Tomorrow is not promised. That has been sitting with me for a couple of months as I came across it in an old Clint Eastwood movie Absolute Power. Good movie by the way. I think he said in it “tomorrow’s not promised to no one.” It goes back to the importance to me in being present. How today is a gift and tomorrow is not promised. I think Scripture has it as well. Maybe it is the circumstances of people’s lives that come to fore lately of loss, pain, suffering intertwined with joy, celebration, glee. How in the world does a person juggle such paradoxes bespoken in their life!!? There are no answers but only more questions. I guess if we can live in the paradox, be okay with the unknown, and allow self to know you are not alone can bring some solace to the weary heart. I am grateful to have God in my life as my faith navigates the worn and at times uncertain paths I’m on. Yet, there are some days when I do not want only God to know as I could have done without that particular situation. Sheesh. LOL.

Ah laughter, the fruit that bears witness to jostling this ol’ heart. I so like to laugh and smile alot. Right now I can hear my youngest granddaughter get up from her sleep, awakened by her mom. She is giggling a bit. The joy in my heart right now is that yesterday her mommy bought her, her first EVER bed. A double bed!! Yes this tiny three-year old has a double because mommy is tired of sleeping on the hard floor beside her crib when she had a nightmare. Now mommy and daughter can weather out another storm so to speak in comfort. But that little girl makes me laugh so hard (and grrr too). Just saying.

One thing I like to hold on to are quotes or sayings that seem to be a balm for me in the chaos of daily living. You know those catchy one liners that jolt you or cause you to pause in mid step. I tend to find myself gravitate to sayings or mantras of thought which then seem to find their way into my outward communication to those I cross paths with. It may not be deep or profound but it is what I have to offer up in the moment. One that I do not think will leave me is the notion that ‘life is precious’. I must say it at least once a day since forever. Because it is precious, the life we are given and you don’t know what the morrow brings to you. Which goes to another phrase which reminds me of the children’s book The Little Engine that Could spouting out, “I think I can. I think I can.” Imagine that image of going uphill in a little put put effort in a train, huffing and puffing!! Yet, it does make it and for me, I can imagine that because in my life I want to live like I can. Making the most of each day while I can still do whatever.

No I am not quite over the hill as my daughters so kindly remind me often. No I do not need Depends. No I do not need little pills. No I do not need my ears cleared. Har har har. But the lesson in the making fun of me is that one does not know what is in store regardless of age, stature, race, sex, culture and so forth. So does one make lemonade out of lemons, the silver lining in real life journeys? Do I look at each day as a gift to be embraced, fully lived, with whomever and whatever I am doing. Do I try at least to give it ago. There is already enough of in our daily journeys that we do not ask for, want or see coming but nevertheless, come anyway, as God only knows. Aha. Oops. Caught me. Yes, and in the ‘enough already’ parts there are mantras like this too shall pass and it does. Sucks to be you but it’s all good really. Hard pill to swallow yet you go this. Ying to the yang.

I have a saying that I say to my dad since I was in my early 20’s. I think I notice it more now than ever before. My dad is a talker. I mean a real talker when you sit down and don’t bother moving for a long time. He can tell a story which reminds him of another and then another. Initially, it would be me sitting at the dining table ( and I love my dining table) as a teenager and having to listen to those long long long lectures about what not to do, who not to hang with, what to wear, how to behave. You know the yada yada yada. Sorry dad. Just as an FYI dad, they stuck those mini multiple lectures to live by. Then later on as I got older, mom/wife/educator I began to appreciate dad’s witty sly humour in the stories he told from days of old. But you want to put him on pause so that I can visit mom or siblings. Or go to the bathroom. Then as the years have gone on, he has been more focused on the stories (which I could say in my sleep now with all respect to my dad) that have ticked him off whether it was his career, politics, government, finances, earlier decisions. The woulda, shoulda, coulda phase I am thinking. Yet in all that, what I would say to dad in those heartfelt, time-consuming, detailed stories of his life was “shoot me now dad”. Yep. Loving daughter. Right?? Disrespect all the way. LOL.

Yes that is my loving mantra to my dad for many years. He laughs and laughs because he knows he is a talker. Of course, Dad being dad would say things that would get my goat or so off base to my way of thinking. I am not into conflict or making disrespectful comments. But there are times when you just have to say it like it is. LOL. So using dad’s form of humour on him, that would be my response and it gets him going. Side-tracked. So my work is done.

Although now, my heart is full of tears because he sits more and more when I visit. The chair beside him which was my mom’s and no longer has her in it, I sit there expecting ‘same old same old’ and it is not happening. I had noticed a few months ago that some of his favourite stories were missing pieces which I would gently add and get him back on track so to speak. Oh my. But now, I find he sits back with his feet up in the electric lazy-boy chair, more watching than talking. There is a narrowness about him that has never been there before. He finds most things an effort, giving over it seems to the nuances of struggling with his age, his health issues, his wife in a home, not being able to do what he used to be able to do, regrets…while sitting mostly or eating or visiting mom. Hanging on. Thats not my dad.

So tomorrow is not promised. It really is not. Today. That is what I have. Oh to know in my heart that I know this to be. Blessings.

Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers today and for those who need strength and courage of God’s healing abiding love. Amen.

Silver Linings today.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

April showers do bring May flowers.

French saying “after the rain, the good weather.”

German saying “if the day wasn’t your friend, then it was your teacher.”

Turn your face to the sun for the shadows fall behind you. In other words, look on the bright side.

Times are not always the same; the grass is not always greener.

More silver lining quotes;

There is a crack in everything, that is how the light gets in. Leonard Cohen

There are always flowers for those who want to see them. Henri Matisse

I am thankful for my struggle because without it, I wouldn’t have stumbled upon my strength. Alexandra Elle

Sometimes when falling apart, they may actually be falling into place. J Yuu

The broken will always be able to love harder than most. Once you have been in the dark you learn to appreciate everything that shines. Zachary K. Douglas

Remember sometimes when you do not get what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck. Dalai Lama

Only in the darkness can you see the stars. Martin Luther King Jr.

