The Journey

I believe this is where it begins, and how the journey of life is best travelled. All is not for naught. That which is able to be gleaned from the journey is of greater value than that which we mine. Tears are like scars bourne of battle. Determination stems from disappointment. Hope is the water on the dessert sand. Pray, believe, pray, hope, pray...pretty much sums up my days lately. For everything. Never give up. Keep the faith.

Daily Status Challenge

What does it mean when my greatest morning challenge is "What should I put for my status on FaceBook?"

Some may not consider this a challenge, but everyday, as I change it, I try to have a purpose behind the words.

I am a lover of words and do not want them to just be empty, dull, filler. That is like eating a cookie dipped in 'chocolatey coating' ! What the heck is chocolatey anyway? Brown sweet wax? Yuck! No waxy sweet coloured words on my status!

After much contemplation, mulling, usually at least one hot drink...this morning it is Stash Chai Green Tea, God usually drops a good idea into my welcoming lap. Often it may not have the same impact for others as it does for me, but that is not my challenge.

Venting at the latest chagrin, growling about a royal tick, barking re: the etiquette of city drivers .... not my style. Encouragement, happiness, JOY, delight, enlightenment ( such as the comment about chocolatey coating.... ha ha) and anything leaning towards the positive- those are the inspiration I try to draw from.

Glancing through status posts in the morning I have noticed that some Facebookers have a running theme, some are very frequent in their posts, some are always frustrated, some are always funny, and my DNA cousin has a 'word of the day'.

Here is a glance at the status posts I read this a.m. , and don't worry, names have been concealed to protect the innocent!

~7 more days if work till holidays. Getting closer.

~is sleeping.

~Start of the four! Crisp morning, lunches done....love my christmas tree. Its getting closer to christmas...the count down is on.

~It might snow?! We've got curry today @ noon. It'll heat you up and put a smile on your face.

~is trying to figure out what day is the best to finish up her shopping?? Gotta head to Courtney/Nanaimo and get the rest of it done. Thinking of making it an overnighter so I don't get home to late...

~'s word o' the day is "yuletide"

~Well seems the snow has stopped at least for now. Next the rain and then what it'll freeze overnight? I hope not, I'd rather have the snow thanks.

~zvs... einen studienplatz kriegt nur, wer versteht, wie er sein abi bekommen hat und die bewerbungs- und auswahlverfahren versteht ...oO

~is so very jealous (I know I'm not supposed to be!) of my many friends who woke up to snow this morning!!! But not me.....no snow here....I'm so jealous! Let it SNOW!!!

~DESTINY - Somewhere there waiteth in this world of ours For one lone soul another lonely soul Each choosing each through all the weary hours And meeting strangely at one sudden goal. Then blend they, like green leaves with golden flowers, Into one beautiful and perfect whole; And life's long night is ended, and the way Lies open onward to eternal day.

~is finally feeling Christmassy! Outside lights are up, Tree up on Thursday night and then some serious shopping needs to get underway!

~The Big Wave Surfing event in honor of Eddie Aikau!!!!

~What a celebration or should I say "Whobelation". Thanks ladies for another amazing event!

I look forward to status posting time, as unpredictable as it is. There is a moment that feels like that second prior to dipping your toe into the ocean, deciding what the temperature is. Pure excitement! ...okay, so that was a blatant attempt at drama.

Speaking of drama, I have a breakfast date with my mum and a friend in an hour, still sittin' here in my jams, and I haven't posted a status!

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm................

A Great Quote

"The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community even if their intentions are ever so earnest but the person who loves those around them will create community."

Deitrich Vonhoffer

What If Jesus Meant All That Stuff?

What If Jesus Meant All That Stuff?

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The Great 'Sleeps' Countdown

I received an email this morning from my friend Valentine in Jakarta. Guess when her birthday is? Too easy, Valentines Day, you are right.

