The Great Catch-up Chapter Two: I See London...

Monday was a blur filled with more coffee, a shot DVD drive, the guys at mac looking at me like I'm an idiot and for Reg and Shelley, a Term Highlights concert at Churchill College where Ben conducted part of Vivaldi's Gloria again.

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Then Tuesday we headed into London. It's hard to believe that Ben's parents, after living in Germany for a number of years after they were married have never been to England. In fact, Ben's dad hadn't been back to Europe since they left Germany before Ben was born.

But let me tell you: you can't do London in a day.

We got there early and hit the ground running. Here are some highlights...

**This was our second time in London so I tried not to take pictures of all the same things. If you missed it the first time, you can catch the details here.**

As long as there are birds to chase I have a happy boy.

Birds and foliage including leaves, sticks, etc.

Catching the changing of the guard

Three generations of Ewert men.

This tree still had a few pink blossoms. While out of place, beautiful.

Jakob checking the map

Reg and Shelley treated us to a ride on the London Eye.

I would like to thank all who made it possible for Mommy to be a part of this memory.

This is Ben's "I am having a good time but am really stressed about the Masterclass tomorrow that I should be preparing for" face.

It was a great day and well timed, as it started to rain when we got on the tour bus. See, they got their British rain after all.

A quick supper and then we sent Reg and Shelley on their way with the kids to the apartment rental where they were able to visit with some friends and Ben and I went to Les Miserables: My favourite musical of all time. The story is rich, the songs stay in your heart.

After I swore not to return, I think I am warming up to London. Maybe. It's not in me to plunge into a relationship taken by love at first sight, and London is no exception. Maybe it will just take a little time to get to know each other. Until our next visit....

And it was so nice to have Grammy and Grandpa with us for two weeks. The kids will miss you dearly as will we. Thanks for all the treats, coffee and company. We'll see you: hopefully sooner rather than later.

The Great Catch-up Chapter One: Christmas and Cathedrals

Do you ever wish you could take a feeling and bottle it up for later. There is a contentment and a joy that is full and it has nestled itself comfortably in the depths of your soul. It's a feeling I longed for most of last year but today, in this moment, as I go through pictures, thanking God for his many blessings, I feel it and want to savour it.

There is lots to catch up on, so go on and grab a cup of tea.

Today, we said good-bye to Ben's parents. They were our last visitors before Christmas and probably for a few months, if not until April. We packed a lot into two weeks and I hope they got their fill of the Cambridge experience.

Last Friday, I pulled Jakob out of school and we went out for lunch at a little Italian place (there are a lot of those) and then to the Folk Museum, which just happens to be Jakob's favourite Cambridge museum.

We headed home and spent the evening opening presents and eating mince pies.

Our tree is shaping up nicely full of ornaments made with love.

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Saturday, we went to the Copper Kettle on King's Parade for a true English Breakfast: much like a Canadian breakfast but with baked beans and tomatoes.

In the evening, Ben and I went with Ben's dad to the Ely Cathedral to see a performance of Verdi's Requiem performed by the Cambridge Music Society Choir, under the baton of Stephen Cleobury.
It was one of the most surreal experiences of my life. While I have heard many choirs before and even been in grand Cathedrals, I have never heard a choir sing in a Cathedral.

The dome of the Ely Cathedral

Since coming to Cambridge I have been giving much thought the idea of these architectural masterpieces. And not just the buildings themselves but the liturgy that is sung within them. The question is: is it worth it? What significance do these buildings, which took years to create, have, not to mention the money that was poured into every detail?

A while back I read Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet. I will often read books with buzz just so I can know what they hype is about. To be honest it was not that great of a book and with every page, I wondered when it was going to end but it did give me a sense of what it takes to build something like King's College Chapel or the Ely Cathedral and I can't help but think of it when I look at each stone that was carefully carved and put in place with mortar.

It's not a set, it's not a wooden replica or a painted canvas. It's real, somebody, some man, laid each stone, not with cranes or hydraulics but with pulleys' wedges and levers. Why? Was it an act of worship? I think so,  at least for some, or at least in the beginning.