There is something about walking in the neighbourhood right now that I begin to sense a change. Can it be that spring has sprung?? Not to say the big snow flakes that befell yesterday did not exist because they DID! Grrr. But, aaah, I did feel something as I ducked in and out quickly in my sock feet without a coat and hat to put out recycling in the bins next to the house. It was a hint of warmth with less bite. Coupled with the symphony of more birds a chirping an’ a tweeting, albeit too early in the morn mind you for some (not me).

And if I stop to think for a moment, I have noticed there is a new aroma wafting in the breeze lately. It is sort of that fresh new dirt smell you get when farmers turn over the fields…musty, mucky, mire mix to make a raw garden fresh soil scent. I do realize that the fields have not been tilled as yet. So probably the smell is coming from the left over mildewed winter of old dead leaves, decayed something or other, and winter tired grass and earth but regardless, I noticed. Funnily enough, the smell is not pungent to my nasal passages as it brings back fond memories of the old cold cellar below my grandparents farmhouse. Something about going down those cobbled stone stairs, opening a creaky worn down wooden door, and entering the abyss of a dirt clad walled room, dank cold and dark. Well, I loved it. Not the spooky part for I would not want to be trapped in there but the smell. Not sure why because it was strong and kind of funky. Nah, earthy. Yes, I like that word earthy, a collective to all of my senses and knowing ones roots of working the land and its abundance of sustenance to one’s life.

But a big awareness has been with my feet on terra firma, nature or manmade, as I have taken walk recently. It is the curbs!!! They exist! I CAN SEE THEM!!! Praise the Lord. Hallelujah! (Yes, I know. It is still Lent but sometimes you just have to stray – sorry Lord). Anyway, I feel like that line in the song by Johnny Nash ” I can see clearly now” the curbs in the burbs are here!! Finally!! I can see the sidewalk straight ahead as I push the stroller with Maggie May it tow and cross up onto the curb without pushing through slush or climbing a mini mountain. Or God forbid tripping and falling because you do not know what you are going to step up or down. So yes, spring has sprung because the curbs in the burbs have come out.

Not sure what floats other peoples boats but one of mine comes springing to life at the entry of the firsts of seasonal transformations. So for now, spring is awaiting. It is the first time you can go walking without the winter mukluks or earmuffs afoot; when you put on a t-shirt without the shiver and goose bumps; the moment you see a green tuft working its way up through the barren soil; a glance above you, seeing little buds smattering the arm limbs of those oak trees arching across your lane; the honk honking of Canadian geese flying in typical V-formation overhead as chirpy tweeting reverberates in song, conducted in orchestra fashion; and finally to the gentle southern breeze wafting its warmth into the breath of fresh air taken in the morn.

Oh yes the remnants of winter linger on still but on closer inspection, put the senses into gear. The nose knows what the nose knows. For the chorus of birds singing do not tell a fib. I think it is the bluejays that kind of tell it like it is for some reason in the back of my memory. Maybe it was my grandfather or some wise person who told me one time if you watch the bluejays, they do not come out and stay until they know for sure food is a plenty for them. Sounds like some foodies I know. LOL. Anyway, I did notice a local farmer has tapped its red maple trees which must mean sap is a flowing.

Of course don’t forget the newly made potholes, falling icicle sticks overhead (watch out), cluttered debris, last time you have to pick up kicked over mailbox, no more replacement of kiddie mittens, the ‘honey do list’ is now active, mukluks to macky wear, antihistamine time, elevator song piped in to “Im singing in the rain”, weather cannot make up its mind from one day to the next, Peppy Le Pew is on a rollaroma, muckity squishy walks, and best of all driving with window down – wheeeeee! So roll down the window, see the curbs, breathe in and out fully, and enjoy the hope of spring in the air. Blessings.

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

PS. I found some spring humour. Chuckle or two. Hahaha

My winter fat is gone. Now I have spring rolls.

I hate spring cleaning. Darn things bounce all over the place.

Why is spring a good time to get into good habits? It’s the perfect time to turn a new leaf.

What month always asks questions and permission? May!

I was never into gardening but this spring I started planting seeds and it grew on me.

They say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Ewe might say it leaves sheepishly.

How excited was the gardener about spring? So excited he wet his plants.

At lunch this past Friday, I got to spend a bit of time with two lovely people, eating and catching up with one another. Although I felt I was somewhat late as the morning got a way from me starting with an emotional phone call from my youngest daughter, then my dog’s cyst on her neck burst while on phone (messy mess yuck clean up) and then finally getting in my truck to go downtown to find parking nearby. Not easy. I thought my resident tag would work at parking lots near water. Nope. So needless to say, I was feeling off kilter going to meet my friends. Coupled with, it was a restaurant I had not been to.

And you know what is awesome? It is the greeting. It does not matter that I am late. It does not matter the length of time away from each other. I come around the corner in the restaurant and lo and behold they greet me (as I do them) like long lost friends with a big smile, arms wide open and a warm strong hug. Yes, Covid-19, you are not getting in the way of receiving and giving love. Nada happening. There is simply an acceptance. Safe and sound. It is a great feeling to be loved, to feel loved and to know love. I do not take it for granted.

I smile when I think of people who are near and dear to me. Each one has a special place in my heart whether it be family or friends or even acquaintances that for some reason have left an indelible imprint on my heart. But when you are in the presence of others who know you, take you for who you are for the most part, have walked with you for a while, it is a treasure to be held carefully and tenderly.

Isn’t it wonderful to be able to sit with another person(s) and really be yourself?! What that looks and sounds like is up to the relationship between the two or more people. It is pure joy in my eyes. There is a comfortableness and safety when you allow yourself to come to trust another person. It is a vulnerability that you give over so that you can just be YOU. Not easy to do at times.

