Growing with gratitude for life's challenges
A heavy fog greeted us this Christmas morning, but nothing can dampen the mood. Ten negative COVID tests brought a group of us together to celebrate Christmas Eve. Not the whole family, but all the grandchildren, which made this Grandma’s heart sing. My son and his wife were delayed by work, so we let the […]
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I cast my shadow over white banksassert my presence, proud, defiant Will find beauty in deserted golf coursesand colour in a monochrome season I am haunted by a Winter state of mindresolved to stretch myself despite creeping chill. (Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge is winter scenes. This Winter I am challenging myself to endure a season […]
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The seasonal cold hit our house this week, and not wishing to share it, I locked myself in with mugs of lemon and honey. An ice storm blasted Sunday, so we were happy to stay put. Ice and compromised balance do not blend well. Then, before the ice could melt, it snowed. Another good day […]
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It began simply enough; I just wanted to draw a simple Christmas tree, but the lines went a little crazy and well…you can see the result. The pen had a mind of its own, so I decided to let it talk. Trees with character started to emerge, and began to haunt my dreams. Christmas trees […]
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Our town’s quaintness is derived from the stone buildings, sourced from the local limestone quarry. As magnificent as these historic buildings are, I understand they are hard to heat in winter months. Our winters, in southwestern Ontario, Canada, can be harsh. I am grateful for modern materials like clay bricks, and of course, insulation, that […]
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Over brunch, my new acquaintance and I discover we have a lot in common – both former teachers, interested in art and poetry, with a love birds. She is just getting back into life after a long stint of caring for a sick husband, who died a year ago. I am finding my footing in […]
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“Do you know what Grandpa and I saw yesterday, at the lake? Swans! That was a first for me.” “Grandma, I’ve never even seen a swan.” “Well, we will just have to do something about that.” So we took a little drive into Stratford where the swans are permanent residents. While Mom was nosing about […]
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Twisted arms, Willow’swelcome – cross child’s refuge,Mother Nature’s balm. There is magic in a Willow’s presence – so many hours spent, hidden in her arms as a child. Even today, the sight of a willow pulls on my heart. Just one of Nature’s many blessings. (For Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: trees; and RonovanWrites Haiku Challenge: […]
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The child embraces creativity without limits. I have memories of tucking between my bed and the wall, hidden from view, surrounded by materials for drawing, writing, and colouring. I kept the chaos at bay with my creative endeavours. Life happened, and the pencils and crayons disappeared. Journals remained, but only for private. Mundanity and routine […]
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Sunflowers and chocolates kick off my birthday week. Delivered by daughter and her family made it all the more special. I share my birthday month with now seven-year-old Sloane and our youngest, so July is filled with blessings. We are adjusting to the role reversals here – I now drive Ric to appointments, and do […]
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One Woman's Quest II 