It's a Gleaners Life For Me!

As we now find ourselves in the epicenter of summer bliss it is also a time of summer employment for myself. I am currently working for an non-profit organization called the Fraser Valley Gleaners here in Abbotsford. Here we take excess and unwanted produce that is donated (usually for superficial reasons...our grocery stores are so fickle!) and then chop it, dice it, spread it onto trays, dehydrate it in industrial dryers, scrape it into barrels, and then in winter it will be assembled into a soup mix and from here it is taken by reputable and reliable distribution partners to various developing countries to feed the hungry. My role is to assist the plant manager with the daily operations and helping to coordinate the daily volunteers that make this operation possible. Every morning from 8:30-12:30 a host of energetic volunteers descend upon the warehouse, most of whom are a young 65+ whom have retired and now volunteer their time and efforts for a great cause. Although now in summer we will see a host of youth groups coming from near and far. Here are few shots from when I took our Jr Youth here this past year while working at Bakerview.

Here's where the magic happens! Upon these humble tables our product finds itself under the knife to prepare for an encounter with the dicer!

Peppers a plenty...donated from a local greenhouse.

Carolyn and Hannah...out with the bad, in with the good.

Then to the dicer where it is finely diced and spread onto trays.

Take a close look at the warning label. Nothing like a graphic representation of completely severed fingers to get a point across. A little dicey!

Then onto the drying racks and into the dryer for a good 8 or 9 hours at low heat.

I take my job as a Gleaner very seriously...and following in the footsteps of my biblical model, Ruth, I must find myself a "Boaz" at whose feet I shall sleep at to see if he shall be my suitor. Well, maybe that part doesn't translate so well today. I shan't.

So if you are ever free between the hours of 8:30am and noon come hang out with us for a morning! (except Fridays because I'm not there and it would be a pity to miss you!)

Pomp and Circumstance...

This past weekend I had the honour of hanging out with two of our Bakerview graduating grade 12 students on our annual grad trip. This year we went to Deception Pass in Washington for a little camping, kayaking, photoshooting, and all around good times. In honour of this achievement we let them go to the "restroom", as it is known to the south, unsupervised...it was a big weekend for them.

Congratulations Cory and Keighley on your academic achievements of insurmountable proportions and your good looks.

Check out photos here:

Deception Perception

Spring Board Log Jumping

Deception Perception at Night

Long exposure shots

Six Lattes for the Price of None...

Thursday, May 21st, Tim Horton's was giving away free Iced Lattes between the hours of noon and 5pm. Being a lady of leisure I naturally took full advantage of this opportunity and got six. I hit up every Tim Horton's in Abbotsford (minus the gas station ones) for a complimentary latte. I could only drink three before I was unable to hold the steering wheel due to the caffeine. I pronounced myself unfit to drive. I know my latte limits.

At the Whatcom location they had run out of ice so they were handing out these coupons...suited me just fine!

Shannon Storey: Chapter 27

The pages continue to turn and Chapter 27 of this Storey's life has commenced with new adventures in store and the closing of past ones.

Here I sit proudly with my cake...a cake that was delicious yet mislabeled and not the one we were expecting so the next day I took matters into my own hands. And after 26 years of letting others push me around I pushed back...and got the cake we were supposed to have...and half our money back. Two cakes for the price of half! I'm sorry Dairy Queen had to be the victim of my new found fortitude...but I really like cake so I guess it's win-win.
My dad showered me with gifts of a practical nature so that now I can change my own oil when I'm on my own, not only saving money on oil changes but making me into a 21st century woman! Who doesn't love a good ratchet set and oil pan!!
To celebrate I took the fam to Seattle to see the Seattle Mariners face off against the Boston Red Sox. Before the game we found this little Mexican restaurant. I can't remember the name but I'm pretty sure it was the Spanish word for "horse"...that or the owner had some strange obsession with them as the place was decked out in the finest horse velvet and brass art one could ever wish for. The food was delectable as well and with one left over tortilla I decided it couldn't go to waste so I put it in my hand bag and headed for the field. In the fourth inning I pulled out my "Birthday Tortilla!" for a nice little snack. I think that shall be a tradition.
Old tortilla's weren't the only fine culinary delights to be found at the ball park. Garlic fries permeate the air at Safeco field. It made Dana's eyes water but if you've never had them you at least have to have them once.
All the tears were worth it weren't they?! The Mariners lost 5-3 but we still had fun...and a Boston Red Sox player waved back at me...that or he was swatting at a fly.

