Yesterday afternoon, I got tired of looking at my bare Christmas tree and decided to start decorating it. I’ve been putting it off because I’ve reinjured my back recently and it hurts – a lot. I’ve been taking it easy this past week and sleeping in a bit more the past few days.
Did I tell you that I found out at some point in the last 12 years I fractured my spine? I’m still miffed at this. My former doctor never told me about this injury. I’m glad we get our health records now – this is how I found out about the injury. It showed up in a scan I had last fall when I got checked for fibrosis of the lungs. The injury is wedging between the vertebrae towards the bottom of the spine. No wonder it hurts. I suspect this happened during one of many falls on ice. Lord knows there have been enough of them over the years.
So, I’ve been taking it easy. Getting lots of sleep. Taking pain killers every day. And exercising.
But it was worth the pain. My little 4 foot tree looks adorable. I’m on the hunt for something to decorate the fireplace with. Maybe garland. I have to get new command hooks so it doesn’t damage the paint. I’m also scared to put anything on the tile. It’s so pretty.
I call this my Charlie Brown Christmas tree. I have a lot of Keepsake ornaments and Charlie Brown ones too. I love it. The tree is looking a little pathetic though.
While decorating the tree, I listened to Nana Mouskouri’s “Old Toy Train” which my mum played every Christmas. She loved Nana’s music. These are the sounds that filled my house when I was young. Nana is Greek performer that was hugely popular in the 80’s and 90’s. Mum had all her albums. We would listen to Perry Como, Dean Martin, Vera Lynn, Rita MacNeill and of course, Nana.
I need some garland… work in progress
This song makes invokes so many emotions – my throat closes up and I choke back the tears every time I hear it. Even my aunts joke about it because mum was obsessed with this Christmas album. And so it’s fitting, that when I decorate the tree with ornaments inherited from my mother, that I listen to her favorite song.
About a month ago, I decided to start watching at least one movie each week. Now that’s it’s October and spooky season is here, most of my nights are filled watching horror and sci-fi classics. It’s what I do every year. But to change things up and get out of a funk, I decided to pick a wildcard movie of the week on Netflix or Prime and write a review
The challenge
The challenge is to watch one indie film each week and write a blog post about it. The rules are simple. It can’t be a movie I’ve seen before. It has to be considered or labelled as an “independent film” on Netflix or Prime. And it has to be something I know very little about. Mainly, I just go through the list of indie films and click on a random movie to what happens.
My watch list is growing full of independent films that I’m looking forward to watching. Some films are really great while others are a miss. I watched The Starling with Melissa McCarthy last week and I LOVED it despite the film receiving harsh reviews from critics.
I have a certain set of things I look for in a film that makes it a hit or miss for me. That’s how I’ll rate movies – hit or miss. But everyone has their own tastes, and unless a movie is truly awful, I won’t tell you not to watch it. I’ll let you be the judge of how good it is.
What I look for:
Overall storyline – is it unique?
Acting – it’s all about who stars in the film and if I like the actor or not
Music – a film with a great soundtrack is always worth it in my books
Scenery – films like Life of Pie with stunning scenery will always get in my good graces
Writing – is it good or consistent? Are there too many plot holes?
I love musicals and anything to do with biographies or historical figures. So, be prepared for some musicals in this list. I loved the Elton John biopic and the soundtrack was just so great.
Cast and Crew
Directed by: Rupert Goold
Screenplay: Tom Edge, Peter Quilter
Based on: End of the Rainbow (stage play)
Genre: Independent Film, Biography, Music
Cast: Renee Zellweger, Finn Wittrock
Storyline
Judy Garland was a beloved child star, singer and actress who was most known for her role of Dorothy in the hit film The Wizard of Oz (1939). Judy is portrayed by Renée Zellweger who is almost unrecognizable in this role with short black hair. Her voice however is unmistakable. Zellweger has an impressive resume but she is most known for her role as Bridget in Bridget Jones Diary and also for movies like Jerry MacGuire, White Oleander and a really good horror film called Case 39.