Valentine and I will meet in person in approximately 66 sleeps. (We were connected by my dear friend Kim through the wonderful social connector FaceBook)

My trip to Jakarta starts in 61 sleeps,

I get to hug Kim in 62 sleeps,

The big 'FOUR - FIVE' is in 76 sleeps,

Christmas Day is in 24 sleeps,

My first born gurlio will be 19 in 28 sleeps,

The year of the 2010 Olympics will start in 30 sleeps,

Northgate's Annual Family Tree Decorating and Talent Night is only 3 sleeps!

My mumma will be here in 2 more sleeps!

This is yet another glimpse into the twisty path of my thought processes...Fun huh?!

Thank you Volunteers!

Thank you Volunteers!
You make it happen.

This is a peek at one volunteer in the Comox Valley, my husband Andrew MacMillan



This is a little video of my loving husband as he engaged with the crowd at the Christmas Parade today.

Andrew is the essence of Spirit. Everything that he is involved with gets his 100%. One Hundred Percent involvement, enthusiasm, energy, support, willingness, participation. If we could bottle his essence we would be very wealthy! More than once I have heard people mention a desire to clone Andrew, it would make everything so much easier for event planning and executing. Anytime I am on the sidelines and have a chance to kibitz with other sideline supporters or someone who is also involved in "that" event, I hear the same thing. Accolades of praise. 'Andrew is so wonderful', 'Andrew is so helpful', 'Andrew is so generous', 'Andrew is always willing', 'Andrew is the guy you want on your committee'.

They are right, he is all of those things. He gives from the heart. It is a "pay it forward" type of attitude, yet if you were to suggest that to him, he would wonder what you meant. Today was our annual Christmas Parade, here in the Comox Valley. Thankfully it did not rain! Hallelujah! Andrew is on the "Spirit of B.C." committee. For the second year in a row he has helped carry the 'Spirit' banner in this parade. Watching him walk jauntily down the street, waving, smiling, greeting, engaging with the crowd, you want to know him, you want to catch a little bit of that bright spirit. It is good. He is the perfect man for the job. And he loves it! He loves to be involved in community events.

I believe that the greater good of every community is reflected in large part by the members of every local individual volunteer, volunteer committees, and group of volunteers. My husband is just one of them. I am very proud of him. I hope my little introduction of my husband has encouraged you to get involved in something in your community, if you weren't already. There is such reward in giving to the greater good. For no other reason other than you can! I am but one voice but being on the sidelines I have heard many. Thank you volunteers, you are greatly appreciated!

( Couldn't resist this shot! how cute is this little volunteer!)

23rd Anniversary of Judd

We gathered for a family dinner tonight to celebrate Judd's Birthday. 23 years old! Oh my gosh, did I blink? My baby is now a very large man. How often do I forget that with every year of my genetically directed advanced hair colouring, (wink),that my children are making advances of their own?

When they come into this harsh world, they are oblivious of what awaits them, good and evil. Trust is essential, there is no choice. Love is unconditional, options are unknown. Vulnerability is at it's peak, again, there is no choice.

St.Joseph's Hospital, in Comox, B.C. was the setting for our first delivery, Judd. Don't worry, I am not even going to start with the details of that experience, except to say that it couldn't have been that bad! WE did it 3 more times... and each experience was as unique as the first.

Weighing 8 lbs 9 oz, Judd Mathew Levirs pushed his way into the world at 4:25 a.m. I was so freaked out. My history did not include the phrase," I can't wait to have a baby!", or," I can't wait to be a mom!". I babysat for the money. Period. It was a job, not even my favourite job. Funny thing that I had 4 kids. Funnier still was the instant invasion of the body snatchers type thing that happened the minute the baby arrived. I remember looking at him in complete awe and wonder. I was in love with this perfect little man. All I wanted to do was snuggle him, pack him around, change his diaper, stare at him, feel his skin, touch his hair, clip his nails, nurse him, bundle him, protect him.

I still do. 23 years later, not a lot has changed.

Well, except that he is about 1 1/2 times my size, his voice is at least 12 decibels lower than mine, the amount of food he can pack away puts a small army to shame, the number inside of his shoes is big, leftovers are not a problem in our house even though he doesn't live at home anymore, the word 'energy' in the dictionary should have his photo under it, ( work at the mill all day, rollerblade to mum's house 8 or 10 kms away, rollerblade another few blocks to drop in basketball, play basketball for a couple of hours, then rollerblade home...now what ?), and for fun on his days off he has a part time job landscaping!

