Episode 4: Anniversary

If you're just here for the beagles

If you’re following the Are You Mad At Me? podcast for cute beagles jump ahead to 5:13 and hear Maebe talk.

In this podcast episode, we meet Ginger Sparkledust who came into existence when Vickie dressed a bit festive for a community television broadcast and ended up in front of the camera.

The beginning of Ginger Sparkledust

6:21 Ginger Sparkledust origin story

In an Are You Mad at Me segment, Vickie describes getting fired from this volunteer job and reacting creatively through the magic of video and comedy. Ginger Sparkledust is now freelance and available to deliver greetings, lead holiday parades and dispose of leftover Jingle Balls.

Ginger Sparkledust: You can't fire me, I'm a volunteer!

Ginger Sparkledust

Happy anniversary to Josh and Vickie!

17:55 Anniversary day

Vickie and Josh discuss their $500 wedding at a local theater 18 years ago and check in on how things are going financially these days. Still no car but they managed to have a lovely anniversary lunch with the kids.

You can tell where you are by the toilet paper

20:23 Toilet paper

Have you ever noticed the quality of toilet paper? Better question, have you ever been made to feel less than because the toilet paper in a place was so cheap and flimsy that you had to wonder if they knew humans would be using it.

By comparison the toilet paper in Costco might be made out of handmade quilts. That’s a place that wants you to enjoy your visit and remind you that your economic status is doing just fine.

Tax free event in Canada now until Feb 14 or something

26:58 On to Canadian Tire

The Morgans are enjoying life without a vehicle and considering their improved fitness level from all the walking. They discuss the tax-free shopping experience in Canada, alluding to gratitude for a political figure, though they clarify this isn't meant to be a political podcast.

The couple wander into Canadian Tire following their anniversary lunch and pick out some new winter boots for the kids. When they get to the checkout they’re told the tax free event is for children’s clothing and footwear and since their children have enormous feet, the store refuses to grant the tax exemption.

An embarrassing confrontation ensues, the kids are mortified and Vickie got the tax break.

34:08 Shopping in stores

35:18 AITA?

Mother knows best

35:43 Vickie's mom

Vickie recalls a story from her childhood when she was with their mom in downtown St. John's, shopping and enjoying the evening only to be told by a store manager to leave while waiting for a taxi.

The customer service representative insisted he had to lock up the doors to the store but Mom refused to leave, arguing she had just spent money in the store and shouldn't have to stand outside in the cold with her young daughter. At the time, it was mortifying but upon reflection Vickie wonders if her Mom may have been right all along.

There's a reason Vickie is the way she is and it's probably because she had three brothers

41:13 Vickie's brothers

43:06 Ladies Night

Mama Bear

45:18 Instant choir

The Morgan family recently participated in an "instant choir" at The Rooms. The experience of singing together in a beautiful location with the kids enjoying it and singing in tune was a first for the Morgans. Though there were moments when the kids were goofing around and some old lady was giving them the ole side eye but thankfully Vickie wished her a very Merry Christmas.

48:43 Christmas time

Vickie and Josh talk about what a stressful time the holidays can be with all the pressure to get things perfect. They discuss ways they keep things as simple as possible especially with the shorter days and being grateful for what they actually have.

51:26 More shopping

52:15 Our wedding

55:54 Scary ghost stories

Newfoundland and North Carolina is the perfect amalgam of food, culture and did we mention sweet tea?

58:39 Southern food

Vickie and Josh discuss family traditions like the famous cheese dip and cocktail weenies made by Granny which remain fond memories of Christmas celebrations. The speaker reflects on how their kids now enjoy a mix of Newfoundland traditions and Southern food and culture especially sweet tea.

1:00:19 Sam's Club Thanksgiving

1:00:56 Making stuff

There’s a discussion about creating connection with more audiences through the podcast and setting up a website for the podcast.

Our weekly tribute to the Nateland Podcast

1:02:00 Nateland Podcast

This is becoming a regular segment where Vickie expresses love and gratitude for the existence of the Nateland podcast which is providing much needed laughter and encouragement through December and there are still 200 more episodes to catch up on so thanks to Nate Bargatze for that.

1:03:02 Upcoming shows

Setting up a Shopify account is sooooo easy once you've done it all

1:03:37 Shopify

Vickie asked Josh to set up a website with ecommerce capability because he’s studying graphic design. Turns out those two things have nothing to do with each other so Vickie learned how to set up a Shopify storefront and offer ebooks and audiobooks for direct sale as well as music from Mulberry Creek and some documentary films the couple have made together. Stay tuned for patterns, recipes, tutorials and more books in the New Year hopefully!

You never know who's listening

1:06:00 Bookstore lady

In 2013 the Morgan family lost their son Joe who had Trisomy 13 (also known as Patau Syndrome). Together they wrote a book For the Grace of Joe. The book touches on the complex feelings surrounding their pregnancy, the diagnosis and the impact on their life as well as how they processed the experience. There is a poignant reflection on the significance of names, and the bond still felt with Joe.

The conversation shifts to a recent experience Vickie had while visiting with her friend Karen in a local bookstore having festive hot chocolates. They were talking about signs and deep feelings of connection.

When Vickie mentioned seeing some crows earlier in the day and had taken it as a good sign, a stranger who was listening nearby asked if she could join the conversation.

Vickie was overwhelmed with grief and connection when this stranger told a story about a stray kitten who was nearly dead when they found her living under a barn and they later named her Grace. The stranger went on to tell of a crow who often visited the farm and they had started calling him Joe.

Start reading For the Grace of Joe now

Vickie and Josh finish this episode encouraging others to connect with the world around them through personal stories especially in podcasts and books.

Thanks for listening! Subscribe, leave a comment, tell a friend about the show!

Listen to Are You Mad At Me? by clicking any of the links below

Amazon Music Podcasts

YouTube Podcasts

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

iHeartRadio