A Little Archaeology

 

View of Spread Eagle Mountain, Alberta

The more packing and sorting I've done for my trip across Canada, the more I've discovered what an amazing life the kids and I have led so far! For example, I found a book I kept with photos of my art work from when I first moved to Orangeville. I'd never really painted until moving here and found it a great way to get to meet other people. I've been blessed to learn from so many talented people: the late Darlene Hassel, Sharon Wadsworth-Smith, Claudia McCabe, and so many more. While I may not be the world's best artist, I sold a couple paintings and created pieces that live in the homes of friends and family.

The field and mountains picture above has special significance. It was one I started painting the same day my father-in-law had a heart attack - which I only learned the next day! I couldn't touch it for a week. Once it was complete, I sent it to my brother-in-law, Robyn, because it was a story that really touched him. What's the significance of the painting aside from that? At the time, it was nearly the same view my in-laws had out their front window.

Calico Pennant, Orangeville Fall Fair

Mom isn't the only one who has ribbons and has done cool things!

Before moving to Ontario, two of my kids were classical guitarists and performed on stage several times with Sonata Studios in Edmonton. Too bad we moved and couldn't find a teacher who believed in giving kids the courage to put themselves out there. The one classical guitarist we did find was totally against putting so much pressure on kids. The memories of my boys practicing because they loved to play still warms my heart!

They've also done Rowing, Chess Club, interesting jobs in restaurants and manufacturing facilities, camping out in Calgary Zoo and at Tyrell Museum in Drumheller, things I'd long forgotten!

The Swimming Hole, 2005

Another fun story! This image was from a calendar that my mother-in-law sent. I turned it into Grandpa and the two older boys and sent it to him for Father's Day 2005. He was thrilled! The grandparents loved to do all kinds of things with the kids and although this is a fictional painting, we definitely spent time at the beach with them.

It's amazing how much you learn about yourself and your offspring when you go through boxes and boxes and boxes of school photos, school work, and notes from others. I have a whole new appreciation for us all!

Packing the car happens tomorrow. I may have over-estimated how much I can pack, but I definitely have learned a great deal over the past two month.

Including what I can and can't live without!

It's been wonderful spending time with friends and saying things that normally we might not say. Like "I Love You." There has been a lot of that. Even from friends I never expected to hear it from. 

One thing I have not said - and refuse to say - is "goodbye". 

My parting phrase is "I'll see you later."

And I mean it!

I'll let you know how packing the car goes!!

Happy Sunday,

Diane