What hasn't changed is this; all I want to do is snuggle him, be around him, stare at him, feel his skin, touch his hair, feed him, bundle him, protect him.

I have realized that after being a mom for 23 years, I will always want to do those things. With each of my kids it is the same. But I have had to step back and let them figure stuff out, make some not so great decisions on their own, pick themselves up & move forward.

How often I have wondered if it is harder being the kid or the mom? I am both, but I was a different kid than mine are, everything was different. Really, cell phones were not even at the "beam me up Scotty" stage yet. They didn't exist. Can you imagine what their lives would be like now without instant messaging and texting? Remember when the Ingalls family lived around the corner? (LOL)

I am so proud of my son. He has had many bumps along the way, the path has not been straight and clear, but he is moving consistently forward. His work ethic, willingness to help us at anytime, support friends in whatever their need is at the moment, and courage to walk his own walk tell the tale of strong man. A man who is finding himself, getting stronger and more faith filled with each passing day. Accepting responsibility, paying his own way, reaching beyond what he has known, step by step.

Happy Birthday Judd, I am so proud to be your Mom.


Love Mumma xo



The photo at the right is Judd, after his long
day landscaping on his day off, his birthday!
We had a great dinner and a visit.
It was a good day!







This is a photo of
me and all 4 of my "babies".
Left to Right...Judd, Mum, Kalvin, Julia, Chelsea

The gift of a Glorious Afternoon at the Spit

So I did get to the beach, oh it was brilliant! I took a few photos out at the Goose Spit. Me and Jesus have some amazing conversations while I am there, particularly on crazy storm days like today. Life is so amazing... every day. Even though some days are so difficult, my faith in God keeps me grounded.... and when I am not grounded, He helps me get grounded. Phew, I am never alone. Thank you God for that. Freedom to believe in a glorious country on this incredible island surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Casting Crowns sings a song , " Praise you in this storm" It covers a multitude of storms. Good thing, because like every storm in nature, the storms that we face are just as unique. I am so grateful for being able to go to the beach, yell, sing, cry, laugh, breathe, watch, listen, be. That is a gift.

Twisted and One of a Kind meets Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Last night was the first official reveal of Twisted Heirloom and Gill, One of a Kind. Overall it was a tremendous success, lots of women came through the door. Many familiar connections were made. It is always exciting to me to see how closely we really are connected. I was introducing 3 friends of mine, it turned out they all knew each other... they had gone to school together...more than 30 years ago!

At the end of the evening, we were exhausted, good exhausted. We received a ton of positive feedback, some criticism which was also positive. If our friends can't be honest with us, then we probably shouldn't be in business in the public. Thank you to all who support us, we do so appreciate it.

I went to bed last night with such gratitude, the alarm was not set ! Woo hoo! At some crazy dark hour I heard the distinct sound of empty garbage cans rolling around in the quiet cul de sac that we live in. Being the nutbar that I have been known to be, I dragged my sleepy bones out of bed and put on my coat. My luxurious faux fur dress-me-up coat! After determining the wind factor, in order to brace myself for stability, I faced the gusts head on and went down the driveway. With careful consideration for my safety, knowing there were untethered garbage cans flying about, I crouched and scanned. There is one! Oh, and there is another! Phew! Just like a scene out of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon I lept across the pavement. Gotcha! Hey, it says 'MacMillan', awesome, I just performed emergency rescue on one of our own garbage cans! Wait, here comes a blue one.... NAILED IT! I was thinking, "Someone should be filming this!"

After carefully securing both cans from the risk of further flailing, I charged back up the stairs and into the dry safe haven of my welcoming home. Now what was I doing before my rescue operation? Oh yeah... back upstairs.

Slightly damp and way to wide awake, I hung up my beautiful warm coat, changed out of my way to long, wet flannel trousers, and climbed back into my still warm, very cozy bed. AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH......Definitely heading to the beach today to check out the waves. But first, more sleep.

