Angela's Archives

Sir Oscar and Baby Spaz pics from 2011 :)

2012-01-24T02:11:00.000-05:00

Somewhere In Time ...

2011-10-18T23:14:00.001-04:00

Every Sunday I entertain for three hours at a restaurant for the brunch crowd. A friend of mine took this video of me playing one of my favorite songs from the movie SOMEWHERE IN TIME with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. I saw it many years ago and it has remained of my favorite movies ever since. The piano arrangement I am playing is not originally my own but I have added my own embellishments for some extra pizzaz. :)

To view on YouTube click HERE!

My New Commercial For RELAY!

2011-10-18T22:52:00.001-04:00

A month ago I did another commercial shoot for a game called RELAY. It was a fantastic and exhausting day! Here it is for your viewing pleasure!

To view it on YouTube click HERE!

Once Upon A Time ...

2011-08-08T16:36:00.000-04:00

There was a blind woman who hated everyone and blamed the world for her her blindness except her boyfriend who took her abuse and still displayed love for her.

She continually complained about her blindness and all the what if's if she wasn't blind..

One day a donation of eyes was received and after the operation she was able to see.

Her boyfriend then came to her and asked her to marry him.

To her amazement she realized that he was blind and said there was no way she could marry him. He left heart broken that their relationship was now over. The next day she received a letter from him containing all the regrets and sadness at their breakup. In closing he asked her to take care of herself and to take care of his eyes.

When Canada Post goes on strike! ...

2011-06-03T11:35:00.002-04:00

Flight of the ... Bumble Bee?

2011-05-27T13:38:00.000-04:00

Last night I tracked a flight from Denver to NYC that a friend was on. This is not photo shopped in any way. The pilot had to make some crazy maneuvers through a storm. The flight was over an hour late but they landed safely. A piece of landing gear broke, but after it had touched down. Crazy eh?

Come What May (acapella cover)

2011-01-24T03:45:00.002-05:00

I recorded this song a month or so ago and finally uploaded it to YouTube. A friend suggested I record it acapella. I tried it, and this is the result. Enjoy!

TRUE facts about bottled water! :P

2011-01-17T11:22:00.001-05:00

My girlfriend is a sales rep for bottled water.
I sent this to her.
We had a good laugh! :)

Click HERE for a better visual!

Just another lucky day :)

2011-01-16T14:01:00.001-05:00

Those who know me, know that I'm a Josh Groban fan. Well ... I've never really been a fan of anyone so I suppose this is a close as I get. I'm a fan because he's a true talent and creative genius ... and I love his style of music. ( and he's cute too! )

So when Josh's Facebook page had a contest to win his autograph, I thought "hey, why not!". I had to buy his new CD called ILLUMINATIONS ... take a photo of me with the CD ... post it as my FB profile photo ... then email my FB link to the address provided.

This is what the photo looked like:

Of course there was more than one autograph to be won, but with oodles of entries my chance was slim.

A few weeks later I got a mysterious envelope in the mail. In it was the booklet from Josh's CD with his autograph on the front. :) YAY ME!!

Click HERE to listen to audio samples from ILLUMINATIONS!

Happy Friday!!

2010-11-19T17:24:00.000-05:00

Hidden Away

2010-11-04T13:08:00.000-04:00

Josh Groban's newest music video!

His new album ILLUMINATIONS will be available Nov. 15, 2010.

Over mountains and sky blue seas

On great circles will you watch for me

The sweetest feeling I've got inside

I just can't wait to get lost in your eyes

And all these words that you meant to say

Held in silence day after day

Words of kindness than our poor hearts crave

Please don't keep them

Hidden Away

Sing it out so I can finally breathe

And I can take in all the same

Holding out for something i believe in

All I really need today

I want to free your heart

I want to see your heart

Please don't keep your heart

Hidden Away

You're a wonder, how bright you shine

A flickering candle in a short lifetime

A secret dreamer that never shows

If no one sees you then nobody knows

And all these words you were meant to say

Held in silence day after day

Words of kindness that our poor hearts crave

Please don't keep them

Hidden Away

Sing it out so I can finally breathe

And I can take in all the same

Reaching out for someone I believe in

All I really need today

I want to feel your love

Will you reveal your love

Please don't keep your love

Hidden Away

I want to free your heart

I want to see your heart

Please don't keep your heart

Hidden Away

The Blower's Daughter

2010-11-03T23:23:00.000-04:00

And so it is

Just like you said it would be

Life goes easy on me

Most of the time

And so it is

The shorter story

No love, no glory

No hero in her skies

I can't take my eyes off you

I can't take my eyes...

And so it is

Just like you said it should be

We'll both forget the breeze

Most of the time

And so it is

The colder water

The blower's daughter

The pupil in denial

I can't take my eyes off you

I can't take my eyes...

Did I say that I loathe you?

Did I say that I want to

Leave it all behind?

I can't take my mind off you

I can't take my mind off you...

I can't take my mind off you

I can't take my mind...

My mind...my mind...

'Til I find somebody new

I Love Bob Proctor!

2010-10-20T23:31:00.001-04:00

I was a rather pessimistic child and looked on the darker side of things. Fortunately I had (still have) a sister who always saw the brighter side and tried to snap me out of my "world-is-ending" attitude. (It didn't help that the sermons I heard every week were about the world ending ... and we should not participate in the pleasures of the world. I was a kid ... I just wanted to go to Disney World!) But a few years ago I started on a journey of self discovery ... it hasn't been all unpleasant ... I've learned a heck of a lot about myself and others. I've tried to reprogram my mind regarding some thoughts and attitudes I had about myself and the world.

1. The world is not all bad.
2. I won't go to hell if I drink a fuzzy navel.
3. When people say JUMP, I don't have to say HOW HIGH?
4. It is possible to be loved for WHO I AM and not just for what I do or how I look ... hard to find but not impossible. (Guys...if you're dating a pretty girl, don't go sending her photo to a friend to impress them...unless the girl likes to be a trophy date. Don't take photos of her while she eats french fries that she had to buy herself. :P )
5. "Money comes easily and frequently from multiple sources on a continuous basis." ~Bob Proctor~
6. Beware of those who befriend me for the purpose of acquiring information of a personal nature so it can be twisted and then used against me. I'd rather have no friends than that kind.
7. Never look down on those who endure public embarrassment ... I don't know their story ... they have feelings too.
8. Believe in myself. (not as easy as it sounds)
9. I was not put on this earth to just serve others. (contrary to the banner at college that screamed "Training Servants for the Master")

... and the list could go on and on ...

I'm not a high energy person, but the people I have chosen to have in my life are. I'm envious of what they can accomplish in a day. I've never been like that ... and maybe never will be. I have learned to live with my limitations, but it's particularly hard now that I'm living on my own and trying to pay my rent. I've taken on extra jobs and am content with my simple life.

But just because I'm content doesn't mean I don't want more from life. When I was married, my sister introduced me to a book called THE SECRET. I read it and tried to put into practice some of the principles in the book. Because of my religious background, it should have been easy ... some references to the Bible are made. But it was not as easy as I thought it would be. I was easily discouraged because my negative thought habits were so ingrained in me ... and my ex was skeptical.

So when my marriage fell apart I knew some changes were in order. The first thing I did when I moved into my own apartment was to get a vision board. I went to Walmart and bought a magnetic marker board and hung it in a place I would see every day. I started adding things to that board. One of those things was a blank check that I could fill out for any amount. I started with an amount that wasn't huge but yet an amount that I knew I could not make on my income level.

Three weeks later I received a phone call from a director friend who I had done commercials for. He wanted to buy my song "I BELIEVE" for a kids animated movie project ... and have me write some jingles for the same project. The dollar amount he quoted me over the phone was the exact amount I had put on my blank check. The laws of attraction were in action.

From that day on I have never doubted the power of THE SECRET ... and I added another zero to my blank check. :)

Because I have years of negative input clouding my mind, I knew I had to do some major mental renovations. One thing I do ... When I go to the gym I listen to THE SECRET audio book and a quote from Bob Proctor on my iPod over and over. Not only am I strengthening my body, but also my mind. Sometimes I would get discouraged because I didn't see any progress happening ... but I continued on.

I'm glad I did.

Using THE SECRET has brought me an iPad that I absolutely love!! I'll have to do a post about my favorite apps! :) I also got a new camera (my old camera died in Cuba) ... and I have a new luxurious bed arriving next week. Of course I have things on my vision board that are not just material things. Lots of positive sayings, and other things that will be revealed when the time is right.

