I cannot believe it has been as long as it has since I last posted. Boy does time travel by fast when you are busy. As last reported, I got home with my new car and finally on Friday all the paper work was finally completed and I felt relaxed about the whole process. It had to have a few more fix ups done on it, and then some paperwork needed completing which took time. Thank goodness for Natalia in Calgary, who made sure it all came through just fine. So now my Jenny and me will get along just fine - especially as her trunk takes all my stuff for the Market on Saturdays (and the expos when the time comes for those).
Last Monday I arrived back from a weekend in Regina taking Level 2 of the Yuen Method. I was also visiting with my friend Joyce who I had not seen for nearly three years, so it was great in both directions. Joyce and I went and saw two movies (reviews coming up) and then Saturday and Sunday was spent in class which taxed my brain more than I liked. But Monday came, and I took Joyce on a road trip to Moose Jaw for lunch in a Thai Restaurant she liked and it was great and then we went shopping (what woman does not like that) and then I dropped her back home, picked up my bags and took my rental to the airport.
Now the journey becomes interesting. As you are aware, when you pick up a car they charge the day from the time you pick it up and that was 5pm. Although my plane did not leave until 7.40pm, I returned the car for 5pm, walked across the aisle (small airport) to check in saying to the woman behind the counter, "I'm really early". She replies "Good thing, because your plane is 3 hours late, and I'm going to see if I can reroute you". I stand there waiting, and then she says, (after she gets off the phone to report she is sending another person up). "Go up there right now and get on the plane". So I obeyed, went up and walked onto a flight for Calgary. Then I got off the Calgary plane and walked right on to a plane for Vancouver. So instead of waiting 3 hours plus and missing my connection back to Penticton, I spent the waiting time in Vancouver and got back home on time for my dear friend Jeanne to pick me up and deposit me at my home.
Tuesday morning arrived - now Tuesdays are my cleanse day and I don't book too much for myself that day anyway - but I woke up (after not a great sleep) and I just did not want to get out of bed. Now since I have been here in Penticton 3 years I have not had that feeling once. I was so tired, I just did not want to get up. So I took it really easy. Although Jeanne was back at 10.00am, to take me to pick up my car at the garage. We usually walk on Tuesdays but we both agreed not to that day. Thank goodness.
That tiredness has been slowly going through the week. My client load has not been too busy and I have slowly begun to get my house back in order. All the coming and going, and things have not got put away, I was five months behind in my bookkeeping (two months worth has been done now, and the other three months hopefully will be started today) and I'm taking it easy. Not getting myself too tired, going slowly day by day, doing what needs to be done and tackling a bit more before I'm tired again. So watching DVD's and movies help when my body just does not want to move to think.
Today the sun is shining, I feel so much better. This week will see me crossing into the energy line I'm sure.
Two neat things: Last night my son Rob gave me the date I pick up my granddaughter McKayla for three days - the first time she gets to come and stay by herself with me. I have her for three night --- yeah!
Also, I'm reading this most wonderful book which I picked up in the Airport on my way to Regina. Its absolutely phenomenally written SHANTARAM by Gregory David Roberts. I can only read a bit at a time, as his words are like pictures and rich and I seem to only able to assimilate a bit at a time. Its a thick book so I imagine it will take me another week or two to get through it. Today I read on page 632 "I'd lost...my closest friends in the same week, and with them I'd lost the mark on the psychic map that says "you are here". Personality and personal identity are in some ways like co-ordinates on the streetmap drawn by our intersecting relationships. We know who we are and we define what we are by references to the people we love and our reasons for loving them". See what I mean, words placed together like an artist. You have to stop and think about what has just been said after you have read certain thoughts. Although this book is written as a novel its based on his life and what a life ..... wow!
I totally recommend anyone who likes good literature with a phenomenal story read this book. When I've finished I'll probably reread it and truly mark some of the discourses on good and evil and life that are there, written up as discussions between people. Rich stuff. Sometimes you learn more from a novel than you do from anything else.
Well think that's all today....I have my movie reviews to do.
Love
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Monday, June 07, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Home with a different car!
Finally, back in my own bed! What an interesting journey the last couple of days have been. As my last post (not the movie reviews) said, my car was in the garage waiting for a transmission. Well, Tuesday I got the news that another part was needed, which was not made anymore and that the part from a second hand place in Surrey would take at least two days to get there. This put everything into a different light, as I needed to get home by Thursday at the latest.
Then Richard, the garage man said something which made sense to me "why are you paying all this money to repair a car which needs even more work, when you could buy another?" Why indeed. Well I hang onto things I love, I loved that car, I did not think I could get a car which would be good enough for the dollars I have saved, etc, etc, etc. Richard told me he had a 1994 Infinity in good shape, driven by a Doctors wife which I could have.
I phoned my tow truck Angel - Chris and asked him what he knew about the car. After all, who else did I know in Calgary. Deanne was out and about and I was unsure. Chris said he would go over and check it out for me. It just happened to be his day off (can you imagine that). Anyway he phoned back, said he made an appointment for 5.20pm to go look at it.
Deanne was home by then, so off we went through traffic and made it there for 5.40. We had to wait even longer, but eventually, Richard drove the Black Infinity from the back and Deanne, him and I went for a test drive. It drove just fine, and the price he told me I could have it for was what the repair job was going to cost. I said fine, I would be back in the morning (he said 10.00am) to settle it all up.
Wednesday arrived, and Deanne drove me there, and we could see very quickly that nothing was going to proceed fast. What a busy business. They have an Import Repair Shop. His wife, Natalie works the front, while Richard runs the repairs with 4 or 5 other mechanics. Busy, busy, busy. I thought I was busy, watching Natalie handle, phones, people walking in, mechanics coming in with this and that, and Richard on the phone, stating this and that, and trying all the time to get everything ready for me. I was impressed, especially when she told me she had a four and a two year old at home.
She said she would love to stay home with the kids but she knew no one else could handle all of 'this' easily. She would be right, plus as she said its my business too. Deanne after waiting for 1/2 hour said "I'll go and do what I need to do". I agreed and off she went, and I did not get to see her again, as by the time I got back to her place to pick up my bags and have something to eat before hitting the road home, she had gone to help someone else - delivering them to the airport. She is a wonderful woman - another Angel.
Anyway, finally we (Richard and me) got to go to where my car was, get my stuff, tables, chairs etc which was in the trunk, transferred into the new car (and thankfully the trunk handled everything well). Then back to his place to complete the paper work. He had put in a new battery, new wipers (thank goodness as the last hour of my trip home was done in pouring rain) and given it an oil change.
Off I went. After my visit to Deanne's I was off, in rain - home. It was 2pm B.C. time. I took it fairly easy (the speed limit) for the majority of the way. I stopped at Golden for a brief moment to get some water and bathroom break and again at Sicamous for a bathroom break, and then in Westbank for gas. Other than that it was drive, drive. The car went really well, but the highlight was seeing A BLACK BEAR, slowly walking across the road. It came out just before the car in front of me, who saw it and then me, and then a car behind me. We all pulled over and watched, unfortunately, I could not get my camera out quick enough to take a shot. I would say, as there were no babies it was a male bear looked fully grown, but still quite young. Maybe 2 years old.
After I gassed up in Westbank it began to rain, and it rained, poured down, so without high beams it was hard to see. So instead of driving 90 to 100ks I was driving around 65. But I made it, around 10.45 I pulled into my yard, so glad to see my home waiting for me, all nicely cleaned inside from Christobelle & Mike who had been staying there before I went away.
Home sweet home. Now Jenny (she named herself on the way home) sits in the frontyard waiting to go for an inspection, so I can transfer her papers from Alberta to B.C.
And life goes on.....went walking.....having a cleansing day, which I missed on Tuesday, and making appointments. Life is good.
Have fun, you never know what is around the corner, and/or what Angels in human form are there to help you.
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Then Richard, the garage man said something which made sense to me "why are you paying all this money to repair a car which needs even more work, when you could buy another?" Why indeed. Well I hang onto things I love, I loved that car, I did not think I could get a car which would be good enough for the dollars I have saved, etc, etc, etc. Richard told me he had a 1994 Infinity in good shape, driven by a Doctors wife which I could have.
I phoned my tow truck Angel - Chris and asked him what he knew about the car. After all, who else did I know in Calgary. Deanne was out and about and I was unsure. Chris said he would go over and check it out for me. It just happened to be his day off (can you imagine that). Anyway he phoned back, said he made an appointment for 5.20pm to go look at it.
Deanne was home by then, so off we went through traffic and made it there for 5.40. We had to wait even longer, but eventually, Richard drove the Black Infinity from the back and Deanne, him and I went for a test drive. It drove just fine, and the price he told me I could have it for was what the repair job was going to cost. I said fine, I would be back in the morning (he said 10.00am) to settle it all up.
Wednesday arrived, and Deanne drove me there, and we could see very quickly that nothing was going to proceed fast. What a busy business. They have an Import Repair Shop. His wife, Natalie works the front, while Richard runs the repairs with 4 or 5 other mechanics. Busy, busy, busy. I thought I was busy, watching Natalie handle, phones, people walking in, mechanics coming in with this and that, and Richard on the phone, stating this and that, and trying all the time to get everything ready for me. I was impressed, especially when she told me she had a four and a two year old at home.
She said she would love to stay home with the kids but she knew no one else could handle all of 'this' easily. She would be right, plus as she said its my business too. Deanne after waiting for 1/2 hour said "I'll go and do what I need to do". I agreed and off she went, and I did not get to see her again, as by the time I got back to her place to pick up my bags and have something to eat before hitting the road home, she had gone to help someone else - delivering them to the airport. She is a wonderful woman - another Angel.
Anyway, finally we (Richard and me) got to go to where my car was, get my stuff, tables, chairs etc which was in the trunk, transferred into the new car (and thankfully the trunk handled everything well). Then back to his place to complete the paper work. He had put in a new battery, new wipers (thank goodness as the last hour of my trip home was done in pouring rain) and given it an oil change.
Off I went. After my visit to Deanne's I was off, in rain - home. It was 2pm B.C. time. I took it fairly easy (the speed limit) for the majority of the way. I stopped at Golden for a brief moment to get some water and bathroom break and again at Sicamous for a bathroom break, and then in Westbank for gas. Other than that it was drive, drive. The car went really well, but the highlight was seeing A BLACK BEAR, slowly walking across the road. It came out just before the car in front of me, who saw it and then me, and then a car behind me. We all pulled over and watched, unfortunately, I could not get my camera out quick enough to take a shot. I would say, as there were no babies it was a male bear looked fully grown, but still quite young. Maybe 2 years old.
After I gassed up in Westbank it began to rain, and it rained, poured down, so without high beams it was hard to see. So instead of driving 90 to 100ks I was driving around 65. But I made it, around 10.45 I pulled into my yard, so glad to see my home waiting for me, all nicely cleaned inside from Christobelle & Mike who had been staying there before I went away.
Home sweet home. Now Jenny (she named herself on the way home) sits in the frontyard waiting to go for an inspection, so I can transfer her papers from Alberta to B.C.
And life goes on.....went walking.....having a cleansing day, which I missed on Tuesday, and making appointments. Life is good.
Have fun, you never know what is around the corner, and/or what Angels in human form are there to help you.
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Movie Review - Letters from Juliet
To say I was disappointed in this movie is to say I'm disappointed that I have to say it. I was. I was expecting the romantic movie, what I sat through was hardly any romance at all. But lets go through it. There are two stories here (or maybe three). First there is Amanda Seyfied who is Sofie, who is on holiday with her fiance - having an early honeymoon (something I did once and that marriage did not last so don't recommend that action). Anyway, they are in Vernona and he is more interested in meeting his suppliers for his new restaurant and her so off he goes. She is left to sight see.
Actually I've been and seen the Juliet balcony, and I liked the visual of seeing it again. Sophie finds the ladies who are the Secretary to Juliet, and every night, they collect letters which have been left under Juliet's balcony and reply to them. (I don't remember seeing letters - but perhaps that is the storyline, although I'm sure now people will go and post them).
Sophie with time on her hands joins the ladies at collecting the letters and discovers one from 50 years previously. She writes to Clare, Vanessa Redgrave.
Next thing, a young Englishman is at the door of the restaurant where the woman work and now the movie begins. This is the first point I'm confused. She only has a few days by herself, but the letter has time to get to England and for the grandson (the young man) and his grandmother Clare (Vanessa Redgrave) to return to Vernona. Oh well, the power of movie time.
They begin a journey to discover her lost love. This is where the movie breaks down. They go visit Alorenzo (not sure of the man's spelling) after Alorenzo, to the point you say 'all right already' I get the picture. Then right near the end of the movie they finally find him. Yeah!!!
Well by this time you are bored and wondering if ever he will show up and you know he will, for me I was sentimental as I believe the person playing the lost love, was Vanessa's original love/husband (I believe they were married for a while). That touched my romantic heart. I always remembered his beautiful blue eyes, and yes they were still there.
Anyway, the love story was supposed to happen between Sophie and Charlie (is that his name?) while they were searching for Alorenzo.
I thought this is where the movie failed dismally. There should have been more scenes between the two of them, glances at each other does not cut it, one kiss does not make falling in love, it just lacked pizazz. My romantic soul was not touched at all. Even at the end when she leaves her finance and goes back to Italy for the wedding of the older couple and meets back with 'whats his name' I'm not taken in. Good on you, you got the guy.
I was sorry this movie did not reach its potential.....
2 out of 5.
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Actually I've been and seen the Juliet balcony, and I liked the visual of seeing it again. Sophie finds the ladies who are the Secretary to Juliet, and every night, they collect letters which have been left under Juliet's balcony and reply to them. (I don't remember seeing letters - but perhaps that is the storyline, although I'm sure now people will go and post them).
Sophie with time on her hands joins the ladies at collecting the letters and discovers one from 50 years previously. She writes to Clare, Vanessa Redgrave.
Next thing, a young Englishman is at the door of the restaurant where the woman work and now the movie begins. This is the first point I'm confused. She only has a few days by herself, but the letter has time to get to England and for the grandson (the young man) and his grandmother Clare (Vanessa Redgrave) to return to Vernona. Oh well, the power of movie time.
They begin a journey to discover her lost love. This is where the movie breaks down. They go visit Alorenzo (not sure of the man's spelling) after Alorenzo, to the point you say 'all right already' I get the picture. Then right near the end of the movie they finally find him. Yeah!!!
Well by this time you are bored and wondering if ever he will show up and you know he will, for me I was sentimental as I believe the person playing the lost love, was Vanessa's original love/husband (I believe they were married for a while). That touched my romantic heart. I always remembered his beautiful blue eyes, and yes they were still there.
Anyway, the love story was supposed to happen between Sophie and Charlie (is that his name?) while they were searching for Alorenzo.
I thought this is where the movie failed dismally. There should have been more scenes between the two of them, glances at each other does not cut it, one kiss does not make falling in love, it just lacked pizazz. My romantic soul was not touched at all. Even at the end when she leaves her finance and goes back to Italy for the wedding of the older couple and meets back with 'whats his name' I'm not taken in. Good on you, you got the guy.
I was sorry this movie did not reach its potential.....
2 out of 5.
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Movie Review - Robin Hood
I loved Robin Hood. I want to see it again - soon! I found I enjoyed every aspect of it. I loved the correctness of the historical times, I loved the acting (especially knowing two Canadians were part of the merry men - not to be biased) and Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett did their usual great acting jobs.