What a great day!

Fall Harvest Time in High Gear

Oh my gosh, how did that happen? Last time I was here, it was the beginning of Sept.... now it is almost Fall Harvest party time! Free Halloween alternative for kids(and Parents!)at Northgate Foursquare in Courtenay, Oct 31st, 6 p.m - 8 p.m. Games, candy, FUN~FUN~FUN & FREE! Gotta love that, I will be there, severely decorated I might add. Come and check it out...

Okay, so this is going to be a glimpse into what my life is like. My multi tasking gift ( some suggest ADD I say no label thanks!) is in extraordinarily high gear. My mind, which is not fueled by any caffeine by the way, is racing so fast I can't even write things down, I am on a mission of accomplishment beyond measure today. WHEW!

~making jewelry
~crafting 100+ clowns
~attending 2 meetings
~dropping off money for an order I placed with a friend to support a school fundraiser
~brainstorming (with myself) ideas for L'Arche permanent fundraising plans
~deciding where to take letters requesting donations for L'Arche dinner/dance silent auction Nov 7th
~clearing up the kitchen table craft area so we don't have to eat on the partially assembled 100+ clowns
~go to church to pick up envelope
~pick up another envelope at CVAG
~eat lunch to fuel completion of the list
~check facebook photos to make sure there are photos for a potential friend who may decide to sell my work in her store
~write this little gem (!)
~get distracted by FB updated statuses which then leads to other various levels of distraction!
~answer door to receive parcels from Canada Post
~think about what hat to wear since my hair is riotous today
~help my hubby attach ice pack to his shirt to ease a pain
~direct lunch reheat process
~talk on phone re:potential work days in November to fill in for someone
~check out packaging and display options on Ebay for Twisted Heirloom


You get the picture, and that was all happening in about an hour, minus the hat and running errands, haven't gone yet....

I feel a little winded, yet still am wondering how Gill is making out in her exciting sewing venture, what will Colleen and I have for dinner on Thursday eve before going to Candace's thing at the Stan Hagen Theatre, am I going to town in my pajamas today?, have I eaten or merely thought about it?, Andrew's lunch smells fantastic, wow would I love to be able to sing like Josh Groban...or Nick Meyers (!), is my day already gone or does it just seem like it because there is so much to do, do I need to write a list or will I remember, my hip aches a little and I wonder what that is all about, do I have the right change for the pointsetta's or should I write a cheque?, what time do I need to leave to be on time.....

so, welcome to my world, and that is only a glimpse... I haven't even started to revamp the Extroverted Angel Costume for the harvest party, or planned Chelsea's birthday which is this Sunday, or decided on a hat, do I still have time to eat? Oh man, I crack myself up, good thing most of this stuff is contained within my head with volume on mute.

Happy Tuesday, post Gobble Gobble and pre Ho - Ho!

I will be back shortly because I don't think I wrote what I was going to .... I got distracted!

No Shame in this...

Shameless Request;

I am acting in a volunteer capacity at the moment, seeking any persons or businesses who would be willing to donate something for a fundraiser I am involved in with the L'Arche Community. The only businesses that I am approaching with this request are businesses that I and my husband, Andrew, support with our own patronage.

The fundraiser in on Nov 7th, 2009. There will be a dinner-dance / silent auction held at the Comox Rec Centre.

If you aren't familiar with L'Arche, they are an international non profit program designed to support the mentally challenged in such a way that they are able to contribute in any capacity to their community and have a sense of their self worth. They are included in every area of the mainstream of society and treated with respect and love. Such a valuable and noble cause. They do have a website if you would like more info www.larche.ca

I recognize the demands stemming from the economy and it’s effect upon all of us. If you cannot donate at this time, I completely understand. If you are able to donate, please email me or call me at 250-334-2838 and I will be happy to pick up your donation. All contributions will be gratefully accepted.

