I was going through the contents of my personal memory chest, an old olive green hard-covered suitcase, this past Christmas. Kind of fun. And which, by the way, I realized I borrowed from my older sister over 40 years ago. She had good taste back then. LOL. Suitcase is in great shape still. Uh oh! I never gave it back. Yikes!! Sorry sister. Anyway, nostalgia. Pure and simple. It holds some of my most treasured keepsakes that I have gathered and saved over the years. Things I just did/do not want to let go of. Why in the world I kept all of these things?! Not like I am a hoarder or anything. I really am good at purging. Probably too good at times as my daughters have reminded me. Oh well. But regardless, it brings me happiness. Lots.

I chuckle and smile as I look over some of the collection of chaos nestled in the lined case. Old photos, awards/ribbons/ silver dollars won in sports, an old pennant, baseball team photos, newspaper clippings, my first train/plane ticket, report cards (what a hoot to look over) homemade cards from friends when our family moved away, cards and notes from students/friends, odd trinkets, a pressed flower from being a bridesmaid many moons ago, 4-H recipes for Baked Alaska and Raspberry Bavarian Cream (yummy), my girls artwork and hand-made cards to me, Mother’s Day place mat, certificates for workshops, Christmas ornaments, a popsicle stick memento box from middle girl, my grandpa’s poems, old coins, hospital baby pictures, hospital bracelet, Christmas song book, old journal….crazy happy mementoes. Honestly, a hodge-podge of sentiment. Love it!

And then I find a stack of letters, old letters wrapped in a rubber band, tucked way underneath the bits and pieces of chaos. Aha. Briefly leafing through them, I found I kept letters from friends, my grandmas and my mom. Good old fashioned, long hand-written letters written with heartfelt love. Archived stories and news of days gone by. Is this a lost art? When was the last time I sat down to write a letter to someone, anyone? Dear…..

Man, do I miss snail mail and stamps that were 6 cents. LOL. I remember going to the mailbox many a time during my university years and seeing a letter laying in the box, marked 343 or 203. How on earth do I remember those numbers from my residences? Huh. Anyway, I would take the stairwell, no slow elevator for me, running up taking two steps at a time, to my room and ripping open the news. Just knowing that someone took the time and wrote to me….so gratefully humbled now. I hope I conveyed that when I responded back. I hoped they knew without a shadow of a doubt that I was ever so thankful. And I wish I could have saved a few that I know I got rid of too. Hmmmm.

My heart has a bit of heaviness right now thinking of my mom in a home, her ability to write is no longer available to her. Those hands of hers, which now are laden with arthritic pain and shakiness, brought beauty to the pen. You know the kind where the hand could take the pen and form the letters with a flow and curve connecting so perfectly,, creating wonderful loving messages. It felt like home. And it was. Did not matter what she wrote, she had a way of making whatever she had to say come alive. And so too did her own mom. Funnily, she nor her mother, passed along the grade A penmanship. More like, chicken scratch would be apropos in describing my writing. LOL. I am not as bad as a doctor’s pen, but deciphering it…well my mom and grandma loved me.

I cannot remember the last time I wrote a letter by hand. I know that it would be mixed with print and cursive with a heaping spoonful of chicken scratch. I so remember the many periods during elementary school where we had to print or cursive line upon line of the alphabet, one letter at a time. How many would that be 26 letters x 187 instructional days x 10 school years =? But not today. Nope. I barely lift a pen unless I am doing crosswords or a grocery list or printing the alphabet as my granddaughters (when I am one or the other) learn the alphabet. Or sometimes creating a brain shower of ideas on a page for writing. Hail the digital age….ready fonts, big and small, bold or not. When was the last time a pen or pencil was picked up?

Well I know that I cannot stuff a computer or laptop or iPad in my treasure box to be tucked away and later looked at. Or at least I do not think so. But I do know that those letters written to me long ago are still there, safe and sound. The specialness and sentimental value of them are held steadfastly. I can still decipher who’s penmanship is who’s wonderfully enough. They are still with me, alive and well, even if on paper.

Is handwriting a lost art? It could be. But I think I better not talk about it but do something about it. I guess I am going to have to find some addresses. Oh my Lord. I just opened another can of worms. Addresses?! Never mind. I need my cell phone because heaven forbid I cannot remember phone numbers to get addresses (as I can email or facetime) so I can write a handwritten letter to with a stamp that is about what price now! It’s all good. Blessings.

Let us pray for those in need of prayers today and for those who would be so joyous to receive a letter from home. Peace.

PS. Lost art. Handwriting…say it is not so!!