What I find interesting is how the media, or what I have read of it, seem to want to take this movie apart. What on earth are they talking about. Do they have a personal vendetta or something? This movie has everything in it. It has drama it talks about honor, loyalty and growth as human beings, about how power corrupts and its a love story I cried in this movie (forever the romantic). The magnificent Ridley Scott's panoramic views of the beaches, were awe inspiring, and if you haven't seen the white cliffs of dover, or the White Horse on the Hill then you were in for a visual treat. The fighting scenes were intense, but true. That's how war is, especially in those old days. I loved the thought of the orphan kids on their donkeys joining in, wanting to prove themselves. Yes, the honor and valor of the times was definitely front and foremost.
Arrows through the neck may have been once too much, but heh, you want to prove people can shoot well with arrows.
If you like period pieces, and you can watch war scenes with blood, and you want to see how men can grow as people and know how loyalty, trust and valor need to be recognized more today than ever, then go see Robin Hood.
I give it 4 1/2 stars out of 5.
(I would have 5 out 5, but the one too may arrows through the neck brings it to 4 1/2.)
Enjoy it!!!!
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
What I find interesting is how the media, or what I have read of it, seem to want to take this movie apart. What on earth are they talking about. Do they have a personal vendetta or something? This movie has everything in it. It has drama it talks about honor, loyalty and growth as human beings, about how power corrupts and its a love story I cried in this movie (forever the romantic). The magnificent Ridley Scott's panoramic views of the beaches, were awe inspiring, and if you haven't seen the white cliffs of dover, or the White Horse on the Hill then you were in for a visual treat. The fighting scenes were intense, but true. That's how war is, especially in those old days. I loved the thought of the orphan kids on their donkeys joining in, wanting to prove themselves. Yes, the honor and valor of the times was definitely front and foremost.
Arrows through the neck may have been once too much, but heh, you want to prove people can shoot well with arrows.
If you like period pieces, and you can watch war scenes with blood, and you want to see how men can grow as people and know how loyalty, trust and valor need to be recognized more today than ever, then go see Robin Hood.
I give it 4 1/2 stars out of 5.
(I would have 5 out 5, but the one too may arrows through the neck brings it to 4 1/2.)
Enjoy it!!!!
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Movie Review - Iron Man II
Hi I'm a bit late with this review as it was a week ago Saturday that I went to see it with two friends. We had been in a workshop all day and I know I needed to go do something different and they who were staying with me agreed to come along.
I thought I had seen Iron Man I, but I soon realised I had not. So the characters were all new to me. I had to pick up the story line fast (after all its a sequel and you are supposed to know what happened before). Although I keep reading how people love this movie, and I even had a lady before me in line in Calgary preorder six tickets for it as she had loved it and wanted her family to come see it, I wonder what the hype is really all about.
I go to see movies because I want something to inspire, educate or entertain me. I found myself half way through this movie wondering why I was there. Now I'm a person who can watch the blow 'em up fight 'em out typically known as guy movies with the best of them, but I found myself thinking, this has no meaning at all. The one thing that saved this movie for me was the humor. I found myself laughing. Jon Favreau, I believe wrote it or cowrote it and directed it. He is as far as I'm concerned the hero of the day. His humor saved the movie. Otherwise all this destruction by big machines (and remember I loved transformers one and two but they had personalities) and Mickey Roourke with his whips did not mean much except revenge. Of course Robert Downey Jr is always great and played his part, but the role did not give him the fullness of range he is capable of.
So to me, besides the humor which I believe saves this movie I can't say Hey you must go see this movie. 2 1/2 stars out of 5.
Norma
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
I thought I had seen Iron Man I, but I soon realised I had not. So the characters were all new to me. I had to pick up the story line fast (after all its a sequel and you are supposed to know what happened before). Although I keep reading how people love this movie, and I even had a lady before me in line in Calgary preorder six tickets for it as she had loved it and wanted her family to come see it, I wonder what the hype is really all about.
I go to see movies because I want something to inspire, educate or entertain me. I found myself half way through this movie wondering why I was there. Now I'm a person who can watch the blow 'em up fight 'em out typically known as guy movies with the best of them, but I found myself thinking, this has no meaning at all. The one thing that saved this movie for me was the humor. I found myself laughing. Jon Favreau, I believe wrote it or cowrote it and directed it. He is as far as I'm concerned the hero of the day. His humor saved the movie. Otherwise all this destruction by big machines (and remember I loved transformers one and two but they had personalities) and Mickey Roourke with his whips did not mean much except revenge. Of course Robert Downey Jr is always great and played his part, but the role did not give him the fullness of range he is capable of.
So to me, besides the humor which I believe saves this movie I can't say Hey you must go see this movie. 2 1/2 stars out of 5.
Norma
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Stuck in Calgary
Hi from wonderful Calgary, when I expected to be home. I drove here last Thursday for a Yuen Level 3 workshop. Stayed in a fairly new Sandman Inn where the workshop was taking place. Saw clients every day, everything was absolutely great until Sunday night. But I'm ahead of myself as usual. So lets go back to last week.
Thursday, I got up and said goodbye to Christobelle (who is recovering nicely from her knee replacement surgery) and Mike her husband who have been staying at my place. Went for my walk with Jeanne, went and had a new headlight installed in the car, then left driving north. I remembered this Mexican restaurant in Vernon, and found it, and had a wonderful Avocado and Shrimp Salad for lunch. I mention that because now that I'm the Isagenix Program, with one meal a day, those meals are very important. Then drove on to Salmon Arm, where I visited with Maggie at her Spirit Quest Store. I had to drop off some Tarot books, (Exploring the Patterns of the Tarot) plus firm up my visit there on the 22nd June. I'll be doing some readings and speaking that evening.
From Salmon Arm I drove straight through to Golden, where I had planned to spend the night, back to the motel where the hot tub usually waits for me, oh no, its under maintenance. So no hot tub for me. Up the next morning, make my shake and off to Calgary.
The Calgary Sandman Inn said they did not want you in before 4pm, the time my first clients were scheduled to come in. I was in Calgary mid day......so decided I will go to the movies, and I did. Had to wait a wee while, bought a protein shake for lunch (getting used to my program) and then went and saw ROBIN HOOD!!! I loved it, the movie review is following. When the movie was over I rushed to my car, drove with intention, got to the hotel, booked in, got settled and then my clients arrived. Great day! Felt wonderful!.
Saturday up, shake drink, down for 8.30 to the room, and the weekend began. All was well, had two clients that evening and then rested until Sunday, up for 8.30 and another day of learning and two clients. There is a lot to process in the classes, but the classmates were wonderful and had a great day. As I had lunch (a wonderful spinach salad with chicken) I had my shake and thought, I want to go see another movie. The front desk clerk helped by looking up the movies, and gave me a map and time of when the movie LETTER FROM JULIET was on.
I had a drive around as I had some time to spare, the sun was beginning to set when I finally pulled into the spot and headed to the movie. 11.00pm I come out of the movie, get into the car start it, and then when I went to put it into gear ---- the gear shift just came all the way back. No gears......no going anywhere. After panicking for a minute (well maybe two) I got out my BCAA card and phoned the 1 800 number and 1/2 hour later a wonderful angel in the shape of a young man driving a tow truck arrived. He tried for quite a while to see if he could get it working -- no go -- so ended up taking the car to a garage her recommended, driving me back to the hotel and even leaving me with his home number in case I needed a lift the following afternoon to pick up my car. How nice to know there are wonderful young men out there.
Next day, phoned the garage.....bad news.....my transmission is 'shot'. Need a new transmission, not cheap, but tell them to go ahead. After all I have to get back home, it has my tables, chairs and banners in it. Its not something I can just walk away from.
The mechanic says 'it will be about two days'. I ask "is this day one?". He says (hopefully correct) you will be on the road home Wednesday (hopefully again in the am). Oh my....now what to do. I'm staying at a fairly pricey hotel, I don't have a vehicle to get around and I know my friend Cecelia is out of town.
Ah!!! Deanne....I'll phone her. So at 10.45 (check out time is 11am) I phone her - not home, try her cell, she answers. She tells me later it was a miracle she answered, as she was square dancing and it was the break and she was sitting down with her cell in front of her. I tell her my predicament. She replies immediately (another angel on the planet) I'm busy here till noon then I'll come get you. So I go down, check out and wait in the lobby, watching 'The View" until 12.30 when she arrives and brings me to her place.
So here I am waiting for the phone call to say my car is ready so I can get back to my life. Yesterday I was able to do laundry, because my clothes were packed for the days I expected to be away, relax and go for a walk in the park close by and then Deanne drove me to the bank to ensure I have money to pay these guys (either this afternoon to tomorrow).
I was sitting this am thinking how lucky I was this went here in the City, where everything was easily obtained (tow tuck, garage to fix it and Deanne's to stay). This could have happened when I was in the middle of the Rockies where there is no cell reception. I had no warning of this, it just went. So how does that metaphysically relate. Transmission is going, you put the car into gear and it goes. Well I have been going flat stick (my last post was titled busy as a bee) but the transmission goes backwards as well as forwards). This car has had a light out, a new dent in the trunk and now the transmission. If the car is me, then I have to take a good look at the pace I'm keeping - at least that is what I'm thinking -- comments are welcome.
I think also it could be saying a new 'gear' is being made ready. I am studying the Yuen Method, it was made a huge difference to my work and my client base is getting busier.....I knew when the car light, another event, and then the dent in the trunk happened I needed to look inside, but thought I had - obviously not. So some inner contemplation will be in order over the next few days - tarot cards - will be out for sure. Personally, I needed to get another car....I was going to look at one when I got home, but now my deposit is going for the transmission, so another miracle will need to be created.
So here I am stuck in Calgary until my car is fixed (so its an enforced rest) and then home to get ready for the long weekend (Bridget is coming to visit - always busy then) when I'm having my first Saturday at the local market and then next Thursday I fly to Regina for another weekend course. I was looking forward to June when it will be more settled, home to work in the garden, get some painting done and finally get to the bookkeeping.
Hope your week was not as exciting as mine has turned out to be.
Love
Norma.
Norma Cowie 250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Thursday, I got up and said goodbye to Christobelle (who is recovering nicely from her knee replacement surgery) and Mike her husband who have been staying at my place. Went for my walk with Jeanne, went and had a new headlight installed in the car, then left driving north. I remembered this Mexican restaurant in Vernon, and found it, and had a wonderful Avocado and Shrimp Salad for lunch. I mention that because now that I'm the Isagenix Program, with one meal a day, those meals are very important. Then drove on to Salmon Arm, where I visited with Maggie at her Spirit Quest Store. I had to drop off some Tarot books, (Exploring the Patterns of the Tarot) plus firm up my visit there on the 22nd June. I'll be doing some readings and speaking that evening.
From Salmon Arm I drove straight through to Golden, where I had planned to spend the night, back to the motel where the hot tub usually waits for me, oh no, its under maintenance. So no hot tub for me. Up the next morning, make my shake and off to Calgary.
The Calgary Sandman Inn said they did not want you in before 4pm, the time my first clients were scheduled to come in. I was in Calgary mid day......so decided I will go to the movies, and I did. Had to wait a wee while, bought a protein shake for lunch (getting used to my program) and then went and saw ROBIN HOOD!!! I loved it, the movie review is following. When the movie was over I rushed to my car, drove with intention, got to the hotel, booked in, got settled and then my clients arrived. Great day! Felt wonderful!.
Saturday up, shake drink, down for 8.30 to the room, and the weekend began. All was well, had two clients that evening and then rested until Sunday, up for 8.30 and another day of learning and two clients. There is a lot to process in the classes, but the classmates were wonderful and had a great day. As I had lunch (a wonderful spinach salad with chicken) I had my shake and thought, I want to go see another movie. The front desk clerk helped by looking up the movies, and gave me a map and time of when the movie LETTER FROM JULIET was on.
I had a drive around as I had some time to spare, the sun was beginning to set when I finally pulled into the spot and headed to the movie. 11.00pm I come out of the movie, get into the car start it, and then when I went to put it into gear ---- the gear shift just came all the way back. No gears......no going anywhere. After panicking for a minute (well maybe two) I got out my BCAA card and phoned the 1 800 number and 1/2 hour later a wonderful angel in the shape of a young man driving a tow truck arrived. He tried for quite a while to see if he could get it working -- no go -- so ended up taking the car to a garage her recommended, driving me back to the hotel and even leaving me with his home number in case I needed a lift the following afternoon to pick up my car. How nice to know there are wonderful young men out there.
Next day, phoned the garage.....bad news.....my transmission is 'shot'. Need a new transmission, not cheap, but tell them to go ahead. After all I have to get back home, it has my tables, chairs and banners in it. Its not something I can just walk away from.
The mechanic says 'it will be about two days'. I ask "is this day one?". He says (hopefully correct) you will be on the road home Wednesday (hopefully again in the am). Oh my....now what to do. I'm staying at a fairly pricey hotel, I don't have a vehicle to get around and I know my friend Cecelia is out of town.
Ah!!! Deanne....I'll phone her. So at 10.45 (check out time is 11am) I phone her - not home, try her cell, she answers. She tells me later it was a miracle she answered, as she was square dancing and it was the break and she was sitting down with her cell in front of her. I tell her my predicament. She replies immediately (another angel on the planet) I'm busy here till noon then I'll come get you. So I go down, check out and wait in the lobby, watching 'The View" until 12.30 when she arrives and brings me to her place.
So here I am waiting for the phone call to say my car is ready so I can get back to my life. Yesterday I was able to do laundry, because my clothes were packed for the days I expected to be away, relax and go for a walk in the park close by and then Deanne drove me to the bank to ensure I have money to pay these guys (either this afternoon to tomorrow).
I was sitting this am thinking how lucky I was this went here in the City, where everything was easily obtained (tow tuck, garage to fix it and Deanne's to stay). This could have happened when I was in the middle of the Rockies where there is no cell reception. I had no warning of this, it just went. So how does that metaphysically relate. Transmission is going, you put the car into gear and it goes. Well I have been going flat stick (my last post was titled busy as a bee) but the transmission goes backwards as well as forwards). This car has had a light out, a new dent in the trunk and now the transmission. If the car is me, then I have to take a good look at the pace I'm keeping - at least that is what I'm thinking -- comments are welcome.
I think also it could be saying a new 'gear' is being made ready. I am studying the Yuen Method, it was made a huge difference to my work and my client base is getting busier.....I knew when the car light, another event, and then the dent in the trunk happened I needed to look inside, but thought I had - obviously not. So some inner contemplation will be in order over the next few days - tarot cards - will be out for sure. Personally, I needed to get another car....I was going to look at one when I got home, but now my deposit is going for the transmission, so another miracle will need to be created.
So here I am stuck in Calgary until my car is fixed (so its an enforced rest) and then home to get ready for the long weekend (Bridget is coming to visit - always busy then) when I'm having my first Saturday at the local market and then next Thursday I fly to Regina for another weekend course. I was looking forward to June when it will be more settled, home to work in the garden, get some painting done and finally get to the bookkeeping.
Hope your week was not as exciting as mine has turned out to be.
Love
Norma.
Norma Cowie 250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Friday, May 07, 2010
Busy as a Bee!
Yesterday a friend came to visit and said to me, "you must have been really busy as you have not posted anything on your blog". And she was right. The last few weeks I have been as busy as a bee without any time to write anything, or if I had time I was just tired and rested.
