If we were having coffee, I would tell you that a lot has happened in the past two weeks. As responsibilities caught up with me, blogging had to be set aside which is why you haven’t seen me in the blogosphere for the past 2 weeks. I foresee that the next couple of weeks are also going to be hectic as I work away at getting my report cards done. In addition, we have had a death in the family and I am helping my husband prepare for travelling to South Africa to attend the funeral.
The most exciting thing that has happened in the past two weeks is that my daughter went to her prom. Her brother organised someone to come and do her hair and make-up, her dad helped her finally find THE dress and accessories, and I did all the mom things like wash the clothing and put up the hem. My 18 year old looked stunning on the evening – and I had the realisation that she is no longer my little girl. Instead she is now ready to go out into the world and do her thing.
My husband and I also attended the art showing presented by my daughter’s graduating class. I enjoyed looking at the art created by this year’s grade 12 students. I do admit to being biased towards my daughter. There were three artists whose work I enjoyed – and she was amongst them. My daughter was proud of her creations and eagerly explained the augmented reality piece she had worked to all those who stopped in front of her creation.
During the past 2 weeks Spring arrived and with it the beauty of flowers. I love the blossoms at this time of year, as well as the sight of the tulips and daffodils. The temperatures over the last two days have jumped to Summer temperatures and brought with it a higher level of humidity. Spring seems to be over. Unbelievable that a little over two weeks ago we experienced snow and below zero temperatures.
I now have two older children at home. Within the space of three weeks, both of my daughters have had their birthdays. One is now heading towards university, and the other towards her final year at school. Time seems to have passed quickly – it seems like yesterday that they were still going to elementary school. My babies have all grown up and I do feel a little sad as I enjoyed them so much when they were small. Now I enjoy them for a different reason – the conversations we now have are definitely more adult.
I will now get ready for the week ahead: say goodbye to my husband as he leaves the country for the next few weeks; and work on starting the year end report cards. It promises to be a busy – and hot – week with plenty of outdoor play.
Enjoy your upcoming week. See you for our next coffee chat.
What would you tell me if we were having coffee?
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2018
(This post is linked to Eclectic Alli and the Weekend Coffee Share)
Your essay brought back some great prom memories Collins. In case you would enjoy how one prom disaster was averted, I offer you https://garyawilsonstories.wordpress.com/the-prom-date-adventure/ because sometimes history is just plain weirder than fiction. Your daughter & husband might all gasp at how this actually happened to me.
Hope you’re having a great weekend.
Gary
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An interesting story – though not something my husband would do. He was relieved, though, when my daughter went to the prom with a group of friends instead of a date.
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Agreed Colline. Claude was a very good friend but this was easily the worse idea he ever shared with me. I left it out of the story, but I recall thinking what would have happened if my did did this to my sister…. She would still be howling mad. On the other hand, it made for a great lesson and memory. Thanks for stopping by and giving it a read.
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I think any modern woman would be 🙂
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I will keep you and your family in my prayers! Hugs and blessings my sister!
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Thank you so much Wendell. The funeral is today and my husband is quite emotional.
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I saw the Prom photos on Instagram (has its uses 🙂 ). Sorry about the death, Colline. There’s never a good time, is there? Take care!
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There never is Jo. And it is always too early.
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Sounds like a busy week. Commiserations about the death, and well wishes for the two of your daughters growing up. Those cakes look delicious…and so do those egg tarts which I can never seem to get enough of.
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My daughter made her own as she enjoys baking. I guess she will become the baker in the family 😊
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Wow! You had a couple very busy weeks. Two big birthdays, and graduations. Did your oldest daughter attend some kind of art school? It always makes me so happy to hear about children that have understand parents that encouraged them to dive into their interests when it comes to school.
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She is graduating from high school this year and has done all the art subjects the school has to offer. Next year she will be going to OCADU (Ontario College of Art and Design University) to continue her art journey.
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That is wonderful!!
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I know how busy June gets for teachers. So many people think it’s a time to wind down and have no idea how much work there is to do. So sorry about the death in your family. Hopefully your daughters can help out while your husband is away.
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They are currently busy with summatives and then their exams. Me with the report cards and then cleaning up my classroom. I am hoping that the business will help prevent us from missing my husband too much.
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Hi Colline,
So much is going on for you, and if you’re anything like me, it’s hard to get your head around it all. Sorry to hear about the death in the family and wish your husband safe travels. I can relate to the whole thing of kids growing us so quick. Mine are now 14 and 12. Their school splits into two campuses: one for years 7-9 and the other for 10-12. Tomorrow, we are going on a tour of the senior campus for next year. He seems to be fine with the change so far. However, I’m quite apprehensive. We’ve had great support from the current staff and he’s had many of the same teachers for 3 years. I know we’ve been spoiled with this but it’s made it so much easier to stay informed.
That’s great that your daughter has a gift with art and is pursuing it. She might be interested in some of my recent posts about Australia’s Archibald Portrait Competition. I found myself drawn in to the eyes on many of the portraits and posted them altogether. It was quite interesting. It’s even inspired me to try drawing eyes. Can I pull it off?
Hope you enjoy the rest of your week.
Best wishes,
Rowena
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As my girls are only one year apart, I did not have too many years during which they were at different schools. 🙂 I hope your son finds his niche in his new school – a far larger one, I am assuming than the one he is graduating from. If you connect with his teachers, I am sure you and he can build a positive relationship with the staff. Good luck in the transition.
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Thanks for the encouraging advice, Colline. Our local school situation seems to be fairly unique because they merged two high schools and then had one as the junior campus for years 7-9 and the Senior Campus for 9-12. This actually makes quite good sense and they seem to have less trouble with the year 9s with them being at the top of the tree instead of in the middle of the pecking order. Years 8 and 9 are generally known as the more difficult years here. With the two halves being part of the whole, the interaction between the staff is good, and there should be a fairly seamless transition on that front. It will probably go quite smoothly.
Best wishes,
Rowena
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I am sure it will – especially if the staff communicate with one another.
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Thoughts with you at a difficult time in both work and personal areas of your life. I hope all will soon be good again. Best wishes, Martin
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Thank you so much Martin.
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Additionally Colline – you asked me to tell you what I thought about a David Baldacci book – Memory Man, as you hadn’t the chance to read it. My thoughts are…
This book utilises a well known plot formula from other detectives stories. However, the author provides some new twists in the latter stages of the tale. The story is fast paced once the author gets beyond the initial few chapters where the main protagonist has to be introduced and described. Well worth a read 🙂
I hope this helps – Best wishes, Martin 🙂
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Baldacci does put a different twist on the genre – which is why I enjoy reading his novels, I think.
Thank you for the quick review. I will look out for this title at the library.
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Enjoyed your update Colline, albeit touched with sadness, but also touched with a happy moment in time of your Daughters Prom, am sure it was an occasion that will be recalled many times over at family gatherings.
Kind regards.
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It has already Ian. Even my daughter cannot believe she looked so grown up 🙂
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