The beginning of the film takes place over 30 years after Oz was released. Judy is kicked out of her hotel due to her account being in arrears. Judy is drowning in debt and faces a custody battle for her children. Throughout the film, we see flashbacks to the early days where Judy was in her prime and we see the development of her relationship with her fifth husband, Mickey Deans (Finn Wittrock).
We see glimpses of Judy’s past and how she was treated by her handlers. Basically at this stage in her life, Judy is a hot mess and is still reeling from trauma she suffered as a child star. Judy moves to London to return to the stage and her adoring fans.
And that’s all I’ll tell you at this point. You’ll have to watch the film to find out the rest for yourself.
Official Trailer
Soundtrack
I admit. I was a Judy fan growing up. Meet Me in St. Louis is a film I watch every December. The Trolley Song is still one of my favorites. Other songs included are Get Happy, Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Come Rain or Come Shine.
And before you ask, yes, Zellweger is actually singing in those scenes. She worked with a well known coach to prepare for the movie and she did a wonderful job.
Critics and Awards
For some reason I wasn’t in the mood for Judy when it hit theatres in 2019. The film won many awards and the critics gushed about it. Zellweger’s performance here would lead to her winning an Oscar. Here is her acceptance speech from the ceremony. I’m glad I finally sat down to watch it. I used to love Renee back in her Bridget Jones Diary day, and I’m glad she is doing well and is being recognized for her talent.
My thoughts
Overall I enjoyed the film and the music. Zellweger’s performance was top notch as usual. I didn’t recognize anyone else in the cast which is unusual for a movie buff like me.
What I would have liked to see was more flashbacks into Judy’s childhood and more of her backstory. Movies like this definitely help to expose the corruption in Hollywood and especially the abuse that child actors face. We still see this today with stars like Brittney Spears. But we only see a small part of this in the film.
The ending of Judy really hit me hard. I didn’t expect to cry but I did. All you need to watch is just one song – Over the Rainbow – and you’ll know what I mean.
To finish this post off, let’s watch a Judy Garland classic.
Hit or miss
If you’re a fan of The Wizard of Oz or Judy Garland, then I recommend giving this film a try. This endearing and emotional film is worthy of a watch.
Interested in “watching” films with me? If so, suggest a film below! Definitely follow my blog for weekly posts like this. They will be posted on Saturday nights or Sunday mornings.
Thrifting is not something that I grew up with in my life. My mother always enjoyed the finer things in life. We weren’t rich by any means but she sometimes acted like we were and would spend so much money shopping. I think she passed on the habit down to her girls because it’s definitely something that I like to do as well. I spend many hours on Amazon each week looking for new things to try.
But in an effort to remain “frugal” and be more conscious of how much money I’m spending, I suggested that my bestie and I go thrifting today. I’ve been so excited for this, that I went to bed at midnight last night and woke up bright eyed at 5:00 am. I sat outside for a bit but it was so cold – I bundled up and went back to bed.
I’m sitting here with my morning cup of coffee, a bowl of Special K cereal, my water, almond milk and some piano music in the background. This – is my new happy place.
My bestie has a booth at a local antique mall. We’re going to hit that and then check out some garage sales. She’s the one who got me into thrifting a few years back. We would head to the mall after work or on Saturday morning, go for brunch and have some quality time together.
Because of the pandemic, we really haven’t been able to do that in a couple of years. It’s been since 2019 at least and I didn’t realize how much I missed thrifting and looking through people’s treasures until this month.
The Hygge life and thrifting
My journey to a happier life is a work in progress. Something I learned this week about being Hygge, is decorating your home with things you love. One YouTube channel I discovered suggested that finding vintage items like canvas art, candles or other decor items adds more history and character to your home. So, that’s what I’m on the hunt for today.
We’re going to hit Good Will as well. And before anyone jumps down my throat and accuses of being “trendy” – I’m still on disability leave. That means I’m taking home less money than I would if I was working full time. I can’t afford to buy new artwork right now at the prices they charge on sites like Amazon.
