Banho Banho Banho!!

Anthony, Jack and I will be attending an Indian wedding in Trinidad so I've elected to wear a Saree since I may not have another opportunity.

The journey of finding said Saree has been a difficult one! My mother-in-law Sharon (who is absolutely wonderful) was kind enough to find me a Saree in Trinidad and bring it home a couple of months ago. For those who have experience buying Saree's know that you must have a petticoat (under garment like a skirt) and blouse made. I am resourceful and crafty but am severely lacking when it comes to sewing so the quest to find a tailor was a must!

I found an Indian store that was going out of business and bought a petticoat for a very reasonable price (yay me!). It wasn't until about a week later that I learned you should bargain down (even in Calgary) and this was after I went and bought all my jewelry at a store that wasn't going out of business... HUMPH! The experience was very overwhelming - being an "outsider" having never shopped for fabrics and jewelry I didn't know where to start so naturally I got some help! The service was much better than I was anticipating and I found that my mom, my sister (Brittany) and I were all enjoying ourselves. It has been such a treat to share this adventure with them and I am grateful that they were so open to this experience - thanks ladies :) Less than a week later Sharon and I went to Bhatia together to buy fabric and jewelry for her and once again it was enjoyable to have good company and good service.

After days of trying to find a tailor I finally got a call from Banho and made arrangements to drive to her house which just had to be on the other side of the city (a full 45 minute drive each way) but I was determined to have a "proper" Saree blouse made.


Banho is amazing! She is a 68 year old widow from Nairobi with 2 grown children. I was expecting to go get measured, discuss what I would like done and review costs then leave... simple right? Well... Banho and I hit it off... after an hour or so of trying to do measurements between looking at family pictures, and chatting I thought it was time to leave, you'd think it was time to leave too right? It's pretty customary for Indian people to invite their guests to join them for tea so naturally this is what she did. I was a little surprised as I am a perfect stranger at this point but I guess what better way to learn about someone than to talk over tea? So I stayed, and enjoyed myself.

Banho was so excited that I would stay for tea that she brought out 7 different Indian treats for me to try, and a treat they were! I enjoyed everyone of them. We discussed ingredients, and how to make each one. She was so happy watching me try everything, which made me happy too.

Banho is a very open minded, forward thinking person, her heart is sweet and pure. She wore a bindi(which signifies that she is a married woman) she told me she came to Canada after her husband was murdered and I couldn't help but tear up. She shared a few memories of him and her journey as a widow. She told me about the struggles of learning English, and driving and providing for herself. After 2 1/2 hours we finally said goodnight with plans that I'd come back for a quick fitting before she did the final stitching.

I though my second visit to Banho would be quick as I was going over in the later evening but Banho wanted to talk again and I just couldn't rush out on her - I was giving her the company that she so desperately was seeking and I was the one truly benefiting as she is such a delight. The fitting took all of 5 minutes, I left after looking through over 50 Saree's, learning about Ganish and an hour and a half later we called it a night.

Her humor and zest for life is contagious. I have a new friend whom I will have to visit every now and then... and a beautiful Saree blouse that will forever remind me of her.

Growin' a Garden

When Anthony and I first started dating 10 years ago I thought that it was kind of strange how much pride he took in his garden. I've always loved Anthony's passion for the "hobbies" in his life and gardening was one of them so naturally I've come to love it too.

A lot of work and 2 years later it feels wonderful to have a backyard that is finally starting to resemble a yard (not a mud pit). The preparation it took to get this garden ready sure was a huge undertaking... we had to remove all the wood chips the builder put down in the retaining wall (12 feet by 8 feet and about 4 inches deep), wheel in 10 yards of garden soil and then plant... planting took me 2 days. We are starting to see the results of our (Anthony wheeled in all the soil for me) hard work as things are sprouting up all over the place.