After 14 months of working with the youth at Bakerview Church as "Interim Youth Director," this chapter has come to a close. My successor, Stephen, was hired in April and is now at the helm. Although it was a challenging experience for me in the fact that I felt like I was completely inadequate to be called for such a task and responsibility, now as I look back God has been incredibly faithful in carrying me through everything I couldn't do on my own. And I got to work with the coolest kids in town who really made this job great! I'm sure going to miss them!!!

And comes the beginning of something new. This fall I will be moving to Belleville, Ontario to enter the "Belle of Belleville" beauty contest...actually to study photojournalism at Loyalist College. It wasn't until returning home from Zambia that I really even thought about photojournalism but always having had an interest in photography and a new found interest in writing while in Zambia plus through the suggestion of friends I looked into it. And here we are. Who knows where this will lead...besides to Belleville. I don't know if there really is a Belle of Belleville but I would like to make it my mission to become said Belle.
And with the new direction comes something to get me there. A month ago I also said goodbye to my trusty 91 Honda Civic whom I fondly named "Tina Turner" (not to be confused with "Tina Tuna") due to the fact that it was fairly old but just kept on rolling. But now I have a new lovely...a 99 Rav 4 complete with tape deck! I've never owned a car with cup holders so naturally I am quite smitten with it. So in August I shall pack her up and drive off to the wilds of Ontario...because apparently Ontario is mine to discover, or so they tell me.
And so there you have it. Change is in the air...for Barak Obama and myself. I wish change was literally in the air and I could rake it in with a butterfly net. Then I wouldn't have to get a summer job.

Together: A song for Mike and Stephanie

The beginning of 2009 also marked the beginning of Mike and Stephanie Hawbaker. Steph and I traveled to Zambia together for the first time in 2004 with a team from Trinity Western University. Then in 2007 we reunited in Zambia where we were "hutmates" for six months while working with Action Zambia until she left for a new adventure in the bush of Southern Zambia. A little place called Sinazongwe.

Enter Mike. Before his arrival all we were told was that he was a single, mechanic from Kansas. Being we were in Africa and entertainment options were scarce we took to envisioning just what he might be. This would include a grease monkey, who always wore coveralls, a bandanna, and a leather jacket...the kind with tassels hanging from the arms. Turns out this wasn't quite the case but it was fun while it lasted.

Long story short. Mike met Stephanie. Mike fell for Stephanie. Stephanie was initially unsure about Mike. Mike was always sure about Stephanie. Stephanie freaked out. Stephanie figured it out. Mike and Stephanie fell in love. Mike and Stephanie got married. And this is the song, "Together", that I wrote for them and sang at their reception.

(click on the little arrow below to play)

It's beginning to smell a lot like Paska...

It is Easter and that can only mean two things: Jesus is risen and there will be Paska. This traditional Ukrainian Easter bread has found it's way to our table and into our hearts and stomachs for generations.

As a child I was drawn to anything with rainbow sprinkles and copious amounts of icing and, therefore, Paska was a natural fit. (Much like Tim Horton's "Vanilla Dip" donut). Today, in my more mature years, I have come to an appreciation of the sweet bread that lies beneath. However, the fondness for the sprinkles and icing remains strong within me.

Here stand Mumsie and Dana with the fruit, or is it bread, of their labour. Fine work, well done!

The magic of sprinkles and icing...

The results are in...

Nearly two months in waiting, the highly anticipated results of "The 8 Days of Christmas Sweaters" (the term "sweater" held loosely in this instance) are finally tallied and official in what has been deemed the most dramatic sweater results in "The 8 Days of Christmas Sweaters" history! Taking longer to make this official "Sweater Winner" announcement than it takes Dairy Queen to construct a Peanut Buster Parfait, it seems the majestic sweater of Santa's has taken the prize. With those beady yet dreamy eyes and vibrant red lips just screaming for chap stick was it any question? A close second was the Zambian delight and the Scottish Terrier Cardigan. Thank you to all who voted in this first annual "8 Days of Christmas Sweaters" to make it such a "sweaty" success!

Stay tuned tomorrow for the shocking and dramatic follow up post, "After The Results Are In", where it's rumored the first place Santa sweater will be publicly dumped for one of the second place sweaters...something so shocking, so dramatic this sentence cannot actually be comple...

This post is dedicated to the two people who still actually check this. If there are more of you out there leave a comment and I will do a whole tribute post to you.

A Tribute to the Ozmonds!

