Thursday, August 30, 2007

A bit about yoga

Today's post comes from my newly developed blog, The Ashtanga Turtle. I'd like you to meet my instructors - two people who have thoroughly enriched my life with their gentle, good nature and seemingly endless knowledge and encouragement.

Today, I would like you to meet Allison and Pat.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Auction Results

OK, the first Armchair Auction is complete, bids are in, and the results stand before us. The following items go to the following bloggers:

ITEM ONE: Anvilcloud


ITEM TWO: Cathouse Teri


ITEM THREE: Ipodmama


ITEM FOUR: Oshee


ITEM FIVE: Susie


What I need now is shipping instructions. You may email me here.

Please wait until you've received your piece before sending your trade. I want to be sure the mail system comes through, and that you don't receive a damaged piece, or nothing at all.

There will be another Armchair Auction as soon as pieces become available. Thanks for taking part in this, my first auction - it was fun!

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Turtle's Auction Corner

OK, I finally got it together: photos of the pottery pieces I've been boasting about for some time. What we're going to run here is something of an auction.

The thing is, I don't want money.

Instead, I want you to bid something, anything, that isn't money. In fact, something you make, something that's 'you' is of far more value to me than your money.

Limit one piece per blogger.

So with that in mind, let the bidding begin...

I've placed links to the successful bidders on the items that are now spoken for.

ITEM ONE: Anvilcloud


ITEM TWO: Cathouse Teri


ITEM THREE: Ipodmama


ITEM FOUR: Oshee


ITEM FIVE: Susie


From Turtle's "Archaeological Collection" come these two relics:

ITEM SIX


ITEM SEVEN



No bidding wars, please.
First come, first served.

Regarding shipping:
I will cover shipping costs from this end.
Bidders will cover the cost of shipping of their item-in-trade.
Shipping arrangements will be made by email at turtle_guy_70@hotmail.com.

Happy shopping!

Saturday, August 11, 2007

"This is David: he was my boyfriend when I was six!"

About a year and a half ago my Mom and I attended a memorial service for the sister of a childhood friend of mine. A. had passed away suddenly, in her early 40s. Mom and I listened while my childhood friend, K. spoke fondly of her older sibling's accomplishments.

At the reception to follow, I (re)introduced myself.

K.'s jaw dropped -- we hadn't seen each other since we were ten. I had moved away from the district, and quite frankly, didn't bother to keep in touch. But then, who did at that age, with no instant messenger, email or cell phone, in the days when you simply didn't monopolize the only land line for a family of four?

In awe, K. immediately began introducing me to everyone around her,

"This is David: he was my boyfriend when I was six!"

We all had a little laugh with some lightheartedness in the midst of some pretty heavy family grief. We'd gone from being best friends to leading completely separate lives for over 25 years.

I left my name and number in the guest book, but heard nothing - until last week.

Out of the clear blue sky, I received an email. You could have blown me over with a feather.
K. and I met for a morning coffee today (me after two and a half hours of sleep between events, and K. looking much like I felt.)

An hour over espresso-and-coffee bevies hardly does a 27-year-fill-me-in justice, however I'm pleased having caught up with an old (almost new, in a way) friend.

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

On the run, a quick post of thankfulness

I'm sitting here at my computer, paying my bills. As I go through the stack, marking them "PAID", I realize just how fortunate I am that I CAN pay my bills.

Life is good.

Over the last number of months I've discovered that simply being grateful, giving back when I can, and respecting the gifts I've been given (which means using them to their greatest potential) yields, in and of itself, more abundance.


Last Friday I ran out to the Tim Horton Children's Ranch in Kananaskis to quote on a sound system installation for the main lodge. As I was climbing Scot Lake Hill, the words of the song blasting on the stereo said to me

"Y'know, David... you can go anywhere and do anything, and you will enjoy the journey and receive along the way - it's all a matter of perspective."

There's some wonderful metaphor here, and I likely have a greater appreciation for it, thanks to English 354.

i'm sitting at the wheel
i got a green light
not afraid of nothin' cuz heart and soul
i'm built for life

so let the engine roar
push the pedal down
i want the white lines on the highway
to lead me out of town

i'm rolling on and on and on
who knows where i'm goin'?
life is an open road - it's the best story never told
it's an endless sky – it's the deepest sea
life is an open road to me

i got headlights
to guide me through the night
i got the window down and the radio playing
it makes me feel alive


Tomorrow evening our family is getting together for dinner in celebration of my Uncle Ray's life - a "no tie" affair, time for family.

BTW - I know I promised a pottery post, and it's coming - complete with photos, so be prepared to start your bidding!

About Me

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Calgary, Alberta, Canada
English student, Pottery enthusiast, Yoga novice and lover of all people. I make friends over a warm handshake and a beverage. I discover, every day, someone willing to help me along my path.