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.
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
Have you ever stopped to think that part of our life mantra is kind of like living out the three bears story through Goldilocks perspective? Although, I maybe need to alter the goldie of locks part to one of brown/graydilocks as more apropos for moi. Anyway, I have been caught up lately in the brrrring of the January cold snap that has held us captive for the past week or so here on the island. And despite the shiver me timbers of the chilly days, it has been glorious in Mother Nature’s delivery. Take yesterday for example. I came outside, walked down the steps from church, and got caught up in a smile of goodness. I can’t pin point what exactly but I felt just right.
I mean the day was really glorious. Maybe it was the uplifting homily just delivered by Father Jay? Well done pastor. Maybe it was a full tank of gas and ready to drive kind of feeling (gas prices are too much mind you)? Maybe it was the sun glistening upon the snow laden fields on either side of the road as I drove back along my favourite route 101? And then seeing the blue of the sky meeting the blue of the sea; combined with the crisp clear day bright and cheery. It felt just right. Aaahh. In that moment, I felt truly present and a bit giddy.
Yet, if one knows the story of Goldilocks, she goes into a home set off in the woods which happens to be owned by the three bears unbeknownst to her. Then helping herself to whatever grabs her fancy, she freely tests out the lay of the ‘too much, too little and just right’ land to her needs, and then end up falling asleep on one of the beds. First of all, is she CRAZY? Second of all….WHAT IN ALL THAT IS HOLY IS SHE DOING? Did her parents not sit her down and teach her about stranger danger or about going into an unknown building?!? Never mind the plethora of illegal actions she has engaged in!! Breaking and entering!! Stealing!! Home Invasion!!The Ten Commandments…well I just go out of church for goodness sake. I could go on.
Yes, I am probably thinking way too literally about the happenings in this particular fairy tale. Thank goodness I am thinking most adults, outside of educators and parents of young ones. do not necessarily read fairy tales as their preferred reading entertainment. However, I do believe in general that a kernel of intent underlies in each tale told. At least that is my own way of thinking especially now I have two younger grandchildren at the age of asking the why questions and I have to come up with explanations that meet their expectations. Haha. And in that, I find myself pondering.
Living out the goldilock mantra of ‘too little, too much, or just right’ with emphasis on the first two seems to be sitting with me. Yeah? Do we not in our day in some facsimile thereof, grumble or make a fuss about things on a regular basis? It could be as simple as starting off by saying, “I wish…” “I want…” “It better be….”, “I need…”, “I’ll do anything, if it or he/she would…” or “If only….”. In other words, when is the life we live going to be just right? Today. Now. Right now. It’s all good.
So I chuckle to myself because I think about being a goldilocks. January has tended to be unnaturally mild, forcing me to park my truck up at the top of my clay lane as the snow melted so much to make my lane yucky to drive on. Deep ruts and such. I wanted it to be colder and I got my wish.Yep. Brrrr. Now its a bit hard on our morning walk with Maggie. Hmmmm. Of course, the wind might possibly come in too which in turn blows the snow on parts of my lane making it difficult to drive through with my four wheel drive. Not enough for the snowplow guy to come for the whole lane mind you. Grrr. And so it continues.
So Goldilocks, you set the stage of finding your just right after a bit of assessing the situation and finally you were able to rest. And so must I. But I think I’ll do it by right just to get just right just so you know. Blessings.
Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers and to find gratefulness in our life lived. Amen
Well Christmas frenzy has come and gone for another year. And now a new year is drawing closer. I cannot help but bring to mind and return to life happenings over this year without a smile or two and many a tear. Oh let me shed a tear mom and dad. Let me. Shed. A tear. Yes you are on my mind more than ever. As I am sure this feeling is with many who have lost someone dear to them, we seek without permission, a time to weep and mourn.
It is almost comes out of nowhere, this profoundness of an unknown found love, a deeper more sincere kind of love that is being missed. An ache and longing to see and to express in heartfelt bursting ways but ever more knowing life unfolds the way it is supposed to and in that, God only knows.
Grief has been given to the human heart that has no boundaries or expiry dates on it. I want it to be a comforting feeling in the tears shed or the thoughts felt when I think of you both. I know you are in good hands. It is not in the sadness that I want to shed a tear but more for the gift of you. I am so very grateful to have and to hold the memories given to me, life lessons revealed, and the legacy of our family still alive and kicking. You left some lively ones for sure. LOL.