And besides, I’ve found some great furniture over the years via places like Marketplace and Kijiji. It’s where I got my last piano. And the piano I have now is one we bought for the church in 2005. It sat in storage unused for many years when we got an acoustic piano and so I asked if I could use it as a practice piano.
There’s nothing wrong with buying second hand items. Especially if money is tight – which this year especially, that’s the case for a lot of people. Most of my living room is full of second hand furniture and items from my parent’s house. The only new item I have is my sofa. And as you know, the reason I bought that is because my last couch broke a few years ago. I haven’t bought new furniture since 2008 save for a few things for my bedroom from Ikea.
What not to buy
If you are new to thrifting and are looking to bring items to your home, do be forewarned. Some items are better to buy brand new. Things like sofas, mattresses and even clothing can have bedbugs in them or worse – cockroaches. Those suckers get into everything. Mattresses are definitely not something I would ever buy second hand. Unless you know the home it comes from – I would highly recommend getting a new mattress and linens.
Other things to consider when buying second items:
Look for yellow or black stains. This could indicate that the item came from a smoker’s home. The smell of smoke can linger on fabric items and can be hard to clean.
Check for holes in wood or fabric of furniture. Look for rodent droppings, white stains (urine) or tiny little black marks which could be from bedbugs.
If buying from Facebook Marketplace, ask for the history of the item. If you can, check out the seller’s profile and their other listings. I’m more inclined to buy from someone with a well kept home. A well kept home, is a good indicator that the item you are buying has been properly cared for as well.
One of the reasons I prefer thrifting or garage sales compared to using Marketplace is people play too many games on Facebook. I gave up trying to sell anything online because of the 20 question game people play and then decide they don’t want the item. And then there are the low ballers who will offer you half of what the item is listed for. I wound up giving away so much stuff when I moved because of that.
Things you definitely want to buy
Today I’m on the hunt for vintage artwork, lamps, lanterns, and anything I can decorate my home with. More specifically, the bedroom and balcony.
Things that are definitely worth buying at thrift shops or garage sales include:
Vintage artwork (canvas art, photo frames)
Vinyl records – these have made a comeback
Art supplies (scrapbooks, paint brushes, paints, etc)
Books – I’m definitely going to be looking for old music books to replace some I’ve lost
Jewelry – rings, gems, stones, beads, (sanitize before wearing)
Signage, and posters
Trading cards and other collectables (stamps, coins, etc)
Dishes (plates, bowls, etc)
You just never know what treasures you might find in a thrifting store or antique mall.
COVID Safety
The pandemic is still going strong here in our city. The city council brought back a mask mandate and so we will be wearing masks today. I strongly recommend that you wear masks and gloves when going thrifting at best of times. Or carry hand sanitizer and wipes with you.
While many shops are really strict about the quality of items they accept, shelves can become incredibly dusty. Plus you just don’t know the history of the item you’re picking up. If you have allergies or are sensitive to dust, then gloves are definitely recommended.
Cleaning and sanitization
Wash your item as soon as you get it home from the shop or garage sale. Wood furniture can be wiped down with a wet cloth and cleaning solutions – or just vinegar and dish soap. I did this with my sofa when I ordered it from Leon’s because it had that musty warehouse smell. The smell has disappeared from the cushions. I used a wet cloth and warm water and will do this about once a month to keep the sofa clean.
Wood, metals and hard materials are easy to clean. Use products like vinegar, baking soda, dish soap or ammonia for deep cleaning.
Follow cleaning instructions for clothing and fabric items. Check insides of bags and purses for signs of bugs. Machine or hand wash all clothing items before wearing them. One tip I learned is to toss in some vinegar with your laundry. This helps to get rid of some stains and lingering smells.
Saturday Thrifting Adventures
And that’s it for today. I’m excited to just go out for a few hours and be social. My bestie just texted me so I should get ready for our day. I’m hoping to get to see dad later but might have to wait until tomorrow or Monday. There is a COVID case at his residence so maybe we need to be careful of who visits him.