One thing I had learned a long time ago from my grandfather (my dad’s dad) was that he knew how to be present. I think that is part of being able to have a strong friendship or a deeper relationship with someone in I have to be present to them. Listening to the two people that I was with on Friday brought that home to me. I was present. I found myself being very aware of them at our table. It was made clear when one of my friends reminded me to eat my mushroom soup (very delicious by the way) for it would get cold and then again to eat my penne in mushroom sauce (cannot tell you the fancy Italian name). LOL. Even though our lives vary and maybe quite different there is a common thread too. It is the share of a real story, a real emotion, a humanness, an importance in the share….whew it is humbling. Just like a hug.

For a couple hours that are spent together, it is a moment of offering to be present and awake. There could be all kinds of things going on in each of our lives but those are put on hold. Maybe while together one of those lived stories or things come out and are then shared. Who better to share with than from those who call you by name. Hmmmm. And when that happens, a wrapping around of eyes and ears unfold, giving an invisible heartfelt support, to your weary heart. Oh that feels good.

It is not something I take for granted nor do I want to. I find it quite easy to get distracted at times as busy gets busy. I have to laugh when I think about my grandkids. I am grateful for both my granddaughters for two and three year olds do not allow you to get too distracted. Me me me mantra. They want your attention now, right now. LOL. Which is a good thing because I do not want to miss the graced moments given to me. As for my grandson, well he is 12. What more can I say? Gotta love him as he is in his own world. It is me saying to him “see me”. Oh well, I’ll keep plugging away.

It may be why I describe a graced moment with others as being present to them, it is a moment given freely, not earned, from having God in our lives. Maybe awakening to knowing God’s presence. God is everywhere. The feeling of being loved and full, a sense of wonder and awe, as you spend time together. Bequeathed a moment out of time and to be aware that it is happening. There is no need to respond or take an action but more to enjoy, to appreciate, to have an acceptance, to feel hope in whatever is transpiring. Blessings this day.

Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers and for be present to the gift of friendships. Amen

And for Mother Nature to give us a break with snow. Amen. (sorry Lord, just had to say it)

What time is it Mr. Wolf? It is Lent o’clock. Yes it is. That special time in the lives of Christians where one makes a concerted effort to give up something or take on something as one looks at resetting their internal being while walking with Jesus in the desert. FYI: Maybe don’t look outside because desert it is not happening. Oops not a funny. Serious stuff is the season of Lent. As I was saying, Lent is the pause in one’s life for 40 days where praying, fasting and almsgiving are hopefully front and centre. For it is an invitation to take up the cross and look in the mirror. Yikes! I am not sure I want to do that. I could give up the wrinkles (keep the laugh lines) and but do I really need to take on more grey hair. Au natural. It seems I’m taking on lots of that.

Giving up or taking on. Hmmmm, Be a better version of the person you would like to be for God encourages you to be in word and deed. It would be highly advisable to note here that one would be best to avoid scanning the latest National Enquirer, Star, Us, Closer, or God forbid (sorry Lord) Sports Illustrated!! Hey, people read what they read while waiting in line at Walmart (3 for 15.00 section of tabloids). Sometimes the wait time requires waiting. I wonder if one can accrue patience in line. Probably not.

Giving up. Well there are tons and tons of things you can give up. It is that whole notion of sacrifice and self-discipline, getting rid of the clutter, the distractions, the whatever that gets in the way of building a richer relationship with God. It is that age old message from Matthew 6:24 where “no man can serve two masters…”. Holy moly what would that look like?! I mean the diet authors would have a hay day when Lent comes a calling….no meat or fat. The tee totalers would be jumping for joy when alcohol gets on the hit list of ‘give up’. And the convenience and Dollar Store franchises would not be singing a happy tune to NO MORE chocolate or junk food jumping in the cart. We have to remember the give up or take ons technically speaking for fasting are for 14+. I am guessing there would be some very sad little puppies because if mom and dad are giving up then sucks to be you, kids. Yikes.

But giving up something can be quite rewarding. It might be more appreciated when you do. Although do not take offence if someone makes a comment like “you are giving what up for Lent!!?” And then immediately says to you “may the odds be in your favour”? Anyway, be that as it may, the act of giving up something for Lent. It is not for the feint of heart. It is not like a New Years Resolution, a flash in the pan kind of thing, where you make a promise and it kind of peter’s off to….nah next year will be better. No. Lenten actions have a deeper meaning to self and hopefully the fruits are witnessed by others too.

If you think about walking in the desert, literally, it is arid, dry, barren. There is little to no distraction and the blessing is you are not alone; Jesus is with you. It is your time to spend with yourself. Outside of coming across an oasis, a respite for a bit, probably more like a mirage, the journey is simple. Never mind the hot and sweaty, gritty sand on feet or nothing to see literally except the blue sky, hot sun and sand, lots and lots of sand. The beauty is in the walk. For when was the last time you went for a walk, on your own, without company, without a cell!! That would be a hoot, no 24/7 “beam me up Scottie” cell. The cell is not a Cell any longer. No wonder it is called a cell – the self slammer. Is that possible to give up one’s cell for Lent? Huh! What did we do before cell phones!!

On the other side, it could be a good thing when taking on something. You know like something daring such as being kinder. Nicer. Gentler. Loving. Courteous. Big-hearted. Helpful. Considerate. There is a wee bit of a theme here…for goodness sake just be a caring human. Is it too much to ask? When did mean and meaner become a norm. Seriously, I really think taking on adulting would cut the mustard. LOL. I mean did the pandemic (lets blame something) plant a bug in self or one’s neighbour to be uncharitable, catty, nasty, odious etc. Man up people and stop making me wonder ‘who peed in your soup’?

The wonder of Lent is that it is a reset button if I want to get technical. Spiritually it is a gift of penitence. Oh there is so much to work with. Yikes!! Anyway, I can chuckle all I want but it really is about the acceptance of me and forgiving myself in what I have done and what I have failed to do as a Christian. The whole notion of Lenten action in prayer, fasting and almsgiving is more of the re-ing of self. Re-arrange. re-birth, re-build, re-fresh, re-new, re-organize, re-vitalize, re-awaken. Me.