Upon the conclusion of my conference in Toronto my good pal, Sarah, came and picked me up from "The Castle" and whisked me a way to luxurious Cambridge. The sights, the sounds, the smells of this whimsical place lie vivid in my memory. Notable attractions such as the "Putt Hutt" and "Giant Tiger" quickly captured me. But even with all these features it is arguably the Ozmond family that is one of the finest things about Cambridge...if not Ontario. Mr. and Mrs. O have been faithful readers of this publication while I was in Zambia without us ever meeting. They welcomed me warmly into their home. And when I say "warmly" I'm pretty sure they cranked the heat from what it normally would be for my wimpy BC bones. And so Sarah and I did what we do best...reek havoc in malls...just like the good ol' days at the portrait studio! We don't follow direction all that well. The sign on the glass says to stay back and off the ledge. We were too captivated by the ice and the Zamboni. And of course we had to take the opportunity to pose with our Ontario Olympic heroes. Obviously. And while Sarah had to work I enjoyed the retirement lifestyle with her parents. I came to quite enjoy it. The Ozmonds were all far too good to me...and so here is my tribute to you! Thank you!!

Here is a photo captured of my time with them.

Canadian Youth Workers Conference

If there is one place I love in the bleak mid-winter it is Ontario! Two years ago I spent 5 glorious days in the Greater Toronto Area in February on my way to Zambia. On December 4th (I know it's not actually winter...but it felt like it!) I found myself on a Westjet flight to Toronto for a Youth Workers Conference. I really do love Westjet but flight attendant Ashley was very cold to me. I tried to be as perky as possible to try and crack her but to no avail. I watched her the whole flight. She didn't crack for anyone...so at least I know it wasn't just me. Poor Ashley. Rough day in the skies.

My conference was at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel which, by the way (BTW as the young people say), is NOT actually a castle...so don't bother bringing your tiara and scepter...you'll just feel out of place...trust me. A lot of good seminars and sessions that kept me busy. My favorite moment may have been when the 65 year old lady next to me started "raising the roof" during a performance by a hip hop group called "Manifest".

A Christmas Storey

Click here to read "Shannon's Christmas Address"

(It's all very regal. I did just spent some time in a "castle"...details of which will be posted shortly)

Life is Better in the Sweater: Day 8

It's finally here, Day 8 of "The 8 Days of Christmas Sweaters." The culmination of expectation over the last 8 days finds its fulfillment in this Christmas Day sweater. This sweater holds a special place in my heart as I had it custom made last year while I lived in Zambia. I minibused it down to City Market where my sweater making lady and I came up with this! I told her I wanted a Christmas tree...she proceeded to draw a leafy deciduous tree. We quickly worked that out. I love what she came up with...how the tree seems to have arms and legs. Beauty! The ribbing bears the colours of Zambia's national flag, green, black, red, and gold. Under the tree reads "Merry Christmas" and above it says, "Canada," that was her idea. It was supposed to have "Zambia" written opposite "Canada" but that got lost in the mix. This sweater has a lot of heart and represents a place where I left a huge chunk of mine.

Click here for Sweater Sisters '08 photos

I led the family in a little "Sweatercize" workout this morning to classic Boney M hits.

And so concludes the first annual "8 Days of Christmas Sweaters"!! Thanks for following and all your lovely comments. Be sure to check back soon for an opportunity to cast your vote on your favorite at "Sweater Election '08"! Merry Christmas to you!!

Life is Better in the Sweater: Day 7

And so Christmas eve has found me...in an over-sized snowman sweater! The glitz, the glam, the glitter...and why put one snowman on when you could have four! And all wrapped up in a giant ribbon bow. This one is new to the collection. Why anyone would let this one go is beyond me.

Snow has also found it's way all the way to the west coast and so me and my "men of the snow" took to the white wilderness.

Snow and a snowman sweater...it seems it's almost too much to take in.
The morning started off well as the Storey ladies three had to trek out and push Dad's car out of the parking lot in our pajamas (except for Mumsie Storey...she of course was dressed and in her finest boots)

Day 7 is dedicated to the memory of my Grandpa who passed away one year ago today.

Life is Better in the Sweater: Day 6

See my vest, see my vest, put it's magic to the test! Today's festive feature is indeed another vest that rings proudly with bells and bows. It's decorative composition makes it perfect for more formal occasions as it is sure to jazz up any holiday outfit...you simply can't go wrong with this one.It's important to know how to accesorize your outfits appropriately and so this subtle and tasteful Santa pin fits the bill just fine. It doesn't overbear the outfit but is just enough to add that extra pizazz.

Life is Better in the Sweater: Day 5

As we head into the second half of "The 8 Days of Christmas Sweaters" it brings us to this lovely! A new addition to the 2008 collection the textured, glitter paint takes this little number to the next level. This festive winter scape has a quality about it that simply leaves you at a loss for words...as you can see. Dazed and amused like a reindeer in the Christmas lights!