I'll end this post with a photo I took with my new Cyber-Shot TX7 camera. :) It takes HD video! ... LOOK OUT WORLD!! :D

Ang update ... it's been a while!

2010-08-27T02:10:00.005-04:00

Hello Blogland!! It's been forever since I posted so I thought I would give my readers an update on what is happening in my life. Not a ton of excitement but the world is still here and I'm still walking on it.

My kitties are doing good. Spaz turned 16 this past April! yay! She had a life expectancy of 10 years but has beat the odds ... I am blessed with her crankiness every day. I no longer wake up every morning with her 15+ pound body on top of mine. She has difficulty climbing the steps onto the bed ... she no longer tries. So I moved her steps to a perch in my big bay window ... sometimes she can climb up there. She's usually sleeping these days but once or twice a day she comes for her dose of snuggle ... she loves to snuggle! Here is a recent pic of this feline with attitude ... she posed for this pic ... seriously ... she loves the camera!

Sir Oscar turned 13 this past July. He's my bud! If I'm not out of bed in the morning by a certain time, this is what I wake up to.

Spaz and Oscar asked me to post this video for them :)

As for work ... I'm still teaching piano and have been busy getting my fall schedule set. This past January I also started teaching voice at a music store. I went into the store to inquire if they needed another piano teacher and I left with a job teaching voice. It's a bit out of my comfort zone but the up side is that I exercise my voice regularly ... something I neglected. So now I teach piano and voice privately at my home and at the store. And because I document silly things, here is a pic of me in January on my first day teaching at the store.

Three weeks ago I sent an email to a restaurant that has live piano/vocal entertainment to inquire if they needed another entertainer. This is the only restaurant around here for miles that has a piano bar and I thought my chances were slim on them needing anyone. A few days later the owner phoned me and asked me to stop by and bring a CD with me. So I did. He phoned me the very next day and asked if I would start the following Sunday. It's a fancy restaurant (male waiters in tuxedo's) but they have a Sunday brunch and haven't had an entertainer for that in a long time.

So I practiced non-stop for four days! This past Sunday was my first gig ... two sets ... each set an hour and a half long. I'm working hard to build my repertoire but it will take time. I had no idea if I would be asked back ... but I guess they like me. The owner introduced me to a few people who are regulars at the restaurant ... and my pay cheque had a few extra dollars on it as well. :D My goal this week is to utilize the tip jar. There is a huge glass bowl on the piano ... I need to put some cash in it so it looks active. (An entertainer friend gave me that idea ... hope it works!)

This photo is my view from the piano before the hungry guests arrived ...

... and the very first song I sang ... SMILE by Charlie Chaplin :)

July 23rd marked a big day. It was my moms birthday ... thankful to have her here another year. (almost lost her last year) But July 23rd also marked another big day for me. It was the day my divorce was final. I didn't take any pics to commemorate ... not an event I want to flaunt. But it is what it is.

I've dated a bit this year ... not sure I fit into that ... but it gives me some funny stories to tell. Like the guy who took me to a movie and used coupons that his brother had given him ... or the guy who insisted we watch Brokeback Mountain together. LOL! That same guy took me to a local event and spent $5 on me ... no big deal ... but I then discovered someone had given him $400 to spend that day. That date didn't last long ... I'm sure he had other plans for his $400. lol! There was a guy that had an anxiety attack while we waited in line at the theatre ... I found out later that he had some health issues. Poor fellow. :/ I can't forget about the guy that was charged with fraud ... my neighbor recognized him ... what a hoot!

To be honest, I'm not emotionally available ... and I guess guys don't view me as someone they can just hang out with. I need a gay friend. I don't know any around here. Well ... maybe the Brokeback Mountain date. :O I have been blessed with some good friends this year ... a friend from my college years is back in my life ... and I've gotten to know one of my neighbors and her daughter. As for men? The closest I've gotten to butterflies is when I'm gazing at the Edward Cullen poster on the back of my office door.

I'm certainly not hardened toward love ... this un-doctored photo was taken earlier this year ... can you see the love in my eyes? ;) [click photo to zoom in]

I'll end this post with a video that was sent to me a few days ago ... my new favorite! Music is my language ... the way to my heart. Listen and you will know ...

Canada's Wonderland!

2010-07-11T16:24:00.000-04:00

You already saw my crazy coaster photos from my day at Canada's Wonderland. I've been waiting for Ann to post the rest of the pics on Facebook so I could snatch them to share with all of you. I am currently without a small camera because mine died while vacationing in Cuba (I'm sure it was a conspiracy! ha!). So after a bit of photo editing, here are a few of my favorite shots from the day. You can check out more pics from the day on my Flickr!

A perfect day to be kissed by the sun! Me and Ann :)

We were so sure that we wanted to ride THE BAT!
We were delusional...brainwashed...like sheep to the slaughter!

What this photo says to you: look at the two happy girls having a grand time!

What this photo is not saying to you: these two girls just rode THE BAT and can't walk a straight line...people appear as midgets...and giant blue monkeys are everywhere!!

I love hats!! And Wonderland happens to have hats for sale everywhere. So we had some fun trying on crazy hats ... and I guess it looked fun to a lot of other people as well because we started to draw a crowd. Within minutes there were others following in our footsteps ... trying on the hats and taking pics. For a few minutes we were trendsetters. :D

Cool colors!

I'm ready for the Kentucky Derby! :)

I'm Mrs. Jack Sparrow! Mess with me and you'll be walkin' the plank!!

My pet dragon! ... representing THE DRAGON FIRE ... the very first roller coaster I rode at the age of 13 ... rode it 13 times in a row. It doesn't compare to the steel coasters of today, but it was the best way back when.

THE BEHEMOTH chose us for a second time!

Check out more of my Wonderland pics HERE!!

♫ SMILE ♫

2010-07-08T13:31:00.007-04:00

I've really missed my music ... playing piano ... singing ... performing ... writing. So last night I got my feet wet again and recorded the vocals for Charlie Chaplin's SMILE. (My connection with Charlie can be traced back to my childhood ... watching reel to reel episodes that we rented from the library. TV did not exist in our house). I used GLEE's karaoke track ... it is such a beautiful track and the arrangement is perfect for me. It was a simple project ... just had to lay the lead vocal and then a few harmony parts that were not sung by the background singers.

This past year has been a tough one to smile through ... I hope this song comforts you as much as it has me. :)

Download Angela - Smile

SMILE

Smile tho' your heart is aching,
Smile Even though it's breaking,
When there are clouds in the sky- You'll get by,
If you Smile through your pain and sorrow,
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through- For you.

Light up your face with gladness,
Hide ev'ry trace of sadness,
Altho' a tear may be ever so near,
That's the time (that's the time) you must keep on trying,
Smile- What's the use of crying,
You'll find that life is still worthwhile,
If you just smile.

Ohhh Oooh

That's the time (that's the time) you must keep on trying,
Smile- What's the use of crying,
You'll find that life is still worthwhile,
If you just smile.

Smile tho' your heart is aching,
Smile Even though it's breaking,
When there are clouds in the sky- You'll get by,

That's the time (that's the time) you must keep on trying,
Smile- What's the use of crying,
You'll find that life is still worthwhile,
If you just
You'll find that life is still worthwhile,
If you just smile.

July 9th update: Listen to SMILE on YouTube!

Crazy Coaster Photos!!!

2010-07-02T04:37:00.000-04:00

To celebrate Canada Day my friend Ann and I went to Canada's Wonderland! There will be more photos to come, but I just had to share these two pics that crack me up every time I look at them.

Some of the roller coasters at Wonderland take photos during the ride ... we happened to be in a few of them. I did not buy these photos as I am too cheap right now to pay $12 for a silly photo, but I have my ways. :D

THE FLY!
Ann is catching flies while we ride this snug-as-a-bug coaster ... Me? I have no fear for the pearly gates are near! ... poor little boy in the back - - he couldn't see past the giant lady in front of him. WTH is a giant lady doing on this ride anyway? :D

THE BEHEMOTH!
I'm doing some gansta sign...NOT!...I had scouted out the camera on our first time through and wanted to commemorate ride #2. Ann's thought bubble would read "Oh goodie!". The dude in front obviously knew where the cam was and wanted to add his own unique touch to our coaster photo with his crazy face and strategically placed hand. :P

My Year End Music Recitals

2010-06-11T20:50:00.002-04:00

The past two weekends I have been busy with music recitals for my students. The first one was my annual piano recital that I host for my students that come to my home for lessons. This year it was smaller with fewer students involved ... but they made up for it in quality. I couldn't have asked for a better recital! Two of my piano students take voice ... so they got to show off their vocal abilities as well.