A couple of days ago I was listening to a video clip from an actor to actor talk series about grief between Ryan Reynolds and Andrew Garfield. Holy moly it spoke to me. It was shared by Andrew G. that he loved to talk about grief because it made him happy. He said that no one gets to spend enough time with those they love. And he hopes the grief stays with him as he gets to have all the unexpressed love he did not get to say and he can feel it for the person until he too passes. The loved ones left a heart print. And mom and dad you certainly have done that.
So I am going to shed a tear mom and dad. For you. And it might happen many times just so you know. But I am also going to smile in those tears because I know you would want me to live life fully. Those unexpressed loves are in full bloom and in colour too. I pray for the many who have lost loved ones recent or many moons ago. It is not an event but a journey in the loss and does not go away. It will resurrect itself this grief at times of memories. Welcomed grief laden happy memories that could be chaotic feelings, confusions, missings, unanswered questions, the sufferings, the person(s).
But also holding onto the plethora of laughter and quirky grins, gravely voice, big warm hugs, long long lectures, camping, summer travel to NB, ping pong table family meals, paper bag popcorn, handmade nighties, yucky fishy fish with dollar fries, smell of homemade bread and soup and…. mostly in a tearful and smiling way for you knew me by name. And I love you for leaving me with these unexpressed love moments to uncover from me to you. Blessings.
Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers and for those who have lost loved ones may feel the grief to also be of comfort and peace in memories. Amen.
It is so silent this early in the morning as I let Maggie May out for a quick jaunt to do her thing. It is way too soon to be going out for a walk because I never know what black and white fella may be lurking in the darkness. My granddaughter says she is afraid of the dark but as a Rara, I try to reassure her that all is well. One tries to find ways to calm the scary and be able to give over for her to have a restful sleep but young minds have their own vivid imagination. And you cannot reason with reason and a five year old. It is just not done.
Of course like any kind and caring adult who wants life to be filled with smiles and chuckles you try to waylay the fears of your little kin folk. But when walking just after dawn, I am fairly certain my own imagination is on higher alert as there might be some furry paws just beyond what my eyes cannot make out. And to be frank, I am really not interested in running into Peppy Le Peeyou and the deadly aroma of Eau de Stinktohighheaven fragrance.
Yet, I do cherish this quiet as it so wonderfully breathes life this late December morn. Breezeless, crisp of air, night sky clear with its sparkly lit diamonds, and the ebony blackness from the fallen evening from yesterday shadows over the usually sharpened silhouette of nature’s barren growth. Ah the beauty that unfolds. How can one not feel God’s presence in this moment. Or better yet, wrap my arms tightly as I await for my furry loyal companion to come back in while I keep an eagle eye out upon the snow trail I made for said pup. Come on now. Giddy up, Maggie May.
I am not sure why I am up before the crack of dawn or as I heard this quaint phrase recently from a British mystery series I have been watching… ‘at stupid o’clock’. I don’t like to use that word per se but it certainly seems to be befitting in this particular instant. LOL. Maybe it is that I have noticed that daylight is coming up just a tad earlier and staying a wake a little longer. I LOVE this time of year when the magic and mystery of the perfected syncing of the sun moon and earth and seasonal pattern align. It is beyond miraculous but then so is our Creator. Hmmm
So I am going to welcome this moment of quiet and solitude, basking in the tranquil stillness and want for not. Blessings.
Let us pray for those who are in need of our prayers and for those who seek the soothing calm to be within. Amen.
Being an adult. I think it can be difficult in becoming an adult. Not just any old adult but an adult who knows how to adult up. You know those times in your life when you find yourself ignoring a situation or person and hope whatever the issue is that it goes away. But it does not as the longer you leave it, the more of a quagmire or pickle you find yourself in. And then when you have to or want to face whatever or whomever it is, there is a change in your demeanour. It is the moment of truth before you and so you are ready to what….fish or cut bait. I am sure there is a nicer way of putting it. Maybe let go let God?
