18 inches later...

Yesterday I went to the hairdresser for the first time in years. And what a memorable trip it was! Reluctantly, my hairdresser snipped off my long ponytail, taking off 18 inches of hair. Now, that ponytail is resting in a Ziploc bag ready to be mailed to the Canadian Cancer Society. What I love is that all I had to do was let my hair do its thing, growing weed-like and unruly, and resulting in a huge blessing to another person's life. So why did I do it? I'm a beleiver in the little things. I beleive that a little bit of hair goes a long way to someone who needs it, and if God has blessed me with the ability to grow my hair crazy long, then I want to use it to bless others. Although I won't be able to see the final product, I know that my hair is going to someone who needs it a lot more than I do! Have you ever donated your hair to cancer before? I would love to hear about it. 

Much love, Vivi

Prom 2013

^^We made a rainbow^^ This past Monday was the night every Grade 12 awaits for in anticipation. Every stage of the day was wonderful, beginning at home in the morning, waking up with excitement rising up within. Then, trying to fill the day with productive things, but quickly realising that my excitement made it absolutely impossible to get anything done... One of my favourite parts of the day was arriving at my friend's home, seeing everyone beautifully dressed head to toe. It began to dawn on me during the night that it was the last time that my Grade would all be together, all moving on in the Fall to our individual paths. Although this is the end of a journey, it marks the beginning of a beautiful season in each of our lives, and I couldn't be more excited. 

Classic Hummus

When I think of the perfect snack, delicious yet still nutritious, hummus comes to mind. Well, after chocolate, of course. This was my first time making hummus, and to my surprise it turned out amazingly well the first try. This recipe yields a creamy and subtle hummus, perfect for all sorts of veggies and crackers for these warm Summer afternoons, or, in reality, these rainy afternoons. Oh, BC.

1 19 oz. can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 garlic cloves, minced, or 1/2 tsp garlic paste
1/3 cup tahini
3 Tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup water
1/8 cup olive oil

 

Peel the chickpeas by lightly pinching the bean and the outer shell should come right off in one big peel. Repeat with the rest of the chickpeas. Time consuming, yes, but it's the secret to smooth hummus. Transfer the beans, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, water, and olive oil in a blender (or food processor) and blend until smooth. Taste and season with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice. Transfer hummus to a big bowl. Enjoy!

Much love, Vivi

And, we graduate

It's hard to know what to say. 13 years of schooling, growing, learning, working through challenges, is at its close. It's that moment you dream about in Grade 6; you look at those huge Grade 12's and think, "gee whiz, it'll be forever until I'm that big." Forever went by oh-so quickly. Last Friday, I walked across the stage along with 54 fellow grads. Then, meeting outside to hug and smile with all the people who made it possible. :) 

Christian, a crazy talented photographer who can see a picture in almost anything. His work has inspired me so much with my own photography this year.  Kendra, a friend all the way from Uganda. She is contagiously joyful, has a beautiful heart and the MOST beautiful smile. Just look at it.

Alyssa, the one who filled Art classes with so much laughter. What does she make for our mask project? A gruffalo of course! :) 

Wes, the best brother possible, who eagerly eats up all my baking and inspires me so much with all his ideas and interests. (You're looking at a beekeeper/painter/macaroon baker)

These sisters, Marieke and Emma are always sweet and loving, providing humor with witty comments and wise perspective. Emma played my mom in a musical last year, making it hard to subdue the laughter when performing... ;)

 This lady, friends, is a famous artist in the making.  I'm going to miss this lady when she moves across the country for school in the Fall!

My dear dear friend Laurel. Laurel is one of the funniest people I know, bringing joy with her wherever she goes. Laurel has the biggest heart of service, constantly showing love to others.

You may recognize Hannah from this post. Hannah is one of those friends who you can laugh with for absolutely no particular reason, and the very next minute be having an intelligent conversation... :)

Aaaand a group shot! Some of the beautiful movers and shakers of the future. Artists, counselors, accountants, doctors... I love these girls, and I'm excited to see God's plan for their lives unfold in this next step of life.

And of course, phone pictures were a must. Jenna and I, on the far left, have officially mastered the selfie. Also, not pictured, the spontaneous doughnut eating that we have also mastered. (It's necessary after an exam... :) 

Much love, Vivi

A very happy Fathers Day

Today we feasted on cupcakes. Today we celebrated the spectacular man called Dad, Pops, Daddy. Today we admired the beautiful flowers I was blessed with at my graduation. Yes, I'm officially a high school grad! So many things right now are worth celebrating, even the fact that exam week begins tomorrow! (Eeek!) I'm so excited to share stories and grad pictures with you, but it will have to wait just a few more days until those exams become a distant memory... :) 

Much love, Vivi 

a story of study breaks

First four units of Biology: check. 

Wander around the house looking for non-existent chocolate. Settle on vegetables and hummus.  Boil the kettle, steep a simple green tea.

Chemistry summary pages: check.

 Wander around again for said chocolate. Still very non-existent. Chick peas snacks win this time.  

First six units of math: check. 

Golden lighting and an unassuming subject drinking coffee outside. Many "hold stills" and "oh! oh! that's perfect hold that pose!" later and all of a sudden an extended study break begins as uploading pictures gains priority... :) 

Much love, Vivi 

the craziest thing of all

High school. A four year-long journey filled with excitement, hard work, and bumps along the way. High school for me has been an interesting journey. Why, you ask? Well, people like the ones you see in these pictures. The moments in-between learning have brought silly faces in Chemistry classes, heart to heart talks while spraying goblin masks in Art, laugh till you cry moments while snacking on hummus and snap peas during lunchtime. And the craziest thing of all? We all graduate this Friday.

Much love, Vivi

Sunday rambles

I've decided that blurry pictures are worth a lot more than I used to think. Hello, beautiful bokeh!

I've decided that the most common flowers are actually the prettiest.

I've decided that when the sun leaks down through tree branches, chocolate has no calories.

I've decided that teeth without braces feel A LOT better. Goodbye evil pokey wires.

I've decided that every kind of flower has a place in my heart, even scrunchy somewhat mutated tulips. It's okay, I think you're beautiful. 

Not pictured: I've decided that eating a large quantity of coconut pie before an equally as large dinner is really not a good idea.

Much love, Vivi