Stephanie Mitchell

I don’t know how anyone put up with me today. I was cranky, miserable, upset, sad, grumpy – and I couldn’t figure out why, much less break out of it. I eventually said, “Give me a list” and went shopping for a few things we still need for Christmas. It helped a bit, as long … Read more

Today we finally got our Chrstmas tree. It was a crisp, cold day, just enough to put a crunch on the grass. As we walked around the tree farm, the melting frost on the trees sparkled in the sun, making them look as if they’d been pre-decorated for us! As always, we found the perfect … Read more

‘Tis the season – finally. Forget all that well-meant advice about starting shopping in August, pacing yourself to beat the crowds and taking the time to put some thought into your gift for each person. There are times – okay, years – when it’s simply not possible to do that. So, sorry to all you … Read more

There is nothing quite like being able to give a gift. Sometimes it takes a little help from a friend, but when it works out and is received and appreciated it is a wonderful feeling. Today my friend Janean saw a posting for a concert she would have dearly loved to see – but of … Read more

There’s a good reason why we think of heaven when we think of harps. To be transported, spiritually, emotionally and even religiously by the music of a harp is nothing short of heavenly. How much more so when it’s an entire ensemble of harps, with beautiful, achingly beautiful voices and an array of perfectly chosen … Read more

It’s not too often that I’m grateful for doing something stupid. Fortunately, this time it was mistrusting a friend. Yes, I panicked that perhaps a trust and a bond had been broken by something I had said or done. I wasted a lot of energy fretting over that. I was proved wrong. The energy wasted … Read more

We finally got around to some Christmas baking today, H and I. There’s something just so enjoyable and close about working in the kitchen with an 8-year-old who loves baking! We found a recipe for Thumbprint Cookies – basically shortbreads that you dent in the middle with your thumb and then fill with jam after … Read more

Ever had one of those days where someone in your group sticks up their hand and says, ‘Hey folks! Here’s a really cool idea we should try!”? And everyone jumps on the bandwagon. Except deep down inside you know that it’s not going to work. So you hesitate. Should you go with the flow, keep … Read more

At this time of year, our little vocal ensemble, Collage, has quite a number of Christmas gigs. Last night was another of our favourite seasonal venues: the Rainbow Club. This is a drop-in for folks who are mentally challenged but who can function in society, but who need a place to socialise. Christmas is often … Read more

At last night’s Christmas Party it was decided that we would make the second Tuesday of each month a dinner out.