How to be an adult in adult scenarios which require adult decisions by carrying out in very adult ways to adult up. What in the ever loving of all that is good does adulting up mean?!? I feel it comes with a whole boat load of emotion and a restlessness. LOL. It is a storm before the calm. Hmmmm. It is projecting what you may feel is going to happen before you even do or say anything; meanwhile, your internal body has already been hard at work swallowing or gulping, gnashing or gnarling, heart pitter pattering.
Why is it so difficult to adult up or mature up or for that matter grow up? Although I am going to put a pin in the phrase grow up. It feels like a meaner connotation sort of. Why do we find it hard to tell the truth or be honest? It is not just the person delivering the message but it is also the receiver of said message. Have you not heard the old adages “take it like a man” or “put on your big girl pants”? There are two sides to the coin. No matter what, when you finally find the courage, because it does take some backbone and mettle, to acknowledge what should or needs to be said or done.
I think of Advent upon us as I ponder the nature of adulting up. Odd though it may be but Advent reminds me of an invitation to practice living in the presence of God. There is a beautiful preparedness about the season where we are invited to open our hearts to be more Christ-like in our words and actions. Looking within, we are given a gift of being still, allowing the spirit to move and envelop us into an awakening to continue in becoming the person you are called to be. Thus to be more understanding and patient in our walk whether we are the giver or the receiver of whatever comes to us. Is it easy to be an adult? Nope. But in my humble opinion do it anyway. Blessings this day.
Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers today and for those who need the strength and courage to do what is right and just. Amen.
It is still dark outside as I got up early this morning listening to the hollowing wind breathing life into the forested area around me. I went to bed with a snow laden world, and upon awakening, what do my wandering eyes see in the darken dawn….green grass. Not a speck of snow anywhere as far as I can vaguely make out!!! Holy and all that is Mother Nature, it fascinates me how one day it can be snowing and the next rain and wind and the next nothing on the ground but a memory. Even in the bush out back as I take a gander out through my window, there is nothing but fallen logs, barren trees and a blanket of darken day surrounding all of nature. Wow!
I stuck my head out as Maggie did her thing and the wind whipped its gusts of air smack dab upon my face. Whoa Nelly!! Not a weather person in any stretch of the imagination but when warm strong winds meet cold snow coupled with a shower of rain…voila! No snow. Nada. You gotta love the weather around here. I know that where my family lives back in Ontario, snow seems to be the message of the day. Lots and lots and lots. Not going to say anything because I have a funny feeling weather is going to be predictably unpredictable this year. And my brother-in-law just gave me a lesson on how to run a snowblower! Yep. It was a good lesson and the machine is already to go. I just have to remember the steps. LOL. Go me.
Thankfully I have to look at the silver lining. I put my truck up near the road yesterday as my red clay lane will be messy when driving on it. I would really like to leave it smoothly bumpy instead of crater bumpy as the ground softens from cold to mild temperatures. Thawing plays havoc on the lane when driving on it so rubber boots here I come as I will have to hoof her up to the top of the lane near the road.
So today being December and not quite the winter solstice or official start of winter season, I will enjoy the blustery, windy, rainy bleak looking overcast day and smile. Because I can. And the waves down by the shore are a sight to be had. Gotta find the little joys in the day. It’s all good. Blessings.
Let us pray for those who are need of our prayers and for safety of those who encounter Mother Natures decisions. Amen
I love children’s picture books. They are short and sweet, sometimes silly and sometimes when you least expect it, a lesson comes a knocking as you engage with the words. Their images collaborating in sync to the content, the short and brief narrative capturing the attention of your heart and mind, taking you to places with a wisp and a will. At the same time, I am always struck by the title of the book. How in the world does the author/illustrator come up with the title and front image?! It is like a hook, a lure even, to get you to pick it up and enjoy.
So I am doing my early morning walk three days ago and I see a little library standing at the corner of the house I pass by if I am going down by the harbour. The owner has kindly built a wooden post (kind of like a country mailbox post) to hold atop a wooden box with a miniature glass door which encloses a few books that anyone can take out, replace, for anyone’s leisure. Such a gesture of kindness. I have not peeked in lately but what might it hold. Any children’s books?