I played three piano solos to help fill some time and give the audience some mature entertainment. One of the songs I played was called Solfeggietto by P. E. Bach. I gave myself five days to learn it. I must be crazy! It was fun! I also played HOW COULD I EVER LOVE YOU MORE by Dino Kartsonakis, and my own arrangement of A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD (which I really need to put on youtube).

I always take a group photo at the end of the recital. Unfortunately a few of my students had to leave before the program was over and didn't get in the photo.

I always love making the program for the recital but have difficulty finding clip art that I like. I mentioned it to a friend of mine and within minutes I had the coolest clip art waiting in my inbox. This one was my favorite and I used it for the program cover.

The other recital I was involved with was for the music store that I teach at. I have been teaching voice there since January. I didn't have to organize it ... just show up and play for my students. I sang along with a few of them and I did a solo as well. I sang Josh Groban's YOU'RE THE ONLY PLACE. I couldn't find music for it so I spent a bit of time figuring out the chords. Certainly not simple I, IV, and V chords ... but that's what makes the song so beautiful.

I'm glad to have the recitals behind me.
I can't wait to see what summer will bring my way!

Sync or Swim!

2010-05-27T12:40:00.001-04:00

Today is my sisters birthday!! I can't draw but I do have connections. So with the help of a friend (same friend who drew THIS and THIS) I was able to send my sis a cool doodle that will hopefully bring a smile to her face today. She is a singer on a cruise ship ... today she is somewhere in Alaska doing her sang thang. :)

Bubbleology 101

2010-05-23T16:26:00.001-04:00

Hello NYC!

2010-05-17T00:15:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago I made a spontaneous trip to New York City. I won't go into the details because it was a personal journey for me alone. But I did take a few photos. Here are a few of my favorites!

I spent a bit of time with the Angel of the Waters at the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. Unfortunately there was no water in the fountain at that time.

I love the colors in this photo. She was so cute!

One of the bridges in the park.

Times Square at night is amazing!

This is Adem ... my Turkish cab driver ... and an angel in human form. I owe him so much. I hope someday I can repay him for his kindness.

If you want to see more photos from my NYC trip, click HERE!

Have you hugged a tree today?

2010-05-06T12:42:00.000-04:00

It's official ... my photos from the first four days of my Cuba vacation are gone. :( I took my memory card into a photo shop and it is unreadable. I am so disappointed but yet I know it is not the end of the world. I have a few photos from the last three days, and my sister has some photos as well. Hopefully I will soon get a few from her.

Here I am in Cuba outside my oceanview room. I have a thing for hugging palm trees. If there is a palm tree, I must hug it! Maybe it's because I have nothing else (no one else) to hug. :(

No vacation is complete without a cat photo. This resort had a few cats and dogs roaming the premises. I did get some cute puppy photos but they are forever lost. Here I am poolside with one of the cats from the resort. He came right up to me and made himself comfy on my belly. We shared a moment. One he'll never forget. :D

This past week ...

2010-05-02T10:58:00.003-04:00

... I spent a week at the Oasis Brisis Resort in Santa Lucia, Cuba!

It was a last minute trip with my sister. (booked it 5 days in advance).

The weather was awesome!

The powder white sand was the best sand I have ever walked on!

The pool was fun!

The food was ... well ... to be desired. But no one goes to Cuba for the food.

My underwater camera didn't want to be underwater ... and now I'm praying that the first four days of photos can be salvaged from the memory card.

Thank God I brought my other camera with me! (but the memories I really wanted were on the other camera)

I rode a horse.

I went snorkeling.

I had the funnest Hobie Cat ride ever! ... way better than any amusement park ride!

Everyone thought I was European.

It was strange to venture out of Canada and not run into one single American.

I had a massage on the beach! :D

I got this bikini from Walmart.

Stay tuned for more photos from Cuba!

Forgive me Josh ...

2010-04-08T13:11:00.000-04:00

Late last night as I strolled through the world of YouTube I came across a couple Josh Groban songs that I have never heard. I was floored that there were JG songs that had escaped my ears ... and they were not new songs either. I'm guessing they were bonus tracks on some of his special edition CD's ... and I have just the regular CD's.

My friend Laurie and I fight over who is the bigger fan of JG. She wins! She's heard these songs before. "Josh ... I'm so sorry for not being a better fan and follower ... I hope that we can still sing together one day" ... *hangs head in shame*

Family

2010-04-05T12:28:00.000-04:00

FAMILY seems to be the main event for people over the Easter weekend. Everyone I talked to about it said they were going to be with family ... and I was no exception. Unfortunately my family is scattered across Canada and other parts of the globe, so I was not able to be with all of them.

I live closest to my mom and was able to do the hour drive and spend Saturday night and Sunday with her. Sunday morning we got dressed up and headed to a quaint little country church that my mom attends. Then my gramps and his girlfriend came for a huge lunch that my mom made...yum!

My brother couldn't be here. He lives in British Columbia and comes home maybe once a year. He was home a few weeks ago and I met up with him and his family for a Swiss Chalet dinner. We had a really nice time ... considering that my ex-husband and his sister and brother-in-law happened to be eating at the same restaurant that very night. I don't run into him that often and when I do it's not that awkward. He and I get along fine ... life moves on. What makes it uncomfortable is that his family loves the drama and they are the ones that have a hard time moving on. And to top it off ... also at the restaurant was my grandpa and his girlfriend ... he is related to my ex's family (dad of brother-in-law). They don't talk to gramps because of things they can't let go of from many years ago. I guess the Bible they so proudly carry doesn't speak of forgiveness. Anyway ... it was quite the scene ... but I remained calm and didn't let it rattle me a bit. I was ok with the stares of curiosity coming from the table in the corner. I'm sure they were just admiring my longer hair ... it has grown quite a bit since they last saw me. lol.

Here is my brother Jeff and his family. He is a Baptist pastor and has a wonderful family ... but his kids are raised in the same bubble I was, and I fear for them when they enter the real world.

My sister wasn't here either. She is currently working on a cruise ship in Mexico but is returning home this week for a little bit. Here are a couple pics she gave me. This one was taken not too long ago on one of her visits home.

This one was taken over a year ago when she and I were in Bora Bora together. The memories live on! :)

My cats ... they are adorable ... I must share them with the world!

Oscar luvs sitting in the sink!

Spaz getting a morning cuddle.

Oscar found a place to hide.

Spaz & Oscar :)

Last time I got my hair done my hairdresser curled my hair ... it was cute. I took this while going through a car wash.

Mule Moms Project #2

2010-03-20T19:06:00.000-04:00

I will continue to post about the Mule Moms project as more info / photos / videos become available.

Here is a drawing that may be part of the story book.

This is a video of some Mule Moms Kids Klub children from Ocala, Florida, singing and dancing to the jingle.
(The running Gypsy Vanner horse is magnificent!)

Mule Moms Project

2010-03-16T00:58:00.002-04:00

I have been given the green light to let everyone know of an awesome project that I am involved with. This past Christmas Eve I received a phone call from the director of the Comwave commercials I was in. Ross and his lovely wife Virginia were starting a project and I just happened to have something they wanted.

I wrote a song a few years ago and they thought it would fit perfectly with their project. I was thrilled!! But even more thrilled to hear what the project was about.

Ross is putting together a kids animated story book and DVD to entertain and educate kids about mule moms. If you don't already know, female mules cannot conceive. So how do mules become moms? The embryo of Gypsy Vanner horses are implanted into the mule.

A beautiful Gypsy Vanner horse!

Here is an article written by Alyssa Roy
(Mule Moms Kids Klub spokesperson)

Anyone who has had close contact with mules knows them to be intelligent, powerful, caring animals whose attributes go far beyond the stereotypes that define them for the less informed.

The offspring of a male donkey and a horse mare, mules have been put to work on the farm and as pack animals for millennia. Patient, with remarkable endurance, they are particularly adept at negotiating tricky terrain – even with heavy loads – thereby becoming the vehicle of choice for countless armies and expeditions wandering off the beaten track, in days gone by.

Although generally good-natured, there is one lament that has cursed this equine breed since the beginning of time. The females cannot conceive. While a horse has 64 chromosomes, and a donkey has only 62 – a mule has a very unreproductive 63. Despite the fact that they lactate and exhibit all the other virtues of motherly love that nature has bestowed, they are naturally barren, their parental instincts and innate desire to nurture unrequited. In fact, it is common knowledge among mule owners that a molly mule will try to steal a horse baby if left in the same pasture.

