I have been trying to think of the best way to share all my knowledge for the last few years. I finally decided to use a blog format. The Cyberangel Chronicles has been more of an online diary for me,a place to keep track of the events in my life. It serves that purpose well but I wanted another forum to showcase ideas,knowledge, how-to's, recipes, decorating tips, remedies and inspirational thoughts.
So I have just given birth to a new blog Wyldestone Cottage. Please stop by when you have a chance and help me spread the word by adding me to your blog rolls and becoming a follower.
I hope to be posting something new every day and welcome your comments.
Cheers Rhianna
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
I'll Just Scoot on Over
I used to have a moped when I lived in Germany. I loved that bike, cheap on gas, zipped through traffic, easy to park. It got stolen twice and I never saw it again after the last time. I have always wanted another one but they were never really popular or available here until a few years ago. When they finally showed up here, they were the price of a small car. I couldn't justify a $5000.00 price tag for a fair weather ride, when I would still need a car for business.
I finally found a good deal on one and picked it up today. It's 150 cc so I have to get a motorcycle liscence to drive it. I already wrote the beginers test and once I feel comfortable balancing on it and handling it, I can do my skills test. That will allow me to drive it around during the day. Eventually I will do the road test when I am comfortable driving it in heavy traffic.
I'm so excited, can't wait to try it out. Of course the minute I get it home, the heavens opened up and spewed a downpour on us. I don't want to start driving it under those conditions, so I'm tapping my feet waiting for the clouds to break. I guess now that I'm a "biker chick" I should get a tattoo ;)
( just kidding mom xxoo)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
I'm Not a Quitter
...but some things needed to be let go of. I'm also not affliated with any religeon in particular but I do find some of their customs interesting. I like the idea of Lent where you give something up for 40 days. This year I chose chocolate. It may not sound like a big deal to you, but I love the stuff and eat some every day. Chocolate whip cream in my hot chocolate every morning to start my day is followed by at least one chocolate bar and usually a piece of chocolate cake or a brownie before the day is done. It has been a challenge to satisfy my sweet tooth without resorting to chocolate. My main treat these days has been cinnamon hearts.
As if denying myself chocolate wasn't bad enough, I have quit smoking for the fourth and final time. I recently had a checkup and the Dr. informed me that my hemaglobin was very high. Apparently my lungs are so clogged that my body has made extra hemaglobin to try and grab what little oxygen that managed to filter through the goo. He said if I don't quit now, I will probably be dead in 10 years. I have noticed that I have been quite breathless alot lately and that was the wakeup call I needed to deal with this.
My health has taken a shit kicking in the last month. I have been dealing with another pinched nerve in my neck for the last three weeks. It's not quite as agonizing as last summer but just by a degree or two. Luckily work has been slow as I can only manage one or two clients a day at most. Last Sunday just as I was finishing up my first client of six, I developed severe chest pains. Long story short, I was whisked to the hospital by ambulance, given a battery of tests and xrays and sent home 10 hours later. It wasn't a heart attack but had all the symptoms of one. I can only think it must of been another pinched nerve that inervates the muscles between the ribs.I'm grateful it wasn't more serious but wondering what my body is trying to tell me when so many of my nerves are so inflamed that I am in agony.
The last thing I gave up this month, was the thought that someday I might become a parent. I haven't had a period since November, so had the Dr. run a pregnancy test. Of course it was negative and I have to face the fact that I am finally in full menopause and a family of my own is completely out of the question. I kind of figured years ago, that I would never have children but until now there was always that small chance that a miracle would happen and I still might become a mother. Now I have to deal with the grief of knowing that it's not going to happen. Funny at my age I should be a grandmother, but never having children has left me feeling a little like Peter Pan, like I never quite finished growing up.
As if denying myself chocolate wasn't bad enough, I have quit smoking for the fourth and final time. I recently had a checkup and the Dr. informed me that my hemaglobin was very high. Apparently my lungs are so clogged that my body has made extra hemaglobin to try and grab what little oxygen that managed to filter through the goo. He said if I don't quit now, I will probably be dead in 10 years. I have noticed that I have been quite breathless alot lately and that was the wakeup call I needed to deal with this.
My health has taken a shit kicking in the last month. I have been dealing with another pinched nerve in my neck for the last three weeks. It's not quite as agonizing as last summer but just by a degree or two. Luckily work has been slow as I can only manage one or two clients a day at most. Last Sunday just as I was finishing up my first client of six, I developed severe chest pains. Long story short, I was whisked to the hospital by ambulance, given a battery of tests and xrays and sent home 10 hours later. It wasn't a heart attack but had all the symptoms of one. I can only think it must of been another pinched nerve that inervates the muscles between the ribs.I'm grateful it wasn't more serious but wondering what my body is trying to tell me when so many of my nerves are so inflamed that I am in agony.
