Oh February

With mixed feelings you come in. The moon was full and bright as it shed its luminous light upon the world around me last evening. I have to say that the last part of January was quite a trek of cold, mild, storm and all in between. But alas winter has its moments and you the February month of 2026 will of course hold court in your own way. What do you hold for us? A rhetorical question if I have ever expressed. LOL. You will be you and me and others will be ourselves.

There is no point in dwelling on the what ifs or what could be but only the here and now. Looking outside today, snow ladened blanket, cloudy and cold, it is winter and going to continue to be winter. Thankfully as I take out the recycling stuff to the bin outside, it is not as cold as it has been, touch wood. Hmmmm. I wonder where that expression came from? Has wood been considered to be some kind of lucky charm like the four leaf clover phenomenon or something like that? Regardless, my folks said it and as tradition holds, I still do.

What kind of month will you be as you unfold? You can’t just be about the weather. Nope. You are more than your physicality!!! I mean Ground Hog day is tomorrow, Feb 2. Will the groundhog see its shadow or not? That in itself is the wishful thinking day where if Shubenacadie Sam, Manitoba Merv, Fred la Marmotte, Balzac Billy or Wiarton Willie (depending on the Canadian neck of the woods you are from) sees its shadow, a longer winter; if not, an early spring. Here on the island, we have not had a ridiculous amount of crazy winter but in some parts of Canada, holy guacamole, they have. I pray for good news.

Then we have the all time day of love as it shines its generous heart while the 14th draws near. Happy Valentine’s Day. The wonderment in the acts and words given out through one’s love language in exchanging cards, love articulated, gifts given, or putting one’s feelings out there in the hope of yes…will you be my Valentine. Woohoo. Oh, to feel from another to be loved, young or old. Yeah?? Ah the delight of the warm fuzzies within. You just never know.

Now to the avid sports fans, the heart pumping arms a flailing scream shouting roar, probably a loved craze more than Valentine fury is Super Bowl Sunday. Yep. Don’t be calling your best bud because they are out to lunch, off the grid, locked in to that far off den-pub-basement-stands-to be calm cool and collected. Nope. That is all I can say about that one.

Enjoy those chocolates or candy and Pancake Mardi Gras Tuesday for Lent will be here before you know it. With Ash Wednesday taking the lead, it will be the mark of the faithful to lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for the much needed quiet and discernment trek for 40 days in the desert of our Christian lives. Taking on or letting go, repenting or refreshing, It might not hurt to put in a prayer or more, fast a bit, and give of oneself in otherness. Not a bad way to go.

I think February. Just as an aside, I have to say why does the spelling of February need the r after the b instead just read buary. Probably because it is a brrrrr month. Shorten it to br. Anwyay, I think February has some other notable observances like Black History Month, Heart Month and Pink Shirt Day, National Flag day (I like our flag strong and true), Ramadan begins. And then comes the beautiful one for me, Family Day.

Family. A simple word that comes with big heartfelt panoramic swath of memories of pure love for me around my family. To celebrate family whether it is called Family Day, Island Day (that’s me now) , Heritage Day or Louis Riel Day, is a humbling honour. It may bring about all kinds of feelings from joy and happiness to an emotional time of deep grief and loss this year. But it is there, this day, to take pause with the people, biological or chosen, to reflect and hold fast all that they are to you and I. Family is not an important thing, it is everything. Yes I even include the four legged ones too. I miss you so much mom and dad and also you too four legged furry paw ones Maggie May, Marble, and Luna (miss you).

Here’s to you February 2026, to be a good one for all. Blessings.

Let us pray for those in need of our prayers this day and for the special days to come upon us in ways everlasting. Amen.

Birthday Lesson

There is a humbling within one’s heart that comes in the gift of beautiful gestures by others when one’s birthday comes. Yesterday I was taken aback in the most glorious and unassuming way by an unexpectedness. An unpredicted gift of precious moments that I felt again and again as the day ensued. I felt a love, a tearful joy, a laughter, a thoughtfulness that goes beyond measure. Gratefulness cannot begin to express in words the feelings that took over me.