I don't claim to have a green thumb, actually this year is the 3rd garden I've done, and here's to hoping that this will be my 3rd success. I must say there certainly is something very therapeutic about gardening, maybe it's because this is where I go at the end of my day to relax (weed/water the garden), and I relish the growth and beauty of it by day. Jack seems to like weeding too, and seems to do less damage than the rabbits! I really need to put out some Cayenne pepper or get the fence finished so this doesn't become the Bissoon Gourmet Garden House for rabbits.

On a side note Jack and I admire/inspect the garden a few times a day during which time I talk to him about the different fruit/veggies growing. I have been making all of Jack's food at home and would like for him to have a healthy relationship with food and this starts with knowing where it comes from, how it grows and the factors that affect its growth, I sure hope he grows up appreciating GOOD healthy food.

I've always wanted to try composting to reduce our waste so this is my first year trying it out... so far so good - no smell, flies or animals trying to get into it. Also, a first this year: bird feeders. Jack and I enjoy watching the birds - I need to learn more about them so we can attract more than just sparrows and robins. Now, I need to invest in some rain barrels. I really want 2 but am holding out for a deal (FREE hopefully or gifted... maybe for Christmas?). I'm grateful for all the rain this year in Calgary as I'm sure it has reduced my water bill but may not be so lucky next year so rain barrels are a must.

One day I will have a backyard oasis that I've always dreamed of - oh, but wait then it will be full of yelling, giggling, smiling children... but all too soon the day will come when peace and quiet will return and I will miss those moments so for now I will enjoy and embrace today's yard.

Brain Plasticity

Alright, so I read a book awhile back called "The Brain That Changes Itself" by Norman Doidge and I haven't completely been able to forget it... it is very informative, and I felt encouraged to learn about the endless possibilities of our brains. I know I will not do this topic justice as it is one that requires a lot of time to fully understand and grasp the depth of what our brains are capable of so I do suggest reading the book and/or listening to the documentary.

Recently (within the past few decades)scientists have been researching and proving that the brain is NOT in fact "hardwired" as was previously thought; patients have been benefiting from neurorehabilitation and recovering from brain injuries that were thought incurable!

"Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Neuroplasticity allows the neurons in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment."

"A brain is not a computer. The brain begins working long before it is finished. And the same processes that wire the brain before birth also drive the very rapid growth of learning that occurs immediately after birth. At birth, a baby’s brain contains 100 billion neurons. Before birth, the brain produces trillions more neurons and “synapses" than needed. During the first years of life, the brain undergoes a series of extraordinary changes. Then, through a process that resembles Darwinian competition, the brain eliminates connections that are seldom or never used."

Basically the old way of thinking was "use it or lose it", but that is NOT the case... we can learn new things, remember more and reverse brain damage (not all) caused by injury by making new connections.

The plasticity/malleability of the brain is nothing short of amazing! From sharpening perception, memory, increasing speed of thought to healing learning disabilities, helping stroke victims learn to speak/move again, recovering from brain tumors, curing pain, the ability for the brain to change itself can also help stop worries, obsessions, compulsions and bad habits... so even if you don't have the "biggies" the "smaller" things can also be improved on with a little practice.

The greatest form of brain plasticity is present in a woman named Michelle (29 yo) who was born with only the right hemisphere of her brain (can you imagine only having half a brain and still function?); her development makes it clear that neuroplasticity is no minor phenomenon as it has allowed her to reorganize her brain on a massive scale -- she speaks (fairly normally), reads, and holds part time jobs... all because the right hemisphere of her brain "learned" how to do what the left hemisphere would do.

"The brain compensates for damage in effect by reorganizing and forming new connections between intact neurons. In order to reconnect, the neurons need to be stimulated through activity. In Michelle, the right hemisphere had to evolve without input from the left and learn to live and function on its own."

Pretty amazing right? Well, it doesn't end there...

I am a Christian

I'm a Christian and proud of it... for those who don't understand that's fine, for those who aren't that's fine (although I pray you fine Jesus too), but to those of you who have made fun of me well that's NOT fine! I will not preach the benefits of having a saviour, instead I will pray for you.