In the same way, the art of composing a Requiem, I would like to think, originated with a musician's need to express the passion within his heart and his longing to depart this earth in peace and be delivered into the embrace of the Father's loving arms.

Masterpieces that have lasted centuries only to become tombs of empty worship. There is an unbearable tension as I listen to worshipful music from the mouths of people who fail to acknowledge God's sovereignty and instead sing for the sake of ceremony and their own pride.

Whew! There is so much to unpack in that last paragraph but I will save it for a different post.

Regardless, it was an amazing experience and one I will never forget.

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Sunday was yet another GORGEOUS day here in Cambridge. We have been thoroughly spoiled as England has had one of its warmest, driest Autumn in years.

Doesn't this picture just make you smile? Love that.

And while the English experience is shortchanged by a lack of rain it is easily remedied with a Roast Beef Dinner in an pub on Sunday afternoon, so after coffee, we headed to Baron of Beef Pub.

From there, Ben, Reg and I made our way up to Churchill College to sing in the Chapel's Advent Service. It's been a while since I sang for such extended periods of time but it felt good and it was a treat to see, first-hand what Ben does every Sunday evening. It was especially nice as they served mulled wine and mince pies after the service!

The Chapel at Churchill is the same design as much of the rest of the college. Built in the 70's it's design is more modern than much of Cambridge including the stained glass windows and unique organ.

The last leaves just barely hanging on the trees. Winter is coming.

This is getting pretty long and the kids are up from their naps so I am going to break this Catch-up post into two chapter. Stay tuned for our adventures in London.....

The World Needs More Down Syndrome.

I love this!

As you all know now, I, myself was a child actress so I have never been opposed to the idea of children being used in tasteful advertising within reason and with balance. In fact, it was one of the experiences that was pivotal in my social development as I learned to interact with adults in the professional world. I learned how to properly groom myself and how to behave at the table, in a meeting, at an audition and how to walk and speak with poise.

But there is another reason why I love this and that is because the world needs more Down Syndrome. 50 years ago, or even 30 a child growing up with Down Syndrome might think that their "disease" was temporary and something that they would grow out of. After all, they never saw older people with Down Syndrome: they were not on TV, they were not in advertising campaigns or even on the streets- instead they were in institutions. But now, as the world begins to recognize the ability instead of the disability, we have role models like Lauren Potter off of Glee or Chris Burke or "Corky" from Life Goes On.
We have adults out there who are using their gifts and talents to inspire our children. Gail Williamson, mother of Blair Williamson, who has appeared on Nip and Tuck, ER and other television programs, commented at the 2011 Canadian Down Syndrome Conference that parents can now say, "okay, I have a child with Down Syndrome...so they'll be like Lauren Potter?" And suddenly, it's not so scary.

This is so important. Not only for parents but children themselves.

I want Ella to grow up knowing that she is beautiful but if the world tells her that a flat bridge, or shorter stature, or impaired speech, or Down Syndrome itself cannot be used to represent the beauty of society what message does that send? Her beauty has nothing to do with the fact that she has Down Syndrome but there are ignorant individuals out there who insist otherwise.

Imagine a world where individuals with Down Syndrome were the face of Step 2 Toys or Pampers? But why stop there? What about Gap, or H&M or Burberry? If individuals with Down Syndrome were viewed as beautiful, contributing members of society would we be so concerned about eliminating them by pre-screening in utero?

If you ask me, the world needs more Down Syndrome. Way to go Gemma and Taya!

Something a little different.

I have wanted to be many things in my life.

Here are just a few:

A Teacher
A Veterinarian
A Mom
I want to be a marine biologist or conservationist every time I visit Tofino, BC
A University Professor
An Interior Designer
There was a short time I wanted to be an Licensed Practical Nurse but only because of the convenience of a one year course but the reality is that I could NEVER be a nurse.
I always wonder if I am smart enough to become a Doctor
An Architect
An Artist
A Photographer...but I would never admit this to anyone but myself or maybe not even to myself.
And a  Lawyer....but the kind that doesn't make any money: A Human Rights Lawyer.
At this point this is the only occupation I feel would bring satisfaction and I might see through more than a year which is about my attention span for any hobby I might consider taking professionally.

