sunny yellow faces and bring a smile to mine.

On the west coast, we have a season that's called "pre-spring". It's between winter and spring, of course... and we tend to have sun shine, cold breezes... and snowdrops, followed by daffodils and tulips. Every year they do a blossom count in February. And the little rufus hummingbird returns, in his fiery red jacket, in March. So the daffodils fill me with delighted anticipation.

~ book stores

2009-01-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

(Jan 28/09) Oh, how could I forget my love of book stores. All kinds of places that sell books, really... although there is something special about a used book store because you never know what kind of treasures you might score as you wander. I have to be very careful going in to book stores, and not take very much money... as I am always tempted to buy.

I used to have a huge collection of books. When I moved, I always had two boxes of kitchen stuff, a couple suitcases of clothes, and 8 boxes of books. Heavy, big boxes. I've tried to downsize and just keep reference books on songwriting, writing, the history of music, singer's biographies, etc. And, of course, piles of music books.

What's even better than a book store is the local local JB Coffee & Book Store. There I can indulge in coffee and reading. And also, they have live music nights on Fridays. I've played there often.

~ fan mail

2009-01-27T12:15:00.000-08:00

(Jan 26/09) Every so often I get lovely and uplifting fan mail... a comment on myspace, a "@" reply on twitter, an email, a post on facebook, an entry into my guest book -- and each one really makes my day...

"I have always loved singing, however it was not something my family felt would be a great choice financially and so I never pursued it. I have always regretted this and I just can't remove my love of singing. I am now 35 and want to go into music -- I know I need to sing. This is when I landed on your blog about how you started later in life and that you have never looked back. It has really inspired me!"

"I enjoy reading your 'Be Delighted Daily' blog. It's delightful!"

"Vikki, it is so inspring to read about your musical journey and how you've kept going. Thank you."

"Love your songs! I am not into new age stuff but I got to say your songs really impress me. They're all well-crafted & produced! They touch a chord within my spirit that I want to feel again and again."