To showcase the near-miraculous phenomenon of a mule raising a Gypsy Vanner as its own, plans call for the installation of a Mule Mom and its foal in equine-oriented facilities in America, Canada and elsewhere. The presentation will include audio-visual components, with widescreen TVs providing an entertaining and informative overview of the process. Other elements in development also include a children’s storybook, an animated TV show, and a documentary, production of a plush toy, t-shirts and more.

This is the cover of the storybook!

Ross gave me drawings of the animated characters ... they are awesome!! The animation is being done in the Philippines. And of course my favorite character is the CAT! :D

As Ross educated me about mule moms and this project, he also asked if I could write a jingle for the kids. I wrote three jingles in hopes that one of them would be suitable. I was thrilled to hear that they liked all three and will be using all of them throughout the project ... with one of them being the Mule Mom Kids Klub song. Click HERE to listen to the jingle. I wrote, recorded and emailed it to Ross in an hour and a half. Had I known it would end up on YouTube I would have mixed it properly ... and masked my cold a bit better. But no matter ... Alyssa Roy will be recording the vocals for all the jingles. :)

On March 27th the Mule Moms Kids Klub is having a kids search that will be held in Toronto. Kids can audition to be on a television show and each will receive a Mule Moms t-shirt and hat. Get more information by clicking HERE. I will be participating by singing the song I wrote that will be used as the theme throughout the DVD.

That's all the info I have for now.
I'll be sure to take pics to share with you.
I have some studio recording to do ... I can't wait to get started!

*To view some of Ross's other projects, click HERE!*

I'm on a horse!

2010-02-20T13:49:00.002-05:00

This commercial keeps crossing my path so I guess that's a sign for me to should share it with the world ... and to buy a horse!

*To find out how they made this commercial, watch this!*
INCREDIBLE!

It's Friday night and I have nothing better to do ...

2010-02-19T19:58:00.001-05:00

... than to post photos of my cats. I need a life ... but until then, I patiently wait for it to begin ... and the cats continue to humor me. Oscar has taken up the art of vanity. I have a full length mirror that just won't stay on the wall, so Oscar spends a lot of time gazing at his beautimus self. He is usually closer to the mirror and staring right into it. I catch him at least once a day gazing into the mirror ... I can almost see his thought bubble ... it would say "hubba hubba! I'm one handsome cat!" :D

The other day a friend asked me if my cats ever snuggle with each other. They don't snuggle ... the closest they get is sleeping on the same bed together, but then they are usually far apart. Well ... no sooner than I said that they don't, I walk into my bedroom and find both of them butt to butt on their blanket. I grabbed the camera as fast as I could and snapped this photo before Oscar could bolt. I could see it in his eyes... "I was never here!". lol!

Happy Friday night everyone!
I hope yours is more exciting than mine!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T15:50:00.002-05:00

I can't draw. I consider myself artistic but certainly not with a pen. And since I have no clue how to turn my imagination into pictures on paper, I admire those who can.

A few hours ago I received this drawing from a friend. He doesn't consider himself to be this kind of artist, but sometimes all it takes is a lethal combination of imagination and inspiration ... and whaalaa ... beauty is born.

I was sent two separate drawings ... the original draft ...

And then the final product after a bit of photoshop ...

If you don't have an eye for subliminal messages ... it's a heart. (what? no way!!) But the heart is also angel wings.

This same friend sent me a drawing of myself this past Christmas Eve. I've been using this sketch as my profile pic on some of my sites.

And with a bit of editing ...

Happy Valentines Day!!

Friday Favorites!

2010-02-05T13:19:00.007-05:00

2010 came in with a bang! Some pretty cool things happening for me ... but my lips are sealed until I'm able to tell all. Until then, I'll share a few of my favorite things!

1. OWL CITY

I LOVE this band!! It's my newest musical discovery. Their music is so happy ... and I need happy in my life right now. So when I need a pick-me-up I just turn on their tunes and sing along. Here are two of my favorite songs by OWL CITY.

FIREFLIES

Vanilla Twilight

2. AVATAR

This movie is SPECTACULAR SPECTACULAR!! The planet of Pandora is visually stunning ... I could watch it over and over and always find something that I had not seen before. I've seen it twice and it's playing in my town again tonight ... 3rd times a charm? :D

James Cameron is genius!! Here is an amazing video of AVATAR set to Leona Lewis's song I SEE YOU.

3. Photography!

One of my favorite things is photography. Good photography. I'm not a great photographer but someday I would love to take a course or two to hone my skillz. In the meantime I will continue to enjoy the beauty of what other people see through the lens of a camera.

Bill is a friend of mine in Arizona and he is a devoted photographer that travels his beautiful State in search of the perfect photo op. This is one of my favorites!

To check out more of Bills photos,
visit his SmugMug site by clicking
HERE!

4. I'VE GOTTA FEELING

I love this song by the Black Eyed Peas. This video is oh so creative ... no fancy editing ... camera rolled ... students sang and danced. Did I mention that Canadians made this? :D

Check it out!!

Praying for Haiti

2010-01-22T18:50:00.001-05:00

For most of us, all we can do for the people in Haiti is pray and give. I'm not saying that praying and giving is not important ... it definitely is. But I admire those who give themselves ... their time ... their talents ... to help the country of Haiti through such devastation.

A year ago I met a man who's heart is bigger than most. Rene was working as a nurse on a cruise ship that I happened to be on. He helped me through some health issues I was dealing with ... and in the course of the month, he became good friends to my sister and I. As we heard Rene's stories of his work from around the world, we saw a man with a heart for people. Rene is director of operations of SOAR = Serving Others Aid Relief.

So when the earthquake hit Haiti we wondered if Rene would be leaving the comfort of his sailboat in San Francisco to help this distressed country.

He did.

Here is a news article about Rene and the work he is doing in Haiti.

More hair please!

2010-01-20T23:45:00.000-05:00

I was hoping to put more effort into my blog this year ... it is still my intent. My January has been busier than anticipated, but in a good way. Christmas Eve I got a call to be involved in a really cool project ... but details must be spared until the day I am free to tell all. Needless to say, it is the reason for my busy January. And to make it even busier, my sister came home for two weeks and spent most of her time chillin' with me in my new apartment. It was nice to have someone around for a bit. But she is now gone ... aboard a cruise ship bound for Hawaii. Her job takes her around the world ... lucky girl!

My last post was about hair ... big hair ... 80's hair ... I thought I would keep with the theme. And in case you missed the link in my last post ... here is the photo again. I will admit that I was proud of this hair ... It took a lot of effort ... but effort a 16 year old gladly did in her quest for the biggest hair award. Because of my super fine hair, I had to get a perm. Then with the help of a curling iron and a pick I would tease it to kingdom come...then apply a bottle or two of super duper hairspray ... my hair didn't move the whole day! I never colored my hair back then ... I don't think I was allowed. I'm not sure why I was allowed to wear gobs of makeup. Oh I remember now ... I wasn't ... I do remember being told to take off a layer or two from time to time. It was unfortunate that 80's makeup colors were so bold. I think I wear more makeup now ... but hopefully I've learned how to apply it better. It is an art that takes years of practice ... and I have had years!

So with that walk down memory lane, here is my hair today. Well ... kinda. A couple weeks ago I was browsing through a store that sells cheap stuff for teens. I don't get out much, so going into any store is a treat. Anyway ... in the very back of the store I saw some hair pieces that looked pretty cool. They were $19.95 or two for $15. Ummm ... does that make any sense? I didn't argue the price and snatched up a curly one and a straight one. I had no idea how to wear them but thought it wouldn't be too hard to figure out. For a split second I had a crazy idea of buying a bunch of them and wearing them all at once for a complete makeover ... *omg* ... but I refrained from being a complete idiot.

For remembrance sake, here is my hair in its natural state.
Poker straight ... fine ... not too long.

Here is my hair with the curly hairpiece attached.

This profile view gives a good look at the straight one.

Remembering the hair!

2010-01-16T23:34:00.002-05:00

I remember my big 80's hair!

This video made me feel so much better! :D

My "TenderBlue"

2010-01-10T10:55:00.001-05:00

My year has started fantastically!!! I've needed my own mode of transportation for the longest time and I was finally able to purchase my very own car. I've been using my sisters Honda CRV for the past five months while she cruises around the world doing her job ... and I am so grateful to her! But the time finally came for me to get my own wheels.

A friend of mine did a ton of research for me ... and after a day of trekking from one car lot to another, I found a car that is perfect for me.