Funnily enough, I am not one to celebrate me as my daughters and siblings can attest to. LOL. I kind of like to go under the radar so to speak. Not sure why that is, but it is something I have always felt and done for most of my adult life. And yet, when it comes to others, I am readily a giver of trying my best to make sure people I have come to know, know they are thought of with love, including on their birthdays. Oh what a lesson I am coming to learn so much, oh family and friends of thine by true.

That old scriptural passage in Exodus 33:17 where God calls to Moses, “I know you by name” became clearer. Warm wishes, homemade cards, loving chats, heartfelt messages, breakfast made, welcomed hugs, thoughtful gifts and all in between from those near and far…made me teary eyed and warm inside. To all who celebrate their birthdays, know you are known by name. Blessings.

Let us pray for those who are need of our prayers this day and for those who need to know that you are known by name. Amen.

What if I have had it?

Honest to goodness. Sometimes one finds themselves listening to a piece of thinking that gets you to pause abruptly. This morning I was listening to a video clip of a radio host interviewing Graham Norton, a British TV host of celebrities. The interviewer asked his guest about a life lesson moment in his childhood. So he recalled a scene from one of the many Charlie Brown TV series episodes with Lucy and Charlie Brown. Norton described a scene where Lucy espoused her 7 or 8 year old psychiatric help wisdom of so many years from her doctor is IN chair, telling Charlie that he will really only have one happiest moment in his life. The rest of the moments would only be basically blah ordinary moments. And of course Charlie Brown being Charlie Brown, he agreed with her. Balderdash, Charlie Brown. Hahaha.

Although I guess as a 7 year old child at the time, Graham Norton felt ‘what if I have had it already?’ kind of devastating thought. I mean let’s face it, Lucy could be quite convincing with her verbose grasp of big words. So. Was that it? No more chances of the happiest moment in the future?? The rest of his life lived experiences would only have that half empty cup of a quasi kind of sort of maybe a little feeling of being the most happiest. Argh!!

Can you imagine? For all of those times in your own life that you have had those blissful, out of the park, euphoric, jumping for joy, in seventh heaven kinds of spine tingling moments of feeling head to toe happy, they were not?? So what was the feeling? Because according to Lucy, you may only get one and you may already have experienced it!!?? Thank goodness Lucy, for you the doctor is OUT. So out.

I agree with Graham Norton’s discernment, that throughout our life from then until now, our happiest moment has not happened yet. How can it? There is still more to come, God willing. The ‘what if I have had it’ already mantra cannot be true. I mean how can I feel such wondrous and joyous happy feeling moments over and over again. For in that short period of time, a sense of pure unadulterated joy goes through me and I feel a shiver me timbers crazy whoa Nelly. A graced sacred happy moment… a blessing.

So as Thanksgiving draws near, I am grateful and thankful for being given a life full of moments whatever and wherever they are. And so looking forward to knowing that I have not had it as yet my happiest moment but oh so humbled by what I have felt so far and to come. Asante sana my family and friends and surroundings. Blessings this day.

Let us pray for those in need of our prayers today and for the happiness, boldness and strength every day for with you Lord, all things are possible. Amen.

Autumn Splendour

I think I like the colour autumn. I recently read that somewhere on a thread as September comes a calling where a random post asked what colour people liked and one person said ‘autumn’. I had to smile at that because it made so much sense to me. Yes I like autumn as a colour as it gives off such a bloom of brilliance. The breadth and depth of autumn’s hues is unbelievably majestic. So next to my favourites of blues, I am taking autumn as my new favourite colour…a burst of warmth and freshness.

Welcome October as you bring in your dramatic changes to the world around. This time of year is all about coziness. Getting out the sweater or hoodie, tucking in the chin from the wind off the sea and not sweating after a good brisk morning trek. Ah it is so wondrous a feeling. It is like a dried water fall that wraps around you, rejuvenating and lively, heightening all of your senses. It is almost too much to take in as the wonder and awe of autumn splendour permeates anywhere and everywhere.