So the time is here. Lent 0’clock. No more ‘just one more…then I start Lent.” Maybe look at it as not the end of the world or unwilling sacrifice or this is going to hurt. Sheesh. It can be a time to rip the bandaid off and go cold turkey. How hard can it be to pass Tim Horton’s, ignore the Friday night pub, skip the candy aisle, be positive to grumpy, no texting, actually talk face to face, wake up before the alarm, drink water only, dock your phone, control the remote control, be silent/be still, say a prayer.

At the end of the day, Lent is an invitation of time. How I spend it? well that is entirely up to me in how I take part. So this year I decided to work on two things patience, taking it on, and intermittent fasting (supposedly good for you–tell that to tummy). Anyway, have you ever been with a two, almost three year old, recently? Well, Lent hear my prayer. LOL. And for the other, there is fasting and then there is fasting. Oh my. How fast can fast take? Yes, I await the hour to draw near. As I said, “what time is it Mr. Wolf?”. Blessings.

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

I do not think there is a time in our lives that suffering and pain, hurt and sorrow are not happening in someone’s family. Nor is there a moment where joy and laughter are not taking place at the exact same time. Oh the paradox of life before us. I think about the beautiful passage in Ecclesiastes 3, there is a season for everything. I had just pondered about the seasons in particular winter recently. Yet there are seasons in our lives which bespeaks to a “there is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven” Ecc 3:1 No matter what is taking place in our lives, life goes on.

There are some things in one’s memory that sticks and resurrects itself at times. Reminders that life moves regardless if you want it to or not. Want to change the course of what is happening. Want life to just pause for just one sticken moment, pardon my French. A memory comes to me as I remember the morning after the death of my husband. I was sitting in my van waiting for the lights to turn green because I was heading down to see my priest Father Charles at that time. My head in a whirl, looking out at the world with a haze and daze I think. Going to be making decisions that I had not prepared for at all. Hear things I was not ready to hear. See things that was not in my thinking in any way shape or form. And do things that were truly surreal and somewhat of a mystery during that sorrowful and tragic time.

It was at the corner of my street actually that it hit me between the eyes so to speak. My mind was askew I think but for some reason this stuck. There was a mother and daughter standing waiting at the lights for the walking signal for them to go across the busy street at the same time as me. They were heading in the same direction as me. The odd thing was I noticed what they were doing….laughing together at whatever was being said. Ordinary regular typical day. And the mom, bless her heart, hugged her daughter in that moment as little arms embraced her waist. They were having a good time. Just a parent and child doing their thing. And why not. Yet for me, it was not a day of happy and laughter in me or in the van or in my house. Not today. Nothing was normal about it. Not ordinary. Not typical. Nada.

What struck me as I reflect on that day was how life went on. Life continued. Life moved forward, the grass would grow, the lawns would be cut, laughter and tears abound at the street corner or in the park or at the mall or in the home….life continued. How could that be? How can that be? How does one process the pandemonium and turmoil within the heart and mind and yet see life lived before ones eyes. How does even that work?

Yet it did and it does daily. It reminds me of something I learned in a course many moons ago and walked with in my life, sharing it with others too along the way, the principle of sacramentality. A fancy term maybe, not meaningful to some, but it has a huge meaning in the lives living on this earth. Seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary; in other words, seeing God in all things. That for some mysterious way, life does not pause even in the moments when suffering and possible imminent loss of a loved ones comes to us. For if I think about it, not in a morbid way, but in a more beautiful way, birth and death, are givens. We come into this world and we will leave this world. But in between a gift has been given, short or long term, a live to be lived and to live that life to do the good. To be all that we can be in that time.

Are we prepared for the suffering and pain? Are we prepared for the joyful and humorous moments? Are we prepared for a birth or a death? I am not sure if we truly are until the moment it happens. Even in the between times of our time on earth, are we prepared for the crazy life that is in abundance, full of unbelievable happiness and anguish? I think of the scripture passage from Ecclesiastes where it says the word time about 29 times or so (I counted I think correctly). In those times, they spell out life lived in relationship with humanity and its environment, stewards to this earthly vessel of human and divine life given. How does the heart and mind manage, cope, live fully? Yet I am asked to. You are asked to. We are asked to.

I do not have the answer except to pray for each of us in hope. There are no words that can take away whatever has gone on or is going on in the lives of others when things are full of grief and sorrow. Lately I have been repeatedly offering these words to people in my life that life is precious. Again and again, I receive news of those in my life who are walking with woe and heartache. Seeking answers to things out of their control but praying and hoping for strength and courage. A miracle. Oh how life is precious. It is not to be taken for granted. Yet I think I do at times.

Maybe it is watching my dad and mom having health challenges that cannot be changed. Cannot be fixed like a broken leg or aloe vera on a sunburn. I hold my mom’s hands, hands that have been worthy of greatness as she weaved them to make life better for those she touched literally and metaphorically. Those hands that would hold my face or wrap around me, pulling me close in her arms. Giving me words of comfort and now can no longer chat. Then my dad, strong and self-assured , a do it yourself guy, struggling with one weak functioning kidney after fighting and beating cancer. Grrrr. I tear up.

But life is precious and each moment counts today. So I hold my mom’s hands and massage them, trying to avoid making her wince from the pain in her withered hands. Oh mom. And I read her supposedly funny stories for old people. Yikes! I think I have to find better material. Then I sit with my dad at his home, shared with my sister and hubby, and listen to him tell the same 4-5 stories again. Gotta love you dad. But lately he even has slowed that as well. Conflicting between making things easier for him by getting him a meal or water but knowing he needs to get up to so his body does not atrophy. Sheesh. Getting old sucks. Struggling with health issue when older is more suckier. (emphasizing here)

So I pray today as I think of the paradox of life being so very precious. Where times of birth and dying, planting and reaping, killing and healing, knocking down or building up, tears or laughter, mourning or dancing….time for loving and peace be known. I pray for those who are suffering and for those who walk them in their time of need. Oh to be hopeful, to allow God to hold each of us, and allowing His healing presence so we can be still and in quietude. I shed a tear this day in your laughter and your mourning. You are not alone. Blessings.

Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers and to the healing warmth and guiding light of God in each of our lives. Amen

I heard the birds chirping this morning. What a beautiful sound….for right now. LOL Some birds singing can be truly annoying. Even so, I realize that this winter in particular has not been a friend for nature as it teases the dickens out of what is what. Having little snow, then big snow, then rain in spain kind weather with some milder days in February, I wonder how smart nature is and can it respond to the turbulent craziness. I worry that the early signs of spring (thawing and melting and early flooding) which is not close by the way, could give a mixed message, and birds and such have come out in droves. I even saw Canada geese in the field the other day!! Did they even go south? And hibernating animals. Have they come out too? What will that do to them? Because the season of winter is still upon us. Arbitrary annual dates on the calendar do not make the season stop and go. I know for a fact that March can create havoc. You know that phrase “come in like a lamb, go out like a lion” hear me roar as my youngest granddaughter likes to make that sound. Heehee. Time will tell for sure.

But to hear the birds singing this morning, it was music to my ears! I felt a hint of spring in the air. Aaahhh what a glorious feeling! I am okay with that. There are moments when the seasons start to change and something is afoot. I remember one time during March Break and my family went south to Myrtle Beach. Driving down is the best because you see visible signs of spring as the kilometres tick by. Stopping at one of the many gas stations along route I-79, I think in West Virginia, we got out for a good stretch and holy lightning! I could smell and feel spring. My whole body seemed to come alive with vim and vigour. Honestly, it was an unbelievable sensation as the spring-like temperature and GREEN grass….haha….not even sinking in it. And there were flowers with colour!! It was just perfect. But breathing in the air, fresh spring like air, it was an aroma hard to describe. Sometimes the English language, which seems it has multiple phrases and ways for everything, cannot hold up its end of expressed thought. Just felt GREAT. Smelt GREAT. Tony the Tiger….GRRRREAT!!

It is kind of exciting too as I notice that daylight hours are getting longer. Oh yes. The movement of earth takings its’ turn, cycling through, allowing the angle of the sun hitting the earth just right so we are seeing dawn breaking earlier. I am a morning nerd basically. I love love the early morning. There is just something about opening up the world, shedding its light, unwrapping the hidden colour (yes kind of white still), as it touches this place we call home. And going on a walk in the wee hours of early morn….oh yes! Sunrises and sunsets are probably my favourite photos to look at and take as well (me an amateur through and through). The slow rise and fall, book ends to one’s day, seem to call upon the heart to be ready and then later retire as the adventure of the day takes place.

The wonders of the seasons spark a crazy fusion of emotions, don’t you think? I am guessing most people have a favourite and least favourite season. As a season starts to shed its signs, there is an anticipation of responses that come to the forefront of ones mouth like nooooooo or yessssss. Maybe a little more sublte such as Egad! Yikes! Really! Oh my Lord! No way! Yippee! Whoohoo! Boohoo! Blimey! Jeepers! Amen! Hey this is PG and Family channel rated….so there.

But is that not true! Seasons bring out the best and worst in people. LOL. Not funny laughing at them but funny in the way they show their emotions. Two friends come to mind right away about winter. Their faces take on the sourest lemony look (and I really like lemon taste), where the face scrunches up and then the body shivers. All they can think of is the burden of too: too long, too cold, too many clothes, too much shovelling, too slippery, too dark, too shut in, too many colds, too dry, too slushy, too dangerous, too icy, too unpredictable too much of too.

What happened to the long nights and cuddling up, quiet of the world, hot drinks, lip smacking hot chocolate, brisk days get body alert and keen (have you not heard positive effects of cold therapy), comfort foods, winter sports, hot tubs and saunas, family gathering in a cozy way, warm reading socks, snow days (aaahhh the life of a student), catching snowflakes, build snowman or snowlady, or just kicking back to watch snow falling. I really enjoy the snowfall, the blanket of white, frosting on the tree branches, the white banking the moving bubbling brook. Glimmers of beauty. Even one’s breath captured in the air (bad breath or not). And most of all in the early morning or late at night, the stillness of the land in its quiet wrapping, silencing the world around. In other words, there are smiles and chuckles, yikes and grrrs in the paradox of a season. Yea?

Hey winter!! Haha. It’s an okay season. Anyway, winter is half over (yippee kai yeah) and soon spring will have sprung. Which has its own set of oohs and ahs and boos and bahs. Boy I am on a roll today. It just feels good to have the birds chirping, the temperature in single digits, and the sun rising and then setting for longer. I could sing “Mr Sun.” but really I feel like bursting in grace “Oh the Lord is good to me. And so I thank the Lord, for giving me the things I need, the sun (not or maybe to get rid of the snow) the rain, and the apple (maybe family…yes), the Lord is good to me, Johnny Appleseed. Amen!”

Yes it is Sunday. The Lord’s Day for some, always for all, and celebrating Family Day weekend. Blessings.

Let us pray for those who are in need of our prayers this day and for the gift of the seasons. Amen

Happy New Year!!! It is crazy how fast this year has gone. Yes Christmas. After Christmas…then what? Well the beauty of Christmas, hopefully, is that it left a filled tummy, maybe a little overflow around the belt area, and a gentle reminder of wonder and awe. Otherness….thinking of those we love, our neighbours, and those who are in need of our prayers. Yes. It is today that we have the gift of life before us, to be lived and enjoyed on this first leg of the new year of 2023. Woohoo.

Although waking up this morning, which would be January 1st, the ground is green and not a sun peek in the sky. Yes here on the island, its the green green grass of home playing in the background and laying literally before me as I stand out on the deck watching Maggie May do her thing. She likes the winter for some reason in sharing her morning constitution with….find a patch to sit a squat. But not today, puppy.

