X- Xanadu

Posted on May 4, 2025 by karenmeg

X is a tough letter. The first thing that comes to mind is Xanadu.

I did a quick Google search and found that Xanadu is an actual place, a UNESCO site, with origins in China;

“North of the Great Wall, the Site of Xanadu encompasses the remains of Kublai Khan’s legendary capital city, designed by the Mongol ruler’s Chinese advisor Liu Bingzhdong in 1256. Over a surface area of 25,000 ha, the site was a unique attempt to assimilate the nomadic Mongolian and Han Chinese culture”

Do you ever have the feeling that yes, you knew that, but you forgot? I knew Xanadu was an idyllic, perfect place, but I thought it was a fantasy.

Welcome to the 80s video era.

When I was young, I was a huge fan of Olivia Newton-John, and she was riding a wave, with Grease, and then the movie “Xanadu”, which was an odd mix of musical, dance, fantasy and romance. Xanadu is the only movie to this day, that I ever watched more than once in the movie theatre. I can’t believe I found it to be that good. The things you like when you’re 15 years old. Although it did have a soundtrack by E.L.O. and the presence of the great Gene Kelly.

I’d forgotten that Olivia was rocking her “Physical” look with short hair and headband for the song. Come to think of it, I think I had a couple of those headbands too! She was so beautiful, what a voice.

Perhaps I should have had a clue when Xanadu showed up in the lyrics to “Welcome to the Pleasure Dome “ by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. What a video, in the 80s, the MTV era when videos were as epic as full blown movies.

In Xanadu did Kublai Khan
A pleasure dome erect…”

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W- the Weekend

Posted on May 3, 2025 by karenmeg

It’s the weekend!

What do you have planned?

We’re heading out to see Marc Maron live tonight. His type of humour isn’t for everyone, but we discovered him from one of his comedy specials on Netflix. Then, during Covid I started listening to his podcast “WTF with Marc Maron” which he’s been hosting since 2009! So he really is one of the originals. Not all of his podcasts are great, he does go on a bit about his pets, but he is an amazing guitar player and he has great guests.

And like most comedians, his life isn’t without tragedy or sad stories. He suddenly lost his partner not too long ago; she was a very accomplished professional in the entertainment business.

Here is the routine that I cracks me up every time I think about it…

And yes, we do have some turmeric in our cupboard which is a few years old. It’s good in tea 🙂

I’ve also got to kick start my reading for bookclub. The choice this month is Weyward by Emilia Hart. I haven’t read a book about the supernatural in a while. It looks like a good one!

Screenshot

Whatever you do this weekend, hope it’s a great one!

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UV -Ultraviolet Rays

Posted on May 2, 2025 by karenmeg

Here comes the sun. I need more sun!

My daughter just landed, arriving from her first girls’ trip in the Caribbean. No parents, fun in the sun at an all-inclusive resort. I was so happy that she decided go, with these friends that she’s known since elementary school. Friendships like that are to be treasured.

I didn’t go on my first trip with girlfriends until I was almost married! I went to Jamaica with girlfriends, but I didn’t stay in a resort. I stayed in my friend’s parents’ home in Montego Bay. We got to see a bit of how the locals lived, so it was not exactly the same experience.

As a family, we did so many all inclusive trips with the kids when they were young. It was just easier, we liked having the option of kids’ clubs to keep them engaged, and to give ourselves some respite. There’s a formula at these resorts, so my daughter knew what to expect. The buffets, so there would be guaranteed something they would want to eat, the restaurants, the pools, aquafit, the beach, the coffee bar with treats or ice cream, the evening movies and/or shows. I did try to avoid the swim up bars for obvious reasons. I’m looking forward to hearing more about it.

So now I’m so jealous. I want some sun for myself! Last time we went for a beach vacation was almost 2 years ago, to Curacao. We loved it so much we swore we would go back.

Memories of Curacao…

Colorful Willemstad:

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R is for Regret; S is for Serendipity; T for Tulips

Posted on April 30, 2025 by karenmeg

Today’s there’s a three-fer (three for one) in my A to Z blogging challenge.

R – Regret of the day – I did not manage to complete the A-Z challenge on time within the month of April.