The last thing I gave up this month, was the thought that someday I might become a parent. I haven't had a period since November, so had the Dr. run a pregnancy test. Of course it was negative and I have to face the fact that I am finally in full menopause and a family of my own is completely out of the question. I kind of figured years ago, that I would never have children but until now there was always that small chance that a miracle would happen and I still might become a mother. Now I have to deal with the grief of knowing that it's not going to happen. Funny at my age I should be a grandmother, but never having children has left me feeling a little like Peter Pan, like I never quite finished growing up.
My Shabby Chic Bathroom
Craigslist has once again gifted me with some choice finds. I got this super-cute hand painted sink in an old desk and an old fashioned medicine cabinet to go with it. I think they will go perfect with this toilet I got last year and my steam shower unit.
I've never really pictured myself with a blue bathroom, so I have been looking at pictures of other blue bathrooms to see what I like and don't like. As all my fixtures are white other than the blue sink, I'm thinking either white beadboard on the bottom half of the wall with blue on top to match the sink, or keeping the room mainly white with touches of blue tile or trim.
I don't want to copy either of these rooms exactly, just looking at the difference of a lot of colour or touches of colour.
I would like to find a small crystal chandalier for this bathroom as well. I can't wait to have a home that I can decorate. I have so many great things hiding in storage. I find myself mentally going through my belongings wondering which would go best with what. I need it all sprawled out in front of me so I can rearrange and play with ideas.
I had to go to Squamish to pick my latest treasures up. I see the snow finally decided to make an appearance on the mountains. Too bad it's the week after the Olympics. The cruise ship in the distance was used to house volunteers or security during the games.
The lady I got the fixtures from told me to go check out this floathome that someone was building just down the road. I love the barge they are using, what a wonderful stable platform to build on. I guess the guy building it is a woodworker and is doing his best to build a one of a kind home. I would love to see it when it's finished.
I've never really pictured myself with a blue bathroom, so I have been looking at pictures of other blue bathrooms to see what I like and don't like. As all my fixtures are white other than the blue sink, I'm thinking either white beadboard on the bottom half of the wall with blue on top to match the sink, or keeping the room mainly white with touches of blue tile or trim.
I don't want to copy either of these rooms exactly, just looking at the difference of a lot of colour or touches of colour.
I would like to find a small crystal chandalier for this bathroom as well. I can't wait to have a home that I can decorate. I have so many great things hiding in storage. I find myself mentally going through my belongings wondering which would go best with what. I need it all sprawled out in front of me so I can rearrange and play with ideas.
I had to go to Squamish to pick my latest treasures up. I see the snow finally decided to make an appearance on the mountains. Too bad it's the week after the Olympics. The cruise ship in the distance was used to house volunteers or security during the games.
The lady I got the fixtures from told me to go check out this floathome that someone was building just down the road. I love the barge they are using, what a wonderful stable platform to build on. I guess the guy building it is a woodworker and is doing his best to build a one of a kind home. I would love to see it when it's finished.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
All's Well That Ends Well
I think I held my breath for the last 17 days as the Olympic party unfolded in our town. Things started off rough with the sad death of the Georgian luger, a serious lack of snow on the mountains and a few glitches during the opening ceremonies but once we won our first gold medal, all that was set aside and the party started in earnest. I have to admit I'm not one for watching sports but I ended up glued to my TV as the days went on.
I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the opening ceremonies. I didn't think we could come even remotely close to the spectacle that China presented at the last Olympics but I thought we did a fabulous job. The closing ceremonies were fairly hokey by contrast but we have always been good at poking fun at ourselves. We were so happy at winning the gold in hockey that a humerous light-hearted show was perfect for the giddy crowd.
And speaking of crowds, I have never seen so many people on the streets.I kept thinking the thrill would wear off and things would slow down, but neither work, nor rain, nor mile-long lineups stopped the people from pouring into the downtown core day after day. It was literally a sea of elbow-to-elbow red and white patrism. I've never felt prouder to be a Canadian.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Welcome to the First Ever Spring Olympics
Well tonight is the kickoff for the "Winter" Olympics here in Vancouver BC. It's kind of wierd to know the whole world is going to be tuned into our city for the next few weeks.
The weather has not been co-operating at all. I can't think of two completly different winters than the last two we have had here. Last year was a record breaker for snow and bad weather. This year winter never really happened, other than a few days of cold snap. The temperatures have remained in the 5-10 celcius degree range for most of the time. For the first time since I can remember, the local ski hill Cypress has had no snow at all to speak of since Christmas. It definately does not feel winter-like here in the least, as a matter of fact, we have flowers blooming in the garden and when the sun comes out it is down right hot.