It is mild out and full blown overcast of greyish dark clouds. Gives off an eerie feeling, gloomy even for a first day of the year!! I think a balmy 5’C right now and heading for a spell of rain today. RAIN! Seriously. Oops got to get into the spirit of things and celebrate this new first day of 2023.

After Christmas….then what? New Year Resolutions. Hmmmm. I am thinking there is no point in doing that because the promise seems to dwindle like a song and dance entitled ebb and flow. Kind of like the movement of the tide here on the island. Comes in strong and swift, do whatever for a bit, then slowly goes out, leaving a wake of little evidence of the resolution worked on. LOL. Oh what to do what to do? Maybe it is time to reverse the process or better yet, give it a new name such as New Year ‘s Give One Take One. I do this and then I get that. Sounds like a plan.

I mean one can look at the fresh start of the new year with fun and sport in mind. It could be anything really. Fun?? Well, puddle jumping in your wellington’s or waders. Yes this January ’23 year, the weather has been unbelievable here in southern Ontario and on the island of PEI. Green is the order of the day. And rain!! But make sure that the mukluks and mittens are your nearby bin. You could get whip lash trying to figure out what going to take place. I feel for the winter resorts and sports out there. Golf anyone??

After Christmas. I have the memories of Christmas -pre during and post – to stay with me which cannot be taken for granted or forgotten. Lovely. Yes Christmas came wonderfully in. The most interesting part is that I celebrated Christmas Day by myself, on my own, for the first time in my life actually. Intentionally. I am still hesitant to attend Mass so watching Mass for Shut-Ins on TV was actually quite nice for me. I enjoyed the homily by the priest with a Maritime twang and savour the hopeful message shared. Not appropriate I know, but I can revisit it too as it was taped. I think God would be okay with technology allowing that to happen. Yes?

And of course I had my pop tart(s). Let’s not kid ourselves. A tradition since I was a child, pop tarts are deliciously awfully not good for you but still I like them. Although cherry is my favourite flavour, they are not made in Canada. So I had to suffer with blueberry and raspberry. Yes I indulged. Thank you Kellogg’s.

I made a full turkey meal with stuffing and cranberry to boot. I enjoy the whole preparation of making the turkey dinner and the colour A bit of gravy, roasted veggies (carrots, squash, onions), stuffing, cauliflower mashed and yorkshire pudding (no fresh rolls). I realize Yorkshires is an English tradition with roast beef entree but oh well….not at my table. Instead of being at the dining table, I sat curled up on my couch enjoying a Christmas movie and eating. Of course Maggie Mae was nearby. She sits patiently, waiting for anything to spill. Maggie, you need to know I do not spill my food or toss it….unlike my grandkids or certain kids who do not care for something. Yep, I know who you are.

After Christmas….then what. Well unfortunately and fortunately, it is all in how you look at things. For one thing, I had to pack and ready my place for leaving once again. It is a catch-22 feeling. The truth of the matter is that you want to be with your family and friends, be in two places at once. Or even three. Yes, technology is wonderful and welcomed, but nothing like the big hug and squeeze from a human. The chortle and chuckle, the tear and smile, the touch and sense of home in those you are with. Leaving those I love and head to those I love, how can it get much better? It can’t be compared.

Time goes by so fast. I mean I just got home and then in the next breath, I am heading back over the bridge in the wee hours of the morning for the long drive back to Ontario. Chockfull of goodness in my head and heart but not in my truck. Left the goodies and waist increasers; need to curb the verb of eat. LOL. I guess I can be grateful that the ticket price to get off the island has not gone up. Bargain price of $50.25. I hope it stays there for a little while. Thank goodness toll on the Quebec 30 is $3.00 to bypass Montreal which by the way has not changed. But 407, now that is a lottery shoot. Have no idea but with tired eyes in the last few hours of my drive, no traffic at all until merging on to 400 N….aahh the life.

After Christmas….then what? Unwrapping the Christmas spirit and allowing it to fill my heart and mind to burst far and wide. The paradoxes of the season can be put to rest for a bit as the pressure – the joy, the rush – the silence, the wrapping – the unwrapping, the visits – the praying, the gathering – the so longs, the giving – the receiving, the eating – the relaxing, the excitement – the nap, the preparation -the cleaning, the Mass and the go forth. The spirit of the season is an invitation to be continued, working its way to be present tirelessly and endlessly within which BTW….thanks be to God.

Just remember to keep the spirit alive and less on the belt buckle moving another couple of spaces, or the tucked away dessert tray your sister left behind, or the comment about a gift you gave. Oops and please do not look at the final total of Christmas on VISA or MC. Probably it is best not to say the true spirit of Christmas is the birth of Santa. I heard that one and laughed a loud. But holy moly crackers and cheese it is probably not that far fetched. Goodness. I am thinking Santa has got it right….he only comes once a year. Sheesh. But for me thank the Lord, He is with us always. Blessings.

Let us pray for those whom are in need of prayers. Hold them in your hearts today. Amen.

Happy New Year!!! It is crazy how fast this year has gone. Yes Christmas. After Christmas…then what? Well the beauty of Christmas, hopefully, is that it left a filled tummy, maybe a little overflow around the belt area, and a gentle reminder of wonder and awe. Otherness….thinking of those we love, our neighbours, and those who are in need of our prayers. Yes. It is today that we have the gift of life before us, to be lived and enjoyed on this first leg of the new year of 2023. Woohoo.

Although waking up this morning, which would be January 1st, the ground is green and not a sun peek in the sky. Yes here on the island, its the green green grass of home playing in the background and laying literally before me as I stand out on the deck watching Maggie May do her thing. She likes the winter for some reason in sharing her morning constitution with….find a patch to sit a squat. But not today, puppy.

It is mild out and full blown overcast of greyish dark clouds. Gives off an eerie feeling, gloomy even for a first day of the year!! I think a balmy 5’C right now and heading for a spell of rain today. RAIN! Seriously. Oops got to get into the spirit of things and celebrate this new first day of 2023.