It seems lots has happened since I last posted where I had left my wallet at home before heading off to Kelowna needing gas for the car. (Do you know I nearly did it again - but remembered the wallet in time).
I have been fortunate with having a lot of clients coming to see me in the days I have been home, and at the same time that does not leave me a lot of time for catching up on paperwork and or my blog. Plus I have been invited to put my movie reviews onto another site, and have not had the time to get that organized -- but that will change soon I'm sure, as when June arrives I am home for most of the summer.
The weekend of April 23rd thru 26th was the Spring Festival of Awareness at Naramata. I been attending this weekend for some years now, and always enjoy it. I'm fortunate enough that I am able to present one or two workshops and that always warms my heart. This time I spoke on The Inner Ghosts (my inner child subject - book Connecting to the Light) and my usual Past Life Regression (book - Many Lives, Many Ways of Remembering Them). Both workshops were well attended which is what I like. Lots of people. It is always a place to meet up with old friends and catch up with the news.
Then right after the Festival, I began a new cleansing program (for me) called IsaGenix (its been around since early 2000's). I bought a 30 day program, as my friend June Hope had found it was working for her and she still had energy (which I need due to my schedule right now). So having 2 shakes a day, one meal plus lots of water, snacks and chocolate (yes chocolate) I was into the rhythm while getting ready to go to the Vernon Body & Soul Wellness Expo. A two day event. So friend Marion picked me up early Saturday morning and we drove the 1 1/2 - 2 hour drive to Vernon, set up our booths and began - she was there on behalf of Issues Magazine, Johnsons Landing Retreat Centre plus the two weekends Issues sponsers, the Spring Festival of Awareness and Wise Woman Weekend (which happens 3rd weekend of September). I was doing Tarot Card Readings and had my books, cds and dvds there).We stayed the night and then after the Expo we drove back home. I had a successful expo, doing lots of readings and spoke 1/2 hour on the Tarot. An enjoyable weekend.
Home for a regular food day (shakes plus one meal) day Monday and then my first actual full cleanse day (no food) Tuesday. It when quite well for me although around 4pm I really wanted some food, so had one of the chocolates, and managed the day. Wednesday, I got up, stood on the scale and found I had actually dropped 13 lbs. That was inspiring. I expected maybe 10 as usually that is what you can drop the first week of a new program. So now waiting till next Wednesday to see what has happened. I picked Tuesday as my cleanse day (drinking lots of vitamins and minerals four times a day) plus water, plus some approved snacks - no food though because in the coming weeks I'm going to be travelling on Monday.
This weekend coming I'm reauding the Yuen Method Level One here in Penticton. I am hosting in my house several people.
Mike is already staying with me, as his wife Christobelle is in hospital here with her knee replacement and will probably come back here and stay when she gets let out of hospital. then Mary arrived from the island yesterday afternoon as she is taking the course and this afternoon Cathy from Kamloops area is coming to also take the course. Mike has the spare room, Mary is on the chesterfield, and I'm off to buy a blow up mattress for Cathy. (I have been wanting to get one for times like this).
Next Thursday I'm off to Calgary for the weekend to take Level 3 in the Yuen Method. So yes, I'm still quite busy, but today truly was the first day that I am able to take my time without appointments or being somewhere at a certain time on my mind. I still have a list though.
Right now the sun is shining, and I'm getting through some of the bits and pieces which need doing.
You enjoy your life!!!
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
It seems lots has happened since I last posted where I had left my wallet at home before heading off to Kelowna needing gas for the car. (Do you know I nearly did it again - but remembered the wallet in time).
I have been fortunate with having a lot of clients coming to see me in the days I have been home, and at the same time that does not leave me a lot of time for catching up on paperwork and or my blog. Plus I have been invited to put my movie reviews onto another site, and have not had the time to get that organized -- but that will change soon I'm sure, as when June arrives I am home for most of the summer.
The weekend of April 23rd thru 26th was the Spring Festival of Awareness at Naramata. I been attending this weekend for some years now, and always enjoy it. I'm fortunate enough that I am able to present one or two workshops and that always warms my heart. This time I spoke on The Inner Ghosts (my inner child subject - book Connecting to the Light) and my usual Past Life Regression (book - Many Lives, Many Ways of Remembering Them). Both workshops were well attended which is what I like. Lots of people. It is always a place to meet up with old friends and catch up with the news.
Then right after the Festival, I began a new cleansing program (for me) called IsaGenix (its been around since early 2000's). I bought a 30 day program, as my friend June Hope had found it was working for her and she still had energy (which I need due to my schedule right now). So having 2 shakes a day, one meal plus lots of water, snacks and chocolate (yes chocolate) I was into the rhythm while getting ready to go to the Vernon Body & Soul Wellness Expo. A two day event. So friend Marion picked me up early Saturday morning and we drove the 1 1/2 - 2 hour drive to Vernon, set up our booths and began - she was there on behalf of Issues Magazine, Johnsons Landing Retreat Centre plus the two weekends Issues sponsers, the Spring Festival of Awareness and Wise Woman Weekend (which happens 3rd weekend of September). I was doing Tarot Card Readings and had my books, cds and dvds there).We stayed the night and then after the Expo we drove back home. I had a successful expo, doing lots of readings and spoke 1/2 hour on the Tarot. An enjoyable weekend.
Home for a regular food day (shakes plus one meal) day Monday and then my first actual full cleanse day (no food) Tuesday. It when quite well for me although around 4pm I really wanted some food, so had one of the chocolates, and managed the day. Wednesday, I got up, stood on the scale and found I had actually dropped 13 lbs. That was inspiring. I expected maybe 10 as usually that is what you can drop the first week of a new program. So now waiting till next Wednesday to see what has happened. I picked Tuesday as my cleanse day (drinking lots of vitamins and minerals four times a day) plus water, plus some approved snacks - no food though because in the coming weeks I'm going to be travelling on Monday.
This weekend coming I'm reauding the Yuen Method Level One here in Penticton. I am hosting in my house several people.
Mike is already staying with me, as his wife Christobelle is in hospital here with her knee replacement and will probably come back here and stay when she gets let out of hospital. then Mary arrived from the island yesterday afternoon as she is taking the course and this afternoon Cathy from Kamloops area is coming to also take the course. Mike has the spare room, Mary is on the chesterfield, and I'm off to buy a blow up mattress for Cathy. (I have been wanting to get one for times like this).
Next Thursday I'm off to Calgary for the weekend to take Level 3 in the Yuen Method. So yes, I'm still quite busy, but today truly was the first day that I am able to take my time without appointments or being somewhere at a certain time on my mind. I still have a list though.
Right now the sun is shining, and I'm getting through some of the bits and pieces which need doing.
You enjoy your life!!!
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Friday, April 23, 2010
$2.88 saves the day!
On Wednesday I had to go to Kelowna to visit my chiropractor Dr. Barbara James, who I enjoyed visiting. She has a different approach, which I enjoy no easy, gentle and gets results. Anyway, after just getting back Monday from Calgary, having friend Eleanor arrive for a couple of days before she went out to Naramata to help with the Spring Festival of Awareness on Wednesday afternoon. The Spring Festival of Awareness begins this Friday night and is going for the weekend (I'm doing two workshops there). Tuesday seemed to disappear with just getting reorganized from my trip.
Wednesday, another friend Marion phones to say her allergies are really bad, can she drop by and have me do my 'magic' Yuen method on her. Sure says me, 1/2 hour after she arrives she says her eyes feel a lot better and she is off. She is a major player in organizing the Spring Festival of Awareness (with producer/owner/organizer in chief Angele of Issues Magazine). I will find out how she is doing when I see her at the Festival.
Then I had a client for 1 hour and by that time I was running late to head off to Kelowna for my appointment. Now I had a busy day planned while up there. I was going to go to Costco and have my hair cut and check out a dress shop who were having a sale.
I had last filled my car up with gas as I left Calgary, I had driven home and as I headed into Kelowna knew the first thing I needed to do after my visit with Dr. Barbara James was fill my car up with gas.
As I drove up to the gas pump, I reached into my bag for my wallet when low and behold I discovered NO WALLET - I HAD LEFT IT AT HOME!! I had ordered a cleansing product for me (supposed to also help lose weight - more about this as time goes by) and the wallet was sitting on my office desk beside my computer. Big help!
But oh my gosh, what to do. I look down at the little part between the two front seats in the car, where I usually have change - often quite a bit - but this time as I pulled it all into my hand I only had $2.88.
I went inside and paid for $2.88 worth of gas. For those not in B.C. we are a prepaid province. You have to pay before you can get your gas. Thank goodness, because otherwise I would have filled up, gone to pay and find I did not have it. (I wonder what they do in these cases).
Anyway, put the $2.88 worth of gas into the gas tank and drive home. Luckily I have a gas tank which will go quite a while while appearing empty. I do believe the $2.88 made the difference. I was able to drive home and then later after collecting my wallet go out and fill the gas tank up, plus put the car through the car wash - which was very badly needed.
Now I have put some money in my car, so if it ever happens again I will not be caught without gas money. This time I was lucky, I was only one hour away from home, but what if I was further afield. Make sure you have something hidden somewhere in your car or vehicle so it does not happen to you.
Perhaps the best way is the old comment "DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!" and that means your wallet.
You have a great day!
Norma.
Norma Cowie250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Wednesday, another friend Marion phones to say her allergies are really bad, can she drop by and have me do my 'magic' Yuen method on her. Sure says me, 1/2 hour after she arrives she says her eyes feel a lot better and she is off. She is a major player in organizing the Spring Festival of Awareness (with producer/owner/organizer in chief Angele of Issues Magazine). I will find out how she is doing when I see her at the Festival.
Then I had a client for 1 hour and by that time I was running late to head off to Kelowna for my appointment. Now I had a busy day planned while up there. I was going to go to Costco and have my hair cut and check out a dress shop who were having a sale.
I had last filled my car up with gas as I left Calgary, I had driven home and as I headed into Kelowna knew the first thing I needed to do after my visit with Dr. Barbara James was fill my car up with gas.
As I drove up to the gas pump, I reached into my bag for my wallet when low and behold I discovered NO WALLET - I HAD LEFT IT AT HOME!! I had ordered a cleansing product for me (supposed to also help lose weight - more about this as time goes by) and the wallet was sitting on my office desk beside my computer. Big help!
But oh my gosh, what to do. I look down at the little part between the two front seats in the car, where I usually have change - often quite a bit - but this time as I pulled it all into my hand I only had $2.88.
I went inside and paid for $2.88 worth of gas. For those not in B.C. we are a prepaid province. You have to pay before you can get your gas. Thank goodness, because otherwise I would have filled up, gone to pay and find I did not have it. (I wonder what they do in these cases).
Anyway, put the $2.88 worth of gas into the gas tank and drive home. Luckily I have a gas tank which will go quite a while while appearing empty. I do believe the $2.88 made the difference. I was able to drive home and then later after collecting my wallet go out and fill the gas tank up, plus put the car through the car wash - which was very badly needed.
Now I have put some money in my car, so if it ever happens again I will not be caught without gas money. This time I was lucky, I was only one hour away from home, but what if I was further afield. Make sure you have something hidden somewhere in your car or vehicle so it does not happen to you.
Perhaps the best way is the old comment "DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!" and that means your wallet.
You have a great day!
Norma.
Norma Cowie250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Trip home via Dinasoures
After the Edmonton Body Soul & Spirit Expo was over, I had another Psychic Party on the Monday night and then Tuesday I did a couple of readings for people and then I set out for Camrose to see my friend Diana. Her directions were very good and I drove right to her house. There I got introduced to her cat, Kat - a male cat who is a character and demands attention one way or another. Kat seemed to accept me which was good.
Diana and I had intended to go to Drumheller on Wednesday to see the Dinosaur Museum. Well, the next thing we know there is a severe weather warning for the area. In fact they had quite a snow and ice storm, so instead of going we spent the day looking around the town, having lunch and then returning back to her place to watch a movie I had bought, "African Queen". I use the movie in my Male/Female and relationship courses and although I had a video, I saw that there was a DVD, so bought it and we watched it, then we went out for Chinese food.
The next day 7.30am saw me on the road to Drumheller by myself, while Diana went off to work. Driving through the rolling brown hills, some with snow on them (left over from the storm the night before) others clear I found myself in Drumheller just before 10.00am, which is when everything comes alive there.
While waiting for the information centre to open I walked around "the largest dinosaur in the world" and then realized the store across the road was open, walked over and the kind lady there had a map and told me all the things to go see, including the best place for breakfast - it was good. Feeling I needed to purchase something, I discovered some fossil dinosaur poop....very pretty colors and bought it with a stand to show it nicely. (I even got a card explaining it all).
From there I went to the museum, which was great, the little church, which was not open (a tiny church enough for one person, which disappointed me - that it was locked up - because I love churches and would have loved to have sat in it. Then I went to the swinging bridge a short way out of the town. Now my unsettledness around certain heights came up, so took a moment and applied my new The Yuen Method techniques and cleared it and enjoyed walking over and back the bridge. Then off to see the Hoodoos, and I was done. There were a couple of things, ie a Fossil Place which I did not go to, and some mines, but felt I had seen what I wanted to, so drove over the brown hills to Calgary.
Arriving in Calgary, I was tired and when I arrived at Cecelia's (with whom I was staying for the weekend) she was doing a reading (being a working psychic) so I went to 'my' room and had a sleep for 1 1/2 hours. On the drive I had been informed I would be needed at the Big Four Building for a TV interview at 6.45am the next morning (Friday). Therefore, I had to get up at 5am, get showered, dressed accordingly and drive to the Calgary Stampede Grounds and set up my booth and be ready for the TV interview. This happened with a lovely Global interviewer named Jill, I drew her Soul Impression and we talked about that. Very soon the interview was over and I was free to return to Cecelia's and have some more sleep before it was time to get ready to go back to the expo. As my booth was ready we did not have to be there as early as we would usually have gone. A nice bonus.
Friday was busy, lots of people, I had one lecture on the Tarot which was well attended (which I always like). We are always glad when the day is over, get back home to Cecelia's place, eat food, watch some TV and sleep. Then we are up and at them again in the morning, back for 10.00am and Saturday which is our longest day was the slowest of all three days, but it helped that I had one lecture, and one two hour workshop. That took up some time. Both the lecture and workshop were on Past Life Regression, and we sold out of all the CD's I had. Another good day.
Sunday was super busy. I sat from 11.00am until 4.00pm doing readings and when I finally got up I could hardly move I was so stiff. Plus I did not have a voice left. I could not get any volume out of it. I was glad to have a break and a walk around and then get ready to break down the booth and go have dinner with other friends and sleep before leaving at 6.45am to drive back home.
Was I ever glad to get home around 3.45 pm. The tulips had all come out in the two weeks I was away and some more daffodils. The Cherry tree is in full bloom and the lilac bushes are coming alive. Home Sweet Home.
I still wish I sometimes were two people. I have had clients, and I'm needing to get ready for the Spring Festival of Awareness this coming weekend, where I will be facilitating two workshops. So taking one day at a time, as usual. Enjoying the process of getting my house back to normal - I'm still unpacking my car. I managed to buy a new umbrella for my sundeck - a green to match the back door I painted last year. Another month and I'll be back painting!!!! Summer is coming, the weather is beautifully warm - not used to it yet. Life is good.