From the moment I saw her electric blue color I knew she was the one. Of course I had to test drive her and go through all the routine things that take place when purchasing a vehicle ... but I knew she would be mine in just a matter of days.

She is a 2005 Toyota Echo hatchback ... and she has been named "TenderBlue".

Here are a couple professional photos I found online ...

Here is the TenderBlue the day I found her.

Of course no car blog post is complete without a self-portrait. Here I am driving the TenderBlue the day she became mine.

A few days later she looked like this ... lol!

I am so thankful for my new car!! She's a great start to this new year ... and I know that 2010 will have many great things for me along the way.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T21:17:00.002-05:00

As it was written in Blogdom!

2009-12-24T12:29:00.000-05:00

Ang's Christmas Tunes!

2009-12-19T21:07:00.001-05:00

I don't check my music links that I have along the right hand side of my blog too often. It came to my attention that most of the links no longer worked. I just don't have luck with audio hosting sites, but I think I found one that will work ... fingers crossed.

While I was updating the links, I came across some Christmas tunes that I recorded last year. I sang in a ladies trio, and for quick practice I would record all the parts (soprano, second soprano, alto) so we could practice on our own and not waste time rehearsing. So this link is the practice recording ... but I think it sounds good enough to share with all. :)

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

I also recorded O Holy Night for a local CD project last year. I didn't have my new microphone at the time so the sound is not as crisp ... I'll redo the vocals sometime.

O Holy Night

Check out my other songs listed under "Listen to Ang's Music" along the right hand side of this blog.

I have more Christmas music on YouTube that I recorded a few years ago.
Check out these videos!

"Mary Did You Know?"

"Away In A Manger"

"Do You Hear What I Hear?"

"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
(this one was recorded in a basement...lol)

Christmas rambles!

2009-12-19T14:03:00.000-05:00

I don't want to be hum-bug this year ... I want this Christmas to be better than ever! I'm just not sure how to make that happen. I can't say I've even tried. I've been focused on getting my life in order that I hardly noticed Christmas sneaking up on me. It has a way of doing that. According to my Mac widget there are only 5 days till Santa slides down my chimney ... if I only had a chimney!

Right now I'm listening to my local radio station as it belts out the carols of Christmas. I love Christmas music! When I get feeling blue about spending Christmas alone, I try to cheer myself with the happy tunes. Well ... until BLUE CHRISTMAS sneaks into the mix and then my loneliness washes over me once again.

My brother and sister won't be home for Christmas this year. I'll be celebrating with my sister in January upon her return from Hawaii. (poor girl!) My brother lives in British Columbia and is not coming home till March. I'll be spending Christmas day with my mom ... guaranteed to have good food! :D I'm not much of a cook, so when I'm greeted with the smells of a home cooked meal I am reminded of Christmas's past ... always a great time with family. I'm sure I'll be seeing my dad and his new wifey at some point ... not sure when.

I just have one problem. I've done absolutely NO Christmas shopping!! While chatting with a group of friends, I asked then for gift ideas for my mom and dad. Well ... there's always a comic in the bunch. *smirk* Here were their ideas:

For Mom:

Paper mache piggy bank <-- for someone with too much time on their hands!

Vicks Vaporub <-- she asked for this ... no joke!

Mixed tape <-- she would love Elvis ... and I think she has a tape player :D

hand lotion <-- boring gift ... unless you make it yourself.
If you'd like to make your own hand lotion click HERE!
(I'd rather pay $7.99 to have someone make it for me)

ham <-- cuz no one can have too much pork! :P

Chia Pet <-- no home should be without one!
Get this special edition chia pet today!!

Snuggie <-- I WANT ONE!

Gardening basket <-- my mom is an excellent gardener!

For Dad!

Livestock electric fence <-- he had a hobby farm at one time :D

Eucalyptus wreath <-- for his new wifey and hoWse.
Hmmm...this is a nice one...maybe I'll keep it for myself. :D

A book called THE GOD DELUSION by Richard Dawkins. <-- ok ... not my idea ... but after I said that my dad is a very religious man and a solid faith in God, some smarty pants thought of a way to to make my "black sheep" status in my family final. If I gave that to my dad, I may as well pack my things and head to the North Pole to cool down ... cuz hell is gunna be hot! :O

Bean bag chair <-- no home should be without one.
Unfortunately mine is without one. HELP!

A card that says "Dad, it's not your fault" <-- No idea what for ... maybe to relieve guilt ... every Baptist needs a break from guilt once in a while. :/

Duct tape <-- every man should have a roll on hand.
Maybe he can make one of these for his new bride. :D

The clock continues to tick toward the 25th ... I guess I should kick into high gear and get some things done. I'm still unpacking boxes ... I'd better get to it. I didn't set up my Christmas tree this year ... first year without a tree. :( Maybe if I had someone special to celebrate with ... then I'd deck the halls. I put this dude on my Christmas list. I know that getting him in my stocking is not going to happen ... but maybe someone similar will be delivered. PLEASE SANTA! o:)

Exam Questions ... Hilarious Answers!

2009-12-13T22:00:00.000-05:00

No Matter how far our exams are dumbed down, it seems it's not far enough for today's pupils. But rather than admit defeat in the face of tricky questions, some decide to take a more creative approach to their answers.

Short Vblog from Angela!

2009-12-12T10:13:00.000-05:00

What is your secret?

2009-12-11T17:22:00.001-05:00

Goodbye yesterday ... hello tomorrow!

2009-12-03T00:37:00.001-05:00

Today is a new beginning for me ... I'm moving to a castle. Ok ... so it's not a real castle, but it's where I will make my home for the next phase of my life. So many emotions have taken up residence inside my mind and heart. Am I scared? Of course. But I've never been one to hide in a corner because of fear. It's certainly not the scariest thing I've faced in life. I have to remember to take things "one day at a time [sweet Jesus]". <-- I couldn't resist the flashback to this old gospel song ... ha!

So to commemorate this new venture I found a bunch of photos from the past few months that never made it to my blog. I must apologize to my readers for neglecting my blog ... but I needed to step back and take a deep breath till life caught up to me. So here are some random pics ... most were taken with my cell phone ... I discovered the bluetooth option and can zip my cell pics directly to my iMac. I love technology!!! :D

Me! duh! ... at my moms.

Taking a walk at my moms.
Trying to catch my shadow :)

Sister walking moms dog Molly.

Sunbeams

What good is a swing if it's not being used? :D

Sisters :)

My mom has beautiful flowers ... just one of many.

Memories of a train ride.

Oscar

Loved the Sesame Street Google theme :)

The aliens have landed!! (getting my hair colored at the salon)

Oscar had a bath.
He sensed a big change ahead ... it gave him the runs ... poor guy :(

Hmmmm...

Chillin' with Spaz :)

Driving to a wedding...smirk!

Spaz sleeping in my arms :)

I couldn't figure out which purse to buy so I took this photo and sent it to a friend. The grey one ... hands down! :)

Before ...

After ... (thanks to a friend for this photo edit)

Shopping with my sis at Walmart.
I was bored so I found a way to entertain myself. :D

The blades I use.
Who says Walmart is cheap? :P

Ummm...I wonder who did her hair that day. :O

A MUST for everyone!!
(what the hey?)

My trip to Walmart was not a waste after all. :)
(the reflection takes it up a notch...haha!)

I got a hat and scarf combo.
I'm the kind of person who buys something ... and if I like it, I wear the heck out of it.
I'm into the color purple right now.

Sis and I at our local Thai restaurant.
I couldn't decide which photo to post ... so you get to see both. :D

Thank you for taking a trip down memory lane with me. The past seven months have been craziness ... but I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.

My castle!

Living in Canada...

2009-11-28T20:30:00.004-05:00

Here is what Jeff Foxworthy has to say about Canadians:

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from
September through May,
You may live in Canada .

If someone in a Home Depot store
Offers you assistance and they don't work there,
You may live in Canada .

If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time,
You may live in Canada .

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation
With someone who dialed a wrong number,
You may live in Canada .

If 'Vacation' means going anywhere
South of Detroit for the weekend,
You may live in Canada .

If you measure distance in hours,
You may live in Canada .

If you know several people
Who have hit a deer more than once,
You may live in Canada .

If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C'
In the same day and back again,
You may live in Canada .

If you can drive 90 km/hr through 2 feet of snow
During a raging blizzard without flinching,
You may live in Canada .

If you install security lights on your house and garage,
But leave both unlocked,
You may live in Canada .

If you carry jumper cables in your car
And your wife knows how to use them,
You may live in Canada .

