Electricians are the new Gods

The hydro was off this morning for three hours. When the power goes out, it reminds you of all the things you take for granted. 

I had to wait to take a shower. I could not use the internet or charge my laptop. I couldn't listen to the radio or watch TV. I know, first world problems. 

Thank you to the electricians for fixing the problem! 

Photo credit: here

Single Friday Night

melissa fockler (b. 1984)

 truth to words, 2006

Photograph 

Online dating? That's still not going to work...

I had a moment of weakness the other night. I thought about signing up for online dating. But a few news headlines stopped me. 

The headlines read:

Suspects carry out gunpoint robbery after dating app set up: Hamilton police

‘Embarrassment factor is huge on these:’ dating app extortion costs Nanaimo man money

People are using AI to date you 

Online dating is more dangerous in summer, experts warn

Online Dating is Out. Real-Life Romance is In.

The last article, "Online Dating is Out" is a good read. In this article, Pews refers to a research study that suggests "couples who meet via an app are less likely to enjoy stable and satisfying marriages". 

Garbology

Some people get excited about online shopping, TV shows, jewellery, sports cars, new technology. I get excited about trash. I'm currently putting the final touches on an essay I wrote this past summer on the global trash crisis. I'm so excited about this work. Looking forward to sharing it with you... 

melissa fockler (b. 1984)

trained on fossil fuels, 2024

Photograph 

Music Monday

Barbra Streisand ft. Bryan Adams 

"I Finally Found Someone"

Sing along optional:

It started over coffee
We started out as friends
It's funny how from simple things
The best things begin

My homemade (healthy) pizza

Today, I made a classic recipe: homemade pizza. Toppings: freshly cut tomatoes, onions, grated garlic, oregano, mushrooms, minimal cheese and a drizzle of barbecue sauce. I paired this snack with watermelon.  

Oregano has become my go-to herb! Check out the health benefits of oregano here.  

Ready for the oven

Done!

Melissa's Adventures in Nature

How was your Saturday? I spent the afternoon with the East Don River. 

Photo taken August 24, 2024

Oh, really

I don't drink, smoke or do drugs. Never have. Oh my gosh, I have something in common with Donald Trump. I never thought that was possible.

Cool Conversations

If you're into sustainability, you might want to check out an interview with Jason Hickel on degrowth. 

Some guiding questions: What is degrowth? Is degrowth a solution to climate change? How would degrowth affect the economy? Can capitalism and degrowth co-exist?

Yard Waste Mysteries

I always wanted to be kissed in the rain. I guess doing yard work in the rain will have to suffice.

This afternoon, it rained while I did yard work. Below, a picture of some of my yard waste -- rotting apples. 

"Imagine the smell of rotting apples"

Music Monday

Preston Pablo, Banx & Ranx - "Flowers Need Rain" (Acoustic) 

Sing along optional:

'Cause I need you like the flowers need the rain
I need you like the sun when the clouds turn grey
Oh, you're like the blood runnin' through my veins
I'll love you until now and forever away

Last Tuesday Night

To be totally honest, I have had a lot of men checking me out lately. This past year alone, it's been an upward of 50 or more. But the looking me 'up and down' thing is getting old, and making me feel very uncomfortable. I have even noticed guys holding hands with a woman sneaking a glance. The grass is always greener. It's disgusting. 

And this brings me to last Tuesday night. I was walking home from the grocery store when a guy in a white sports car rolled down his window and said, "Hello Beautiful." I smiled and kept walking. Ten minutes later, I passed a woman on the sidewalk. She turned around and shouted, "You're beautiful -- I thought you should know." I laughed it off.

Hearing that people think I'm okay to look at can be flattering. After all, I was brutally dumped. But it also raises questions about superficiality. I challenge you to talk to me, ask me about the latest essay I'm writing or my passions and interests. There is so much more to me than a look.

Photo credit: here

Before you trash it, use it

Before you toss your toothpaste tubes into the trash, cut them in half. There is still more paste inside! I have been cutting my old toothpaste tubes for years. You can do the same thing with shampoo, lotion, sunscreen bottles, etc. 

Photo taken August 17, 2024

My homemade birthday cake

Yesterday, I made a healthy chocolate cake to celebrate my birthday. I've made this cake a few times this year and it never disappoints. It's low in sugar and rich in natural ingredients. 

Toppings: plain Greek yogurt, 100% maple syrup, apricots, walnuts, and dark chocolate. 

Photo taken August 16, 2024

Something to think about.

Photo credit: here

Funny thing is

Nothing is ever black and white. But pictures can be.

Music Monday

Devon Cole "I Got You"

Sing along optional:

If you need a drink, then I'm buying
If you need a minute to think, I got time
If you need a shoulder, come over, it's all good
Baby, cry on mine
If you need a hand, I got two
If you're in the mood to dance, I got moves
If you need a night in, a night off, a phone call
Baby, I got you

My homemade tea biscuits

Tonight, I made tea biscuits. I blogged about these biscuits before. But they are worth another look. They taste great on a summer evening! 

Goodbye 30s: The last days of 39

I spent the last Saturday of my 30s doing what I wanted to do. I spent time with nature. Watching birds, listening to rivers and streams, feeling the shade of the trees -- it was like a great big hug.

My bike ride in pictures

August 10, 2024

Question #31 (single on date night)

Question: Have you tried speed dating? What was your experience? 

Photo credit: here

Single girl confessions

I enjoy romantic comedies. Sure, what's not to like. It's all about love, right? 💖 Hmmm... not so fast! In these movies, the guys are too perfect. The girls look like they walked off the catwalk. And there is usually a romantic proposal with a girl getting a giant diamond ring.  

Stop right there. Perfection is overrated. Sorry, I'm not into overpriced jewellery. I prefer sentimental over showpieces. 

I often hear radio ads for jewellery stores trying to sell rings for $4000 and up. That's ridiculous. Love doesn't have to be expensive. Heck, it doesn't have to cost anything at all. I think we need to get back to what's important and leave behind the price tags!

Jessie J "Price Tag"

Sing along optional:

Why is everybody so obsessed?
Money can't buy us happiness
Can we all slow down and enjoy right now?
Guarantee we'll be feelin' alright

Melissa's Adventures in Nature

Today, I stumbled across this beautiful spot! It felt like something out of Burnett's The Secret Garden.

Photo taken August 5, 2024

Great Expectations

i want a man that thinks 

the world of me:

not a man that wants every

woman in the world.

Mysteries of Nature

A few weeks ago, I found a bird nest on the ground. Knowing that the bird was never going to return, I put my garden gloves on and started examining the nest. The first thing that I noticed was its weight. It was fairly heavy. The base was made out of leaves and dirt. The 'bedding' or inside layer was made out of soft grass. The entire nest was wrapped in longer grasses, plastic ribbon and corn stalks. 

It left me in awe of nature. What craftsmanship! 

"The bird nest"

"The bird nest deconstructed" 

Oh my gosh, it's August. Happy Long Weekend!

Question: How was your week? Post a comment (below) and let me know! 

'A scene from my bike ride, last weekend'

This is an actual carrot. (Mysteries of Nature)

I think this carrot is alive. Anyone else see the 'eye' of the carrot?

Photo taken August 1, 2024