Lots of love,
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Diana and I had intended to go to Drumheller on Wednesday to see the Dinosaur Museum. Well, the next thing we know there is a severe weather warning for the area. In fact they had quite a snow and ice storm, so instead of going we spent the day looking around the town, having lunch and then returning back to her place to watch a movie I had bought, "African Queen". I use the movie in my Male/Female and relationship courses and although I had a video, I saw that there was a DVD, so bought it and we watched it, then we went out for Chinese food.
The next day 7.30am saw me on the road to Drumheller by myself, while Diana went off to work. Driving through the rolling brown hills, some with snow on them (left over from the storm the night before) others clear I found myself in Drumheller just before 10.00am, which is when everything comes alive there.
While waiting for the information centre to open I walked around "the largest dinosaur in the world" and then realized the store across the road was open, walked over and the kind lady there had a map and told me all the things to go see, including the best place for breakfast - it was good. Feeling I needed to purchase something, I discovered some fossil dinosaur poop....very pretty colors and bought it with a stand to show it nicely. (I even got a card explaining it all).
From there I went to the museum, which was great, the little church, which was not open (a tiny church enough for one person, which disappointed me - that it was locked up - because I love churches and would have loved to have sat in it. Then I went to the swinging bridge a short way out of the town. Now my unsettledness around certain heights came up, so took a moment and applied my new The Yuen Method techniques and cleared it and enjoyed walking over and back the bridge. Then off to see the Hoodoos, and I was done. There were a couple of things, ie a Fossil Place which I did not go to, and some mines, but felt I had seen what I wanted to, so drove over the brown hills to Calgary.
Arriving in Calgary, I was tired and when I arrived at Cecelia's (with whom I was staying for the weekend) she was doing a reading (being a working psychic) so I went to 'my' room and had a sleep for 1 1/2 hours. On the drive I had been informed I would be needed at the Big Four Building for a TV interview at 6.45am the next morning (Friday). Therefore, I had to get up at 5am, get showered, dressed accordingly and drive to the Calgary Stampede Grounds and set up my booth and be ready for the TV interview. This happened with a lovely Global interviewer named Jill, I drew her Soul Impression and we talked about that. Very soon the interview was over and I was free to return to Cecelia's and have some more sleep before it was time to get ready to go back to the expo. As my booth was ready we did not have to be there as early as we would usually have gone. A nice bonus.
Friday was busy, lots of people, I had one lecture on the Tarot which was well attended (which I always like). We are always glad when the day is over, get back home to Cecelia's place, eat food, watch some TV and sleep. Then we are up and at them again in the morning, back for 10.00am and Saturday which is our longest day was the slowest of all three days, but it helped that I had one lecture, and one two hour workshop. That took up some time. Both the lecture and workshop were on Past Life Regression, and we sold out of all the CD's I had. Another good day.
Sunday was super busy. I sat from 11.00am until 4.00pm doing readings and when I finally got up I could hardly move I was so stiff. Plus I did not have a voice left. I could not get any volume out of it. I was glad to have a break and a walk around and then get ready to break down the booth and go have dinner with other friends and sleep before leaving at 6.45am to drive back home.
Was I ever glad to get home around 3.45 pm. The tulips had all come out in the two weeks I was away and some more daffodils. The Cherry tree is in full bloom and the lilac bushes are coming alive. Home Sweet Home.
I still wish I sometimes were two people. I have had clients, and I'm needing to get ready for the Spring Festival of Awareness this coming weekend, where I will be facilitating two workshops. So taking one day at a time, as usual. Enjoying the process of getting my house back to normal - I'm still unpacking my car. I managed to buy a new umbrella for my sundeck - a green to match the back door I painted last year. Another month and I'll be back painting!!!! Summer is coming, the weather is beautifully warm - not used to it yet. Life is good.
Lots of love,
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Movie Review - How to Train Your Dragon
On my last day in Edmonton I went to see "How To Train Your Dragon" in 3D. I enjoyed this animated movie a great deal. I thought it was wonderful entertainment. It was exactly what I needed after working all weekend at the Body Soul & Spirit Expo.
I thought the animation of the people and dragons really good, I liked the story line and the underlying thought of how we often react to people and situations without really understanding who and what they are.
I also liked how the perceived 'underdog' - he who did not fit in - was in fact the one who did not want to kill dragons, but understand them. Oh yes, he hit the one dragon people did not know much about with his invention. That no one believed him is the usual response when one is different and has different ideas. Everyone made fun of him, his father, a huge viking, was the leader of the village and ashamed of him because he was different. The villagers fought the dragons when they came to take away their stock. They were all big, strong vikings, while our Hero was slight and small.
As the story unfolds, you get to see why they come, and that they actually have some redeeming qualities.
How to Train Your Dragon is worth seeing if you are looking for a nice tale of redemption for the underdog, or great animation, or just to relax, laugh, smile and perhaps shed a tear.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Enjoy
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
I thought the animation of the people and dragons really good, I liked the story line and the underlying thought of how we often react to people and situations without really understanding who and what they are.
I also liked how the perceived 'underdog' - he who did not fit in - was in fact the one who did not want to kill dragons, but understand them. Oh yes, he hit the one dragon people did not know much about with his invention. That no one believed him is the usual response when one is different and has different ideas. Everyone made fun of him, his father, a huge viking, was the leader of the village and ashamed of him because he was different. The villagers fought the dragons when they came to take away their stock. They were all big, strong vikings, while our Hero was slight and small.
As the story unfolds, you get to see why they come, and that they actually have some redeeming qualities.
How to Train Your Dragon is worth seeing if you are looking for a nice tale of redemption for the underdog, or great animation, or just to relax, laugh, smile and perhaps shed a tear.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Enjoy
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Movie Review - Alice of Wonderland
Yesterday I took time to go and see Alice in Wonderland in 3D. It was a delightful experience in which I ducked a few times and let out small screams a couple of times as things got flung at me. I most certainly find sitting in the middle of the 3D theatres the best option if you are going to see them - no distortion at all.
Anyways, my comments regarding this movie is of course the acting of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter - they are superb. Johnny Depp, although there were times Jack the Pirate could be seen in his moves, he is so believable as the mad hatter. Helena the same, what a Red Queen. You believed she wanted "Off with his head". I thought Anne Hathaway was a bit flighty for the White Queen. I wanted her to stop flinging her hands around, it was like she did not know what to do with them. Other than the hand though I thought the movie quite brilliant. The scenes were magnificent, the combination of humans and animation was like there were no animation. The wonderland world was real, it was a place were animals spoke and personally I liked how they got to change Alice's clothes as she shrank or grew big. (My friend pointed out she was watching the shoes - which I did not think of and they had some difficulty with that - oh well I didn't watch the shoes so did not notice).
I also recognized the hand of Tim Burton in the Red Soldiers......how Tim Burtonish, evil looking they were. If I had not known it was a Tim Burton movie, I perhaps would not have recognized his usual 'dark' side which comes out, which I smiled to myself when I saw the Red Soldiers, oh yes Tim was there.
All in all I was glad I saw it, glad I saw it in 3D and would recommend it for a wonderful few hours to go down the rabbit hole. I did not read the books as a child, but remember something so I knew the story and remembered seeing something way back....another movie perhaps? I was thrilled as to how the story was written to show how the 19year old Alice - who was very good - was returning to Wonderland, but I wanted Johnny Depp to show up on the boat as she left at the end as a 'real' person, knowing the love between the mad hatter and reality was transcended. I guess I'm the eternal romantic ... both my friend Vida and I wanted to see that. Otherwise the story was well integrated.
I would give this movie 4 stars out of 5.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Anyways, my comments regarding this movie is of course the acting of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter - they are superb. Johnny Depp, although there were times Jack the Pirate could be seen in his moves, he is so believable as the mad hatter. Helena the same, what a Red Queen. You believed she wanted "Off with his head". I thought Anne Hathaway was a bit flighty for the White Queen. I wanted her to stop flinging her hands around, it was like she did not know what to do with them. Other than the hand though I thought the movie quite brilliant. The scenes were magnificent, the combination of humans and animation was like there were no animation. The wonderland world was real, it was a place were animals spoke and personally I liked how they got to change Alice's clothes as she shrank or grew big. (My friend pointed out she was watching the shoes - which I did not think of and they had some difficulty with that - oh well I didn't watch the shoes so did not notice).
I also recognized the hand of Tim Burton in the Red Soldiers......how Tim Burtonish, evil looking they were. If I had not known it was a Tim Burton movie, I perhaps would not have recognized his usual 'dark' side which comes out, which I smiled to myself when I saw the Red Soldiers, oh yes Tim was there.
All in all I was glad I saw it, glad I saw it in 3D and would recommend it for a wonderful few hours to go down the rabbit hole. I did not read the books as a child, but remember something so I knew the story and remembered seeing something way back....another movie perhaps? I was thrilled as to how the story was written to show how the 19year old Alice - who was very good - was returning to Wonderland, but I wanted Johnny Depp to show up on the boat as she left at the end as a 'real' person, knowing the love between the mad hatter and reality was transcended. I guess I'm the eternal romantic ... both my friend Vida and I wanted to see that. Otherwise the story was well integrated.
I would give this movie 4 stars out of 5.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Toothbrush saves the day
Hi: here I am in sunny, clear skys Edmonton, Alberta. It seemed like a long journey this time, perhaps my age is catching up with me on these long drives. The last two years I have flown here, but because I also am going to be in Calgary for the Body Soul & Spirit Expo next weekend, I thought I would drive to both the expos and visit another good friend inbetween. As I have written both here and on my Facebook page since my return home from N.Z. I was super busy with clients and getting books bound (the issue of being a self publisher) and other bits and pieces when I was finally ready to leave on Monday afternoon.
After my visit to the chiropractor, and purchasing a new phone (my other cell got itself lost somewhere in my car -- or who knows) and I need to have a cell -- plus I hated that other phone so it was a good excuse to get another one -- and I like this one, it even has a camera in it - something I did not realize when I said 'that one'. So I finally left Kelowna at 3.30pm and drove on to Golden. Now I was going to stop at Revelstoke, but when I got there I thought I'm still good, so drove on to Golden and I stayed at a motel I have stayed at before (in fact I was super impressed when they actually had me in their computer - so did not even have to fill out a card). I like this hotel, its clean, reasonably priced and it has a hot tub and pool. So went right away for a hot tub, then back to the room to watch the 2 hour show of 24.
Slept well, got up the next am and looked outside. Snow!!! But that is not where the toothbrush saved the day. As I dried my hair after my shower, I realized I had not packed my hair brush in my overnight case. Had my swimming suit and beach towel, had my toothbrush and toothpaste, (packed in a nice plastic bag) had a change of clothes - but no hairbrush. What was I going to do. I brush my hair after my daily shower and it is done (thank goodness for curly hair). Then I realized my toothbrush is a brush. So I used my toothbrush on my hair (it was before I cleaned my teeth so it was dry and brittle). It did the job! I hardly could believe it. My hair was done.
Soon my teeth were brushed, I had eaten a bit of food at the complimentary breakfast, and regardless of the snow I set off. I was so grateful I had driven onto Golden the night before, otherwise I would have had the whole Rogers Pass to drive in snow. Now I only had a shorter way to drive. Luckily trucks and other cards were on the road too, and we went slow enough that it was safe so did not panic. (It was two years ago at this time that I had the worst drive through a snow storm ever and my nerves have been a bit frayed ever since - which was why I had flown the last two years) but a couple of hours later the snow went away and then everything was back to normal. One thing about Alberta is it has beautiful large roads and once you are through the Rockies fairly straight. I left Hwy 1 and bypassed Calgary to get on Hwy 2. It was the first time I drove that way. Great roads, but the scenery was one of brown rolling hills. Very brown rolling hills. Not much traffice so made good speed, but it seemed to take forever, then finally I was on Hwy 2 heading for Edmonton. Just north of Red Deer there is a rest spot. I pulled in their had a short meditation/sleep phoned Bridget to tell her where I was and then back on the road again.
I was a bit road weary when I pulled into Vida's place around 3.30pm, and just sat and ate and talked as it had been a year since Iwe had seen each other. The time just seems to go faster and faster.
This phase (the driving over) I'm now ready to get the little bits and pieces I still need for the weekend Expo and perhaps today I will go see another movie. I have a 2 hour massage booked for tomorrow. Channeling peoples guides for them (10 of them) tonight. Tomorrow is a past life workshop, so I'm up and at them now.
In the meantime, my toothbrush saved the day, in fact I thought my hair looked the best it has done for a long time.
Thanks for 'tuning in'
Lots of love to you all
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
After my visit to the chiropractor, and purchasing a new phone (my other cell got itself lost somewhere in my car -- or who knows) and I need to have a cell -- plus I hated that other phone so it was a good excuse to get another one -- and I like this one, it even has a camera in it - something I did not realize when I said 'that one'. So I finally left Kelowna at 3.30pm and drove on to Golden. Now I was going to stop at Revelstoke, but when I got there I thought I'm still good, so drove on to Golden and I stayed at a motel I have stayed at before (in fact I was super impressed when they actually had me in their computer - so did not even have to fill out a card). I like this hotel, its clean, reasonably priced and it has a hot tub and pool. So went right away for a hot tub, then back to the room to watch the 2 hour show of 24.
Slept well, got up the next am and looked outside. Snow!!! But that is not where the toothbrush saved the day. As I dried my hair after my shower, I realized I had not packed my hair brush in my overnight case. Had my swimming suit and beach towel, had my toothbrush and toothpaste, (packed in a nice plastic bag) had a change of clothes - but no hairbrush. What was I going to do. I brush my hair after my daily shower and it is done (thank goodness for curly hair). Then I realized my toothbrush is a brush. So I used my toothbrush on my hair (it was before I cleaned my teeth so it was dry and brittle). It did the job! I hardly could believe it. My hair was done.
Soon my teeth were brushed, I had eaten a bit of food at the complimentary breakfast, and regardless of the snow I set off. I was so grateful I had driven onto Golden the night before, otherwise I would have had the whole Rogers Pass to drive in snow. Now I only had a shorter way to drive. Luckily trucks and other cards were on the road too, and we went slow enough that it was safe so did not panic. (It was two years ago at this time that I had the worst drive through a snow storm ever and my nerves have been a bit frayed ever since - which was why I had flown the last two years) but a couple of hours later the snow went away and then everything was back to normal. One thing about Alberta is it has beautiful large roads and once you are through the Rockies fairly straight. I left Hwy 1 and bypassed Calgary to get on Hwy 2. It was the first time I drove that way. Great roads, but the scenery was one of brown rolling hills. Very brown rolling hills. Not much traffice so made good speed, but it seemed to take forever, then finally I was on Hwy 2 heading for Edmonton. Just north of Red Deer there is a rest spot. I pulled in their had a short meditation/sleep phoned Bridget to tell her where I was and then back on the road again.
I was a bit road weary when I pulled into Vida's place around 3.30pm, and just sat and ate and talked as it had been a year since Iwe had seen each other. The time just seems to go faster and faster.
This phase (the driving over) I'm now ready to get the little bits and pieces I still need for the weekend Expo and perhaps today I will go see another movie. I have a 2 hour massage booked for tomorrow. Channeling peoples guides for them (10 of them) tonight. Tomorrow is a past life workshop, so I'm up and at them now.
In the meantime, my toothbrush saved the day, in fact I thought my hair looked the best it has done for a long time.
Thanks for 'tuning in'
Lots of love to you all
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Movie Review - Clash of the Titans
After spending a busy few days getting ready for my trip to Alberta (Edmonton & Calgary) plus seeing clients every day, its been super busy. Therefore I decided, since I think I have most things in hand and not that much more to do that I would go see a movie. I decided on Clash of the Titans because a couple of others I want to see I thought my friend Vida in Edmonton would like those better than this one.