If you design your kid's Halloween costume
To fit over a snowsuit,
You may live in Canada .

If the speed limit on the highway is 80 km --
You're going 95 and everybody is passing you,
You may live in Canada .

If driving is better in the winter
Because the potholes are filled with snow,
You may live in Canada .

If you know all 4 seasons:
Almost winter, winter, still winter,
and road construction,
You may live in Canada .

If you have more miles
On your snow blower than your car,
You may live in Canada .

If you find -2 degrees 'a little chilly',
You may live in Canada .

Friends from across the pond!

2009-11-14T23:10:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago I got to meet up with a friend from England. Mark, his fiance Sarah, and his parents were vacationing in Canada and their last stop was Toronto. I've known Mark for a few years but never had the privilege of meeting him in person ... until now. What was really cool about their trip ... he proposed to Sarah during their stop in Niagara Falls. :)

I had a wonderful afternoon with Mark and his family. He dabbles in photography ... so I made sure I brought both my camera's for him to see. I love his photography and am hoping to buy a few of his photos to grace the walls of my new apartment. (Dec. 3rd is moving day ... I'll catch you up on my crazy life real soon!)

Click HERE if you want to check out Mark's photography site ... you won't be disappointed! :)

Here are a few of my photos that I took that day. I don't claim to be any sort of photographer ... but I love the art and give it my best.

Here I am with Mark and Sarah at the end of our afternoon together. It was pretty chilly out that day and my face was numb, making it hard to smile. lol

Mark in action...

An old church...

No trip to Toronto is complete without seeing the CN Tower.

Mark and Sarah strolling through the streets of Toronto.

The beautiful Royal Alexandra Theatre.

A cool reflection of one building in another.

Shall I live here? :D

A quaint little park area.

Mark and Sarah ... great friends from across the pond! :)

If you want to see more photos from this day, click HERE!

Zombie Ang!

2009-10-31T18:40:00.000-04:00

Friend or Foe

2009-10-22T13:51:00.001-04:00

It's been a long time since I've questioned my friendships. I guess I like to keep people at a distance so that when tough times come I am not hurt by those who don't understand. I've been hurt in the past ... and I learned a whole lot about people during that hurt. So again I am going through a tough time ... and once again I let my guard down and trusted people I shouldn't have.

I think it's just human nature to want to trust people. But I should have known that when the thousand questions started about my separation situation that no one can be trusted. Everyone wants a reason. They want to "understand" ... they want to hear something big that will justify my situation. But when the words they hear are not what they want to hear, they are confused and saddened. They take MY life personally. They judge me on what little they know. They are usually the ones who have not yet experienced their own darkest hour.

Over the past few months I have received various emails / notes / phone calls from caring people. I have taken to heart everything that has been said, but in the end I have to chose what I hold on to. A note from one of my best friends came to me the other day. It was simple ... but left a lasting impression on my soul. Here is a bit of it:

"...I miss you! I pray everything in your life will work out. Remember God does have a plan for you! I also believe that s*** happens to good people, you just have to roll with it. Wishing you all the happiness at the end of your journey! Life is what you make it! Never let circumstances control your life/destiny, or steal your true joy!"

I also received a note a few days ago that said this:

"Wherever you are emotionally, physically or spiritually, I pray for the day when I can rejoice with the angels over your return to the loving arms of Jesus."

I read this to a few friends who all had the same response ... "did you leave the arms of Jesus?". According to the lady who wrote this note, I have. Her words do not surprise me as she is one who pulled her son from piano lessons because of my situation.

I don't need to defend my life ... and it would do no good even if I tried. (Everything I say can and will be used against me.) I can only hope that the people who send me notes saying I am far from God ... or those who make jabs at me through other means such as facebook status messages ... will never have to make a life-changing decision that goes against the grain.

This is my journey to make. I am blessed to have a few friends who see through the pain and into my heart. So friend or foe ... I journey on.

Here is a photo of me with my best friend Jen ... she was 8 months pregnant in this photo. She now has a beautiful baby girl. :)

Here Comes the Bride!

2009-10-18T19:47:00.002-04:00

My life-long friend Sabrina got married a couple weeks ago. She always said that when the day came, I would be the one at the piano. So the day did come ... and I had the honor of playing at her wedding.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from that day.

Sabrina and I :)

The Bride and Groom having their first dance as husband and wife.

The chandelier in the foyer.

Me at the piano. I got to play on a beautiful baby grand! :)

A beautiful rainbow blessed us with it's presence.

My dress from La Chateau :)

Love the sepia effect.

During my piano prelude a dashing elderly man comes up to me and says, "Do you have the song SOMEWHERE IN TIME?". As he said that, I was turning my page to the exact song. (talk about jinx!)

I then paused my prelude to have a lovely chat with him about this song...the movie...and Mackinaw Island, where he and his wife go ever year. He says it is like stepping back in time ... and I should go when I get the opportunity. I definitely will. :)

Experimented with my black and white camera setting ... thought this was a cool pic.

No wedding is complete without cake ... and this was the best mango cheesecake in the world!! :D

For more photos from the day, click HERE!

The Fun Theory :)

2009-10-13T19:49:00.001-04:00

Oscar

2009-10-11T21:17:00.005-04:00

For more Oscar (and Spaz) pics ... click HERE!

"Haven't Met You Yet"

2009-10-09T11:40:00.000-04:00

Here is Michael's official music video for "Haven't Met You Yet". It's cute ... love the ending! His new album CRAZY LOVE is now available.

"I Didn't Know My Own Strength"

2009-10-08T16:25:00.001-04:00

This weeks video favs!

2009-10-04T16:59:00.000-04:00

I love the Miley Cyrus song THE CLIMB.

Here is a cool four-part harmony remix of this song.

If you've seen THE FINAL DESTINATION in 3-D you will crack up at this :)

Michael Buble has a new album called CRAZY LOVE that is available October 9th.

Here is his new single ... HAVEN'T MET YOU YET.

Who doesn't love this song...

Make someone happy,
Make just one someone happy;
Make just one heart the heart you sing to.
One smile that cheers you,
One face that lights when it nears you,
One girl you're ev'rything to.

Fame if you win it,
Comes and goes in a minute.
Where's the real stuff in life to cling to?
Love is the answer,
Someone to love is the answer.
Once you've found her, build your world around her.

Make someone happy,
Make just one someone happy,
And you will be happy, too.

Misery and Metaphors

2009-09-30T00:55:00.001-04:00

I'm a Kathy Bates fan. I don't know too many people who aren't ... well not any who have seen her work. She's fantastic in any role, and I will watch a movie that I'm not even interested in just because she is in it.

So as I perused through my youtube favorites tonight, I came across one of her most famous scenes. No, it's not beautiful or touching ... quite the contrary. It's agonizing! The movie MISERY gives the viewers exactly that ... misery! For those who have seen it, we know what is coming. We know that the huge sledgehammer is going to bring pain to poor Paul Sheldon ... but we can't seem to look away.

Kathy Bates plays a lady named Annie who holds a famous writer hostage because she wants him to write the next book in the series that made him famous. She wants him to write it her way. She is so obsessed with the characters in the book that her reality is gone. She even resorts to brutality by hobbling him.

I was going to write about the metaphors I see in this movie ... but I doubt many would understand. I probably see metaphors in everything these days because of my life situation. My mind thinks along a different path now ... it's waking to a new reality. Listen to Annie's last words in this scene ... she says, "God, I love you". She spoke those words right after she hobbled the dude. She thought she was doing what was best ... in her mind she was doing it in love. It's ironic how the people who say they love us are sometimes the ones with the sledgehammer in hand ... ready to "take us down" if we don't live our lives according to their plan.

I had a friend like that. He was a close friend of mine, but when Ted and I separated he went ballistic. He listened to the rumours and let his rage take control ... and in the process he spread more rumours and humiliated me at a place I do business at. He pointed the finger at me in his quest to distract from himself and his guilty conscience. He wants me to hang my head in shame. I will not. He is only an "Annie with a sledgehammer". He will not break my spirit.

Here is this famous scene that is not for the delicate.

FYI

2009-09-18T16:25:00.001-04:00

I have tried to keep certain personal things out of my blog ... such as information regarding my separation. People are going to believe what they want ... nobody really cares. (except people who have taken it a bit too personally...who are bitter and resentful...and feel it is their right to inform the town of their opinion)

But I would like to post one thing in Ted's defence. Our separation has nothing to do with me not being able to have children. I have never used that as a reason, and I never will. Ted & I were always in agreement about the child issue. Because I'm not sharing my life with people, they have taken it upon themselves to put words in my mouth ... words that I never uttered.

