happiness – Page 31 – Jennifer Michie

May 10, 2015 / 1 Comment

Happy Mother’s Day

The kisser of boo-boos; the maker of pancakes; the whispered words that banish bad dreams; the cool fingers that ease a fever; the hands that hold, soothe and dry tears; the lips that kiss, that speak words of love and encouragement. The ears that hear what is being said and often what is left unsaid. The arms that offer hugs when no one else’s arms will do. The smile that let’s you know that everything will be okay. All these things and so much more only begin to scratch the surface of what it means to be a Mama.

My Mom holds all these qualities and so much more. Through the miracle of invention, I get to speak to her every day, even though we are thousands of miles away. I think so often of those brave pioneers who stepped up onto their wagons and set off down a road that would lead them so far away from their families, that they might never see them again. Occasionally we have the chance to Skype before I leave for work. After that I am set for my day. It doesn’t matter what else happens from that point forward, I have seen her face and all is right with the world. We laugh, we have our “little” secrets, we enjoy each other’s company.

I see the same thing between my gorgeous sister and my sweet pea of a niece. Even though she is still itty bitty, they laugh together, they have their own language, they share looks, they have their own little jokes and things they do to tease one another.

We are blessed to have Mothers, GREAT Mothers. Not everyone can say that. I’m very lucky, I can say that! I have a wonderful Mother and a sister who is a wonderful Mother too. Moms are often under appreciated. It is the hardest, at times least rewarding, non-paid job there is. But, it is an important job. Jacqueline Kennedy said once, that “if you bungle raising your children, I don’t think whatever else you do matters very much.” I think that is so true. You are shaping someone’s life in your hands. Being a parent is an important job and we should celebrate Mom’s, not just today, but everyday.

Happy Mother’s Day to two of the most important women in my life. Like all good Moms I have more than two women in my life who have guided me and celebrated my ups and downs, have been my cheerleaders and confidantes and I celebrate them as well. I love you all.

May 1, 2015 / 0 Comments

True Survivor

I have a secret. It’s a guilty pleasure secret and I’m going to share it with you. About two weeks ago, I read about a Kickstarter campaign to make a time traveling movie called “Kung Fury”. David Hasselhoff is involved in the project and has made a music video.

The title song, “True Survivor”, along with the video is just the best reminiscent cheesy 80’s piece of happiness that I have come across in awhile. I can’t stop listening to this song, it’s just too good. I’ve played it so often, Mr. Michie even knows all the words. I played it for my parent’s and they liked it too. I’m not ashamed to admit, I like “The Hoff”, singing away in his leather jacket in front of a white Knight Rider styled car.

I think the title of the song is appropriate, because that is what I have done this week: SURVIVED! Here’s to the weekend!

April 28, 2015 / 0 Comments

Leaves

This morning, I walked through the park on my way to work. I stopped for a few minutes on a bench to drink my coffee and breath in the fresh air before I headed into school. It was cold this morning, there was a frost on the rooftops and a biting breeze. But I had on my cozy winter coat and my cup of coffee, so I was happy. The sun was shining and the tree branches above me were swaying. I watched the sun dance through the leaves as their speckled pattern splayed out across the grass. It was the perfect calm before the onslaught of the day.

April 19, 2015 / 0 Comments

Pizza Pilgrims

We headed into the city this weekend to run a few errands and decided to grab an early dinner at Pizza Pilgrims. I have been following their story for awhile now and had been dying to taste their pizza. Their restaurant is situated in Kingly Court, where CandyCakes used to be.

I had the “Filetti” (a white pizza), Mr. Michie had the “Salsiccia e Friarielli” (a white pizza with fresh fennel sausage, chilli and wild broccoli). We split a scoop of vanilla gelato for dessert.

I have to say, and Mr. Michie would agree, that this is hands down the best pizza we have ever had in England. It tasted like I was back in Italy – it was that delicioso!

If you’re in London and looking for a great pizza, fun atmosphere, friendly staff, good beer and ice cream to die for then I would suggest you check this place out!

April 17, 2015 / 0 Comments

Pretty in Pink

One of my all time favourite John Hughes’ movies is: Pretty in Pink! The cast is great (Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer, Andrew McCarthy, Harry Dean Stanton, Annie Potts and James Spader), the costumes are even better; the music, oh, don’t even get me started! Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark’s, “If You Leave”, one of the greatest 80’s songs ever, that took us in to movie bliss in the middle of a darkened parking lot at the end!

This past week, James Corden recreated the famous record store scene with Jon Cryer (who plays Duckie). I loved it! Is it just me, or does anyone else think, Jon Cryer should keep wearing his hair like that? That wig just seems to work for him.

Here’s to the weekend, long may it last!

April 10, 2015 / 1 Comment

Peep!

My Mom sent us a delicious Easter package and inside was one of my favourites: Peeps! We opened up a packet last night, took a bite out of the bunny ears and smiled! Nothing better than a marshmallow covered in coloured sugar! Right? RIGHT!

April 2, 2015 / 0 Comments

After The Rain

We had quite a storm last night. I listened to the rain hitting the windows like a snare drum being tapped, tapped, tapped. I stared at the ceiling and could see the reflection of the collected droplets as the headlights from a car flashed across our room.

This morning, it was grey when I left. There was a chill in the air and the rain had turned to a drizzle, slowly soaking you through.

The wind yesterday had beaten and whipped off the the camellias from many of the bushes near school. As I walked in, it was like parading down a carpet of petals. This one blossom remained, perfectly intact and beautiful on the wet ground.

March 30, 2015 / 0 Comments

“M&M” Date Night #2

Last night we had an impromptu date night and watched Murphy’s Romance. One of my favorites! James Garner, Sally Field, Carole King doing the theme song! If all of this isn’t a winning combination, I don’t know what is?

It was a naughty food “M&M” night. We had “Murphy’s” Chili over fries and chocolate – all chocolate coke floats!

It was a nice way to finish off the weekend.

I know I’ve posted this clip before, but I just love it:

March 23, 2015 / 2 Comments

A London Saturday

We had some errands to run on Saturday. So, we got up early and left the house not long before seven.

We stopped off for breakfast:

Strolled by Lina’s to look at the giant candy Easter Eggs in the window:

And just happened upon this fella:

I love when errands become lazy strolls, walking hand in hand down almost deserted streets. It’s as if all of London belongs to you, or at least a small slice of it.

March 19, 2015 / 1 Comment

March Morning

Spring is trying very hard to peek through the veil of Winter. The daffodils are starting to push their green arms forth through the damp soil. The trees are ripe with tight blossoms, unfolding little by little each day. There have been some warm days here and there, but the mornings remain cool.

This morning was frosty. My breath puffed out in big plumes over my head, as I walked to the station. The world around me shrouded in a fine mist. It would have been a perfect morning to grab some coffee and just go for a walk. I love mornings like this, there is always an air of mystery and magic to the world, as the bright green leaves, moss and grasses of Spring nudge their heads out from the heavy curtain of Winter.