Sincerely,

Rebecca

P.S. I also have tickets available if you would like to come! They are $40 each (Charitable Donation Income Tax Receipt for $20 can be issued to ticket purchasers) Tickets are also available at Jacob's Well downtown Courtenay. The gathering is at 5:3o p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. and dancing at 7 p.m. Live Music by The Cure-All Dance Band (15 pc orchestra)


Thank you again for your valuable time.

Sincerely,




Rebecca MacMillan

rebestwistedheirloom@me.com
250-334-2838

Time Flies

I have noticed lately that quite a few people are counting down to Christmas. Each of them have a different reason. I like it. Shopping days left, days until another celebration that is linked by mere date to Christmas day, days until a loved one returns home, days until a Christmas holiday away, days until hosting a family dinner, sleeps until Santa, and I am sure you have your own.

With each passing year, the celebration of Christmas changes for me. Expectations alter, gifting decreases, stress lowers, self care increases, appreciation for the small things soar, recognition of what it's all about (Jesus!) becomes more important, eating gets smarter & time becomes more precious.... another list that could be endless.

Christmas, no matter what you believe about it, is the time of year that milestones seem gauged by. I am thinking of what has happened in my life between last Christmas and this one. Another endless list, I won't bore you with it in it's entirety.

The Key things?
~moving
~major surgery
~career change(s)
~family dynamics
~loss of loved ones
~weddings
~births

Some things are bigger than others on the emotional scale, but all have had a very significant impact upon my life. Yet no matter what happens, each day is an opportunity to start off fresh with a great attitude. For the most part, that is how I approach the morning. The blahs and the downs are occasional, but not the dominant. Thanks God for that!

Have you ever looked at someone and thought that they might be a little too optimistic? Was it me? (LOL) I have yet to be formally charged with this crime, but I welcome the occasion. Then I will have an opportunity to share the optimistic side of the experience!

This post is feeling a little disjointed, but I had a great urge to write, so I figure there must be something here that needs to be read by someone. Maybe I just need to get it out!

We just came back from a most incredible weekend with friends in Quatsino. If you don't know where Quatsino is, google it, because it is close to the heart of God, I am pretty sure. Fresh crab, fresh ocean air, beach combing, tons of laughter, bits of rain, fishing on the dock, sunshine for days, Steam Donkey (might want to google that too, try Surgenor Breweries) and time with great friends.

Even just to drive to Coal Harbour, it's breathtaking. Over the past 12 years I have had many, many opportunities to drive that stretch of highway. The rainy snowy times were not the most comforting, but this time of year...Oh... Heaven on earth! Sunshine, mountains, streams, rivers, colours changing, leaves falling, perfection. If you love the fall, that is a drive I recommend.

A little reflection can be a good thing, I try not to dwell in the past, but taking stock of where we are in life and how we got to this place is not a bad thing.

As summer has closed it's doors once again, and fall is upon us, I believe that Christmas is actually 94 sleeps away.

First day of school and the rest follows.

Trusting that if you are reading this, you are aware that I claim no expertise in the technical side of writing...right, that being said I have a couple of things on my mind.

I dropped my youngest daughter off for the first day of her last year in high school. The irony is that I was not able to take her to the first day of her first year of school. So it was with a happy heart that I performed that small service this morning. When I asked if I could take her picture , she wasn't too excited, so I took a picture in my mind, it will never leave me.

Deciding that being in the car already was a good start to getting errands done, I proceeded to head into Courtenay along my old friend, The Dyke Rd. Now, I have polled a few trustworthy individuals in regard to their opinion of my status as an unofficial Traffic Cop. Particularly 4 way stops, so today I was able to let them off easy. ( I hear the odd snicker..) After turning left onto the 17th St bridge in my own lane, there was an assault in the air as the oblivious fellow in front of me seemed to be under the impression that he could just hop right over into the right hand lane.....yes, the one that is the right of way lane for those drivers turning right onto the bridge. Oops! ( that was all my inner cop could come up with today) It all straightened out very quickly, but it turned my thoughts back, waaaaaay back, to when that bridge was a thought. It did not exist. I still refer to the 17th St bridge as the 'NEW' bridge. It helps me to determine the longevity of a persons time in the Comox Valley. If my reference passes in an unnoteworthy fashion I know instantly that they have been here more than 20 years. Very often the response is something akin to 'there is a lady with 3 heads'? I then know that they have been here for less than 20 years!