I'm a sinner. I'm not perfect and I falter, I have judged others and have been judged as well, I have forgiven and been forgiven, I have gossiped and been gossiped about, and I have experienced grace and mercy when I least deserved it. I am constantly working on establishing a strong Godly character despite what others think I am doing or how I am behaving... please remember I am human and I am not perfect.

I am NOT ashamed of being Christian, I am proud! For those family/friends that are Christians please read the 21st Century Manifesto of the Unashamed (below) it inspires me to be a better person and I'm sure we all could use the reminder of how to live truthfully with Godly character when no one is watching. For those who are curious please feel free to read it and take from it what you may...

21st Century Manifesto of the Unashamed

I am part of the "Fellowship of the Unashamed". I have the Holy Spirit living in me. My purpose is clear. My resolve is deep. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, and I will not quit.
My past is redeemed, my present is compelling, and my future is secure. I believe that deliberate mediocrity is a sin! I'm weary of tame visions and sage dreams. I refuse to accept dull, habitual religious living as God's plan for me .
I believe that I am not only saved from sin - I am saved for God. I belong to Him. His will is my greatest passion. I believe in compassion, kindness, generosity and diversity. I will reflect the love of Jesus in everything I do.
My life is no longer just about me. I don't have to be first, famous, praised or popular. I live by God's grace and I live for God's grace. I live by convictions and not convenience. God's love is my hope. God's presence is my comfort. God's joy is my strength. God's peace is my stability.
I refuse to be comfortable, predictable, respectable, explainable. I just want to know God in such a way that you have to see Jesus in my life. Nothing matters more to me than loving Him, serving Him, honouring Him, following Him.
I've made up my mind. My goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my path is not easy, but my determination is unwavering, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity.
I won't give up, shut up, let up, or slow up till I have prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I am loved by the Father. I am filled with the Spirit. I will not quit, whine, wander or waver in my devotion to God. I will serve till he comes again. I will give extravagantly and irrationally, I will follow no matter what the cost.
And when He comes to get His own, He'll have no problem recognizing me for I am His child. I am a follower of Jesus, a disciple of Jesus, a servant of Jesus.

One more thing to brighten your day... click on the title "I am a Christian" above.

May your day be blessed!

Running Facet

Unlike many mothers I have not left the facet running, actually it rarely gets turned on until recently.... I have been crying a lot more than usual these past few weeks for a few reasons that suddenly rush forward. I know I have been blessed with a healthly delightful perfect child and I am truly grateful however there are a few things that I am struggling with daily... the first is not having enough time.

I am not the holder of time and yes I know it may be silly to worry about something that I have no control over despite this knowledge I just wish things could slow down even if it's just a little. I knew from the onset that I needed to enjoy every moment with Jack and that I'd never fully "get back"... get back in time or get back the memories as vividly as if I were reliving the moment for the first time.

With the birth of Jack I have come to appreciate photography more and have tried to capture still moments to help me remember "my wittle guy" in the years to come; I've taken video clips as well to help remind myself and Anthony (and to show Jack) of how far we've come and how much he has grown. I have embraced the gift of motherhood and will continue to do so but I'm just a little (okay a lot) saddened that nothing will fully capture the depth of feeling quite like living the moment in it's true authentic form.

Looking to the future with hope and excitement, I am confident that Jack will become a great man much like his father. I am ready to watch Jack grow and learn and become the best man he can andI will love, nuture, lead by example and leave a little wiggle room for him to explore this world, and himself. I do not dread the future, I look forward to it.

By all means I may be called greedy as I want the past, the present and the future all at once; heck I may even be called human! The gift I have been granted right here, right now in this very moment... my "present" is so fragile as it will be gone as quikcly as it came - how do I capture it to feel it as fully the next time as I have this time? Lying in bed with the facet running I ponder this over and over in my head, how will I remember this wonder, love and amazement as full and deeply in 20 years? (I've always pondered this same thing with my marriage and love for Anthony -- my answer... it will be much FULLER). I am realistic enough to know that memories will fade and that nothing can be recreated in our minds exactly as they were the first time despite our best efforts so all I can do is embrace these moments.