What is it about the fall that feels glorious!? The land around here is taking on the farmers loving touch as it reaps in the harvest of their late spring efforts coming now to fruition. The fields will soon take on the red ribbed lines and the green of greens will slowly dull to a weathered-worn look until the snow flies. Oops. I cannot go there.

I am going to enjoy the blessing of this weather that we have been having. Although the rain has been minimal, the sun shine that glistens upon the waters and autumns heavenly hues brings a joy to one’s heart. Thank you October for continuing the glorious days from September’s wake of autumn’s grandeur. From your opening of the day to the closing at the day’s end. Peace.

Let us pray for those in need of our prayers this day. Amen.

Quiet of the Morn

A beautiful morning awaits as I trek down the road toward the picturesque harbour setting. It never gets old as I take in the silence and picturesqueness of the early hours this day. Every where I look, I see signs of life. Still in its presence but a sight to behold as I amble along the way of the road. God’s creation of awesomeness. There are times I cannot catch my breath as I try to take it all in, the sights and sounds of my surroundings. Is it not remarkable how nature just knows how to put things together, placing its natural state into an art form that cannot always be captured by the human hand or eye? But I try.

Me I try to have my phone with me for the most part as I never know what grabs my attention. Like today, I stopped a few times along my walk, interrupting my pace of briskness. Click. Click. Oh yes, and click again. LOL. I mean stopping to smell the roses is just that…stopping and pausing. Taking in what is before me. Different frames await in my amateurish attempt at expressing what I see. It is not just see but feel. It is splendour delightfully so.

As I pass the jelly-bean coloured fishing buildings at the river source, the water is almost at rest. Very little ripple touches the pier and lobster boat hauls as they anchor silently on either side of the local wharf’s edge. The tide is in too which means it must be in the middle of the month. Looking over the still water, a translucent mist holds itself over the top of the water which adds an eerie allure to daybreak. Hmmmm.

I wonder what today will bring. I am in humbly in gratitude this day. Blessings.

Let us pray for those who need our prayers especially the recent happenings of fire spreading and beloved losses of lives in the respective communities of Manitoba and Texas. Amen

Oh Dad! A Father’s Manual

Your day is here. Lovely. I mean everyday is dad’s day in some ways (according to some which of course I am not mentioning any names…Dad). But its this day, the dedicated day, to all fathers young and old alike. I cannot believe it has been almost a year since you left me, us, the family, to go see mom!! I mean you could have given her just a hot minute to herself in her heavenly jaunt but no can do. Oh, dad, I miss you. I miss your stories, your little side smirks when you are ready to pull another leg, your off key singing, your words of wisdom in that craggily voice of yours even when I am trying really hard not to cringe or roll my eyes….again. Haha. Remember dad, “shoot me now”. It’s my way of saying, rip the bandage off and just say it. My bottom got quite sore for many an hour as you taaaaallllllkkkked. But seriously most of all I miss your presence, the safe net with strong loving arms to hold me, making me believe all will be okay. Although, mom’s arms were a wee bit more. Oops. Sorry.

Just recently, your oldest daughter was going through some old boxes of yours and came across something I wrote to you on your birthday, the year that I retired. It started out saying, “I was wondering if there was a manual that came with you dad? It must have been a page turner as you navigated through our early years, teen years, and adult years up to now during the midlife years of your four children.” Could there be such a manual? For there is no scripted clear cut one for parenting that I could find over the years for my own needs as a mother. Maybe I was looking in the wrong section of the book store because Hit and Miss, Maybe This Might Work, Holy Moly Are You Kidding Me, Because I Said So, Go To Your Room, If It Fails Don’t Try Again, Give Me Strength, Your Grounded. Yikes!! I don’t think I ever used the book “Wait Till Your Father Gets Home” but hey, desperate words call for desperate measures.

So what would the manual say for you dad, in particular, as I cannot speak for the general populace of father figures in the lives of others.

Instructions For Being My Dad (our dad too).

Firstly, curb the lecture notes. Under 10 minutes is ample. I got it the first time. Or maybe was it was the second time.

