Growing with gratitude for life's challenges
Clearly conspiratorial, these two young groundhogs have been menacing our vegetable garden and now are plotting to defy gravity apparently – one as the lookout and the other, well: I did look it up and they are part of the squirrel family. A new one for me.
Read More
I’m back at the restaurant where I worked throughout university and beyond. There is no organization in staffing, and the customers are smoking at the table by the entrance, and I’m allergic. I try to find someone in charge, but find only cooks smoking in the kitchen. Coming back to work here is obviously a […]
Read More
“It’s like COVID all over again,” my daughter remarks. She’s right, of course, except I’m the only one isolating. After two rounds of bugs and an infection, I have chosen to stay away from others in an attempt to give my immune system a break. Besides, I have a procedure in ten days for which […]
Read More
I’m trying to think of words of wisdom to impart to our eldest granddaughter as she graduates from Grade 8. Since high school was not a good experience for me, I’m finding it difficult to be encouraging. Here’s what I’ve come up with: – Get involved. Find something that interests you and join in. Yep. […]
Read More
“Are the children being taught Canadian curriculum or Ukrainian?” Did I detect a tone of disapproval? I was speaking at a Women’s Institute regarding the Ukrainian School we have set up in town. I explained that the children all attend Canadian school during the week, and this is an extra-curricular program which occurs on Sunday […]
Read More
We’ve all had them – the uninvited messages, randomly warning us about something that needs our immediate attention. Social media attracts many, but I also have found that downloading certain apps increases the number of email or phone scam messages I receive. I’ve engaged with a few and noticed that there is a pattern to […]
Read More
Multi-tasking becomes a compulsion. I escape quietude at all costs. The urgency that underlies my actions wants me to believe that time and opportunity are running out. Until I catch myself spinning and stop. Question the motivation. Realize the old pattern repeating. Breathe. Now making space for the universe to fill in the blanks.
Read More
A new drawing exercise: draw a self-portrait everyday for two weeks without looking at the paper. It is a challenge, but it’s fun and I decided to add colour in a couple of them. Here’s where I’ve gotten to so far: I may have discovered a new art style. At the very least, it’s fun.
Read More
“What’s this?” My husband slides the sheet of paper onto my keyboard just as I’m shutting down and preparing to leave the house. “Our current budget based on static expenses only.” I don’t look at it for a few days. Procrastination? Maybe. Financial issues always exhaust me. I think it stems from all those years […]
Read More
“How do I know if I am depressed or it’s just the exhaustion of ME?” I asked my therapist in the early days of being bedridden with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. “It’s simple,” she answered. “With depression, you lose interest in the things you usually love, so you don’t bother. With chronic illness, you want to engage, […]
Read More
One Woman's Quest II 