I'm torn between wanting the Olympics to be a huge success and proud to show off my beautiful city to the world but scared we are going to make fools of ourselves in front of the international community. We have alot of issues in our city that desparately need attention, such as a huge homeless population, rampant drug and alcohol abuse problems,underfunded or nonexistant care for mentally ill patients and so on. We could have used the money to address these issues and made this city a better place for those that already live here rather than trying to entice yet more people to come and raise the property values even more. I forsee lots of demonstrations as our city hangs out it's dirty laundry at the biggest party ever. I just pray it doesn't get ugly.
I don't know if it's a foreshadowing of things to come but an athelete has already died while practicing for a sledding competition on a track that has already seen other injuries.Not a great way to start things off. Thirty atheletes have just been banned from competing due to doping charges. That one I just don't get at all. They know it's illegal, they know they will be tested, so why not just get in the spirit of the game and just be your personal best without trying to cheat. Mano a mano, may the best one win.
For the most part, I just can't wait for it to all be over. I can't afford the exhorbitent prices to actually go see any of the events, the free ones sound fun but there is the issue of getting to the venues as a lot of the roads are closed down,so it's join the masses trying to vye for seats on public transportation,pray there are still seats available once you get there and deal with a military state while trying to enjoy the event. I just pray it all goes smoothly,no major incidents,and everyone goes away with a positive memory of Vancouver.I hope with all my heart that this party will leave a positive legacy for our city and that somehow the funds that we need to deal with our issues will be generated as a result of all the attention.
Go Canada Go!!!
The weather has not been co-operating at all. I can't think of two completly different winters than the last two we have had here. Last year was a record breaker for snow and bad weather. This year winter never really happened, other than a few days of cold snap. The temperatures have remained in the 5-10 celcius degree range for most of the time. For the first time since I can remember, the local ski hill Cypress has had no snow at all to speak of since Christmas. It definately does not feel winter-like here in the least, as a matter of fact, we have flowers blooming in the garden and when the sun comes out it is down right hot.
I'm torn between wanting the Olympics to be a huge success and proud to show off my beautiful city to the world but scared we are going to make fools of ourselves in front of the international community. We have alot of issues in our city that desparately need attention, such as a huge homeless population, rampant drug and alcohol abuse problems,underfunded or nonexistant care for mentally ill patients and so on. We could have used the money to address these issues and made this city a better place for those that already live here rather than trying to entice yet more people to come and raise the property values even more. I forsee lots of demonstrations as our city hangs out it's dirty laundry at the biggest party ever. I just pray it doesn't get ugly.
I don't know if it's a foreshadowing of things to come but an athelete has already died while practicing for a sledding competition on a track that has already seen other injuries.Not a great way to start things off. Thirty atheletes have just been banned from competing due to doping charges. That one I just don't get at all. They know it's illegal, they know they will be tested, so why not just get in the spirit of the game and just be your personal best without trying to cheat. Mano a mano, may the best one win.
For the most part, I just can't wait for it to all be over. I can't afford the exhorbitent prices to actually go see any of the events, the free ones sound fun but there is the issue of getting to the venues as a lot of the roads are closed down,so it's join the masses trying to vye for seats on public transportation,pray there are still seats available once you get there and deal with a military state while trying to enjoy the event. I just pray it all goes smoothly,no major incidents,and everyone goes away with a positive memory of Vancouver.I hope with all my heart that this party will leave a positive legacy for our city and that somehow the funds that we need to deal with our issues will be generated as a result of all the attention.
Go Canada Go!!!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Survived Another Year
Hi, everyone out there doing ok? Was this last year as tumulteous for you as it was for me? By the way if you read my blog and have never left a comment, I would love a hello from you and let me know if there is anything in particular you want to hear about.
So 2009 started with tons of good intentions
-quit smoking (lasted 6 months) :(
-work out ( lasted 1 month)
-finish my boat ( she went to her final resting place in March)
-start teaching some courses ( totally forgot about that one till I reread my posts) :|
Once the boat was gone I spent about 6 months trying to find somewhere to plant my feet.Lots of false moves and starts took all the energy and time I could muster.A pinched nerve in the heat of all heat waves to beat all set me back financially although my tan had a great summer.
I finally decided on building my own floathome. I got a float and spent the next 6months scouring craigslist for free material and appliances to furnish my floating dream. I eventually managed to fill a 40 foot container with my found treasures. At this point it is still but a dream in progress. I need a few things before I continue on. First , I need an architecht to help me put together a list of material and structural considerations. Then I need a sizeable chunk of change to purchase framing,siding and roofing materials. I not sure my float will be sturdy enough for what I want to do so am kind of holding back to see if anything better comes along. Then there is always the matter of where do I park it once it's built? I'm not sure how long I am willing to keep paying for storage but hopefully something comes together by this summer.