I repeat rhythmic word patterns when I walk. For example, "Aurora borealis, aurora borealis, aurora borealis."

I recognize that my standards are too high and feel like they should be loosening up as I get older but they're not which makes me a pill to live with. But as I tell my husband, "if you think it is bad living with me, try being me."

I have a life story that is too far fetched to even make into a novel, therefore the chances of me ever writing out my "memoirs" is slim to none.

I have just finished my third mince pie and will probably polish off this last one before this post is done.

I have few friends and always have. I have no life long friends, they left me long ago, but I have Ben and he knows me and loves me anyway.

I did commercials for Littlest Petshop when I was 13 but it was okay because I looked about 8.

My love language is food.

Most days I don't think about the fact that Ella has Down Syndrome.

I have never broken a bone

And have no grey hairs, although now saying that I am sure I will get one tomorrow.

Christmas time is really hard for me. I cry more at Christmas than any other time of year simply because   I feel for those who have lost loved ones and must find a way to celebrate Christmas without them. I see needs I can't meet and hearts I can't mend and often the grief becomes too much to bear. And if I could figure out a way to get down on my knees and beg for your help over the internet, I would.

More than 8, less than thirty. The Christmas season is upon us and life is full.

And one last one to send you into your weekend: I often wonder how it is that my kids look nothing like me and are still ridiculously adorable.

A Parents' Joy.

Last Thursday, Ben's Parents came to visit from Canada. We went from living in the same town as them, seeing them every other day to not seeing them for over 3 months so naturally, we were very excited. They were dropped at the house and had a quick cup of tea before we hit the ground running and went to pick up Jakob from school. Jakob was thrilled to see Grammy, Grandpa and BUZZ (who happened to fall behind the bed at Grammy's house where he remained lost...until a week ago!)

Of course, we took them to do all the typical Cambridge sightseeing: a ride on a punt, the big tour bus, Safino's for coffee and chocolate croissants and a stroll down King's parade. I, however, being the self-conscious tourist that I am, did not take nearly enough photos and now I am kicking myself. Why do I do that!!!

They probably would not have wanted me to say this but I found it amusing that Ben's dad, in particular, didn't think that there would be much to do in Cambridge. So many think of visiting Oxford instead as that is where Harry Potter was filmed (well, not so much in his case. He was more caught up on it being the University where C.S. Lewis studied.) But Cambridge city is in fact older than Oxford even though Oxford University itself is an older institution. The first buildings of Cambridge University however, were actually monastaries so if one didn't know better they would see the same progression of  architecture from hundreds of years old up to modern and contemporary styles.
Not to mention that there is an endless amount of things to do here in Cambridge which they quickly discovered.

Things to do, things to eat and things to make in Santa's workshop.

Sunday night Shelley and I took the kids to see "The Big Switch On" in Market square only the kids' naps went late and we missed the switch on part. Just as well, it was beautiful and down town looks gorgeous all lit up.

Reg and I had a chance to go and sing for Ben's conducting class too. It was their final conducting class so all 5 students gathered volunteers to form a choir to put to practice what they've learned. I think that Ben's dad, especially, is elated with a sense of pride as he catches a glimpse of Ben's experiences here. He has taken in many rehearsals, evensongs and concerts already. And on Sunday we (him and I) will sing for the Advent Service at Churchill college conducted by Ben.

It's been nice to have them and I enjoy watching their wide-eyed wonder as they talk with Ben and see what he is doing: the sense of pride that they feel as parents who tried to do all they could for their angst -ridden teenager hoping one day, it would pay off. Reward. Joy. Satisfaction.

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These pictures have nothing to do with the last statement but one morning I was able to take a stroll through the cemetery and wanted to share some of the pictures with you. It's a crazy place, like something out of a Halloween movie. The dates on most grave stones are in the 1800's. Some more ornate than others, some completely covered or toppled over. It's a magical place.