I had previously listened to the movie review on Canadian AM - I rather like his reviews - and he went on about liking the original better. Well, I never did see the original, but sure did like this one. Lots of action with weird characters and such. I was not bored, in fact at one point I found myself leaning forward (and it wasn't to rest my back). I was caught up in what was happening. I think twice I buried my eyes - yes I was really caught up in the action. In arriving home I wanted to get this review out because tomorrow is finalizing the completion of things for Alberta and Monday I leave for my two week journey.
I did enjoy this movie, mind you Sam Worthington from Avatar and the last Terminator movie was in it. It seems to me he is the young Russel Crowe - as he is from Australia and in three big movies - the only one not in was Star Trek....oh yes XMen hes not in that -- yet!
If you want to be entertained with stories of Gods and Men and learn something of the mythology (of which I know a little) plus you like action and don't mind watching men dying with crazy looking creatures then go see this movie.
I give it **** stars out of 5. Good entertainment. At least from me. Its always great to see the 'bad guy' get it somehow.
Enjoy!!!!
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
I had previously listened to the movie review on Canadian AM - I rather like his reviews - and he went on about liking the original better. Well, I never did see the original, but sure did like this one. Lots of action with weird characters and such. I was not bored, in fact at one point I found myself leaning forward (and it wasn't to rest my back). I was caught up in what was happening. I think twice I buried my eyes - yes I was really caught up in the action. In arriving home I wanted to get this review out because tomorrow is finalizing the completion of things for Alberta and Monday I leave for my two week journey.
I did enjoy this movie, mind you Sam Worthington from Avatar and the last Terminator movie was in it. It seems to me he is the young Russel Crowe - as he is from Australia and in three big movies - the only one not in was Star Trek....oh yes XMen hes not in that -- yet!
If you want to be entertained with stories of Gods and Men and learn something of the mythology (of which I know a little) plus you like action and don't mind watching men dying with crazy looking creatures then go see this movie.
I give it **** stars out of 5. Good entertainment. At least from me. Its always great to see the 'bad guy' get it somehow.
Enjoy!!!!
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
A week of retrospect
Hi: I had my whole blog for today complete, spell checking it when all of a sudden it was gone, and I was out back at my emails. Goodness knows what happened, so now you will get an abbreviated form of what I said.
After being home a week, as I look back I rejoice in the thoughts of my family and friends who I spent time with. I only wish I was able to get back more often and who knows if I DECIDE that I'm sure I can make that happen.
I remember the beautiful scenery, the greens of the countryside, the native bush, the wonderful colors of the ocean. Then I also remember the beautiful sunrise as I was picking up my rental car just after arriving, stopping in the parking lot to take the beauty of it in. Then as I was leaving sitting in the airport through the window watching the sunset. Sun rising when I arrived, sun setting when I left, how appropriate.
I still have not downloaded my photos into the computer as yet, but its on my long list of things to get done. It seems since I got back, catching up, seeing clients every day (which will continue until Sunday) and I leave on my next two week adventure to Alberta on Monday that most of my extra time is utilized getting ready although I have two lunches with friends slotted in. Plus I still have to have my down time. Although most of that will be spent binding books in the next few days.
I will be busy making up books. Ensuring for instance I have enough of "Many Lives, Many Ways of Remembering Them" as I have four Past Life Regression Workshops in three weeks, so books, plus CD's which are being duplicated right now need to be there.
As I leave this abbreviated blog today, I'm enjoying the beautiful Spring weather and hope to get outside for a wee while in the garden -- only time will tell if that is achieved today.
Enjoy your day
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
After being home a week, as I look back I rejoice in the thoughts of my family and friends who I spent time with. I only wish I was able to get back more often and who knows if I DECIDE that I'm sure I can make that happen.
I remember the beautiful scenery, the greens of the countryside, the native bush, the wonderful colors of the ocean. Then I also remember the beautiful sunrise as I was picking up my rental car just after arriving, stopping in the parking lot to take the beauty of it in. Then as I was leaving sitting in the airport through the window watching the sunset. Sun rising when I arrived, sun setting when I left, how appropriate.
I still have not downloaded my photos into the computer as yet, but its on my long list of things to get done. It seems since I got back, catching up, seeing clients every day (which will continue until Sunday) and I leave on my next two week adventure to Alberta on Monday that most of my extra time is utilized getting ready although I have two lunches with friends slotted in. Plus I still have to have my down time. Although most of that will be spent binding books in the next few days.
I will be busy making up books. Ensuring for instance I have enough of "Many Lives, Many Ways of Remembering Them" as I have four Past Life Regression Workshops in three weeks, so books, plus CD's which are being duplicated right now need to be there.
As I leave this abbreviated blog today, I'm enjoying the beautiful Spring weather and hope to get outside for a wee while in the garden -- only time will tell if that is achieved today.
Enjoy your day
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Back Home
Leaving New Zealand to come back home is never easy, but it has to be done and I've done it so many times I seem to handle it easier every time. It seemed like a long day waiting till it was time to leave and we set out in two cars with my Niece Nateele with her two children and Jan in one vehicle and brother Malcolm and me in my rental. We stopped first in Albany and then in Onehunga as Nateele looked for children's clothes. Then Mal & I delivered my rental back and met up with Jan at the airport who had my bags. As we were a bit later than I had wanted I had a good 40 - 50 minute wait in the line up to get to the ticket counter. By that time Nateele and the kids had seen the airplanes and they were already to go, so we said our final goodbyes and I went through the screening process. This time as I left the scanner behind I saw this lady standing there (seemingly doing nothing) and I though OhOh, and I was right. "step over here please mam". Ran the scanner over me and then ran a small cloth over my bags looking for explosives. this all took 5 - 10 minutes, so finally I was able to go on, get something to eat and sit down. It took forever for them to put up the gate we were going to be at, when finally it appeared there were alot of us going down.
Finally, into the plane, where I discovered to my delight I had an empty seat beside me. Something I had mentally requested. Just makes it easier. Also I was happy to have only a 12 1/2 hour flight rather than 14 hours. Again I watched a number of movies, slept through a few and cried and cried watching Hatchi. If you have not seen this movie with Richard Gere about a dog (real story about a dog named Hatchi in Japan) please see it. Especially if you want a good cry. Funny thing was Bridget had emailed me earlier telling me she had sat and cried through this movie about a dog, and I did not totally 'get' the name of it, but thought as tears are streaming down my face (thank goodness the man on the other side of the empty seat was sleeping) this must be the movie. It was when I checked with her. Remember Hatchi.
Arriving, going through customs etc, seemed easy a gentleman had picked up the big bag for me and put it on the baggage cart and as per discussed I phoned Bridget and she came and picked me up. She picked up the big bag and put it in the back of her van where it was kept until we went back to the airport the next day (more about this bag in a minute).
We arrived at Rob's and Melanie had made us a delightful supper while she went off to play hockey. But before she left we had the gifts to give out, plus the candies, plus stories. I was getting really tired by then and Rob said to Bridget "take Mum home, shes falling asleep on her feet". So back to Vancouver, up the stairs to the apartment and about 1 hour later I was in bed sleeping.
I woke up for a wee while around 3.30, but then went back and slept some more. We went out for breakfast adjusting to the slightly cooler air and then back to do the month and year end bookkeeping Bridget wanted me to do. Managed to get it done.
We had a couple of things to do before the airport, change money back into Canadian and then we decided to go back to the airport and have lunch there, and this when the fun began. As I was loading the big bag onto a cart. (Being creative we had created a parking space near the elevators with a baggage cart right there). I said to Bridget "this is not my bag". Now, I have leopard skin looking bags, which I deliberately bought so they would stand out. Looking at the tag it was not mine. Horror of horrors. I had the wrong bag. So into the airport and find out where to go, and the man says "oh is it a leopard one" .... "yes says me". So 40 minutes to walk to where we had to go, wait and then go in and swap the bag -- thank goodness they had mine and I was ready to go back to the domestic terminal and get my ticket for my flight back to Penticton. No lunch. Bridget had to go, and I needed to get through scanners etc. My lunch became a bottle of water (good) a chocolate bar (no so good). Soon though I was on the plane with all my bags and flying home.
Flying into Penticton, after the green of NZ, I could see the brown hills with snow on the top. My friend Carol was there and we packed her car with my bags and she did the short drive to my place, where I noticed all the daffodils flowering. Nice welcome home.
I did nothing last night. Just sat watched TV and slept. Awoke early, watched more TV then got up and caught up with emails, laundry and went and shopped for some basics. Then I was tired - jet lag works like that - so had another sleep.
Now I'm caught up, most stuff is put away, emails all answered (hopefully) and getting ready to do more tomorrow. Everyday will be easier (I know the routine). Three weeks of being in the warmth of my family, feeling accepted, loved and especially having the title of "Aunty Norma" and now back to the reality - paying bills, making appointments and soon getting ready to leave again for my trip to Alberta. It is nice to be back home though, and will begin saving up so I can once again do the trip over the Pacific Ocean to visit 'the family'.
Thanks for following my trip.
Blessings
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Finally, into the plane, where I discovered to my delight I had an empty seat beside me. Something I had mentally requested. Just makes it easier. Also I was happy to have only a 12 1/2 hour flight rather than 14 hours. Again I watched a number of movies, slept through a few and cried and cried watching Hatchi. If you have not seen this movie with Richard Gere about a dog (real story about a dog named Hatchi in Japan) please see it. Especially if you want a good cry. Funny thing was Bridget had emailed me earlier telling me she had sat and cried through this movie about a dog, and I did not totally 'get' the name of it, but thought as tears are streaming down my face (thank goodness the man on the other side of the empty seat was sleeping) this must be the movie. It was when I checked with her. Remember Hatchi.
Arriving, going through customs etc, seemed easy a gentleman had picked up the big bag for me and put it on the baggage cart and as per discussed I phoned Bridget and she came and picked me up. She picked up the big bag and put it in the back of her van where it was kept until we went back to the airport the next day (more about this bag in a minute).
We arrived at Rob's and Melanie had made us a delightful supper while she went off to play hockey. But before she left we had the gifts to give out, plus the candies, plus stories. I was getting really tired by then and Rob said to Bridget "take Mum home, shes falling asleep on her feet". So back to Vancouver, up the stairs to the apartment and about 1 hour later I was in bed sleeping.
I woke up for a wee while around 3.30, but then went back and slept some more. We went out for breakfast adjusting to the slightly cooler air and then back to do the month and year end bookkeeping Bridget wanted me to do. Managed to get it done.
We had a couple of things to do before the airport, change money back into Canadian and then we decided to go back to the airport and have lunch there, and this when the fun began. As I was loading the big bag onto a cart. (Being creative we had created a parking space near the elevators with a baggage cart right there). I said to Bridget "this is not my bag". Now, I have leopard skin looking bags, which I deliberately bought so they would stand out. Looking at the tag it was not mine. Horror of horrors. I had the wrong bag. So into the airport and find out where to go, and the man says "oh is it a leopard one" .... "yes says me". So 40 minutes to walk to where we had to go, wait and then go in and swap the bag -- thank goodness they had mine and I was ready to go back to the domestic terminal and get my ticket for my flight back to Penticton. No lunch. Bridget had to go, and I needed to get through scanners etc. My lunch became a bottle of water (good) a chocolate bar (no so good). Soon though I was on the plane with all my bags and flying home.
Flying into Penticton, after the green of NZ, I could see the brown hills with snow on the top. My friend Carol was there and we packed her car with my bags and she did the short drive to my place, where I noticed all the daffodils flowering. Nice welcome home.
I did nothing last night. Just sat watched TV and slept. Awoke early, watched more TV then got up and caught up with emails, laundry and went and shopped for some basics. Then I was tired - jet lag works like that - so had another sleep.
Now I'm caught up, most stuff is put away, emails all answered (hopefully) and getting ready to do more tomorrow. Everyday will be easier (I know the routine). Three weeks of being in the warmth of my family, feeling accepted, loved and especially having the title of "Aunty Norma" and now back to the reality - paying bills, making appointments and soon getting ready to leave again for my trip to Alberta. It is nice to be back home though, and will begin saving up so I can once again do the trip over the Pacific Ocean to visit 'the family'.
Thanks for following my trip.
Blessings
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Last day in New Zealand
Here I am waiting till the time comes to go to the airport to get back on the plane for the 14 hour flight back to Vancouver. I still have some packing to do, but fitting five pairs of new shoes, and other purchases into the suitcases has been 'fun' to say the least. I'm sure though everything will get fitted. I will find out when I do get to the airport whether I have to pay for 'heavier' weight allowance etc.
Its been a quieter week since being here at my brothers. I have had the opportunity to visit friends for lunch, read books and generally relax. It was super great to be able to sit with two childhood friends on Wednesday. The three of us grew up close together and played field hockey together until I left for Canada. For the first time in 47 years we were all together. I had moved to
Canada, Shirley went to Australia and Lois stayed in New Zealand. We got together at 10.00am and they left here at around 3.30. You can imagine the conversation. It was a last minute decision for Shirley to come from Australia and visit. She had forgotten that I was going to be here during this time, but had put out a quick email, which I got just before I left saying she was coming over. So we managed to get together here. Lots of laughter, reminiscing and conversation. Hopefully, someday in the future we can do it again. I was thinking it would make a good novel, as the three of us - childhood friends - have had three very different lives.
I also had lunch with a person I love and respect - Claire - and it was not long enough, but even a small visit is wonderful. On the way home from visiting with her, I went shopping and bought a couple of new tops.
I also got to spend some time with a great nephew, walking along the beach (something I love to do and had not found time to do it) and have a neat conversation. I think I did most of the talking, but everyone who knows me, knows I like doing that. A true pleasant memory to take away with me.
Then Friday I spent most of the day with my two nieces. One had driven down from the north with her two children for the weekend late Thursday. We had a day of 'study', where they got to ask me questions and I answered them. Then in the afternoon I was able to practice my Yuen Method with them, as I spent time with each one clearing a block (or two) which they wanted cleared. I felt it was a productive day.
Then Friday night, we had an open house, where other members of the family, a cousin and her husband who I had not seen for a long time, a great nephew, his wife and two children, plus friends and others of the family. Lots of people to converse with.
Saturday came, and I was picked up at noon to go and speak to the Tarot Guild. This is probably the thing I am most passionate about doing. I went in without an agenda and had three hours to see what would come up and at the end the people attending (around 25) said they throughly enjoyed it. I know I did. Plus I got to use my wand for a few back aches and tuned in to see why the ache, (silent Yuen Method at the same time). A sojourn to a local pub meant some of us continued conversations. It was a totally enjoyable day and Sheri who drove me to and from was 'great'. Many were disappointed that I was leaving today, as they would have liked to have readings, but as I pointed out I can do readings for people who live anywhere. I can phone them easily and then send the copy of the reading through the email or mail a CD. Isn't this age of technology wonderful.
When I got back here yesterday, all of Malcolm and Jan's children with their children were here so a barbecue supper was had with lots of laughter and good food.
This am, all were back here and we had a barbecue breakfast. Now I'm waiting (patiently) for the time to go to the airport.
I have phoned my sister Beryl - sister Nancy is in hospital, so can't reach her....to say goodbye and will phone when I reach my son's place......