Secondly, if your said child wants to nap, then let her. I mean a little two year old can sleep wherever she lies, even under a chair. Or when older, one can only listen for so long. Did you know you have a voice that puts one to sleep?

Thirdly, remember that when someone is riding a tricycle beside your newly painted car that she could be wobbly. Be calm. And for goodness sake, put rubber handles on the handle bars.

Fourthly, children like to play house. A wee bit of water in a bowl on your newly stained shelving unit you just made, not fully dry, you have to count to ten, not three. Patience is a virtue.

Fifthly. have the right and wrong list for your daughter to live by in triplicate because she does need guidance. But refrain from using the phrase of “Because I told you so” too often.

6. Remember to not get upset when all presents have been unwrapped the night before Christmas morning. Kids will be kids. It was not me, dad. Just saying.

7. As for music, there is more to life than country and Sunday gospel music and grandpa’s, your dad’s, eye-brow raising little ditties.

8. When we leave from a down home vacation in the Maritimes, let your child cry. Those are sad happy tears of not wanting to leave. Ergo, she has now moved there.

9. When family winter outings take place, keep the wieners and beans as a staple for the campfire.

10. Teach your child how to fish but not always have to eat it….ever.

11. Sometimes let your child share their wisdom or get a word in edgewise because your child did learn from the best.

12. Its okay to give a thought or two about who your child should be with, a life partner. The lectures are good enough – no long hair, no fast cars, no druggies. (even when it does not work out).

13. As grandchildren come along, love them minus the longer talks, lectures, whatever you want to call them. You want them to come back.

14. Don’t forget to say “Its good to hear your voice” when your child calls.

15. Your child has a mind of their own. I wonder from whom. Hmmmm. So when they say they are going to leave to go home…no guilt trips of stay for two weeks, a month…..

16. And finally no matter where you are, your child loves you forever and always.

Love you dad,

Karen

Oh Maggie May

How does such a little four-legged pawed pup have such a pull on one’s heart? I had to say a final goodbye to my Maggie May on Monday morn. Never did it occur to me that when I brought her into the vet that she would not be leaving with me. Although the Sunday evening to Monday morning did not bode well as her bodily behaviour showed me in her own way that it was time. I thought I shed enough tears to last a life time for my parents last summer as they jostled the very core of my being and world by their passing so crazily close together. And now my puppy girl.

When I walked up to the top of the lane with Maggie in my arms as spring thaw has come a knocking, she let me carry her. No wiggle or pushing me as per usual. Just tucked her little head under my chin as I trekked up, my footprints embedding themselves on the clay lane as I drew closer to the truck. She did not really move at all as I placed her on to the seat, wrapping her snuggly in the blanket, before I closed the door. So not her. For a Maggie move would have been to jump up on the seat, look around, and watch me carefully while I come around to other side to get into truck.

One knows for the most part that when you get a pet, they generally will not out last you. And so after 11 plus years, being my constant companion at the hip, side, back of head, lap, feet, face or wherever else she could glue herself, I had to say goodbye. Oh Maggie May I am so very sorry. When the vet came back to share the results of the blood work, the prognosis was not good. It was not about me and my selfish need. But of course when you hear the two choices, you are not fully understanding. I had to go in mama bear mode to come to grips with what the vet was saying to me. One would be to prolong her life for a wee bit with a drug but not guaranteeing good results and the other would be the other. And that they could do ‘the other’ act right away. Holy moly. Oh Lord give me the strength.

I can remember so vividly that cute little curly fur and stubby legs not so long ago. Holding her in my arms, tears falling freely, I sang to her Be Not Afraid, I rocked her letting her know I’ve got her. She would not suffer any more and would not die alone. Oh Maggie May!! She just looked at me as I laid her on the blanketed table, holding her paw and head as they prepared her. Loyal and so trusting. It was quick in the end, her wee little head gently fell upon my arm. Life and death. So brief in so many ways but paradoxically filled with thousands of memories too. I kissed her and told her I loved her. Hardest moment to open that door.