Scavenger Hunt Sunday- The American War Memorial

Yesterday, we took my in-laws on a tour of Cambridge and stopped at the American War Memorial. It is a beautiful place set atop a hill just outside of Cambridge city limits. And while it stirs up different emotions for different people and most of the time I just wish war was not necessary the reality is that many men and women lost their lives for the freedom of others. Enjoy this weeks selections which are almost all from yesterday's excursion.







The rules are simple: 

1. Anyone can participate.
2. You're encouraged to take five new photos this week for the challenge. Creativity is also encouraged!
3. If you get stumped, you may use one photo from your archive (although I'm not too strict about it - I do my best to take fresh shots).
4. Link up here on Sunday (or Tuesday at the latest) - you can use the button above.
5. Leave comments for at least five entries around yours (we have so many new participants each week, this is the only way I know to be inclusive).
6. Have fun!

Mainly One Colour

Around the Home

Reflection

Writing

Water

Here are next week's items

1. Waiting
2. Foliage (Kamana's suggestion)
3. Candid (Kamana's suggestion)
4. Knife, Fork or Spoon (Kamana's suggestion)
5. Rules of Thirds (Mikayla's suggestion)

Notable Cambridge

I have probably changed in ways I don't even know since moving to Cambridge. Life is the same and yet different. We adapt as necessary to our income, our cultural surroundings and our physical environment. We drink more wine and eat more bread. We don't have a car, dishwasher, coffee maker, slow cooker, microwave or a Kitchenaid mixer. We spend less, obviously drive less and entertain less. My closest friends are Muslim, Mormon and uhh...Catholic? I have cooked with Kale, Celeriac, Chard, Figs, Self-rising flour, Castor sugar and sent Rabina in Jakob's lunch. I have volunteered for NOTHING.

Life is Different. Cambridge is Different.

There are many factors that make Cambridge unique. From it's relatively dry climate (compared to the rest of England) to the Roman road which is over 1500 years old. Here are just a few fun facts about this strange little city and small island nation.

Expiry dates: nothing lasts long here. While a tub of yogurt could stay open in your fridge for a good two weeks in Canada, labels here warn using it after three days. The primary reason for this is the reduced amount of preservatives. We try to buy mostly organic and as an example the ingredients listed on my yogurt are Organic Guernsey wholemilk yoghurt, sugar 6%, vanilla essence and bean extract. Perhaps this is why, in part, everything comes in such small packages.

Not the present but the last mayor of Cambridge was a woman born a man, and was married to another woman, who was born a man.

There is no need to tip here. Service industry employees are apparently paid sufficiently and the tip is incorporated into the price. This was quite baffling when we first arrived and would go into a coffee shop where a chocolate croissant would be £1.55 to take away and £2.70 to eat in. Not only that but BC should take a lesson from England where the price you see is the price you pay. It is not that the product is without tax it, but rather the 20% VAT is incorporated into the price. Psychologically, this seems a better method.

Starbucks is the only store I know of that sells filter coffee.

When Brits greet you they might say, "You okay?" It took me a while to stop thinking to myself, "Of course I am okay, why wouldn't I be okay? Do I look that haggard from carting around two children all over the city? OF COURSE I AM OKAY!" Really it is just the equivalent of the Canadian, "Hi, how are you?"

The Cambridge Railway station is one and half miles from the city centre. This is because when the railway reached Cambridge in 1845 the University did not want the distractions of London taking the students away from their studies. This is just one example of the influence that the University had and still has on the city even though Cambridge existed long before the University was established.

You can't buy regular Cheerios or Ichiban noodles and it is very difficult to find pumpkin in a can because Britons don't like pumpkin pie. You can however buy Goose Fat by the jarful.

They love their mince pies, mixed game roasts, sausages, anything wrapped in bacon and baked beans.

There is so much more, but that will come as we go.  I like Cambridge. And I think Cambridge likes me. Cambridge is not home but sure is beautiful.