The thoughts that I was actually referring to when I said 'waaaaaaaaaay' back were in regard to the growth of the entire Valley. Some changes are sad, landmarks that had sentiment for many, or even just a few. Many changes are incredible! The new bridge for example. wink! The pavement up to Mt.Washington ski resort, the Aquatic Centre, the walk in clinic by Safeway, Northgate reno, the public transit system. The list is endless. There is no desire on my part to turn this into a political statement, so there are a few things I won't even mention, even in saying that you probably know what I am talking about, so enough said.

When I moved to the Valley in 1975, things were very different, much slower. Like so many towns of its size in that day I imagine. It was very lovely, easy, safe, quiet. How many of us learned to drive in the, then Safeway now Shoppers, parking lot on a Sunday? Wow! Have things ever changed. I choose to embrace it!

Here is a thought that I will wind up with- water. Still water goes bad, it rots, cannot sustain life, it smells and is unlikely to be of any benefit to humans. Moving water is fresh, clean, filled with life. We must choose, change is not always fun or easy, but when we get to the other side... moving water!

in the beginning...

Since returning from the most incredible wedding on a beautiful ranch just outside of Calgary, most of my spare time has been spent re-connecting with friends and family. 5 days is a long time when you tend to be a people junkie! I will not attempt to define "spare time", we all have our own definitions...and they are all correct in my estimation.

Part of the reason for beginning my blogging career at this point in time is that I struggle with procrastination. Sometimes it is even great things that I love that I procrastinate about. Is it a gene? Or a programming glitch in the brain? Whatever it is, I have it! Sometimes it works in my favour so I am not to distraught by the affliction.

You have heard the term, "Shiny thing!" ? Well, if you have spent anytime around me you have heard it. All that it means is that I have just been distracted by something, probably in my peripheral vision, which appeared, at least momentarily, to be more important than that which held my undivided attention a mere split second ago. You follow me? Do not fear if the path looks windy and difficult behind me, why do you think I called this blog 'Rebes with a Twist' Puhleeze, this is my life! Many times over the years I have wondered if my thoughts on paper would have a monetary value. Seriously, Woody Allen? He has made a ton of money from some really twisted thoughts and plots. How about Leonard Cohen? Or Walt Disney? Hello! Tell me in what ONE way these are congruent! They AREN'T! See what I mean? They are all brilliant minds, each with a following of incredible proportions, but they are all pretty twisted. Shiny Thing!

For anyone who was hoping for some hidden fantastic literary findings behind the mask of Rebecca MacMillan, sorry to disappoint. It is just me, as I live it, think it, process it.

My life has never been dull, I have rarely been bored, I have only had one job in my life that I did not like, and to be honest, it wasn't the job, it was the bosses. The amount of ideas that have crossed my mind for entrepreneurial exploration ( or exploitation! remind me about the rice krispy bears sometime) it would boggle the average mind. Almost everything I see gives me an idea of how it could be marketed or improved upon.

Music is a passion I adore. There is very little music that I find unappealing, please do not try to convince me that some brass intruments are soothing. It is just not so in my ear. No offense to the brass instruments, some of us were just not created to spend a whole lot of time appreciating each other.... you follow?

Not a big t.v. watcher, although, if it is on (shiny thing!) I can be tempted to vegetate in front of the screen while hopefully searching for something worth watching. Some say pathetic, I say easily distracted. Big difference.

How's that twisted path working out for you? I am not even winded yet! Don't worry, I am close to winding up for now.

I looked at the clock, oh my gosh, did I actually eat the blackberry spelt pie with cream for breakfast 3 whole hours ago?


Time flies.... sometimes I like that. Sometimes not.

Karl Jenkins, Adiemus: The Eternal Knot is now playing on my computer, I started with Kari Jobe, see? I wasn't kidding about my collection of music.

And so it ends....