I am so ever grateful for the care and kindness of the Kensington clinic and the beautiful actions of the three team members who made it bearable. When I returned home, I saw my footprints that I had left earlier on, but not Maggie’s. She would have been prancing all over the lane, not avoiding the soft muddy clay as she sniffed out her little world. And naturally, I would have had to wash her paws and under her bel….again. It was all about Maggie. LOL. Not this time little one, I guess it was a telling.

There is a quiet and stillness that fills the room as I sit here. Tears well up as I ponder what just happened this past week. She may have been small but so mighty in her presence. I can feel a loss, a loss of unconditional love. Her loyalty was endless. She gave love, sought love and was loved by all who she touched. Maybe not who she jumped on. LOL.

But. No more silent companion. No more walking partner to stop at each blade of grass to do business and slow our walk. No yippy yapper nor wiggly little tail. No shower baths or no more putting you in the pool on hot summer days (I finally got a heat pump to ease the hot days this year!!). No more dirty paw prints across the floor. No indent in the sofa pillow. No more hogging or hitting lump on bed as I try to stretch. No more cleaning of dog doodoos when I forgot to carry a dog baggie. No tongue licks on the truck window. No little face at the door when I return or begging for food from guests. No more greeting by jumping up on strangers or guests. No more lying at my feet while I read or do puzzles or write. No more seeing those happily floppy ears. No more eyes following me from one end of the room to another or barking at the unknown noise heard miles away. Oh my. No more.

So my loyal companion of many moons, I am going to miss you. Give a lick or two to mom and dad, say hi to Luna or run from her but most of all know you are so loved by your family. I guess I’ll get to washing those paw prints and licks off the window and door at some point. But not today. Nope not today. Blessings.

Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers. And for those who have experienced a loss.

Tomorrow is never promised

Yes, we do not know what is in store for us as tomorrow is never promised. I really like that thought. So today I am going to embrace it. Only God knows what is around the corner and life is too precious to be ignored. Oh my goodness, even though it is still a bit chilly outside this morning I have my running shoes on for the first time this year!!! Albeit toque and mitts and bush jacket, I am so doing the happy dance. For lately, I have had to keep my truck up near the road as the low plus temperatures makes for a mushy, muddy, and rut creating lane as permafrost thaws begins to set in. But today!!! Nope. My clay dirt lane is solid to walk on, minus the abundance of snow, as last night temperatures dipped. Yippee me! And no washing of the paws from a pup who knows no boundaries to the fallout of early spring thaw….mud, red mud, mucky mud on. her. paws. Grrrr.

It felt great walking instead of trekking along at the side of my lane, doing the balancing act of carefully not tripping on the mix of tuft grass and crunchy grainy snow. That was yesterday’s story. Today is a new day to prance. Hahaha. I was thinking of the Bee Gees song “Staying Alive” as Maggie May and I motored along. The image of their music video of the trio strutting along with an air of confidence and delight while singing…that is how it was for me, minus the singing and strutting and their flowing hair of course. No my arms were a swinging with long strides, a bit out of breath, but an awareness of being alive.

So welcome March as you bring the unpredictability into living life fully whether inside or outside. (I cannot believe how two months of the new year has gone by already!) It is amazing to me how one responds to the nuances of the seasons that which we know comes anyway. Right? Winter comes, then spring, followed by summer, and fall. Repeat the unpredictable predictable. Well I saw the signs and put my running shoes on and goodness gracious I missed that light freeing feeling on my feet. Woohoo!!!

Of course today it is a gentle reminder too that this day is not promised either if one really thinks about it. We are gifted with moments and in those moments of time we choose to make them count. What is that old adage…count your blessings. Mine is my shoes and solid dirt lane moment. LOL. But with joy and delight in my heart, I love and appreciate those who were/are in my life with memories that touch the deepest part of me. To be able to do whatever that might be for as long as I can. And to not take for granted all that. Every ‘today’ is cherished. Blessings.

Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers and for those special moments bestowed upon us. Amen.

