I love Bliss in the Cadboro Bay Village.
"The Skies the Limit"
is the newest shade of polish that I opted for when I had my pedicure.
It is a lovely shade of turquoise blue as I have been in a blue mood.
Not blue as in sad blue but blissed out on blue...
I'm over the moon about blues, which is refreshing and new.
I was crazy for orange awhile back but blue is the new kid on the block!
The Climbing Royal Sunset is in it's second flush of flowering.
Such a stalwart and hardy rose it's like the "energizer bunny" of roses!
But I digress...
I was meant to be focusing on blues...
The Rosie Project is my favourite book so far this summer.
It is a light read and totally entertaining...
run out and get your hands on a copy and let me know if you agree that it is a winner.
Darling daughter and I had lunch at a local French bakery...
they sell the most wonderful baguettes in town and serve up tasty sandwiches and pizza.
In case you were wondering Fol Epi translates as "wild wheat stalk."
Pizza Margherita
I opted for the coffee tonic as it was a very hot day and darling daughter had the caffe shakerato.
The atmosphere at Fol Epi is casual, the food delicious, and the views over the harbour are quite lovely.
It's a super popular spot for a quick bite.
The outdoor seating was full...
so we sat inside which was a good idea because we needed shelter from the scorching sun.
Sated and rested we then toddled off to the thrift shops...
I picked up this pretty paperweight in the Sally Ann for a toonie.
I pulled out this Hermes scarf to wear with my Gap denim jacket as the weather was cloudy.
I love the pop of red.
How wonderful this kite looks flying against the blue sky.
On a sad note these beautiful hydrangeas are almost done...
Do you remember the Blue Man ?
It was a collaboration with a student from school.
Play doh was a wonderful learning tool that I used with an autistic student.
We talked about the science of the human body while the rest of the class were studying at a much higher level.
Adapted programs are key to our special needs children in the school system.
In our province the teachers are negotiating a new contract with the province who are under funding our educational system. Teachers are on the front line and they justifiably want to have more control over class size and composition...education is very near and dear to my heart.
I hope that the mediator rules in favour of the teachers.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
~ Nelson Mandela ~
36 comments:
I love that shade of blue and did you buy the Hermès ? As for Mandela's saying, I'll try to remember it when I go back to school in 2 weeks; it will make feel useful .. xx
Pretty simplistic analysis. Really, the ongoing strike is about who is in control of education - the BCTF versus the government. If it weren't true, they would have managed to negotiate a settlement over the past 42 years (only happened once - so that tells you something is very wrong with the structure - doesn't matter which government it is).
t completely agree with you about class composition - and I don't agree that teachers should get a larger increase than any other public sector worker. Time to get real and realize that we (taxpayers) have to pay for those increases. If it's truly about kids, composition is the real issue.
PS - time for the BCTF and the government to stop bargaining in the media and just get it done! A pox on both of them until they do.
Your coffee tonic sounds fabulous! I opted for a blue pedicure a while back, may have to go for that one more time before summer's over. Having a child with special needs, I am in awe of the individuals who teach these kids and make such a difference in their lives.
I hope the ruling is in favor with the teachers . . .
The Mandela quote is truth . . .
Love your "pops"of blue and
the Hermes scarf with your jean jacket is a wonderful look!
Love your scarf with the denim jacket---it gives me ideas as I have more than one Hermes scarf that would look great with my own denim jacket.
I'm a former teacher also and recognize how hard most of them work and how little they have control over some educational situations.
Lovely post Hostess, every bit of it!
Interesting how minds think alike, I thought today that it was time to revamp my guest room. I choice that lovely blue in accent pillows along with a lovely MAX STUDIO throw, to go with my already crisp white duvet, pillow shames , pleated bed skirt on the black rod iron canopy bed. Instead of a pedicure I opted to treat myself to a relaxing massage. You are an inspiration Hostess..... friend and long time college
The blue is so very pretty! I'd like to try it but I think I've become a bit of a stick-in-the-mud and can't get past my pinks and coppers. I am going to have to follow the link to the cafe - sounds intriguing!
I painted my toe nails blue several months ago and felt quite young and hip (does that word date me?) Such a pretty post. Enjoy your week!
Love your denim jacket with that scarf!!!! Haven't made the stretch to blue nails yet, however, every time I am getting my nails done someone in there is going blue!!!
Loving your summery images. It is dreary here in Sydney.
Hoping the teachers are given more autonomy in decision making for their students.
SSG xxx
You do need to pay a reasonable pay though to attract and keep quality teachers. Many young teachers in Australia are leaving in droves because of the work load and relatively poor pay compared to what they can earn elsewhere. It ends up costing the system more with the loss of experience, wasted professional development and just continual turnover of staff. Most teachers are dedicated and extremely hard working - running co curricula clubs etc on their own time. Its frustrating that governments all seem to think eduction is an easy option to make cuts!
Tonkath
Interesting and visually pleasing post as usual, I do look forward to receiving them. What though is a toonie? Jenny.