I’ll come back later this week and share my finds with you! I think we’re planning on stopping for lunch today. We have been trying to get out to Elk Island park to go for a walk and take some photos but my knees haven’t been cooperating for that. Hopefully we at least get out for a drive to take some amazing fall photos. It’s a glorious day outside right now with the sun shining and the golden leaves outside my window.
Have you ever been thrift shopping? What kind of treasures have you found at an antique mall? Let me know in the comments.
Last night was a bit of a rough night. Between shoulder pain, and new found back pain, I couldn’t sleep. After tossing and turning for a few hours, and scrolling mindlessly through TikTok videos, I decided to sit outside for a while. It’s my quiet time. I love sitting outside when the rest of the world is quiet. Even if it is four in the morning. It’s currently 4:26 am as I write this out.
The weather has been up and down all week with really strong winds. It’s supposed to get extremely hot again this weekend with temperatures as high as 34C on Friday afternoon. But I suspect this is the last of the heat we’ll see for the year.
Early September is usually my favorite time of year. The days are warm, and the night cools off enough that it makes you want to curl up in bed with a warm fuzzy quilted blanket. The mornings can be chilly. But the best part – is you can finally wear sweaters again. I love sweaters.
It’s still technically summer here, for another week or so. Our autumn usually starts around mid-August. The leaves start turning golden yellow, crisp brown and auburn colors. Sometimes, if we’ve had very little rain, or too much rain, the leaves will start turning early in August.
The days are already getting shorter with the sun going down at 9:00 pm. That’s a sign that autumn is here. In a couple of weeks, the days will get even shorter and it will start getting dark around 8 or 8:30 pm. The sun wakes up later each morning until the dreaded time change that happens in November.
I just came in from outside. Even with my fleece and fuzzy pants on, it’s really cold out there. Like, what happened? Just a few days ago the temperature was 15C at night. I could sit out there without a jacket. But as the weeks go on, the temperatures start to drop a little more each night. By next week, we’ll be hitting single digits at night time.
But it’s not the weather changes that make me love this season. It’s so much more than that. It’s the beautiful colors that the leaves turn. It’s the golden sunsets. It’s waking up to cool crisp air in the morning. It’s seeing fresh dew on the grass. And frost on car windows.
To me, autumn is a reminder to slow down and reflect on the year that has passed.
Time moves so quickly that before you know it, fall will be over. Halloween will arrive. And Thanksgiving. And next thing you know, we’ll be hanging Christmas lights and writing cards for our loved ones. That’s when things become – chaotic.
Autumn.
Autumn is the time I often think about what I want for the next year. I start making a list of all my goals that I want to achieve. I start making lists, and plans. I think about how I can achieve those goals.
As someone who grew up in a family of Danish farmers, I know that autumn is the time for harvest. By September, the stores are usually full of delicious vegetables like zucchini, spaghetti squash, and pumpkins. It’s my favorite time of year for cooking vegetable stews, soups and casseroles. This year, I’m praying that the crops are healthy enough to provide the healthy foods we need to nourish ourselves.
The rest of the world around me is silent. The sky is still dark outside. The birds are quiet. There’s no traffic. I’m at ease. My mind is at peace. I’m listening to acoustic music and just enjoying the moment. For what it is.
Follow my blog for more inspirational posts like this!
It’s Monday and I thought I would just post a quick update before signing off for the week. Today is a chilly day and it’s snowing. All the snow finally melted in the front of the building. At least it’s big flakes and hopefully won’t stick around too long. My knees are feeling it today.
I had plans to take out all my garbage and recycling today but we’ll see how the weather plays out. I should have done it on the weekend when it was sunny and clear. But such is life.
I’m coming along with packing. But I’m running out of room. I can’t line boxes against the walls because mice are still around. I think they might have either moved to another suite or are in hiding. I haven’t seen any new droppings in the last couple of days. But it doesn’t mean they aren’t there. I am worried that one might crawl into a box and come with me. But I suspect it would likely die in the process of moving as some boxes won’t get unpacked right away.