I, as always will miss the 'beauty' of New Zealand. Although I speak about the roads and one way bridges etc, I have not mentioned the beautiful native bush which I was unable to pull over (due to the roads) to take pictures of. The wonderful color of the water and the magnificent views from many of the places. Yes, this is the country of my birth, so no matter where I am in the world I miss my family, and the beauty of the country.
Now ready to go back and enjoy the coming spring, the new schedule coming up. More of that in the coming days....
Blessings
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Its been a quieter week since being here at my brothers. I have had the opportunity to visit friends for lunch, read books and generally relax. It was super great to be able to sit with two childhood friends on Wednesday. The three of us grew up close together and played field hockey together until I left for Canada. For the first time in 47 years we were all together. I had moved to
Canada, Shirley went to Australia and Lois stayed in New Zealand. We got together at 10.00am and they left here at around 3.30. You can imagine the conversation. It was a last minute decision for Shirley to come from Australia and visit. She had forgotten that I was going to be here during this time, but had put out a quick email, which I got just before I left saying she was coming over. So we managed to get together here. Lots of laughter, reminiscing and conversation. Hopefully, someday in the future we can do it again. I was thinking it would make a good novel, as the three of us - childhood friends - have had three very different lives.
I also had lunch with a person I love and respect - Claire - and it was not long enough, but even a small visit is wonderful. On the way home from visiting with her, I went shopping and bought a couple of new tops.
I also got to spend some time with a great nephew, walking along the beach (something I love to do and had not found time to do it) and have a neat conversation. I think I did most of the talking, but everyone who knows me, knows I like doing that. A true pleasant memory to take away with me.
Then Friday I spent most of the day with my two nieces. One had driven down from the north with her two children for the weekend late Thursday. We had a day of 'study', where they got to ask me questions and I answered them. Then in the afternoon I was able to practice my Yuen Method with them, as I spent time with each one clearing a block (or two) which they wanted cleared. I felt it was a productive day.
Then Friday night, we had an open house, where other members of the family, a cousin and her husband who I had not seen for a long time, a great nephew, his wife and two children, plus friends and others of the family. Lots of people to converse with.
Saturday came, and I was picked up at noon to go and speak to the Tarot Guild. This is probably the thing I am most passionate about doing. I went in without an agenda and had three hours to see what would come up and at the end the people attending (around 25) said they throughly enjoyed it. I know I did. Plus I got to use my wand for a few back aches and tuned in to see why the ache, (silent Yuen Method at the same time). A sojourn to a local pub meant some of us continued conversations. It was a totally enjoyable day and Sheri who drove me to and from was 'great'. Many were disappointed that I was leaving today, as they would have liked to have readings, but as I pointed out I can do readings for people who live anywhere. I can phone them easily and then send the copy of the reading through the email or mail a CD. Isn't this age of technology wonderful.
When I got back here yesterday, all of Malcolm and Jan's children with their children were here so a barbecue supper was had with lots of laughter and good food.
This am, all were back here and we had a barbecue breakfast. Now I'm waiting (patiently) for the time to go to the airport.
I have phoned my sister Beryl - sister Nancy is in hospital, so can't reach her....to say goodbye and will phone when I reach my son's place......
I, as always will miss the 'beauty' of New Zealand. Although I speak about the roads and one way bridges etc, I have not mentioned the beautiful native bush which I was unable to pull over (due to the roads) to take pictures of. The wonderful color of the water and the magnificent views from many of the places. Yes, this is the country of my birth, so no matter where I am in the world I miss my family, and the beauty of the country.
Now ready to go back and enjoy the coming spring, the new schedule coming up. More of that in the coming days....
Blessings
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Back in Auckland for the final week
Yesterday, I drove back up to my brothers place in Red Beach (north of Auckland). On the way I dropped off my niece Sheryl & her husband Melville at the airport as they were on their way to see their daughter Sandra in Brisbane, Australia. Its always surprising how many of my family head off to Australia so easily whereas in my younger days it was a 'big' trip to undertake. Next Saturday, the day before I leave, Sheryl's sister Joanne & her husband Murray are off to Melbourne to see their daughter Casey play netball. They are only having a quick trip.
I last recorded here while I was in Whitianga at my niece's Raewyn's place. That's all three sisters mentioned right at the beginning of this post. I cannot tell you how beautiful the view is from Rae's place. I could have spent a week there just looking at the view and resting. As mentioned before the water here changes color. Dark blue, light blue, green. Green is my favorite color and out in the bay, as the sun was shining lovely and hot the bay looked lovely and green.
I did some shopping (when don't I when I'm here) and we rested, and watched the DVD Julia/Julie, which I had already seen twice when it came out, but enjoyed it just as much again. Then it was the drive back to my sisters. Again over the twisting winding road with a one way bridge and then back into the Waikato area (farming).
We stopped and visited with my cousin John who has studied the genealogy of my Father's side and caught up on new information. This would mean that I now have been updated by two cousins (from different sides) of the family connections going back several generations. Naturally all in England/Scotland areas. Seeing NZ and Australia were the colonies and people came out for various reasons. I often think about how it must have been for them. They left England on ships which took months to get to this part of the world, knowing they would not be going back and never seeing their family and friends ever again.
When I think of how many times I have been back visiting over the years, plus visits from my brother, nieces and nephews and once my sister. I do attempt to come back every three to five years to keep up with the family if possible.
Once back at my sisters in Matamata, I just visited more family and then a friend came up from Hastings to visit and spent two nights with us. Her and I took off Saturday to Hamilton, visiting markets and talking up a storm. She is a reflexologist, plus does massage and aroma therapy. She was just back from San Fran taking a course in creating personal perfumes. She will be visiting me in August before going back down to San Fran for a course. That makes me very excited. I remember years ago someone making me my own oil perfume. Can't remember when or where, but I do remember it was done.
I was sad to say goodbye to my eldest sister on Sunday morning. I had three short visits with her, and the fact is she is not well and you just never know at 85 (March 27th) how much longer she has. Perhaps a month, a week, a year or more. But who knows when its your time or when you choose to go. It was great to able to see her with my eyes again though.
My sister who I stayed with is doing just fine at 81.
I was thinking about some of the differences which you have her in NZ, and today there really is not much difference. they have many of the same chains we do: McDonalds seem to be everywhere, KFC, Subway etc. The one thing which is still quite different is they have more English TV programing than we get and 'stuff' imported from England. I managed to buy a few clothing items, but not alot, the one thing I do find is the shoes here fit my feet (wonder why?) so have one pair bought, and plan on getting another pair at least. I have looked for some new good shoes for nearly 2 years (or longer) and have not found which shoes which fit, but have one pair to bring home. Yeah!!! Seems funny getting excited about buying shoes, but truly I have a hard time finding shoes that fit my size 11 feet.
This coming week before getting on the plane next Sunday is more visiting with friends and having more family visit here next Friday and then a final Family barbeque on Saturday.
Most of my friends (excluding my childhood ones) are into healing so I look forward to having some interesting conversations, other than that, its just the usual - visit and catch up. A childhood friend of mine from Australia is also over here, so we are meeting up on Thursday to go visit a third friend. The first time we all together in 47 years. Shirley left for Australia before I left for Canada. I'm sure that will be interesting. Three of us very different women who have had very different lives. Shirley married a Dutchman and farmed outside Melbourne. I was in Canada and Lois stayed here, living close to where we grew up.
My wand is still doing its work. My brother just asked me to work on his toes. His heel (he had had an operation before my arrival) was really hurting last night, so wanded it, says its feels a lot better today, but his toe hurt.....so got the wand out and we will see.
Until I post again, enjoy your day, enjoy your family and friends.
Love
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
I last recorded here while I was in Whitianga at my niece's Raewyn's place. That's all three sisters mentioned right at the beginning of this post. I cannot tell you how beautiful the view is from Rae's place. I could have spent a week there just looking at the view and resting. As mentioned before the water here changes color. Dark blue, light blue, green. Green is my favorite color and out in the bay, as the sun was shining lovely and hot the bay looked lovely and green.
I did some shopping (when don't I when I'm here) and we rested, and watched the DVD Julia/Julie, which I had already seen twice when it came out, but enjoyed it just as much again. Then it was the drive back to my sisters. Again over the twisting winding road with a one way bridge and then back into the Waikato area (farming).
We stopped and visited with my cousin John who has studied the genealogy of my Father's side and caught up on new information. This would mean that I now have been updated by two cousins (from different sides) of the family connections going back several generations. Naturally all in England/Scotland areas. Seeing NZ and Australia were the colonies and people came out for various reasons. I often think about how it must have been for them. They left England on ships which took months to get to this part of the world, knowing they would not be going back and never seeing their family and friends ever again.
When I think of how many times I have been back visiting over the years, plus visits from my brother, nieces and nephews and once my sister. I do attempt to come back every three to five years to keep up with the family if possible.
Once back at my sisters in Matamata, I just visited more family and then a friend came up from Hastings to visit and spent two nights with us. Her and I took off Saturday to Hamilton, visiting markets and talking up a storm. She is a reflexologist, plus does massage and aroma therapy. She was just back from San Fran taking a course in creating personal perfumes. She will be visiting me in August before going back down to San Fran for a course. That makes me very excited. I remember years ago someone making me my own oil perfume. Can't remember when or where, but I do remember it was done.
I was sad to say goodbye to my eldest sister on Sunday morning. I had three short visits with her, and the fact is she is not well and you just never know at 85 (March 27th) how much longer she has. Perhaps a month, a week, a year or more. But who knows when its your time or when you choose to go. It was great to able to see her with my eyes again though.
My sister who I stayed with is doing just fine at 81.
I was thinking about some of the differences which you have her in NZ, and today there really is not much difference. they have many of the same chains we do: McDonalds seem to be everywhere, KFC, Subway etc. The one thing which is still quite different is they have more English TV programing than we get and 'stuff' imported from England. I managed to buy a few clothing items, but not alot, the one thing I do find is the shoes here fit my feet (wonder why?) so have one pair bought, and plan on getting another pair at least. I have looked for some new good shoes for nearly 2 years (or longer) and have not found which shoes which fit, but have one pair to bring home. Yeah!!! Seems funny getting excited about buying shoes, but truly I have a hard time finding shoes that fit my size 11 feet.
This coming week before getting on the plane next Sunday is more visiting with friends and having more family visit here next Friday and then a final Family barbeque on Saturday.
Most of my friends (excluding my childhood ones) are into healing so I look forward to having some interesting conversations, other than that, its just the usual - visit and catch up. A childhood friend of mine from Australia is also over here, so we are meeting up on Thursday to go visit a third friend. The first time we all together in 47 years. Shirley left for Australia before I left for Canada. I'm sure that will be interesting. Three of us very different women who have had very different lives. Shirley married a Dutchman and farmed outside Melbourne. I was in Canada and Lois stayed here, living close to where we grew up.
My wand is still doing its work. My brother just asked me to work on his toes. His heel (he had had an operation before my arrival) was really hurting last night, so wanded it, says its feels a lot better today, but his toe hurt.....so got the wand out and we will see.
Until I post again, enjoy your day, enjoy your family and friends.
Love
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Monday, March 08, 2010
One week gone of my trip
Today has brought the first official week of my trip to a close. Last Friday I drove down from my brother's in Red Beach (north of Auckland near Orewa - for those following on a map) to my sister's in Matamata. A trip which usually takes around 2 1/2 hours, took me over 3 1/2 due to road works. My brother had suggested I drive a different way than I have usually go when driving here before. Well, one stretch of road they were laying new 'concrete' down and the cars were lined up for ever and were going as fast as I could walk. Anyway, got through that, made the change of roads to cross over towards my home town. Oh yes, I was born in Matamata where my sister Beryl lives 65 years ago. Lovely place, its where Hobbitville (were they filmed Lord of the Rings and Hobbit land) resides. In fact, its just up the road from where my Mum & Dad were farming when I made my entrance into this world.
It is the end of the summer here, and it has been a long hot summer and luckily for me the day temperatures are still in the mid 20's. The nights get cool, just like our fall. Anyway, I don't remember seeing the usually green fields being this brown (mostly because I usually come when its winter time here) plus I hardly saw any cows, something unusual as I was driving into cow (dairy) country. Also, I came across my first (this trip) one way bridge. Can you believe a modern day country, on a highway which is marked a highway (except it is just a regular 2 lane road, where people can go 100 ks) and you have a one way bridge. I took a photo of it and when I get back home I will discover how to post photos. Since then I have gone over many one way bridges, especially today, but I'm ahead of myself.
When I finally arrived at my sisters, I had two nieces, one great niece in law and one great great nephew and niece waiting for me. So much family fun, talk etc - oh yes, horse racing on the T.V. Horse racing for this section of the family is almost a religion. I spent many a wonderful day at the races when I was little, but today its TV and sports bars ... not quite the same to me.
Later in the day, my sister received a phone call from her eldest son and he and his wife were driving down. A day earlier than expected.
What I haven't said is that people were gathering for unveiling of my brother in law Jack's headstone. A year ago, when I was at the Vernon Health & Wellness Fair my beloved brother in law passed away, after having nine long months after a really bad stroke. Of course there was no way way I could get down as for the funeral, but here I was in the country (even though my ticket was booked the previous February) and able to attend the unveiling to take place on Sunday.
Therefore, there were four of us at the house on Friday. Saturday arrived and this was the day of a big horse race plus a cricket test. Sports everywhere. In the morning Beryl & I drove out to see my eldest sister Nancy who lives about 15k away. She is in her mid 80's and not well and so we sat and visited with her and her husband Les for around 1 1/2 hours and then left to go shopping, and while I was looking at a store, ran into another niece. Some family history. My mother and father had two daughters Nancy and Beryl. When Nancy was 19 and Beryl was nearly 16 I came along, and then nearly 3 years later my brother Malcolm. Nancy married Les and had 12 children. Beryl married Jack and had 5 children. The elder nieces and nephews were basically raised with Malcolm & I. I therefore have lots of neices and nephews here. One of the side factors is no one gets to call me Aunty Norma in Canada, but here I get to here it often and it sounds great to my ear. I phone up and say Hi, its your Aunty Norma here. Small rewards of visiting family and being accepted as such.
In particular as I grew up I was close to Beryl & Jack and had most of my childhood holidays with them. I always felt like their eldest child. When I had my 60th birthday, Beryl, even though she was in her mid 70's came up to celebrate with me. She came with her daughter Raewyn, whose computer I'm using right now. Several of Nancy's many children I feel close too as well and make an effort to see them when here.
Now back to Saturday, after shopping back to the house to watch more horse racing and cricket on the t.v. I would go outside and sit in the sun and read my book, then back in the shade of the living room and watch tv with the others. Late afternoon we meet up with more of the family down at the 'track bar' and watched the major race of the day -I even had a bet, but the horse ran 5th after leading 3/4 of the race. It was interesting. Both Beryl and I don't drink anymore (shes 16 yeas, me 4) but we still had our non alocholic drinks to join in the family fun.
Next day was Sunday, getting ready for the people to return after the unveiling. John & Judy (John's wife) and I with Beryl managed to get all prepared and then we drove out to the graveyard. For me, it was a tremendous opportunity to see people I would not normally see. I visited with one of Jack's brothers and his wife who I had not seen since before coming to Canada - 46 years ago. Caught up with great nieces and nephews, and after the headstone was made visible we headed back to Beryl's for an afternoon of food, drink and 'loud' talk.