I welcome the sun

It may be bitterly cold with the wind but I so welcome the sunshine. The sun seems to be brighter these days. Yes it may hit the whiteness of the snow covered fields and be blinding at times (drive carefully when driving into the morning sun) but I really am grateful for the rays of sunlight beaming down. And yes it may not be melting the snow either at this time of year but it sure beats the dole drums of cloudy days I think. The sun brings a cheery melody to the heart as I once again shovel the deck from the snowy eve last nightfall.

Naturally I would like to take advantage of such brightness and go for longer walks but I’m still not interested in breathing icicles just yet into my lungs. And my pup, Maggie May, puts the kibosh on the length of time in the outdoors to receive nature’s vitamin D in quality and quantity. Her little paw goes up, usually the left one, and I find myself not feeling sunshiny and cheery as I realize the significance of her stance. Yep. I lift her up for a taxi ride in my arms. She doesn’t even have to call a uber or a lyft or a sled. How did I fail her? Who is getting the exercise here!!

Yet there is a wee bit of brilliance of fire that comes with this February sun as it gives off a suggested hint, but only a smidgeon, of a different kind of warmth and glow. I treasure these days for most days in this month are usually a long drawn out absence of warmth and minimal sunshine. So today, maybe because it is Valentine Day, a day for love and loving, reminding us of the beauty of friendship and relationships with love in one’s heart, I feel most grateful. Grateful to feel the warmth of the sun coming through the pane of glass as I look outside to winter’s beauty. It feels great on my face and sends a coziness within. Thank you.

Happy Valentine Day. Blessings to traditions with family and friends.

Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers today and for all to feel the love of another. Amen.

Can’t Beat Her, Join Her

Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Mother Nature you rascal. You are up to your old tricks again. Just peeked out to see the early morning dawn and lo and behold, you left your wake of fresh powdered snow all around my place. Beautiful. The colour of the bluish white snow fallen upon the earth is breathtaking as it sits at the foot of the darkened hued trunk and branches of the trees at my place. I am simply amazed time and again of natures natural beauty and grandeur. For some reason today, I am caught by the untouched snowfall as it rests peacefully without a blemish in its carpet of fluff and delight. But alas I can tell the delights of snow and its loveliness may wear off as I open my door.

So I guess it is hop to it. Yes maam, Mother Nature!! I got my shovel in hand to carry out my due diligence in shovelling the deck, the puppy path for Maggie and snow off my truck. Not sure if the snowplow guy will come today or not as there is a wind advisory in effect at some point. I have learned that there is no point in snowplowing the snow because the wind will just fill in parts of my lane again. Grrrr.

Yes, it is mid winter despite my youngest daughter and youngest sister reminding that it is approximately 48 days until spring. So until then my dear people, it is winter and all of its perks and trappings, we are going to get snow and my grandson’s wish has to be granted…snow day. I know he has been chomping at the bit. My two other grandchildren are not old enough to know the significance of snow days as yet because they are just new to the educational setting of protocols in winter. But not my grandson! Nope. He has got it down pat. Ah the blessings of winter. I am thinking he wishes to be where his aunties live in Ontario because this week they had three snow days in a row. Oops. My bad grandson of mine. LOL.

Winter is just that…winter. And it comes with all of its surprises for however long it lasts. Also the acceptance of the endless conversations are going to continue until spring hits because it is an in-your-face-front-and-center daily brag, rag and nag seasonal topic that is like a perpetual calendar in our lived lives. Yeah? I think it is in our DNA. We not only live the season, we season to live. So when that old adage “if you can’t beat ’em, join ‘ em” comes to mind, well shiver me timbers if you can’t beat her, join her. Hat on, mitts on, boots on, shovel in hand (or snowblower readied), its time for me to enjoy the blessings of fresh clean crisp air and blanket of winter splendour. And exercise. I can feel the bones and muscles slowly coming awake. It’s all good. Blessings.

PS. Maggie May!! You have got it made in the shade, puppy dog. Your chariot awaits and now you can do your business with ease on your circular doggie doo-doo path.

Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers and for those who are homeless and need warmth and safety during this time of year. Amen