Three more days!
I went to the condo with my sister yesterday. It’s in pretty great shape. The owner was there fixing some things but had an accident with plumbing. So, I have to wait a couple of days for the carpets to dry. What I am excited about is how much storage there is. Even the master bedroom closet is huge. So I can store my bins safely neatly. There’s ample storage in the spare room for all my boxes too.
The plan is to purge even more once I’m settled in. I’ll separate boxes into groups of what I want to keep and what I can get rid of. I had a mini panic attack when I realized I grossly under estimated how many boxes I would need.
Ordering a mattress was pure hell re: covid. I called around stores for THREE hours on Saturday and wasted most of the day. I finally settled on a $600 mattress from Leons. They were the only ones who could guarantee delivery this week. Which means, I had to have the mattress delivered Wednesday.
My old bed is getting picked up on Thursday morning. I may have to switch this around if I have to pick up the elevator key. I didn’t know this was needed. But I’m hoping the property manager can just meet me on Thursday when we get there with the moving truck. That would make life a lot easier. I’m so excited to have underground parking for my relatives when they’re able to come visit.
One sister really helped with finding a new condo and even came with me yesterday for the inspection. She asked all the questions I always forget to ask. I may have to order in new curtains and a microwave. But I’ll get a better idea when I drop a few things off tomorrow. The place looked like it was in good condition. The walls could be cleaner – but I can always work on that later.
The kitchen – I can’t wait to use my new stainless steel stove and fridge! The freezer is huge too. There is lots of room for my pantry and dining table. So I can actually have people over for dinner. I may need to order a love seat for the living room space. But.. all in good time. I do not have much counter space. But I can always get a little cabinet for the microwave later on too. There’s plenty of room for it.
It will just be nice to have a new kitchen. There’s a brand new washer for laundry too and LOTS of storage in the laundry room. The living room isn’t a bad size either. And there’s a nice balcony.
The only caveat is the gym is a bit of a walk away and I have to book appointments to use it. Perhaps for now I’ll just use the walking trails and enjoy being so close to the ravine.
I do plan on ordering in covers for my arm chairs and cushions for the dining chairs to match the decor in the new place. New shower curtains are needed too. I have lots of everything else.
So, that’s where we are today. I’ve got my feet up right now and am waiting for the pain killers to kick in before I pack.
It’s Friday again! Does it really matter though? The days have all blended together and it doesn’t seem to matter what the day is. They all feel the same lately. That’s the effect isolation has had on us all.
We’re still in lockdown here. Most restaurants and bars are closed. I haven’t had a haircut in months. I finally cut my own hair out of frustration yesterday. Just an inch off the bottom. I’m afraid to cut it anymore than that for making a mess out of it. I just keep cutting and cutting because I think it looks crooked. So, I need to get into a salon the minute they open up again.
My niece is taking beauty culture classes or whatever they call it now so I really might have to visit my sister one of these nights. The kids are all growing up so fast. Her brother got accepted into business school and I’m just so darned proud of him. They’re amazing kids. Even if they are taller than me.
I just got off the phone with my therapist. Appointments have been via the phone or video conference because of the pandemic. We meet bi-weekly. And it feels amazing to have someone to talk to who isn’t family or a friend. It’s someone who doesn’t know my world and can give advice without judgment. I always feel better after our chats. I really like her too. Very easy to get along with.
For some people therapy is a four letter word. There are people who are ashamed to even admit they are in therapy. But one thing I realized in the last year with isolation and the pandemic, sometimes we need that extra support. Just having someone to talk to can help.
That’s why I’m stoked for my new service page where you can book consultations and coaching sessions with me. I told my therapist that I’m ready to retire from government work and move onto something else. I’m still looking for work I can do from home but jobs are limited these days. I’m still also waiting for medical appointments – it’s going to be about a year before I can get into see a neurologist for the migraines. I also want to chat about Parkinsons. It’s hereditary. And I just want to be on top of things for when I get older.