I know when I tell people I come from a family, where I am one of the quiet ones no one can imagine it (at least that's what they say) well if you were at Beryl's you would see, not only a room full of people, my size and shape, but voices much louder than me and of course all trying to out talk each one. Actually its music to my ears, as I was raised being in this household with this noise level.
Eventually, people went, quiet descended and we went to bed with two nieces staying over as well - John and Judy had departed early afternoon so beds were available.
Monday arrives and the four of us (me driving with Beryl in her car) Sheryl and Raewyn in Sheryl's car we headed over to Raewyn's second house (yes her and her husband have two) so she could pick up her car. We ended up staying the night there. Her second house, is lovely, has a pool and is near Tauranga and Mt. Maunganui.
I was visited by two 2nd cousins there, one into the geneology of my mother's side (she's part of my Mum's side of the family) so we had a great talk for about three hours of family and who is who etc. That was interesting for me. Plus I had not seen them the last few visits so it was good to catch up. Again 2nd cousins who are the same age as me. Their mother was the eldest granddaughter (died 3 years ago) and I'm the youngest (so far still going).
Then today, Tuesday, Sheryl went back home to Matamata, Raewyn drove herself and I drove Beryl and we came through roads twisting and winding to Raewyn's main house in a town called Whitianga. Its a beautiful home sits high on the hill overlooking the ocean. Actually, its over looking a bay, with small islands sitting out in the bay and out in the open sea. Beautiful.
Now the roads, twisty and windy I've mentioned, no shoulders on the road,and at one point going up a twisting road a large truck comes around the corner, and another little truck was passing him - on our side of this narrow road. I braked slowing us down, pulled over (remember a different side of the road - and luckily I pulled the proper way) until Beryl was saying "Heh don't get too close" because there was a big drop off and she doesn't like those at all. I can't speak for the large truck driver, but he probably was pulling over as far as he could go and then the little truck managed to pull between the two of us. Raewyn said later "did you get his license plate?" and I told her "no way could I see his licence plate, I was trying to ensure he did not hit us head on". We also ran into the wonderful one way bridges, lost track of how many, maybe five. Plus this country has roundabouts, and I am become an expert of knowing what to look for etc.
Anyway, we arrived safe and sound and in one piece. It was a trip. Tomorrow we go see one of Nancy's daughters who also lives over this way and who I love to see. Another day of driving in this beautiful, wonderful, crazy roads country. I probably won't see another computer until Friday night or Sat morning (when I'm back up at Malcolm's,) but will catch you up with it all then. In the meantime, I'm driving back to Matamata Thursday and a friend is driving up from Hastings area to catch up with me Friday and Saturday and I'm back to Malcolm & Jan's Sunday.
Lots of love to all
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
It is the end of the summer here, and it has been a long hot summer and luckily for me the day temperatures are still in the mid 20's. The nights get cool, just like our fall. Anyway, I don't remember seeing the usually green fields being this brown (mostly because I usually come when its winter time here) plus I hardly saw any cows, something unusual as I was driving into cow (dairy) country. Also, I came across my first (this trip) one way bridge. Can you believe a modern day country, on a highway which is marked a highway (except it is just a regular 2 lane road, where people can go 100 ks) and you have a one way bridge. I took a photo of it and when I get back home I will discover how to post photos. Since then I have gone over many one way bridges, especially today, but I'm ahead of myself.
When I finally arrived at my sisters, I had two nieces, one great niece in law and one great great nephew and niece waiting for me. So much family fun, talk etc - oh yes, horse racing on the T.V. Horse racing for this section of the family is almost a religion. I spent many a wonderful day at the races when I was little, but today its TV and sports bars ... not quite the same to me.
Later in the day, my sister received a phone call from her eldest son and he and his wife were driving down. A day earlier than expected.
What I haven't said is that people were gathering for unveiling of my brother in law Jack's headstone. A year ago, when I was at the Vernon Health & Wellness Fair my beloved brother in law passed away, after having nine long months after a really bad stroke. Of course there was no way way I could get down as for the funeral, but here I was in the country (even though my ticket was booked the previous February) and able to attend the unveiling to take place on Sunday.
Therefore, there were four of us at the house on Friday. Saturday arrived and this was the day of a big horse race plus a cricket test. Sports everywhere. In the morning Beryl & I drove out to see my eldest sister Nancy who lives about 15k away. She is in her mid 80's and not well and so we sat and visited with her and her husband Les for around 1 1/2 hours and then left to go shopping, and while I was looking at a store, ran into another niece. Some family history. My mother and father had two daughters Nancy and Beryl. When Nancy was 19 and Beryl was nearly 16 I came along, and then nearly 3 years later my brother Malcolm. Nancy married Les and had 12 children. Beryl married Jack and had 5 children. The elder nieces and nephews were basically raised with Malcolm & I. I therefore have lots of neices and nephews here. One of the side factors is no one gets to call me Aunty Norma in Canada, but here I get to here it often and it sounds great to my ear. I phone up and say Hi, its your Aunty Norma here. Small rewards of visiting family and being accepted as such.
In particular as I grew up I was close to Beryl & Jack and had most of my childhood holidays with them. I always felt like their eldest child. When I had my 60th birthday, Beryl, even though she was in her mid 70's came up to celebrate with me. She came with her daughter Raewyn, whose computer I'm using right now. Several of Nancy's many children I feel close too as well and make an effort to see them when here.
Now back to Saturday, after shopping back to the house to watch more horse racing and cricket on the t.v. I would go outside and sit in the sun and read my book, then back in the shade of the living room and watch tv with the others. Late afternoon we meet up with more of the family down at the 'track bar' and watched the major race of the day -I even had a bet, but the horse ran 5th after leading 3/4 of the race. It was interesting. Both Beryl and I don't drink anymore (shes 16 yeas, me 4) but we still had our non alocholic drinks to join in the family fun.
Next day was Sunday, getting ready for the people to return after the unveiling. John & Judy (John's wife) and I with Beryl managed to get all prepared and then we drove out to the graveyard. For me, it was a tremendous opportunity to see people I would not normally see. I visited with one of Jack's brothers and his wife who I had not seen since before coming to Canada - 46 years ago. Caught up with great nieces and nephews, and after the headstone was made visible we headed back to Beryl's for an afternoon of food, drink and 'loud' talk.
I know when I tell people I come from a family, where I am one of the quiet ones no one can imagine it (at least that's what they say) well if you were at Beryl's you would see, not only a room full of people, my size and shape, but voices much louder than me and of course all trying to out talk each one. Actually its music to my ears, as I was raised being in this household with this noise level.
Eventually, people went, quiet descended and we went to bed with two nieces staying over as well - John and Judy had departed early afternoon so beds were available.
Monday arrives and the four of us (me driving with Beryl in her car) Sheryl and Raewyn in Sheryl's car we headed over to Raewyn's second house (yes her and her husband have two) so she could pick up her car. We ended up staying the night there. Her second house, is lovely, has a pool and is near Tauranga and Mt. Maunganui.
I was visited by two 2nd cousins there, one into the geneology of my mother's side (she's part of my Mum's side of the family) so we had a great talk for about three hours of family and who is who etc. That was interesting for me. Plus I had not seen them the last few visits so it was good to catch up. Again 2nd cousins who are the same age as me. Their mother was the eldest granddaughter (died 3 years ago) and I'm the youngest (so far still going).
Then today, Tuesday, Sheryl went back home to Matamata, Raewyn drove herself and I drove Beryl and we came through roads twisting and winding to Raewyn's main house in a town called Whitianga. Its a beautiful home sits high on the hill overlooking the ocean. Actually, its over looking a bay, with small islands sitting out in the bay and out in the open sea. Beautiful.
Now the roads, twisty and windy I've mentioned, no shoulders on the road,and at one point going up a twisting road a large truck comes around the corner, and another little truck was passing him - on our side of this narrow road. I braked slowing us down, pulled over (remember a different side of the road - and luckily I pulled the proper way) until Beryl was saying "Heh don't get too close" because there was a big drop off and she doesn't like those at all. I can't speak for the large truck driver, but he probably was pulling over as far as he could go and then the little truck managed to pull between the two of us. Raewyn said later "did you get his license plate?" and I told her "no way could I see his licence plate, I was trying to ensure he did not hit us head on". We also ran into the wonderful one way bridges, lost track of how many, maybe five. Plus this country has roundabouts, and I am become an expert of knowing what to look for etc.
Anyway, we arrived safe and sound and in one piece. It was a trip. Tomorrow we go see one of Nancy's daughters who also lives over this way and who I love to see. Another day of driving in this beautiful, wonderful, crazy roads country. I probably won't see another computer until Friday night or Sat morning (when I'm back up at Malcolm's,) but will catch you up with it all then. In the meantime, I'm driving back to Matamata Thursday and a friend is driving up from Hastings area to catch up with me Friday and Saturday and I'm back to Malcolm & Jan's Sunday.
Lots of love to all
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Sun is shining & I'm driving
Hi: today was a more 'normal' day. I slept quite well, waking up at 4am, but going back to sleep until 7.30 ... this makes it easier as I did not need a sleep this afternoon and 'should' be able to go to sleep normal time today. I drove my little car, down to the local town. My sister in law Jan came with me and she had me go here and there and I did fine. Only made the window wipers go three times (remember the clicker is on the opposite side, so you use your right hand not your left). I thought that was pretty good going. Then I drove my brother Malcolm and Jan in another direction to get a phone set up for me, so now I have a cell phone to use while I'm here. I even have a number 0212576310. So if anyone one wants to phone me they can. There is a magic number you can use from Canada, only cost you a dollar. You dial 1015565, then 011 64 212576 310 and guess what it will ring and hopefully I can answer it. That is because like us, they have a rule, no talking on cells while driving and of course I do not have blue tooth connection. But it will help me keep in touch with family, friends while I'm down here and drive from place to place. Oh yes, if you do phone remember I'm 3 hours behind in 'real time' although I'm a day ahead.
Then this afternoon I sat outside in the sun, enjoying the view, the green water (Pearl Jan's Mum says its blue, (she is 93) I say its green - must be the sun glasses) and the 'peace' even though there are cars going along the road all the time. But here is a little like summer heaven. Although the clouds coming in look like it could rain tonight. But being in shorts and a top sitting in the sun (most of the time under the shade so I don't get too burnt) was heaven.
Tomorrow I'm off down island to my sister Beryl's. Not sure when I will get to a computer, but heh I'm sure I'll find one.
Now, off to 'wand' Malcolm's foot, Jan's leg, and Pearl's neck. They are all having improvement. Me....trying to study my Yuen Level one book and notes, but have my nose in a book Malcolm gave me. I'll get there, still lots of time. Enjoying it all.
My great niecs and nephews were over (3 of them 6 3 and nearly 2) what chaos/noise and fun. Nothing like family!!!
Lots of love to everyone, thanks for the emails, so far I've been reading them easily, but the next few days will not have access. I think I will take the note off saying I'm away, that must be annoying to get.
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Then this afternoon I sat outside in the sun, enjoying the view, the green water (Pearl Jan's Mum says its blue, (she is 93) I say its green - must be the sun glasses) and the 'peace' even though there are cars going along the road all the time. But here is a little like summer heaven. Although the clouds coming in look like it could rain tonight. But being in shorts and a top sitting in the sun (most of the time under the shade so I don't get too burnt) was heaven.
Tomorrow I'm off down island to my sister Beryl's. Not sure when I will get to a computer, but heh I'm sure I'll find one.
Now, off to 'wand' Malcolm's foot, Jan's leg, and Pearl's neck. They are all having improvement. Me....trying to study my Yuen Level one book and notes, but have my nose in a book Malcolm gave me. I'll get there, still lots of time. Enjoying it all.
My great niecs and nephews were over (3 of them 6 3 and nearly 2) what chaos/noise and fun. Nothing like family!!!
Lots of love to everyone, thanks for the emails, so far I've been reading them easily, but the next few days will not have access. I think I will take the note off saying I'm away, that must be annoying to get.
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Hail from New Zealand
Well I made the 14 hour trip to Auckland, New Zealand without too much trouble. Lots of leg room, thank goodness, so I could stretch my legs rotate my ankles etc. Unfortunately the seat could have been a bit wider for my generous hips, but made it through OK. Managed to have a little bit of a sleep as well. Watched several movies, one being The Hangover, which I did laugh through, but don't understand why it got nominated in several of the award shows. There again watching a movie on an airplane is not the best thing to do. I also put on 2012 and proceeded to sleep through most of it. Same with Wild Things.
I had a great visit with Rob, Melanie, McKayla & Kiera. Bridget had come out and picked me up from the Natural Comfort Centre, where I was privileged to do 11 channeling's of people's guides. That was a fun afternoon as we had some interesting messages, then when Bridget arrived we had a lovely dinner Melanie had prepared. Bridget left and we watched the Olympic updates and then off to bed. In the am, watched Kiera have her last soccer game of the season and then McDonalds for trophies etc. Now watching a group of 5/6 year olds run after a ball has its moments. They are all so cute and you can tell the six year olds from the five year olds, so next year I can see Kiera will be quite good, as she kicks a mean ball already. Unfortunately, McKayla's soccer has finished, so did not get to see her play at all this season.
Back to Rob's to watch the big hockey game. WE WON!!! Then off to the airport with people honking and waving flags. At the airport (I was there quite early expecting a huge crowd). No! It was quite empty in fact, only had to wait for one couple of complete, and I was up at the counter, bags gone, walking through the x-ray etc and down to the gate where I watched TV and read. Saw the beginning of the closing ceremonies before boarding and beginning the long flight. The people sitting next to me were from Calgary and it was their first visit. Coming for a month.
Mal & Jan were there when I walked off the plane with their little granddaughter Isabella. Shes so cute, not quite two, went and picked up my car (which I still have not driven) - tomorrow. Mal drove the car home, I drove with Jan.
Coming here, is like coming home after being away for awhile (which of course it is). Mal & Jan's house is usually where I land and I have spent quite a bit of time here over the years. They had renovated since I was last here, especially the dining area, made it larger and then when the collection of their family, son Calvin with his wife Kelly, children Oliver, Sam and baby Isabella, plus my niece Rin, her boyfriend Mat and his daughter Chedae plus me we had lovely lasagna (three kinds.) Oh yes, I had a short sleep in the afternoon (after all arrive at 6am without too much sleep on the plane) and then by 8.30 last night I was falling asleep. That meant off to bed and awake at 3am, read until it was time to get up at 7am. (I've had another nap this afternoon) hopefully by tomorrow I won't need to do that.
We went off shopping today, new shoes, new purse and some books....
back home, slept, and now up ready for a relaxing evening before back to bed more sleep and one more day here (I actually sat out in the sun for awhile this afternoon) before heading south to my sister on Thursday.
If you have managed to read this far, other impressions, one thing which I always love arriving in NZ is the green. The many different colors of green, plus the foliage, lots of it, and so different from us. Then today, when the sun was out (it was cloudy yesterday) and the sea looked gray. Today, sun out and the sea is accustomed 'green'. Love it. Oh yes, they have a wonderful view of a bay. They are up high, and you have a lovely view out and over houses onto the bay, where when it is 'green' I find very magical.
I have used my magic 'free point energy wand' on several people since arriving. Pain has left, feet, ankles, neck and back, plus my feet today after coming back from shopping - they hurt, so wanded them - no more hurt. PLUS the water tastes great when I wand it.
I also have used some Yuen Method too, but my family is not overly big on processing anything. They are just my family and I love them.
When I go south (driving myself - remember on the different side of the road) I won't have as easy access to a computer. But will endeavor to post tomorrow or in the am before I leave.