Life is Better in the Sweater: Day 4

Now I hope you will not be upset with me...but I had to falsify some information as not to hurt you. As you can see Day 4 is not a sweater at all, but a vest! So because it includes less fabric I tried to jazz it up a bit with a bow tie and nutcracker doll. I find there are certain occasions when a sweater is simply not appropriate such as warmer climates and as a Walmart greeter. Sometimes you just want to class up your ensemble and this vest is the ideal choice. Also, if you find yourself at an impromptu caroling session and forget the words to "Winter Wonderland" you need look no further than down. And nothing is more classy than snowmen amidst a blood red sky.

I will warn you that one more vest is coming, I feel it only right to be honest with you.

Life is Better in the Sweater: Day 3

On the third day of Sweaters I truly have to pause...for a sweater filled with Santa Clause! And so this completes the trilogy of treasures from two years ago. It sure is a gem. The magical quality of this sweater simply radiates forth from it...when you get this many Santa's on a sweater it's bound to happen.

We took these photos earlier today and unfortunately the radiating magic of the sweater wasn't quite enough to keep one warm in Abbotsford's arctic conditions.

Life is Better in the Sweater: Day 2

Day 2 of "The 8 Days of Christmas Sweaters" finds this festive cardigan taking the spot. It was part of that original triune MCC sweater jackpot. The detailing on this piece is simply over the top. To see it in person is a magical experience as the fabric literally shimmers with red accent wool. But my favorite parts of this sweater are the prominent Scottish Terriers as well as the Christmas tree buttons adorning the front of this masterpiece. Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like Scottish Terriers. I don't know why Santa has reindeer when clearly these small dogs are the more appropriate choice.

Life is Better in the Sweater: Day 1

With 8 days until the fateful day that has driven all this holiday madness and my growing collection of festive wear I thought it only "fitting" to begin the First Annual "8 Days of Christmas Sweaters!"
And so we begin with one of my favorites. This sassy little number was one of my first finds two years ago at MCC when three beauties hung all in a row beckoning me to take them home. How could I resist??

You may recall this sweater from previous portraits from my days at the Sears Portrait Studio...Life sure is better in the Sweater for Sarah and Shannon!

Do you remember a time in November...

Here is a whirlwind tour of a time in November when hearts were young and voices merry...
'Twas a crazy month of retreats, conferences, and all things chaotic.

We start with the first weekend of the month. It was our Jr Youth Retreat at Manning Park. Oh what a jolly time we shared. No snow...but crazy fun none the less with no injuries!!
Notable highlights:
- bus ride with one student stringing together every obnoxious comment and question about our travels in a constant frenzy of chatter
- One boy, from Korea, who kept walking in around the chalet in just his boxers. He wrecked his pants on a hike later in the weekend so we forced him to wear a towel skirt! If anyone could make a fashion statement with a towel it was Sam...sometimes short, sometimes long, sometimes a-line, always trendy!
- a hike to the "Trappers Cabin" that involved no trail and a lot of bushwhacking and screaming
- mattress slides down the stairs
- dance parties
- forcing food down the children's throats..."What's a matter for you? You don't like it? EAT!! You're too skinny! You eat like a bird!"

click here for photos
and here again for more

The next weekend was the Christian Musicians Summit in Redmond, Washington. A bunch of us from Bakerview went down for the conference which included concerts, workshops and SWAG...stuff we all get!
Noteworthy highlights:
- Seeing Abe Laboriel rock out on the bass
- trying to jump during concerts in pews where the floor is slopped and there is a "Bible box" right at your knees so you have no room...my knees and calves told the story of how that went!

Click here for more CMS photos

Third weekend: Sr Youth Retreat at Manning Park...second verse, same as the first...maybe not
We stay in a big three storey (I guess it's four when I'm there...muhahahah) chalet called "The Last Resort"...that Lincoln Park song runs through my head every time! We packed the bus full of 41 and went laughing all the way watching "Elf" on the way up.
Mentionable Highlights:
- snow, snow, snow!
- the mattress slide once again
- the delightful tunes of the really horrible sounding keyboard
- seeing Emmanuel -God with us- in a real and raw way and how he changed our students through one crazy night
- playing Skipbo in the middle of the night with Colby the Security Guard

click here for more photos

And that was November in a nutshell...stay tuned for tales of December including my wild winter adventure in Ontario, the Boars Head Feast, and two youth banquets...followed by a nervous breakdown and heavy sedatives!