I finally moved from the marina in November. I spend about half the week here visiting with David and the other half at my new space in town. I'm enjoying this transition period alot. Being in town,surrounded by community, I have come out of my shell ( or escaped the Mitchell Island vortex) and started having a social life again. Whatever last year brought, it certainly brought lots of music and great parties. I've lived in Vancouver now for 20 years and finally feel like I belong to a community. I have the greatest friends in the world and live in an increadiably beautiful city.
The holiday festivities continued on. New Years Eve , I treated myself to a fascial, massage and a visit to my hairdresser goddess Dee.
I took the new me to a house party to celebrate and make music with my friends. The next day, a few of us treated ourselves to brunch at the Hyatt. A few days later it was my birthday and my dear friend Daryl had me and a few friends over for dinner,cake and music.
Yummy birthday cake with one discreet candle
The next day David got back from his trip home and we spent the weekend back at my friends cabin in the hills. Just what the Dr. ordered, peace and quiet, no phones or responsibilities.
Just in time for the boxing day sales, my refurbuished computer drew it's last breath. I got myself a great new computer on which this post is being written. I love it, it's very fast, Windows 7, lots of features. I've spent the last two weeks sorting it all out rebuilding my music library and finally going through 60 gigs of photos, deleting 8 gigs of bad ones and putting all the rest in indentifiable folders. Phew... huge job, but I feel better now with everything all organized.
So as always at the top of my resolution list is to get in shape again. Now that I'm reasonably settled in life, I'm hoping to have a better go at it this year.
My other goal is to just get out more. I live in a beautiful part of the world with all kinds of nature options to enjoy and music festivals to take in. I haven't done anything around here in years. I hope this changes this year. Going to the cabin was a good start, it's close by but feels a million miles from the city.
I wish for you all, smiles and sunshine,good health and fortune for this year.
xxoo Rhianna
So 2009 started with tons of good intentions
-quit smoking (lasted 6 months) :(
-work out ( lasted 1 month)
-finish my boat ( she went to her final resting place in March)
-start teaching some courses ( totally forgot about that one till I reread my posts) :|
Once the boat was gone I spent about 6 months trying to find somewhere to plant my feet.Lots of false moves and starts took all the energy and time I could muster.A pinched nerve in the heat of all heat waves to beat all set me back financially although my tan had a great summer.
I finally decided on building my own floathome. I got a float and spent the next 6months scouring craigslist for free material and appliances to furnish my floating dream. I eventually managed to fill a 40 foot container with my found treasures. At this point it is still but a dream in progress. I need a few things before I continue on. First , I need an architecht to help me put together a list of material and structural considerations. Then I need a sizeable chunk of change to purchase framing,siding and roofing materials. I not sure my float will be sturdy enough for what I want to do so am kind of holding back to see if anything better comes along. Then there is always the matter of where do I park it once it's built? I'm not sure how long I am willing to keep paying for storage but hopefully something comes together by this summer.
I finally moved from the marina in November. I spend about half the week here visiting with David and the other half at my new space in town. I'm enjoying this transition period alot. Being in town,surrounded by community, I have come out of my shell ( or escaped the Mitchell Island vortex) and started having a social life again. Whatever last year brought, it certainly brought lots of music and great parties. I've lived in Vancouver now for 20 years and finally feel like I belong to a community. I have the greatest friends in the world and live in an increadiably beautiful city.
The holiday festivities continued on. New Years Eve , I treated myself to a fascial, massage and a visit to my hairdresser goddess Dee.
I took the new me to a house party to celebrate and make music with my friends. The next day, a few of us treated ourselves to brunch at the Hyatt. A few days later it was my birthday and my dear friend Daryl had me and a few friends over for dinner,cake and music.
Yummy birthday cake with one discreet candle
The next day David got back from his trip home and we spent the weekend back at my friends cabin in the hills. Just what the Dr. ordered, peace and quiet, no phones or responsibilities.
Just in time for the boxing day sales, my refurbuished computer drew it's last breath. I got myself a great new computer on which this post is being written. I love it, it's very fast, Windows 7, lots of features. I've spent the last two weeks sorting it all out rebuilding my music library and finally going through 60 gigs of photos, deleting 8 gigs of bad ones and putting all the rest in indentifiable folders. Phew... huge job, but I feel better now with everything all organized.
So as always at the top of my resolution list is to get in shape again. Now that I'm reasonably settled in life, I'm hoping to have a better go at it this year.
My other goal is to just get out more. I live in a beautiful part of the world with all kinds of nature options to enjoy and music festivals to take in. I haven't done anything around here in years. I hope this changes this year. Going to the cabin was a good start, it's close by but feels a million miles from the city.
I wish for you all, smiles and sunshine,good health and fortune for this year.
xxoo Rhianna
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