In the meantime, ensure you enjoy the day
Love
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
I had a great visit with Rob, Melanie, McKayla & Kiera. Bridget had come out and picked me up from the Natural Comfort Centre, where I was privileged to do 11 channeling's of people's guides. That was a fun afternoon as we had some interesting messages, then when Bridget arrived we had a lovely dinner Melanie had prepared. Bridget left and we watched the Olympic updates and then off to bed. In the am, watched Kiera have her last soccer game of the season and then McDonalds for trophies etc. Now watching a group of 5/6 year olds run after a ball has its moments. They are all so cute and you can tell the six year olds from the five year olds, so next year I can see Kiera will be quite good, as she kicks a mean ball already. Unfortunately, McKayla's soccer has finished, so did not get to see her play at all this season.
Back to Rob's to watch the big hockey game. WE WON!!! Then off to the airport with people honking and waving flags. At the airport (I was there quite early expecting a huge crowd). No! It was quite empty in fact, only had to wait for one couple of complete, and I was up at the counter, bags gone, walking through the x-ray etc and down to the gate where I watched TV and read. Saw the beginning of the closing ceremonies before boarding and beginning the long flight. The people sitting next to me were from Calgary and it was their first visit. Coming for a month.
Mal & Jan were there when I walked off the plane with their little granddaughter Isabella. Shes so cute, not quite two, went and picked up my car (which I still have not driven) - tomorrow. Mal drove the car home, I drove with Jan.
Coming here, is like coming home after being away for awhile (which of course it is). Mal & Jan's house is usually where I land and I have spent quite a bit of time here over the years. They had renovated since I was last here, especially the dining area, made it larger and then when the collection of their family, son Calvin with his wife Kelly, children Oliver, Sam and baby Isabella, plus my niece Rin, her boyfriend Mat and his daughter Chedae plus me we had lovely lasagna (three kinds.) Oh yes, I had a short sleep in the afternoon (after all arrive at 6am without too much sleep on the plane) and then by 8.30 last night I was falling asleep. That meant off to bed and awake at 3am, read until it was time to get up at 7am. (I've had another nap this afternoon) hopefully by tomorrow I won't need to do that.
We went off shopping today, new shoes, new purse and some books....
back home, slept, and now up ready for a relaxing evening before back to bed more sleep and one more day here (I actually sat out in the sun for awhile this afternoon) before heading south to my sister on Thursday.
If you have managed to read this far, other impressions, one thing which I always love arriving in NZ is the green. The many different colors of green, plus the foliage, lots of it, and so different from us. Then today, when the sun was out (it was cloudy yesterday) and the sea looked gray. Today, sun out and the sea is accustomed 'green'. Love it. Oh yes, they have a wonderful view of a bay. They are up high, and you have a lovely view out and over houses onto the bay, where when it is 'green' I find very magical.
I have used my magic 'free point energy wand' on several people since arriving. Pain has left, feet, ankles, neck and back, plus my feet today after coming back from shopping - they hurt, so wanded them - no more hurt. PLUS the water tastes great when I wand it.
I also have used some Yuen Method too, but my family is not overly big on processing anything. They are just my family and I love them.
When I go south (driving myself - remember on the different side of the road) I won't have as easy access to a computer. But will endeavor to post tomorrow or in the am before I leave.
In the meantime, ensure you enjoy the day
Love
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Thoughts of February ending
February is fast coming to an end and it has been a busy month for me. I'm just back from taking The Yuen Method Level One course. I was thinking on the way home, it is often said you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Well I believe you can! Its called practice!
After taking the Introduction four hour workshop of the Yuen Method on New Years Day I recognized that it was similar to my Soul/Source Connection work and had some quicker methods and decided I wanted to know/learn more. Now with Level One under my belt, wherein I learned a great deal more of how I can utilize this technique I will be working to assimilate what I learned. After all I'm committed to aiding/helping people achieve what they want easily.
The second exciting thing which occurred was my 'Free Point Energy Wand' arrived, just before leaving for Calgary. Now again New Years played a part in this. A good friend happened to be in Vancouver and was introduced to the Amega Wand.....she brought it back with her to Penticton and demonstrated how it worked. For me I loved the way it made vegetables taste (not my favorite) but the taste of them, even lettuce, made me want one, after all one needs their veges. Anyway, while in Calgary I used it several times on people who had pain or discomfort and they all felt a difference - one person was able to raise his arm where he hadn't before. Several had pains from their shoulders, knees and feet removed. yeah! My friend Cecelia who I was staying with had developed a cough, and when 'wanding' her chest, she stopped coughing and better yet slept well through the night. This happened two nights in a row. I have found it is great to have as not everyone wants to be 'processed' with their pain, but are willing to have some relief now. In otherwords the 'wand' is acceptable. So I feel I have two ways of relieving pain.
Third thing is my six month Plug Into Your Personal, Psychic & Spiritual Power Intensive ended, which I wrote about earlier, but it sure always leaves a 'hole' in my life. What happens while participants are going through the program, I 'hold' them in light to travel their journey. Then when it is over I let them go, and for me its sad for a wee while. I spoke to Olivia who now lives in France yesterday morning, and that was great as she is doing well.
Now as I'm tidying up my house, seeing a last few clients I'm beginning to get ready for going to New Zealand where I will visit my family, friends and hopefully enjoy the sun, after all we have snow here this am. I'm sure everything which needs to get done will get done, but its always a bit hectic before you leave for a three week trip. I will be blogging how the trip goes when I can get to a computer.
As February comes to a close, I look back and think, wow its gone....come on March.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
After taking the Introduction four hour workshop of the Yuen Method on New Years Day I recognized that it was similar to my Soul/Source Connection work and had some quicker methods and decided I wanted to know/learn more. Now with Level One under my belt, wherein I learned a great deal more of how I can utilize this technique I will be working to assimilate what I learned. After all I'm committed to aiding/helping people achieve what they want easily.
The second exciting thing which occurred was my 'Free Point Energy Wand' arrived, just before leaving for Calgary. Now again New Years played a part in this. A good friend happened to be in Vancouver and was introduced to the Amega Wand.....she brought it back with her to Penticton and demonstrated how it worked. For me I loved the way it made vegetables taste (not my favorite) but the taste of them, even lettuce, made me want one, after all one needs their veges. Anyway, while in Calgary I used it several times on people who had pain or discomfort and they all felt a difference - one person was able to raise his arm where he hadn't before. Several had pains from their shoulders, knees and feet removed. yeah! My friend Cecelia who I was staying with had developed a cough, and when 'wanding' her chest, she stopped coughing and better yet slept well through the night. This happened two nights in a row. I have found it is great to have as not everyone wants to be 'processed' with their pain, but are willing to have some relief now. In otherwords the 'wand' is acceptable. So I feel I have two ways of relieving pain.
Third thing is my six month Plug Into Your Personal, Psychic & Spiritual Power Intensive ended, which I wrote about earlier, but it sure always leaves a 'hole' in my life. What happens while participants are going through the program, I 'hold' them in light to travel their journey. Then when it is over I let them go, and for me its sad for a wee while. I spoke to Olivia who now lives in France yesterday morning, and that was great as she is doing well.
Now as I'm tidying up my house, seeing a last few clients I'm beginning to get ready for going to New Zealand where I will visit my family, friends and hopefully enjoy the sun, after all we have snow here this am. I'm sure everything which needs to get done will get done, but its always a bit hectic before you leave for a three week trip. I will be blogging how the trip goes when I can get to a computer.
As February comes to a close, I look back and think, wow its gone....come on March.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Plug Into Your Power
This weekend was the last weekend of my six month intensive Plug Into Your Personal, Psychic and Spiritual Power. It is always satisfying to see the students who take the journey come to the end, but it is also sad. It means no more monthly meeting, no more getting together and sharing what has occurred the previous month.
Yet, what a warmth it is to know they have learned many personal tools which they can use in the coming years. Over the years I have taught this program, I have watched people continue on to make a difference in their lives. To learn other tools to work with, to become professional healers, psychics and most importantly have their personal lives work. Yes, as this latest group move into their futures they do have choices, like all of us, to make. Trustingly they will make choices which work effectively for them.
This year, one of the grads moved back to France and we had the pleasure of speaking with her on the Sunday morning. We were thrilled to hear her voice and hear how her life is unfolding. She and I worked together to ensure she had all the information and transform processes completed before she returned for good.
Also, one of the participants had a drive of several hours every weekend to be with us, and she stayed with me during the whole weekends sometimes coming a day or two early, or staying a day or two late. She just left this morning and I always feel like one of the family has left when she goes. We both know though, we will be seeing each other at the end of April when she returns into the area for the Spring Festival of Awareness, where she helps out, and I am giving two presentations, one on the Inner Child, and the other on Past Life Regression.
We were also fortunate once again to have a male in our group, who added the male perspective often to our conversations. I love it when we have at least one male in our group.
As is usual with my life, one group departs and I begin once more to attract the next group to begin the journey in the Fall. This year we will be beginning in October and continuing until March.
This week I'm also preparing to go to Calgary to take Level One of the Yuen Method. I'm looking forward to that as I have been working with what I know of the technique since I took the introduction and I'm thrilled to see it works really well with my soul/source work.
Then once home from that I'm in preparation mode for my trip to New Zealand, which I will keep everyone apprised of when I get access to a computer.
Its cloudy here today, a massive rain storm sometime in the middle of the night, and it looks like it may rain today. But I know the sun is shining beyond the clouds and I'm happy. Happy for life, happy for connection to source energy, happy for being alive on this wonderful planet, and happy I can watch the Winter Olympics.
Blessings to all this day
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Yet, what a warmth it is to know they have learned many personal tools which they can use in the coming years. Over the years I have taught this program, I have watched people continue on to make a difference in their lives. To learn other tools to work with, to become professional healers, psychics and most importantly have their personal lives work. Yes, as this latest group move into their futures they do have choices, like all of us, to make. Trustingly they will make choices which work effectively for them.
This year, one of the grads moved back to France and we had the pleasure of speaking with her on the Sunday morning. We were thrilled to hear her voice and hear how her life is unfolding. She and I worked together to ensure she had all the information and transform processes completed before she returned for good.
Also, one of the participants had a drive of several hours every weekend to be with us, and she stayed with me during the whole weekends sometimes coming a day or two early, or staying a day or two late. She just left this morning and I always feel like one of the family has left when she goes. We both know though, we will be seeing each other at the end of April when she returns into the area for the Spring Festival of Awareness, where she helps out, and I am giving two presentations, one on the Inner Child, and the other on Past Life Regression.
We were also fortunate once again to have a male in our group, who added the male perspective often to our conversations. I love it when we have at least one male in our group.
As is usual with my life, one group departs and I begin once more to attract the next group to begin the journey in the Fall. This year we will be beginning in October and continuing until March.
This week I'm also preparing to go to Calgary to take Level One of the Yuen Method. I'm looking forward to that as I have been working with what I know of the technique since I took the introduction and I'm thrilled to see it works really well with my soul/source work.
Then once home from that I'm in preparation mode for my trip to New Zealand, which I will keep everyone apprised of when I get access to a computer.
Its cloudy here today, a massive rain storm sometime in the middle of the night, and it looks like it may rain today. But I know the sun is shining beyond the clouds and I'm happy. Happy for life, happy for connection to source energy, happy for being alive on this wonderful planet, and happy I can watch the Winter Olympics.
Blessings to all this day
Norma.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Book and Movie - the endings
In the last week I finished reading Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger, and saw the movie Its Complicated with Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. In both I was disappointed with both the endings.
Lets take the book, Her Fearful Symmetry. My friend Carol brought it too me and said "Read this and tell me what you think". Well first of all as I began to read the book I was thrilled with the writing of Audrey Niffenegger, her ability to make pictures, take a simple scene and fill it full of smells, tastes and color. Wow, as I read on, I thought Carol wanted me to read it because it was about a ghost, and I found myself becoming more and more involved with the story and characters. They seem to jump of the page at me. In fact I began to read a bit, get up and do something, then go back and read more. Then near the end, everything fell apart. At least for me. I guess I like conclusions when I read something, I ended up feeling left up in the air. All these characters without any conclusion. Did Audrey Niffenegger feel like I and other readers needed to make our own endings, or did she feel she had written enough and just left it. I was disappointed with the ending. The reading in the middle was great. What a bizsarre concept to write a story about. I can only imagine a mind who comes up with a story line like that. During supper before going to the movie Its Complicated we talked about the book and came to the same conclusion. The ending sucked!
Then as we left the movie we talked about how the ending seemed flat. How the on screen connection between Meryl Sreep and Alec Baldwin was obvious, yet there did not seem to be any with Steve Martin (oh yes, has he had a face lift?) and this prompted us to have a further discussion around endings. I must say though we both laughed a lot during the movie, mostly at Alec Baldwin and Meryl Streep (a true genius of non verbal words with her face and body) - not at Steve Martin.
We talked about were we, as women in our 60's wanting the 'happily ever after' ending. Was the world becoming more cynical in its approach of endings and for me, in particular, are directors not getting the not on screen connection between stars.
In this I'm still upset that Tom Hanks and his female star in Angels and Demons who had no chemistry at all, and that director Ron Howard (or whoever hired her) did not see that. What is wrong that people that they don't see that the chemistry must be there for us (the audience) to believe it.
Anyway, for frustrating endings, read Her Fearful Symmetry or go see Its Complicated. I'm sure you'll see what I mean. Great middle, horrible ending.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
Lets take the book, Her Fearful Symmetry. My friend Carol brought it too me and said "Read this and tell me what you think". Well first of all as I began to read the book I was thrilled with the writing of Audrey Niffenegger, her ability to make pictures, take a simple scene and fill it full of smells, tastes and color. Wow, as I read on, I thought Carol wanted me to read it because it was about a ghost, and I found myself becoming more and more involved with the story and characters. They seem to jump of the page at me. In fact I began to read a bit, get up and do something, then go back and read more. Then near the end, everything fell apart. At least for me. I guess I like conclusions when I read something, I ended up feeling left up in the air. All these characters without any conclusion. Did Audrey Niffenegger feel like I and other readers needed to make our own endings, or did she feel she had written enough and just left it. I was disappointed with the ending. The reading in the middle was great. What a bizsarre concept to write a story about. I can only imagine a mind who comes up with a story line like that. During supper before going to the movie Its Complicated we talked about the book and came to the same conclusion. The ending sucked!
Then as we left the movie we talked about how the ending seemed flat. How the on screen connection between Meryl Sreep and Alec Baldwin was obvious, yet there did not seem to be any with Steve Martin (oh yes, has he had a face lift?) and this prompted us to have a further discussion around endings. I must say though we both laughed a lot during the movie, mostly at Alec Baldwin and Meryl Streep (a true genius of non verbal words with her face and body) - not at Steve Martin.
We talked about were we, as women in our 60's wanting the 'happily ever after' ending. Was the world becoming more cynical in its approach of endings and for me, in particular, are directors not getting the not on screen connection between stars.
In this I'm still upset that Tom Hanks and his female star in Angels and Demons who had no chemistry at all, and that director Ron Howard (or whoever hired her) did not see that. What is wrong that people that they don't see that the chemistry must be there for us (the audience) to believe it.
Anyway, for frustrating endings, read Her Fearful Symmetry or go see Its Complicated. I'm sure you'll see what I mean. Great middle, horrible ending.
Norma Cowie
250 490 0654
Email: norma@normacowie.com
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