After Christmas….then what? New Year Resolutions. Hmmmm. I am thinking there is no point in doing that because the promise seems to dwindle like a song and dance entitled ebb and flow. Kind of like the movement of the tide here on the island. Comes in strong and swift, do whatever for a bit, then slowly goes out, leaving a wake of little evidence of the resolution worked on. LOL. Oh what to do what to do? Maybe it is time to reverse the process or better yet, give it a new name such as New Year ‘s Give One Take One. I do this and then I get that. Sounds like a plan.

I mean one can look at the fresh start of the new year with fun and sport in mind. It could be anything really. Fun?? Well, puddle jumping in your wellington’s or waders. Yes this January ’23 year, the weather has been unbelievable here in southern Ontario and on the island of PEI. Green is the order of the day. And rain!! But make sure that the mukluks and mittens are your nearby bin. You could get whip lash trying to figure out what going to take place. I feel for the winter resorts and sports out there. Golf anyone??

After Christmas. I have the memories of Christmas -pre during and post – to stay with me which cannot be taken for granted or forgotten. Lovely. Yes Christmas came wonderfully in. The most interesting part is that I celebrated Christmas Day by myself, on my own, for the first time in my life actually. Intentionally. I am still hesitant to attend Mass so watching Mass for Shut-Ins on TV was actually quite nice for me. I enjoyed the homily by the priest with a Maritime twang and savour the hopeful message shared. Not appropriate I know, but I can revisit it too as it was taped. I think God would be okay with technology allowing that to happen. Yes?

And of course I had my pop tart(s). Let’s not kid ourselves. A tradition since I was a child, pop tarts are deliciously awfully not good for you but still I like them. Although cherry is my favourite flavour, they are not made in Canada. So I had to suffer with blueberry and raspberry. Yes I indulged. Thank you Kellogg’s.

I made a full turkey meal with stuffing and cranberry to boot. I enjoy the whole preparation of making the turkey dinner and the colour A bit of gravy, roasted veggies (carrots, squash, onions), stuffing, cauliflower mashed and yorkshire pudding (no fresh rolls). I realize Yorkshires is an English tradition with roast beef entree but oh well….not at my table. Instead of being at the dining table, I sat curled up on my couch enjoying a Christmas movie and eating. Of course Maggie Mae was nearby. She sits patiently, waiting for anything to spill. Maggie, you need to know I do not spill my food or toss it….unlike my grandkids or certain kids who do not care for something. Yep, I know who you are.

After Christmas….then what. Well unfortunately and fortunately, it is all in how you look at things. For one thing, I had to pack and ready my place for leaving once again. It is a catch-22 feeling. The truth of the matter is that you want to be with your family and friends, be in two places at once. Or even three. Yes, technology is wonderful and welcomed, but nothing like the big hug and squeeze from a human. The chortle and chuckle, the tear and smile, the touch and sense of home in those you are with. Leaving those I love and head to those I love, how can it get much better? It can’t be compared.

Time goes by so fast. I mean I just got home and then in the next breath, I am heading back over the bridge in the wee hours of the morning for the long drive back to Ontario. Chockfull of goodness in my head and heart but not in my truck. Left the goodies and waist increasers; need to curb the verb of eat. LOL. I guess I can be grateful that the ticket price to get off the island has not gone up. Bargain price of $50.25. I hope it stays there for a little while. Thank goodness toll on the Quebec 30 is $3.00 to bypass Montreal which by the way has not changed. But 407, now that is a lottery shoot. Have no idea but with tired eyes in the last few hours of my drive, no traffic at all until merging on to 400 N….aahh the life.

After Christmas….then what? Unwrapping the Christmas spirit and allowing it to fill my heart and mind to burst far and wide. The paradoxes of the season can be put to rest for a bit as the pressure – the joy, the rush – the silence, the wrapping – the unwrapping, the visits – the praying, the gathering – the so longs, the giving – the receiving, the eating – the relaxing, the excitement – the nap, the preparation -the cleaning, the Mass and the go forth. The spirit of the season is an invitation to be continued, working its way to be present tirelessly and endlessly within which BTW….thanks be to God.

Just remember to keep the spirit alive and less on the belt buckle moving another couple of spaces, or the tucked away dessert tray your sister left behind, or the comment about a gift you gave. Oops and please do not look at the final total of Christmas on VISA or MC. Probably it is best not to say the true spirit of Christmas is the birth of Santa. I heard that one and laughed a loud. But holy moly crackers and cheese it is probably not that far fetched. Goodness. I am thinking Santa has got it right….he only comes once a year. Sheesh. But for me thank the Lord, He is with us always. Blessings.

Let us pray for those whom are in need of prayers. Hold them in your hearts today. Amen.

I hear the snowplow echo its machinery as it drives by. So it must have snowed over the early morning hours because it was and has been a green green PEI island; yesterday included. Not a flicker of white unless you are back in the bushes or deep in a ditch. But I’m not going to say it too loudly because the day will come and white will be a forever for a while until spring thaw. Crazy how weather continues to do its thing. My grandson said to me that he wanted to go back to Ontario for Christmas as he knows his aunties have lots of snow. In fact they had a snowstorm. Unfortunately, grandson, there have been quite a few unsafe and devastating harsh winter storms in the passed few days, leaving people stranded and many without power. Not a good feeling as he should remember from the aftermath of hurricane Fiona in September of this year.

The thing is that people celebrate Christmas everywhere including places that are hot and sunny. They have not even seen snow. It is funny how we equate certain things with specific times of year or events or traditions. Bing Cosby’s song from the movie White Christmas comes to mind right now “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas”. An unexpected falling of snow last evening comes at a perfect time for my grandson. However not so much as I talked with my dad and sister back in Ontario….snow drifts up to the window sill. Yikes!! And down in the States from the news reports, goodness they got hit. Prayers sent up for their safe keeping.