Because I have been paying attention, literally, to my walk and my preparation to go for a walk. So why my walk and books? Well lets just say recalling the imagination of the author Judi Barrett and her crazy wit in her book Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs speaks to me. Why? Why? Why? It may be a bit dotty but so apropos to the musings of the author and my feelings towards the November weather here on the island. The notions of food being the precipitation of the day coming down in droves providing plenty of meals for the townspeople. But oh my, like anything else, the bounty of large buckets of food falling with its specific kind of ingredients causes chaos and upheaval as it intermingles with the ordinary and mundane routines of the little town.
For the last two weeks or maybe even longer, as I might have to look at the historical data of weather in November (haha not funny), it has been cloudy. Dark, gloomy, ominous clouds blanketing the sky each and every day with rain interspersing to create the tale of woes to Cloudy with NO Change of Sun. Yep. And don’t get me started with the wind sweeping in. Brrrrr its cold.
So what is the short narrative to the grey and black images of the daily lives of the inhabitants of islanders? Well, break open the closets people and get out the fall winter trappings and paraphernalia because the events of the daily are grin and bare it. The unexpected beauty of the dismal kind of weather is up and running. So like my older sister says, suck it up buttercup. LOL.
Yes the weather has been quite noticeably bleak. I mean yes November marks the slowing down, the time of remembering, the gathering of seeds and nuts for the living creatures, the shorter days and longer nightfalls. But, according to whomever, there is a sad case for the lack of vitamin D as is recommended. And for the record, I am not under any circumstances swallowing ingesting gulping even sipping, in any form, cod liver oil. Eew! That is such a cruel and unusual punishment! Sorry mom but I can refuse now as a grownup in my defense. Hmmmm
Sun. Sunlight. Rays. Beams. I know the sun is not beating a warmth like the summer hazy lazy days but goodness and all that is holy, Lord, please shatter the gloomy. It can’t be good. So while I await the season of Advent which is all about preparation and joyful hope, I am going to have to weather the weather, whether I like it or not. For that is the narrative. Each day is a page to open and begin anew, regardless of cloudy or sunny or a shower of meatballs. Today is going to be, as I look out my window with a silent quiet sigh and half smile, titled Cloudy with a Chance of Sunny Awesome (or no cod liver oil for me). Blessings.
Let us pray for those who are in need of our prayers and for those who suffer during these long days of darkness. Amen.
I am so glad that we have November as it is a month dedicated to remembering. For those who have lost their lives (and still losing lives) to fight for something bigger then themselves. To know that the risks were great but the hope lived inside of good and fruitful days to come. Alas we pray. As Remembrance Day draws near on November 11th, it is a day filled with a joyful sadness within the hearts of many. The joy of knowing the hearts and minds of family members, friends and neighbours, who sadly in the circumstances of war, gave up their lives so that we could have much. For those remaining, strong and true, who survived war as they reflect with heavy hearts and sorrow the loss of the men and women who stood beside them. But also with the memories of those same people who changed their lives as well. No words can comprehend the magnitude of such losses but only in the remembering lest we forget.
At the same time as All Saints and All Souls Day are wonderfully placed at the beginning of this month, opens the heart up to bring the journey dedicated to the special people in our lives that left this earth, long ago or more recently. Those old memories they don’t go away as they just show up, fleetingly, and then float away, returning when you least expect it. Like in the dark, under the bed, in a photo, a deja vu, in the pew, seeing an old friend, eating burnt toast, a funny tale or something that jogs you right back into drawing on those memories. Some pleasant and others maybe not so much, evoking the back story in our hearts and bodies. The joyful knowing and the sorrowful loss coming together and bringing up all kinds of feelings of warmth and tears, sorrow and hope, wonder and regret too.
Maybe it is befitting to have November be the month of remembrance as the length of darkness falls further with only short times of light, the light of hope, take place at this time of year. As I sit today looking out my window at the darkness even if early morning, the November day speaks of a gloomy cloudy day ahead with its cold northerly wind bearing down. And just around the corner comes the s……. Not going to say it. At least for now.