I think I will just continue with the alphabetized prompts, though. It’s my blog, my timeline, my authentic and now late voice, amiright?

But do you have regret in your life? I have regrets, but there’s no point in dwelling on them. Why look back – look forward, be positive, and be more of a Mom. One regret I had was not going away for university. I channeled that regret into something useful – I encouraged both of my children to go away for school so they wouldn’t have similar regrets. And so far so good. I think they’re more enriched human beings for it. They’ll still let me do their laundry though.

S – for Serendipity. Do you believe in fate? Or good fortune by chance? Serendipity reminds me of New York City. Cue the Cute Movie:

And next time I visit NYC (could be a while before I do again, unfortunately) – I would love to check out the famous dessert Serendipity Restaurant

and finally, T- is for…TULIPS

That’s a wrap for April. Hope you’re ready for tomorrow, cuz

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Q – is for Quote

Posted on April 28, 2025 by karenmeg

I initially thought that words starting with Q were tough to land a post on. I didn’t realize that there are tons of words starting with Q, and I could have gone in several directions.

Question? Do I throw out a “do you have a question for me, I will be happy to answer…” post? Maybe I will in future but not today.

Quest! That’s a good one, let’s go on a journey. What are we searching for? What have we found?

Quandary – well, that’s where I was with this post, perplexed about the content for Q.

Let’s be inspired today. Let’s find a good quote.

I’ve been hitting a dry spell with my memoir writing efforts. Trying to find what is interesting, something more compelling, as many of my memories seem mundane or trivial.

My writers’ group discussion earlier today reinforced Michelle Obama’s words for me. I have my own unique story. I have an authentic voice. There is no worse or better – there is just me and my story.

So I just need to own it.

(photo courtesy of my daughter)


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P is for Positivity

Posted on April 24, 2025 by karenmeg

I think I was born with a glass-half-empty mindset. It’s not a great place to start.

You can see it in my face in pictures of me as a young child. And in the absence of photos of me during certain periods of adolescence. I don’t know why, but I felt sad during my childhood. I was worried and stressed. Afraid and timid. A lot. Although I was given every opportunity, my parents cared for us, showed their love not overly through affection but by what they provided and did for us.

My mother, especially, is the epitome of positivity.

She’s always radiated confidence, never let any setback get her down, and would see an opportunity in everything. She’s always been a force. When we were young, our friends were intimidated by her, almost scared for us as her kids. She always told us to never be afraid of anything. If you want something, ask for it. The worst that can happen is you get a no. If you’re afraid of trying something new, better to try than not. Never know, you may like it, may be good at it. Or not. And then you don’t have to do it again, do something else, trying something else.

I’ve gradually learned to be more like Mom. Probably once I became a mother myself. It also helps to have a positive partner. And experience builds confidence.

Positivity beats melancholy that’s for sure.

Are you glass half empty or half full?

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O is for Organized and Opportunities

Posted on April 22, 2025 by karenmeg

Oh it’s spring cleaning time! Or at least getting organized, right? With our recent renovation, we donated a ton of stuff and moved the rest either upstairs or downstairs to the basement. After we finished the reno almost 2 months ago now, we only moved the main pieces of furniture up. But we have yet to put up any of our artwork or draperies. We haven’t unpacked the boxes of books yet. We haven’t unpacked the knick knacks that we had kept in the shelves either. They were on display for decorative purposes. I’m not in a big hurry to.

We’re not missing anything for day-to-day living. Everything now looks so clean and minimalist. I rather like the aesthetic. It’s an opportunity to change it up, keep the look de-cluttered.

Or maybe we’re just lazy and would rather ignore the tasks that we know we should be facing.

Or maybe I should make that “I” am being a little slow to move. I also have a closetful of stuff I need to go through. For donation or re-sale. First, I need to check that my daughter doesn’t want anything. Everything 80s and 90s is apparently cool again. The benefits of being a mini-hoarder.

Last time I went thrifting I could swear I saw a few pieces I donated myself not so long ago!

And for fun…

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N is for Neighbours

Posted on April 19, 2025 by karenmeg

Do you get along with your neighbours?