I am feeling for my brother and family right now. They had planned for (surprise gift from my two nieces) a visit to Alberta to go see daughter/sister at Christmas. But life happens to you while busy making other plans. I wonder if it is a good idea to plan trips during the holidays. I am sure the airlines would love that line of thinking. LOL. Seriously though, the many months of planning and excitement leading up to this day which was this past Thursday…flight cancelled and rebooked for next day. And lo and behold, flight cancelled again. No way to rebook, get there, and be assured of getting a seat or not. And with the way weather has been behaving, would the flight be postponed or cancelled the other way. When you only have a window to work with…all three travelling to go west work. So to extend time away, who knows what that would look like.

But the unexpectedness of the news was heart wrenching. My brother bless his heart is practical and rationalized that it was to be. I know he was hurting inside but his wife and other daughter have hearts broken. They want to be together. You know when you build up for something special and then life throws a curve. Wanting to see your daughter who lives many miles (oops kilometers away), you can almost taste it. If only the flight was scheduled in the morning, if only we got off two days earlier to go, if only there was enough airline staff, if only…..the WEATHER would cooperate.

You can plan until the cows come home and still there are things that can get in the way….it’s called the unexpected. Or maybe it is called life. John Lennon coined that well “life happens to you while you are busy making other plans.”

Maybe it is God’s way of telling us, not today. It will happen but not today, not now. And is that okay? Yes, it is okay. In the situation with my brother and family, they are safe, not in a snowstorm, and can still be together. Thank goodness for technology and facetime. It is not a warm hug but you can see the whites of the eyes (or bags under the eyes..oops). But in the real moment of the unexpected, how does a person rein in those feelings when you know there is nothing you can do about it but you still want to rant or cry or kick or scream or feel sorry or blame someone or something. Yeah?? So shed the tear, vent, and let it out. It hurts. Yes. No matter what, I feel for their disappointment. My heart hurts for them as I so want them to be with loved ones, especially at Christmas time. I remember when they told me the secret a couple of months ago and thought, what a beautiful gift to give their parents. Thoughtful and loving extension of family loving family.

I know that feeling because when my family comes together, I am the most content. Sitting around the dining table, breaking bread together, watching the interaction and comfortable noise, I sit in wonder and awe of the gift. I do not take it for granted. It reminds of a sacramental moment really, a feeling of God’s presence amongst us where two or more are gathered. Aaahhh. That feeling is a warm fuzzy which goes right to my toes. Love love love it.

Well today is Christmas of 2022. Merry Christmas. There is much anticipation to this day, some good and some not so good, but will take place regardless. I also think there will be many unexpected happenings too. For God in His guiding presence in our lives, wants us to be ready for the unexpectedness, whatever and whenever that may be. May the blessings bestowed upon us fill the heart to overflowing on this day. Allow the morning light and the daybreak to draw near and give yourself a moment to be still with the unexpectedness of life. Blessings.

Let us pray for all those who are in need of prayers today and everyday. Amen.

It is not an easy time for some people during the season of Christmas as it draws near. I know that I am get very excited as people who know me are aware. LOL. And I do enjoy most parts of Christmas and its preparation even if it is over-the-top in commercial and frenzy and giddiness. Just look around you and almost on every corner you meet, you see signs and sights of “come in, come get me, best ever, can’t miss out, sale of the century” gift for…..YOU to get for someone, somewhere…NOW. Hard to resist. Right?? Hopefully, not.

Yet there is a part of me that thinks of the many people who find this time to be an unhappy season. The reason for the season gets lost in the pomp and ceremony of the human, and forget about the spirit of Christmas. It does not give that joy and pleasure and a sense of hope for all. It creates unfortunately an anxiety, anxiousness, wariness, sadness, hopelessness, loneliness and sometimes even worse….not to be around. Oh my. Oh Why?

I caught an ear full to an old song this week that I had not heard in a very long time. The radio was playing that 80’s song from Bandaid. You know with Bono, Wham, Kool and the Gang, Sting and Paul Young etc, the many musicians who came together to bring light and awareness of the those in Africa “Do They Know It’s Christmas Time”. Do you remember that song? As I am listening to it, I became aware that even in our own backyard, we have people who live in fear and dread of own lived life. A version of the song as we “look outside our window”. At Christmas time, there are some who do not and cannot see “we are having fun’. No room at the inn. There are no gifts under the tree, there is no dinner table to be welcomed at, there is not a “visions of sugar plums”, there is not….. Fill in the blank. It is a time of ‘fear and dread’ for many.

Why oh why does it have to be so sad and unhappy for those around us and for that matter across the world?! Christmas can be a time of loneliness and depression as a reality in self-reflecting on one’s own life lived. It also can be a time of grief as the loss of loved ones becomes more real in a season which was shared and now that person or persons have passed away.

The other side of it too is that it can be quite difficult and emotionally exhausting as people who prepare, get so carried away, there is a worry of not doing enough, getting enough, having enough etc. Stress and illness can take place leaving all the lead up from the prep, parties, increased events attended. The end of year draws near so timelines and getting things done so holidays can be enjoyed. Leaving one to be spent, fraught with angst and so not in the mood to celebrate.

Extremes. On the one hand, a sadness and loneliness built up to emotionally drained from exhaustion of high expectations to stress of family gatherings to disappointment of not being able to see who you want, to pressures of perceived obligations of gift giving or not, to financial stress, to being alone. But thinking of others, if someone cannot spend with loved ones or maybe do not have any loved ones to share with because of circumstances in their life, then cheer becomes a fear. So in those moments people are left with own thoughts, on their own, by themselves. No cheering up from outside and with own sad thoughts, no cheering up on the inside either.

I hope and pray for those who struggle during this holiday season. No matter what, all of us deserve to have a feeling of being loved and cared for. It is a time for caring, to let down our guards so to speak and just love one another. Of feeling a sense of happy even if fleeting. Oh to give that to someone….I put that out there. There is room at the table this day. Blessings.

Let us pray for those whom are in need of prayers and for those who feel a hopelessness that they find peace and know during this time they are care and thought of. Amen