playdate

Lovey Love

They love the loveys, don't they? I think a lovey is a wonderful thing - built in comfort and security, easing of transitions, something to tell their troubles too. I encouraged Pumpkinpie's attachment to her loveys, and even bought duplicates in case of loss. Let's face it, loveys are as good for the parent as they are for the child for quite some time.

Losing Myself

Let me first apologize for the gloominess of this post.  It's raining out today and I'm feeling rather morose.  But then, this space is supposed to be "better than a playdate", and I know that sometimes a playdate is the best place to air out pent up emotions.

In high school, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life.  It was basically assumed that I was going to be a teacher because it's a strong trend in my family and I have a natural aptitude for it.  Aptitude, yes.  Passion?  No.  So I eschewed sense, and pursued the visual arts.  I have great passion for art, but I am a social person, and couldn't imagine spending a large portion of my life holed up in some room making art.  Alone.  Plus, I'm not keen on living a life of obscurity, and only - maybe! - receiving recognition after I'm dead.

Rob Ford's Arrest

At 9:30am on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, Toronto City Councilor Rob Ford was arrested for assault.  Although the complainant has not been officially named, the Toronto Star cites a "police source" that says it was Ford's wife, Renata.  Councilor Ford has since been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in court April 28, 2008.

Scooped

I'm really sorry.

I know that you're sick of winter. And I know that by jumping the gun and picking up this fabulous spring dress, I've likely all but guaranteed it will be mid-August before the weather in Ontario is actually warm enough to wear it.

But I couldn't help it.

Pumpkinpie's Picks for March

We've been busy this month, but also at home more than usual, what with March Break and Easter weekend and everything else. which also means more storytimes in the middle of the day. Doesn't mean more varied stories, mind you, because like many kids, Pumpkinpie will ride it til the wheels fall off, or until I bring home something newer. Here are a handful that have, for better or for worse, been on repeat play at our house this month. Oh, my poor throat.

Sounds of South By 2008

by Jana

The very first artist that I stumbled upon in Austin, Texas at SXSW was Brandon Chandler, a singer, songwriter from Portland, Oregon. I am loving his organic and soulful sound. Be sure to check out "Slow Up Slow Down."

Friends Through Rough Weather

I love a story about friends, and think they are important in helping show children how friends can support each other. But sometimes the waters of friendship grow choppy, and hard to navigate. We talk to our kids, of course, and encourage them to come to us when they have troubles, but it can be good for them to know ahead of time that these storms, too, will probably pass over. These stories show some different scenarios in which friends might find themselves at odds, but come back together in the end.

in the nyood

If someone would have told me 10 years ago that Queen and Dovercourt would be the home of a new chic high end restaurant I would have had a hard time believing it.
I lived in the area for years and I remember a time when the only food options in the neighborhood were Addis Ababa and Bacchus roti shop.
Both of which are still around, and are still worth a visit.
But things have certainly changed since the days when I would have to psyche myself up to go and rent a movie at 7 p.m.

Reset the Clock

I was talking with a very good friend of mine the other day about how I am not the kind of person who is very good at breastfeeding "on demand".  I'm not a super-rigid scheduler or anything, but I like to know how my day is going to shape up and to plan accordingly.  Every once in a while, I also like to be able to plan ahead for something, and say "Yes, I can meet you at that time."  My problem with breastfeeding on demand is that it doesn't really work like that, does it?  It depends on when the baby wakes up, how hungry the baby happens to be that day, how long the baby can go between feeds, and so on.

If just one woman is saved by this post...

The thing about crazy hair is that it sneaks up on you.

Seriously, it is wicked stealth. One day you're just cruising along, knowing full well that a cut and colour is way overdue, but you're busy and you figure you'll get to it one of these days, and then BAM!