The search for a new place continues. Rent is so insane here. I’ve paid $1200 for years for 2 bedrooms since 2008. People are now charging that for what they think are “luxury” condos — for a ONE bedroom! It’ s freaking insane. I ranted about this on Facebook and a friend just sent me a link to a rental for like $1500 without utilities. I was like, um, thanks, but did you even read my post? I’ve seen condos as high as $2500 monthly. People call them luxury condos but they’re tiny.
And what’s with kitchens in new condos? They are so little. Some people still like to cook! I need a full sized kitchen above anything else.
That would mean more than 50% of my income goes to rent. I’m tired of being broke all the time. While I have some savings, it isn’t much. Luckily, I managed to pay off a good chunk of credit debt this year. So, that’s a bonus. I have stellar credit now. That’s an amazing feeling but took a long time to get there.
And so, this is where I am on this Friday afternoon. It snowed last night and it’s a dreary kind of day. It’s supposed to get really cold this weekend but I can’t complain. We’ve been spoiled with above average temperatures.
Except for that “squall” that we experienced two nights ago. No one even knew what a “Squall” was. I kind of like the term. “squall”. Want to know what a squall is? Check this video out. It was surreal. Lots of people lost power. Because things couldn’t get any weirder. People lost entire sheds and trampolines. Roofs were torn off houses.
It’s like a hurricane- but with snow.
On that note – I will wish you a happy Friday. What are you up to this weekend? It’s another big fun isolation weekend here. I think I will get back into baking and work on some recipe cards for you all.
Happy Friday!
Friday Promos
Still looking for that first review of my Etsy shop. Prices of art have been reduced. I’m also giving away artwork to customers who leave a review. You can also get a hand-signed piece of your choice from me. Don’t miss out! Only a week left.
Services
Check out my new “services” page – it’s a work in progress as I come up with a list of services I can offer. If you’re looking for online companionship or coaching sessions, get in touch. We can work out something.
The other night, I was feeling senitmental about music from my childhood. I mentioned Vera Lynn in a post about music from the “early days”. Music that my grandfather and mother loved.
My mother was born and raised in London, England until she was fourteen. The family moved to Canada and if you asked her, she would tell you she was a proud Canadian. But her British roots were important to her.
She loved music from artists like Elton John. She was obsessed with anything to do with the Royal Family and Princess Diana. And she, along with my grandfather loved Vera Lynn’s music.
She also loved tea time. She drank Red Rose tea throughout the day. Whenever my grandfather came over, they enjoyed biscuits with jam and a few cups of tea.
I just cried. I honestly, really just cried when I learned that Vera Lynn died at the age of 103. She popped into my head the other night for no reason. I listened to a few of her old songs like We’ll Meet Again.
These songs always make me tear up.
I lost my grandfather, John, who once served on a Navy ship during the war as a cook. He had so many stories to tell of the war and his travels. He was proud of his service – and proud of his family. He died of natural causes in 2007 at the age of 95.
I never met my grandmother – Vi. She died in 1969, even before my sister was born. She never got to meet any of her grandchildren. I think I look a lot like her. I’m always told I look like my mum.
When my grandfather died in 2007, the same week my aunt Esther died – aid I performed at both funerals – the hardest week of my life – mum listened to this music.
I listen to it when I’m thinking of my own mum, who I lost six years ago.
Grief never really leaves you. It never goes away. You never forget the people who loved you the most.
Music has a way of reminding us of that. And today, while listening to “We’ll Meet Again” – I cried for like the millionth time. Because that’s what this song does.
I like to think that there is an after life. A life where we get to see our loved ones again. I don’t know if there is a heaven. But if there is a place like this – I like to think that my mother is enjoying a cup of tea with her parents right now and listening to this music just like I am.
Rest well, Dame Vera Lynn.
You were part of so many memories from my childhood.
Charmed Reflections 
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