Is that paperweight very heavy? If not, you can make it into a pendant and wear it as a long necklace. It's such a lovely pattern . . . and it's BLUE! :-) Emily
Love the high-low mix of your Hermès scarf with your Gap jacket! I too am really hoping that the mediation favours education and gets our kids back in school in time for September start-up.
I've never been across to that part of town where the bakery is. Their food looks delicious and I will have to make a point of touring that area next time I'm on the island.
I have had this Hermes for several years...Mr. HB and I purchased it in the Vancouver Hermes shop. It has been a few years since I have set foot in the shop...next time I hope it will be in Paris!
Hi - I couldn't agree more. No one doubts the important work that teachers (and everyone else in education - Principals, Vice-Principals, clerks, engineers, etc.) do to support kids and learning.
Teachers in BC of course, need a reasonable increase just like other public sector workers (health care workers, college teachers, etc).
I am in no way advocating cuts to education - and there is a tremendous amount of waste in the system - and everyone who works in education and cares about kids could stand to rethink how education works instead of just automatically casting it as a battle of the little good guys (BCTF) against the big bad evil government - as I said, no matter which government has been in power, there has been only one negotiated settlement in 42 years - so that must tell you something about how the structure no longer works.
Class composition is a huge factor...it affects all the parties involved from the teaching staff to the assistants, the special needs designated students and those in the mainstream...if it doesn't shift there will be a steep price to pay.
Our children are our future so it is seriously poor planning to skimp on their education. I have seen the system deteriorate in my career...sadly it is not as healthy a school environment as when I started back in the 1980's.
We need to keep good teachers around and they need our support.
Hi anon...would you comment further on the "waste in the system?"
I'd be interested as a long time district employee where you see the waste...
We all need to advocate for the children...parents and staff need to be onboard.
No one wants a band aid solution but the government seems to be nickle and diming here...the same way that they seem to look at our healthcare system.
Thank you Dani!
I loved your mustard yellow and blues together...it might encourage me to take a leap and add some colour to my wardrobe this fall.
Sounds like you've been having fun!
I love a massage...but right now with sandal season my toes are a priority.
I know what you mean about sticking with the same shades of polish Pondside...I felt it was time I kicked it up a notch!
Young and hip sound "cool" to me too :-))
Toonies are a Canadian coin worth $2.00.
Emily it is too thick to be a pendant!
Perhaps I need a sapphire....
There were so many important things left undone that need to be attended to before start up...I empathize with all the school staff. Year end reports, class configuration, library books, inventory, class clean up...all left in limbo.
The bakery is near the Railyards development across the Bay Street bridge...redevelopment and revitalization is happening in this former industrial area of the harbour. The Glo pub across on the Gorge side is a definite place to dine when you visit.
I have heard varied opinions on the support of the teachers strike, some for, some against. I fully agree on the issues of class size and composition. I support these two issues, very necessary. However, they did lose my respect when they picketed a school that was under construction and those construction workers lost their wages as a result. Don't use others to fight your battle.
I really enjoyed The Rosie Project too! Might have to read it again. Your flower pictures are lovely, as usual.
I'm hoping that the teachers will be successful with the classroom composition and support for those students with special needs issues The court has ruled against the 2002 legislation which stripped those "extras" from contract. I hope that students and teachers can be back in class with the best possible learning and teaching conditions. My friends are feeling such a lot of stress about returning "unprepared" for a new year but a better learning environment would be worth the disruption. On a lighter note, 3 more pounds lost at WW today. We spent the week-end at Whistler (fish and salad) so I was not optimistic. I am going to wear my jean jacket with my Hermès scarf just for fun. I have an evening class in writing a children's book. The jean/Hermès combo might be just the right smart chic for the retired t-l.
Congratulations on your 3 pounds down and well done after the Whistler weekend.
Please post a few pics of your Hermes and denim combo...as a fan of Hermes scarves and a follower of your blog I'd love to see how you style the two.
All lovely blues and an outing with your daughter just perfect! Hoping for a good outcome for the teachers and students. Here in our community in the Southern USA, teachers have suffered furlough days, increased class size, and no pay increases with the added cost of their health insurance premiums...very depressing for all. No teacher unions in Georgia so getting legislative support is key. The Mandela quote is a favorite. When will the powers that be realize everyone's future depends on educating the young? Sad commentary on our leaders! On a lighter note...your scarf was just right with your denim...keep styling!
I love that shade of rose! I'm definitely putting it on my list for next years plantings.
Lol; your polish reminded me of the ONLY time I got into trouble at work. Back in the summer of 1984 I wore blue nail polish on my fingers,and toes one day. My boss was ok with my pedicure but made it clear that the blue manicure was not to return to work.
Lovely blues! I miss my daughters, who are back in Vancouver. Two more weeks in England and I'll have to return. (Then I'll miss Robert for a couple of months till he can return to Van) So much stuff to get done here though that I don't have much time for flea markets and thrift shops. Darn. Chloe tells me that the weather in the West Coast is a bit cooler now. Hmm, maybe I can bring the sunshine with me. :D
Post a Comment