May 6 Photo: Broken

Markerville barn, originally uploaded by whistlepunch.

Too busy to do more for the theme today. I love old barns. This one in Markerville just begged for a picture. And it fits the theme - Broken. Okay - back to work!

May 5 Photo: Celebrate/Paper

After church today, I went over to spend some time with Mom to celebrate her birthday. We didn't have a big family dinner planned since we just had one last week and mom is still under the weather and doesn't quite have her appetite back. She requested plain jello - that says it all.  But I had baked up a batch of coconut macaroons to accompany her birthday gift (wrapped in cheery spring bird paper). So I figured I could cover both themes (Celebrate and Paper) in one photo. I wish now I had taken a picture of the actual gift - it was so pretty. A Jim Shore figurine for the month of May.  

But I found one online. She is carrying Lily of the Valley and has an emerald Swarovski crystal necklace. Perfect for Mom's May birthday and her love of Jim Shore figurines. I was lucky she didn't already have this but so far she has mostly collected Christmas/winter figurines.

It has been a very low-key birthday with her still recovering from her pneumonia but I'm glad I was able to spend some time with her. Love you Mom!

May 4 Photo: Where I'm from

My home is Calgary. That is Cal-ga-ree. Not Cal-gree. People tell me I can't be from here if I pronounce it with three syllables but I was born and raised here. I use the two-syllabled pronunciation if it takes the role of an adjective. The Cal-gree Tower, The Cal-gree Flames.  But I am from Cal-ga-ry. The best city in the world.

And this is just after driving for 10 minutes from my home.

I was off to the Edge School for Athletes to watch a dance competition that my niece was performing in.  Such a talented sweet girl.  It was fun experiencing a reality show live - such fun performances. The girls from Chestermere who performed the number "Monster" were amazing. My niece was up there with a younger group - all sweet and energetic. So fun to watch. I wasn't backstage so I didn't see the behind the scenes but it all seemed super supportive and positive. No Abby Lee Miller to be seen.  Thanks for inviting me!

A star is born!