Writing is not just another attempt (in addition to photos and videos) to help myself remember these feelings as private and intimate as they are although it will help a great deal, the main purpose is to help me "heal" or come to terms with the closing of one great, amazing chapter and welcome a new one. So how do woment do it? We are resilient, strong, loving beings and even when we feel weak our strength (and sisterhood) carries us through, this is what I am depending on now.

I am grieving breastfeeding. I am saddened that nothing will fully capture the depth of feeling quite like living the moment in it's true authentic form when I nurse Jack. For those of you who know me well know that the thought of breastfeeding "grossed me out" when I was pregnant and I NEVER thought that I would get so emotional over the weaning process but I am, and true to myself I will grieve it fully so that when I have our next child I can fully apprecaite that child and our nursing experiences. I do not need to mention the strong foundation, or long term health benefits of nursing but I must mention the bonding experience as this is what I am grieving.

For those mothers who have nursed a child, or attempted to nurse a child knows that it is not an easy skill to learn, in fact it is difficult and can be quite painful. In the first few weeks of nursing I had engorged breasts and would leak milk from over supply, many of the other mothers I would speak with about my nursing problem wished they had this "blessing" but the grass isn't always greener on the other side. My over supply of milk would leave Jack grasping for breath, choking, full of upper wind and hiccups (not to mention the face full of milk that would be sprayed on him when he pulled off). It is heart breaking when you cannot control the coughing fits meanwhile praying that he takes a full breath instead of struggling to breathe or turning blue. While we were figuring out how to deal with the oversupply we got thrush so we both started treatment - we were both medicated for 2 weeks that came and went with no improvement so we used stronger meds for a few more weeks before being told it was gone. To this day I am not entirely convinced that the thrush is commpletely gone despite what our FMD says.

My initial breastfeeding goal was 3 months. 3 months seemed like forever when we first set out the gate but when 3 months came it was a huge victory, so I got brave and pushed the goal... I wasn't going to give up after all the hard work, effort and sleepless nights! The new goal was pushed to 4 months, that came and went then 5 months and now 6... I think we'll barely make it to 6 as my supply has decreased a lot in the past 3 weeks as Jack has been sleeping 10-12 hours a night(exciting), the introduction of solid foods (yay Jack!) but now comes the weaning process (so sad). The trails of breastfeeding are far outweighed by the bond we've established, now that is a great foundation to Jack's health/growth but also to his long term emotional security.

On several previous occasions Anthony and I have tried to get Jack to take a bottle for the rare occasion that I would be away from Jack... needless to say Jack rejected the bottle like nobody's business - he just wasn't having it, he certainly has shown us his persistence - this boy knows his mama and wants his milk! He is growing up, ready to wean, no longer reliant on me for all his needs - he's taken to the bottle effortlessly for the past 3 nights and while I am so proud of him I am such a mess emtionally. I am thankful that I got to start our mother/son bond with breastfeeding and that I will get to work through these feeling over the course of a few weeks and not loose breastfeeding cold turkey.

When Jack is nursing everything is right in the world. There is much to be said about the comforting aspect of nursing for both child and mother. I have prayed many times while nursing, I have sung many nursery rhymes/songs, and I have told Jack how much I love him as I look into his clear blue eyes. Without a doubt every time I nurse I have felt the smoothness of his tiny hands/feet, the warmth of his face, or the silkiness of his hair. I thank God for entrusting Anthony and I with such a gift... what a blessing Jack is! I love when Jack thanks me with his big gummy toothless smiles or the sound of his beautiful voice, not to mention the deep eye contact when he stares up at me, or his little hands touching my face as I have touched his.... when nursing is finished I cuddle him in and nuzzle my face in his neck to smell the sweetness of his being, oh sweet child of mine how I love thee!!!