New beginning and soapmaking

Although this new stage in my life began almost two months ago, I have not yet blogged about it.
At the end of January, I retired from 31 years of a career in education...still loving my job, still passionate about it but ready to let it go and allow my life to take a different direction.
I must admit that eventhough I loved the idea of retirement, it's such a huge life change that it will take some getting used to.
Don't get me wrong, I love it. I have plenty to keep myself very occupied and I have loads of projects and plans for the future. But that's just it, I still am in the mode of filling my days to the max, just like when I was working. I must learn to let go of my agenda and my calendar!! ...well, at least, let it go a little...and not be so worried about it.
When I left, my boss had told me that she would call me to work a few hours here and there...April will be a busy month...but I am looking forward to getting back to my old habits.

So what has been keeping me busy these last few weeks?

Soaps...lots of soap.

Soaps are white with purple chunks. I used a stamp to leave on imprint on the front of the soap.

I purchased perfect little pruple organza bags from That final touch on Etsy and daughter V made little tags for them.

As you have probably guessed, our daughter will be giving out soaps as guest favors at her upcoming wedding.

I've also knitted a little bit...will be back to post about that later.

Giving thanks

This is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada. Allthough I am thankful every single day of my life, today I take the time to write about it.

I am so thankful for all that life has given me. Thankful for my family. Thankful for the wonderful weather we have been having! Thankful for all the simple little pleasures my daily life has been offering me.

Twenty years ago, this fall, I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The year that followed was just awful. The chemo was shear hell! Even though it has saved my life and I would do it all over again, I still wonder how they can get away with treating humans with those drugs. The radiation followed the chemo and made me that much sicker and weaker. Thanks to the two little sweethearts I had at home, I kept getting up every morning and hoping I was still making their life as normal as possible. My daughter was 7 years old and my son was only 4. Hubby was and still is my rock, my light and soul mate.
Anyone that has gone through severe accident, or trauma, death of someone close or illness will tell you that it changes you completely, it's like hitting a brick wall and making a sharp 90 degree turn. Nothing is the same after. I must say, life is better than it has ever been. I don't think that it's luck, I beleve that life is good if you wish it to be so, if you make it so.

My father is fighting his own cancer battle now. He is strong and brave and has a wonderful attitude. I am thankful for having him as my father.

I leave you with this wonderful fun video taken in the Toronto Eaton center.

Happy Thanksgiving. Be sure to bring light to those that you hold dear. And enjoy the simple pleasures of life every single day.