Gotta luv a small town!

Audio hosting site is back!! :D

2009-09-05T19:20:00.002-04:00

Two days ago I posted a link to a song I recorded ... but then the site I use to host the audio decided to shut down. I didn't know if it was temporary or permanent. As I sit here listening to my latest upload I am happy to report that it was a temporary shutdown.

So If you don't want to scroll down ... click HERE!

Previewman Parody :)

2009-09-04T19:30:00.000-04:00

"Be"

2009-09-03T00:36:00.003-04:00

So I haven't done much in the recording department lately ... or in music for that matter. My life "situation" has drained me of all desire for things beautiful or comforting. Instead, I blare Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl" and get some sort of sick satisfaction from it. Not that I want to kiss a girl (do you know how many people have asked me if I have?) ... but just knowing that there are options out there.

HAHA!!

I'm just kidding!

I guess I'm trying to deflect from the rumours already going around aboOt me. I'll put the girl kissing thing out there and see how long it takes to come back to me. 10...9...8...

In spite of my lack of musical enthusiasm, I sang for a friend the other night. Why? Because I was asked ... and I was curious to see if I still had a voice. I didn't know what to sing, so I perused through my background tracks and a certain one jumped out at me. It is a song that my sister and I sang together for quite a few years. Earlier this year I had made a piano track for it ... so I hit PLAY and started to sing.

It kind of gave me a hankering to sing again ... well ... just a bit ... so I decided to dabble with Garageband and see what sort of concoction I could create.

Now here's a problem I am running into. I've met a few new people the past couple months ... people who do not know my life prior to my "marital separation" days. All of them say the same thing. "Why are you wasting your talents girl?".

Now I'd like to make a statement in my defense.

I have been using my talents/abilities/gifts for 21 years with never a break. I have made very little money off my abilities except for teaching piano because that is my job. I have made money from singing ... doing concerts ... but very little as it was always for a religious organization and they believe that Christians shouldn't profit financially from gifts God has given them. I have poured my heart and soul into my music ... and those who have heard me play and sing can testify to that. I'm not one to toot my own horn ... but everything I did, I did it with excellence ... and never expected anything in return. So now I have had a few much needed music-less months as I cope with the realities of life/love/loss. My music will grow and evolve in time ... I could never let it die.

With that being said, here is the song I recorded yesterday. Everything you hear is me ... my piano ... my voice ... oh, except for the kitty MEOW at the very end ... that's Spaz! :)

Click here! ----->> BE

Raiatea, French Polynesia (Jan. 20/09 - Day 17)

2009-08-31T14:25:00.001-04:00

Well saints be praised that I gave all my South Pacific travel photos to my sister before disembarking the Ryndam at the end of my one month cruise this past January. I was able to post about half of the trip ... and then my photos were destroyed on one fatal day. :( My sis and I made amends when she was home this past July and I was able to retrieve every photo from her portable hard drive. yay!

Now I will resume my travel posts from the French Polynesian Islands.

Raiatea was our first stop after five days at sea. We had just finished touring some of the Hawaiian Islands and traveled south, crossing the equator along the way.

View Larger Map

We were told not to expect much on Raiatea. Frankly, I had never even heard of the island so I didn't know what to expect. Here are some photos from the small town.

Sis and I roamed around the town for a bit. We then bumped into one of the ship guest entertainers and he said that if we walked about 2 miles we would come to a resort that we could swim at. I didn't want to do the walk with just the two of us ... there was a creepy man following us around the town and I wasn't feeling very safe. So we gathered a bunch of friends from the ship and headed on down the road.

Brian & Stephanie :)

I can't remember what type of church this is ... either Mormon or Seventh Day Adventist.

Following the gang. I'm always at the back of the pack ... guess I'm too slow.

We finally came to the resort...

My first view of overwater bungalows ... It was an awesome sight!!

Some of the gang before we hit the water.
Jenny, Trey, Stephanie, Me, Carl, Brian.

Sis and I :)

Life under the ocean!

I just have to post this pic. Brian was like a brother to me ... lots of laughs with him.

While swimming in the ocean a HUGE manta ray went floating by ... it was about ten feet wide. Jenny was the only one in the water and it freaked her out. The look on her face was priceless! I didn't have my camera ready and it all happened so fast ... so no pics of the big event. :(

After our ocean swim we made our way to the pool. This resort was so nice to allow us to use their dock and pool. While in the pool, a French man started to do pool aerobics with the hotel guests ... so we joined in. I didn't get any photos ... tho I did see one on facebook a while back but can't seem to find it now. Here is a random shot from the pool.

My camera battery died shortly after so I wasn't able to document the rest of my time on the island. I charged it as soon as I got back to the ship. Sail-away was beautiful as always...

Sister took this next photo. I was planning on looking into the camera but she snapped it before I was ready. I'm glad now. This pic has become a tiny bit "famous" ... someday I'll tell you the story.

My beautiful sister...

Sail-away!

That night there was a crew party at the top of the ship in the Oasis. It's an area for teens to hang out in, but since there were no teens on this cruise it was only used for this party.

This pic was taken by one of the officers ... he was a bit drunk but so badly wanted to take my photo. It took him a couple of tries ... this was the best one. lol

I took this one of sis and I.

Just yesterday my friend Alex posted this on Facebook. Sis and I ... and a girl named Rachel. I think she was one of the dancers in the cast ... I think.

So that is it for Raiatea. Next travel post will be featuring Bora Bora!! :)

Click HERE to view these photos on Flickr!

Photofunia.com (part 2)

2009-08-24T18:55:00.001-04:00

*From picjoke.com*

How much time do you have?

2009-08-20T14:05:00.000-04:00

Click HERE to see how much time you might have.

Welcome to the Olan Mills social! please bring a covered dish

2009-08-18T01:35:00.001-04:00

I was born the very last day of 1972. I'm all too familiar with the crazy styles from way back when ... and when a friend sent me an email filled with hilarious photos and even more hilarious captions attached, I knew I would have to share a few of these pics with my readers.

I'm not one to make fun of people ... but sometimes certain visuals hit my funny bone. I know it must be funny if I wake up in the middle of the night still chuckling about the 70's really being that orange. (scroll down for photo documentation)

So here we go!! Thanks to Olan Mills for taking these photos that we are now able to enjoy years later.

Those glasses came free with purchase of 64 oz. bottle of Brut cologne!

Thoughtful Lance. Mirthful Lance.
Two sides of a delightful coin.

Small dinner party in the front, Studio 54 on Halloween in the back!
Drake won the 'Bitchin'est Senior Mullet' contest by a landslide.

The Purvis family made several stops along the Oregon Trail to document their six-month journey. This photo was taken just two weeks before the dysentery took Momma to Jesus and little Cletus lost his nose and both hands to frostbite.

It even comes in 'slight blur' to add to the drunken motif.

This photo isn't discolored.
The 70s really were that Orange .

A pose like this will get you kicked right out of the Convention.

Another shot taken at the Southern Baptist Convention?

Just a typical afternoon for Molly, down on the plantation...in a business suit.
Y'know, for a budget meeting with the slaves.

Charlie and his prom date.

You'd think Pearle Vision would throw in another two pairs of Buddy Holly specs for free.

Olan Mills backdrop #4: 'Bucolic Meadow with Split Rail Fence'.
Is that an animal carcass behind her?

Oh, this is super. What better way to capture the charm and innocence of little Damian than to plunk him down amid the coarse trappings of a life lived in pursuit of wealth -- oversized bills, an adding machine and the Wall Street Journal -- and make him sit inside a briefcase? (They probably just fold up the little demon right in there to carry him home.) The finishing touch is the globe, which completes the portrait of the young Antichrist in Chess King vest and Red Goose loafers, plotting his takeover of the world (insert maniacal laugh). That is, as soon as someone changes his poopy diaper.

Dawn and her recently exhumed sister, Gorgotha, pose with Scraps. Scraps disappeared without a trace a few hours later and Gorgotha was heard complaining about indigestion during the search for him. Scraps was never seen again.

Pensive ANNNND funny, that's our Gus!!

Olan Mills Backdrop #11: 'The Library', one of their most popular themes, as seen in this photo of the young Unabomber and his wife, Gladys.

Patrick broke ranks and chose drag over the bow tie.

"Ok kids, which one doesn't belong?" Talk about a third wheel...

And don't miss the First Presbyterian Players as they perform 'Godspell' next Wednesday night in the Fellowship Hall. Childcare will be provided. Please bring a covered dish.

