Advice for Graduates?

June 25, 2025.Reading time less than 1 minute.

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. […]

Missed Opportunity?

June 18, 2025.Reading time 1 minute.

“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 […]

Sliding Into Our DMs

June 11, 2025.Reading time 2 minutes.

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 […]

Making Space

June 4, 2025.Reading time less than 1 minute.

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.

Blindly Finding Me

May 28, 2025.Reading time less than 1 minute.

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.

Money Talks

May 21, 2025.Reading time 2 minutes.

“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 […]

Chronic Illness vs Depression

May 14, 2025.Reading time 2 minutes.

“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, […]

Call the Home

May 7, 2025.Reading time 3 minutes.

“What do you have planned for when you’re older and less able, Mom? It would be good to have a plan documented…” This from a family group chat when I mentioned that my 95 year-old aunt had fallen and broken both legs. Although I’m 66, the addition of a disabling disease makes this question more […]

Drudgery or Discovery

April 30, 2025.Reading time 1 minute.

How do we face each day? What determines outlook? Is it personality or lived experience that colours perspective? Current circumstances have limited my range of activities, including those I do to distract myself. I forgive myself for any feelings of drudgery, and yet, despite ego’s self-pity, I find my natural curiosity pokes it nose into […]

Performance Success and MC Fail

April 23, 2025.Reading time 1 minute.

The children were decked out in their finest, and polished in their performances. An Easter event combining Ukrainian tradition with Canadian touches. It was a thank you for the volunteers who help the children with homework. I was the MC. Rounds of applause and smiles all around and then it was time for tea, coffee, […]