Handwriting is more connected to the movement of the heart.

I don’t have bad handwriting, I’m just using my own font.

Handwriting says a million things about a person. Create.

As a person with terrible handwriting. I love the computer. I’ve waiting all my life as a computer.

Handwriting is an imprint of the self on the page.

I saw that bad handwriting should be regarded as a sign of an imperfect education.

And more….

The only thing that most people do better than anyone is read their own handwriting.

Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words.

Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.

Irony we want our handwriting to look like typed fonts and our computer fonts to look like handwritten texts.

Handwriting enables civilization.

Okay. It is time to get over the notion of protesting the natural order of things when it comes to the weather or whatever one’s latest peeve. Time to look at things from a different perspective such as the winter doldrums. Why? Because this is Canada, it has four seasons with a repeat, and it is only mid-January!! There is no hidden agenda with Mother Nature and living above the 49th parallel. Four seasons, not skip-a-season ticket available. So unless there is some sort of scientific apocalyptic seasonal happening taking place then, suck-it-up-butter cup; meaning moi ou vous!!

Having noticed that my seasoned bones have developed a sensitivity to the whirr and brr of icy-cold conditions, I need to get a jump start on things that I have no control over. In other words, the mind, heart, body and spirit scream out for a bit of a pick me up. Rejig the jig. So, I think a kick to the heels may be needed. Just need to do a self-check of the possibility of a ‘Betty Downer’ rabbit hole. Oops, sorry to all those named Betty.

I should put things into perspective here as many people do love winter, so this dollop of doldrums in winter is a bit pre-mature. You know what I am talking about. It begins with that little bit of gloom and glum followed by a more noticeable ‘woe is me’, which gradually seeps into the daily monologue or kitchen table chatter. Slowly the whittling away and corrosion of seasons, namely winter, masks the hidden gems of winter’s beauty. Betty Downer meet Positive Polly. Yes, the ears are not deceived and have heard correctly that the beauty and gift of winter is upon us. So what to do what to do? Don’t close the curtains.

Can you hear the solid crunch beneath your feet as you take the garbage and recycling out to end of lane? You bet. No need for a weather report. Although quite frankly the local weatherperson should be expanding his or her winter weather vocabulary beyond sunny, rain, overcast, cloudy, cold or icy in describing the day ahead. Anyway, when you see a clear morning with the sun out (like I did today) shining its glittery rays upon the landscape and you go out for a minute to do whatever, it is not the wearing the ‘slip-on crocs and no sock’ kind of day. The day should be enjoyed, embraced, as the feeling of the warmth of the sun hitting your face while standing in the winter landscape. For me I feel a sense of renewal, an energy source that enlivens my being, picks me right up and wraps me tight. Although I could use some sunglasses.

I did take a wander on google to look up the phrase, pick me up, and a number of interesting but startling words toppled out before me. Phrasing it as ‘pick-me-up’, the thesaurus took on a broad spectrum of thought for me with words such as restorative – shot in the arm – incentive – energizer – motivation – tonic – spark plug – motive – spur – catalyst to words like reviver – stimulus – upper – drug – analeptic. I was not thinking about a substance induced stimulant need kind of pick-me-up but more of an encouraging invigorating cheerful manner of seeking a happy. But me being me, my mind naively did not consider the breadth of the phrase pick-me-up. So it will be whatever will be.

Wouldn’t that be a great question on Family Feud to see what the top 100 people surveyed would say ” What would be considered a pick me up?” Would the survey results look different when adding layers to the question such as winter? Earlier I said don’t close the curtains. I mean that. Let the world in. I do not care for that closed in feeling when there is a tendency to hibernate more often in winter. Windows have to be shut but do the curtains? You know the song, “So, let the sun shine in, face it with a grin, smilers never lose and frowners never win.” Where did that come from? LOL.

Anyway, sitting by my daughter’s window and looking outside, the sun teems in, bringing in glimmer of cheer regardless of the temperature in the air. Its rays bounce and glitter, shining brightly in such a calm and peaceful manner, highlighting the quiet of the snow laden blanket allowing the unspoken story to rest beneath. My daughter does not care for the glare and brightness but me I just move over. Right now back home a storm is unfolding even as I write, putting the island under siege to the elements of winter, wind and snow and blustery cold. What kind of lifting of the spirits could be attached to snowstorm? Well shiver me timbers, cozy in. Best feeling to be wrapped up in the warmth of sweaters, turtle necks and thermal underwear. You bet.