But it is the light of hope for those who we have lost are the light in our hearts. The beacon that shines brightly in the memory. This week has been another sorrowful tearful time in my family. A big old bear, our Luna, a huge English mastiff brindle had to be put down. A youngun, I think 7 years old. Knowing her, she shone her light with her big personality. You could not in any way shape or form miss her presence. She made herself known daily. And the biggest thing for me was her love and protectiveness. I think she saw herself as a pup, small and cute. Cute maybe but small. No, her tail could knock over my granddaughter. So no, she was not little. But big and strong, and did I say big. Yep. Try sitting on the couch and she decides to come over for a love. Yeah. Run. She liked to climb up on either side of me and wait for a scratch on chest or reach way way up for a scratch behind the ears. Luna was the cats meow, the jam to the peanut butter, the icing to the cake. She made you pay attention with her big personality. Oh Luna bin, I am so going to miss you.
I did not think I had any more tears to shed after my folks passing this past summer. Love you mom and dad. What more can one’s heart take! But apparently the heart rejuvenates for another bout of tears to shed. My heart hurts for my daughter and her family. Going into their home on Sunday, where I would normally hear a loud bark and a four legged beast come a running down the stairs…..nothing. I knew then. I went up the stairs and around the corner to find her lying there. Her long tail wagged a wee bit to acknowledge she knew me but barely lifted her head. Husha baby. I laid with her stroking her head, knowing that she would be leaving soon. Breaks my heart as she was the best of the best for her master, my son-in-law, who spoiled her rotten. LOL. She was his baby for sure. But Luna protected the flock and watching my daughter who never really had much in the way of pets to go by….gave her an unconditional love along with the kids. I pray for you all.
So thank you November for being a dedicated month (which I realize can be all year in memory for many) I think of those who have gone before me. Especially to my parents as I grieve with love in my heart for them as their light was bright in my life. And to my uncle who passed away, my mom’s brother this year. And my brother’s dog Ozzie, who too passed this summer. And now this day to Luna. These are the hard goodbyes, one’s you don’t want but do happen in this precious life we have been given.
I like the feeling in my faith that we are people of eternal hope. It is the memory of celebrating those, our dearly departed, and remember them with a light of hope, sharing in a memory, a smile, a kindness with others in those dark times. But when we come together with others, our little glimmer of light, can meet another, bringing a little bit more, in shared love for our neighbour.
So today I feel a joyful presence in memory of those who have touched my life in ways everlasting. I pray for keeping their memories alive and in that they are well and alive in me. Blessings.
Let us pray for those who are in need of our prayers today and for those dearly departed. May they know their light shines ever brightly. Amen
The cool brisk wind comes across the fields whipping the leaves around, swirling to and fro, to the dance of autumn’s tune. Grey clouds overhead as the amber hue of the sun tries to sneak a peak through the moodiness of the day. And the limbs and branches of the trees, bared by nature’s calling to close up shop. There is something to be said about the dawn and dusk of the day as it outlines so craftily the silhouette of creation. A sharpness etched so carefully as I can now look into the forest for the trees. What a walk this morning on this last day of October!! A hauntingly beautiful morn that captures the ever present eve awaiting the little ones (and big ones) as they prepare for all hallow’s eve. Happy Halloween.
Each day is filled with promise of what is to come. No one knows but can anticipate what will take place on any given day. Today, being Halloween, I am thinking sweet and salty maybe even sour will be the anticipated words of the day. Many children will probably be up early this morning, bright eyed and bushy tailed as my dad would say, ready to get the show on the road. Costumes. Check. Orange and black attire, check. Makeup. Check. No healthy food thinking in mind at all. Check check. Parents, teachers, drivers, maybe even medical staff are all on stand by. Trick or treat. Yippee-do-dah-yea.
Isn’t it amazing how tradition built over time coincides with the seasons like an imprinted stamp on a headstone?! This time of the year where darkness befalls most of the day now until early January, creating an ominous foreboding ambiance, as the tradition of human-made costume wear whilst holding candy-filled pillow cases or pumpkin pails. come a knocking. Treat or treat. Oops trick or treat. Tis the reason for the season? Nah. But autumn’s charm and character certainly befits its weathered nuances to suit the spooktacular occasion of the upcoming eve. Bootiful I would say.
So be safe little ones and big ones. Allow the fun of the night, the treats, be more than the tricks. Yeah? Knock knock parents and smile. It’s show time. And at the end of the night, as the bounty is displayed and sorted of the do’s and don’ts of the loot….check check and check. Happy Halloween. Blessings.
Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers and for this Hallow’s eve to be safe for all. Amen
Karenpondering 