Kuroshio Sea

2009-08-08T23:10:00.002-04:00

I had a longer version of this video posted here but it was removed from YouTube for copyright reasons. I found a shorter version with the same song "Please Don't Go" by Barcelona. It's amazing!! I could watch this video all day and not get bored.

There are so many details that draw me in. Like the little boy at the bottom left who puts his hands on the glass (0:30). I cried the first time I saw this. It moves me. It speaks to me. It is an incredible display of God's magnificent creation.

*the best way to watch this video is to click HERE ...

make sure the HD is on ...

and view it full screen*

If I only had an ... Intruder?

2009-08-07T20:00:00.000-04:00

This morning I was awakened by the stomp stomp stomp of someone walking on the floor above. The problem with that ... I was home alone. It was late morning and I was getting some much needed beauty sleep ... I'm NOT a morning person.

It didn't really register that anything was wrong because I'm kind of accustomed to the stomping from time to time. In my delirium I just rolled over and tried to block it out.

My reaction should have been to jump out of bed, grab a baseball bat (if I had one), and slowly make my way up the stairs ... ready to pounce.

But no ... I just rolled over and tried to block out the noise.

A few minutes later I hear the same footstep coming down the stairs. The next thing I know ... a strange man was standing by my bed. Through my bleary eyes I was sure it was Christian Bale bringing me chocolate & whip cream covered waffles with pineapple juice.

Oh dang! It was only a dream.

It was my real estate representative!

He said he had tried to call to tell me he scheduled a house viewing in an hour and a half.

WHAT???

In the calmest voice I could muster I said "no, I don't think so". My house was a mess!!

I found out that he got the numbers in my phone number mixed up ... the reason I never got the call.

Because I wasn't answering my phone (that never rang) or the doorbell, he decided to use the house key we had given him and he let himself in.

I guess it didn't bother him that I was buried in blankets while he stood there and chatted. Didn't he find it a bit odd to talk to me while I was in bed? I was embarrassed ... but yet he should have been the embarrassed one. He wasn't.

Fortunately the scheduled viewing got moved to a later time, giving me time to clean up the house.

I hope to God that I never again wake up to see a stranger standing at my bedside. And if it does happen again ... please let it be Christian Bale bringing me breakfast in bed!

Let's Dance!

2009-08-04T01:05:00.002-04:00

I saw this video while visiting Summer's blog and just had to add it to my archives. It is sure to put a smile on your face!! :D

Crazy Times ... and why I'm moving to Greenland!

2009-07-31T02:35:00.006-04:00

The past month and a half has been the craziest for me in a very long time. I can't write about everything (I do have to keep certain parts of my life private) ... but I will share a few photos I took along the way that document the events.

June 24th ... my mom had hip replacement surgery. I think I wrote a bit about that already so I won't go into detail. While I waited ... and waited ... for her to get out of recovery, I found a couple chairs by a large window and camped out with my iPod.

I was obviously bored out of my gourd when I took this next photo. But you gotta love the shoes ... I get so many compliments on them.

Above my moms hospital bed I saw a sign that seemed a bit out of place. the sign itself is needed ... but way above a hospital bed where nobody can read it? haha! The sign says "Your 4 moments for hand hygiene" followed with step-by-step instructions. Too bad no one could read it.

I got my mom an orchid ... she loves flowers ... and little did I know that the orchid is her favorite. Whew ... lucky break for me! :D

I'm not sure what this photo is about. I think I was trying to take a pic while driving ... no wonder it turned out like this.

The best cheesecake I've ever had! Maybe it was so good because it was one of the saddest days for me. I had to indulge with cake and hot chocolate :)

Fast forward to July 23rd ... my mom went in for emergency surgery because infection was taking over her body. I'm not kidding when I say it was taking over ... she almost went into a coma and died. Many prayers went up for her and she pulled thru her second surgery and is doing very well now.

On one of the trips to the hospital I pulled out my camera and took this photo. I had everything I needed to park in the handicap parking spaces ... parking permit ... walker :D

This photo is random ... it says Chick Hatchery on it ... awwwww ... precious memories from my childhood. :)

My mom celebrated her birthday in the hospital ... between my sis and I, and my moms friends, she got a ton of gifts. One of the things I got her was this little bird for her garden (she loves anything that can go in her flower beds). It kind of reminds me of the twitter bird. TWEET!

My sis has been home for a few weeks and was able to help out a lot. Here she is reading a most reputable magazine ... haha! It was a joke gift for my mom. :D BTW ... did you hear that Michael Jackson died?

And one last photo of yours truly while at the hospital. I was so sick when I took this ... but was determined to smile ... was my only smile of the day.

Hopefully there will be no more trips to the hospital ... with mom. I've had enough hospital adventures to last me for awhile. I'd rather be locked up in a dungeon ... can someone please throw away the key?? Maybe I'll get sent back to Greenland ... unemployed!

When it rains...

2009-07-21T21:14:00.001-04:00

It POURS!!

June 24th my mom had hip replacement surgery. She had it done a few years ago but the cement holding it in place was dissolving and it needed replacing.

(My mom has had all her major joints replaced ... both knees ... both hips ... both shoulders ... and even something done to her elbow.)

So she had the surgery ... all went well. I helped her as much as I could. Then my sister came home for a few weeks between contracts (she sings on cruise ships) and she took a lot of the burden.

One thing that was strange was her incision was bleeding. She had never had that before, but the hospital and the nurse that stopped by every day said that was normal.

Well ... they were WRONG!

Last week my mom started to act a bit strange. I had to go home that day to teach a few piano lessons ... but sis had mom scheduled for a doc appointment later that day and she took her in.

Here is what we found out: mom had a terrible infection in her recently replaced hip and almost went into a coma. Had she gone into a coma she probably would not have come out of it ... my mom could have died.

WOW! what a wake-up call for us. People all over the world were praying. It was a crazy time!

Two days later she was whisked into surgery to see what could be done. The first option was to "clean and close" ... clean out the infection and close her up ... pumping her full of antibiotics. The second option if the first one didn't work: remove her new hip and replace with a temporary one for three months until the infection was gone ... then do another surgery in three months to put in a hip she could use for many years.

Fortunately the first option worked. :D

Mom is still in the hospital and is doing much better. It's her 61st birthday this coming Thursday ... we don't know if she will be celebrating it in the hospital or at home.

I didn't go to visit her today. The hospital is an hour away and I'm not feeling too good. The room spins ... and fortunately the bathroom is a few steps away. (if ya know what I mean...lol)

Please keep my mom in your prayers ... still a long road ahead.

Sorry for the lack of blog posts ... I'll try to post when I can.

Angela's Archives

Sir Oscar and Baby Spaz pics from 2011 :)

Somewhere In Time ...

My New Commercial For RELAY!

Once Upon A Time ...

When Canada Post goes on strike! ...

Flight of the ... Bumble Bee?

Come What May (acapella cover)

TRUE facts about bottled water! :P

Just another lucky day :)

Happy Friday!!

Hidden Away

The Blower's Daughter

I Love Bob Proctor!

Ang update ... it's been a while!

Canada's Wonderland!

♫ SMILE ♫

Crazy Coaster Photos!!!

My Year End Music Recitals

Sync or Swim!

Bubbleology 101

Hello NYC!

Have you hugged a tree today?

This past week ...

Forgive me Josh ...

Family

Mule Moms Project #2

Mule Moms Project

I'm on a horse!

It's Friday night and I have nothing better to do ...

Happy Valentine's Day!

Friday Favorites!

Praying for Haiti

More hair please!

Remembering the hair!

My "TenderBlue"

Merry Christmas!

As it was written in Blogdom!

Ang's Christmas Tunes!

Christmas rambles!

Exam Questions ... Hilarious Answers!

Short Vblog from Angela!

What is your secret?

Goodbye yesterday ... hello tomorrow!

Living in Canada...

Friends from across the pond!

Zombie Ang!

Friend or Foe

Here Comes the Bride!

The Fun Theory :)

Oscar

"Haven't Met You Yet"

"I Didn't Know My Own Strength"

This weeks video favs!

Misery and Metaphors

FYI

Audio hosting site is back!! :D

Previewman Parody :)

"Be"

Raiatea, French Polynesia (Jan. 20/09 - Day 17)

Photofunia.com (part 2)

How much time do you have?

Welcome to the Olan Mills social! *please bring a covered dish*

Kuroshio Sea

If I only had an ... Intruder?

Let's Dance!

Crazy Times ... and why I'm moving to Greenland!

When it rains...

Welcome to the Olan Mills social! please bring a covered dish