We’ve been pretty fortunate overall with our experience with neighbours.

When we lived in the city we had lovely neighbours. We lived in a neighbourhood where houses were in very close quarters. Across the street from us was Joe – he watched everything, knew everything if you had a question, was like our own neighbourhood watch. He would take our garbage out for us everyday! We brought him corn and goodies for that. What a lovely old guy – it was sad when he passed.

To our right, we had a nice couple, a young lawyer and architect. The fellow was a little lazy when it came to cleaning his gutters (Ian complained about that but mostly to me… he even cleaned it out himself because the water would come onto our property…). But they were lovely, even had us over for drinks one time. It was fun to see what they did with their house -we had the same model but theirs was quite open concept. Ian had always wanted to tear down a wall – I wasn’t a fan. They got pregnant and moved after the baby was born.

When we moved to the burbs we were blessed with a wonderful couple to our left. To our right, not so much. They’ve still got an adult kid in the house who acts like he’s 16. There have been police incidents and complaints. I feel bad for his parents; they’re nice, but they would be nicer if they kicked him out. That being said, it’s been fairly quiet the last few years. We’re going to another neighbour’s place for dinner tonight. We can walk, which is helpful. No arguments about who’s the DD tonight.

We do love our neighbourhood.

We just started watching a new show on Apple TV+ last night. I’m a fan of Jon Hamm, he’s quite good in it. Funny what can go on behind closed (and not so closed) doors.

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M is for Maid’s Secret – a Book Review

Posted on April 18, 2025 by karenmeg

The Maid’s Secret by Nita Prose

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The Maid’s Secret is the third book in the Molly the Maid series by best-selling Canadian author Nita Prose.


Molly Gray is back and her life is in a good place – she was promoted to Head Maid and Special Events Manager at the Regency Grand Hotel, and is engaged to be married to Juan Manuel, love of her life, chef at the Regency. A TV show, “Hidden Treasures” hosted by a flamboyant antique experts couple also known as the Bees, who appraise people’s treasures for valuation by antique experts (like real-life Antiques Road Show), is being taped at the Regency. Molly has some of her own treasures that were handed down to her by her beloved grandmother, which she brings for appraisal. One in particular turns out to be very rare and priceless, and the hosts of the show suggest that Molly auction it off as proceeds could offer lifechanging opportunities. Mystery ensues when Molly’s treasured item disappears on auction day. Who took it and why? All of this happens under the unrelenting eye of social media and reality TV, with Molly wondering whether all the newfound celebrity brought by the mystery and potential windfall is indeed worth it.

Alternating with the present-day story of the missing treasure, is the story of Molly’s Gran’s Flora, detailed in her diary that Molly is now reading. Learning about Flora’s riches to rags story, her journey from great privilege to becoming a maid, provides the love story in the book. The author brings the tales of the past and present together to the end in a tidy package.

This was a charming, lighthearted book and a very quick and easy read. The characters were not complicated, almost fairy tale like, and the book had a nice story book ending. I read the first book “The Maid” but did not read the second “Mystery Guest”. I had no problem following the story so would say that book number two is not a prerequisite.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy for review. The Maid’s Secret is out April 8, 2025.

A nice 3 stars out of 5.



View all my reviews

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L is for Laughter

Posted on April 17, 2025 by karenmeg

When is the last time you had a really good laugh. Have you ever laughed so hard, shaking, rolling on the floor to the point of tears, so hard that you can hardly breathe? I’ve been fortunate to share that experience with a few individuals. These include my younger sister, my best friends growing up, and my best friend and husband. There’s nothing like it.

All laughs don’t have to be like that though. Sometimes just a little chuckle will do.

A couple of fun shows I’ve watched recently are White Lotus and Hacks. I didn’t catch Season 3 of White Lotus, or the new season of Hacks as yet. Honestly who hasn’t watched them. I don’t subscribe to the channels that cover those shows, but I fortunately caught both them on the airplane. That’s what I love about those types of shows – the binge-ability. I also managed to watch all seasons of Succession, which was such a dark comedy. So good.

And to be honest, I did cackle a bit while watching all of those on the plane.

One of the best scenes ever on laughter though?

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