I think it does not really take much to find a ‘pick me up’ even if you only want to get over the hump of something. Life can get too overwhelming, too routine, too busy, too many commitments, too boring, too cold, too hot, too same old same old, too sad, too happy, too….you fill in the blank. Once recognized that the ‘blues’ is in, call CAA. LOL. No, just breathe first. And don’t make the pick-me-up too overwhelming or big for goodness sake as that defeats the purpose. In other words, don’t close the curtains. Blessings.

Let us pray for those who are in need of our prayers today and for those who are in need or could use a wondrous cheer today.

FYI: Small tiny pick-me-ups from one, two, three, others to consider or add own to your list:

Go outside and smell the roses or admire the tall mounds of snow you shovelled.

Shower and clean up.

Cry. Laugh. Smile, Chuckle, Cry again. Laugh again.

Eat a chocolate chip cookie.*

Nap time.

Look at old pictures. New pictures.

Get a hug, give a hug, or elbow.

Enjoy being alone.

Hop in the truck and drive. *

Bake something yummy.

Sunset and sunrises and sit a spell.

Give yourself a gift. Or go out and get a gift for someone who does not expect it.

Watch or listen or read to fav music, movies, books, podcasts, Youtube

Remember its Sunday.

Feeling of a long hot shower.

Watching someone share something they are passionate about…see lights go on in eyes.*

Smell after the rain. Or listening to rain on the roof.

Putting on the comfy clothes after a day of work clothes.

Crashing waves, walking along shore.*

Be the first person to put knife into the peanut butter jar.

Having a dog to pet at a small small social gathering when you do not know anyone.

Finding money in your pocket.

When you look at messages and see a name from a person that makes you smile.*

Extra fries in bottom of your takeout.

Going barefoot on grass or standing in the ocean on a hot muggy day.*

Seeing an elderly couple holding hands.

Having a good pen.*

Text an emoji or gif to a friend or family member.*

“The time has come the walrus said to talk of many things….” (Lewis Carrol’s poem, The Walrus and the Carpenter) of winter – and covid19 – and weather forecast – of kindness – and travel – and vaccines. Why the booster is up for debate – and whether we mask or take on double wings. Returning to Ontario after a month back home, it was a great drive thankfully and arrived safely. Much to the worry lines on my dad’s forehead as I did not tell him when I was returning. He would only worry and I had enough to think about along the way. Sorry dad, can’t have everything you want. (That is another story.)

Actually the drive to PEI in early December was good as well as I left around 7 pm at night from a small bubble Christmas meet with a few special people. I had monitored the forecast daily as December drew near, figuring out what would be the best time to leave. Winter can be unpredictable as all well-travelled people know. Not that I am seasoned traveller to parts unknown but I know the trek from Ontario to PEI like the back of my hand…literally. I have done it enough times over the past 11 years or so after my grandson was born and my middle daughter became, my island daughter. Anyway it was a clear, crisp night and traffic was surprisingly fair to moderate considering I took the 401. I drove straight through arriving on the island the next day around 4:30 pm, 19 hour drive. No stops outside of gas and washroom break. A bit tired on the behind let me tell you but hey safe and sound.

Safe and sound takes on a whole different meaning travelling across country through the different provinces these days. Double masked for me, gloves on, and limited exposure to people. What a holiday!! But that is apropos right now. And until it changes, zip in and out. The only down side of the drive to PEI was that I really got tired around 3 am in the morning as most of the drive was night driving. Not that I mind but the body says what the body says. And let me tell you it was cold pulling over at a rest stop. Thankfully winter coat, blanket, pillow, mitts and hat, locked doors (oh yes washroom break)….good to go. Must have had a 40 minute power nap because I woke up feeling refreshed. Funny that.

I think it is best not to drive along the eastern highway from Riviere de Loup to New Brunswick and then Rte 2 (super duper highway) in New Brunswick. The weather can be so crazy and so unpredictable especially in the winter, early spring or late fall. I have done them all. It is mountainous for quite a bit of the drive until you get to the capital city and head east to Moncton. And never mind the sign with the flashing lights of ‘beware of MOOSE’ along the TransCanada highways. Touch wood, I would not want to run into a moose at ALL but I would really like to see one up close (but not too personal) one day. Just saying.

Anyone travelling these days it is good to find out the provincial protocols as well. NB asks for prior permission to come into province just in case you are stopped. But on the island. Well that is another cup of tea….not the calming kind of tea if you get my drift. Once you are over the bridge it is testing. And then you have to let them know where you are staying and then you have to get a second test on Day 4 or 5. Yep. But all that has changed at this point as the cases have become unprecedented since Covid 19 began.

Yes. One day this too shall pass. Not today and not tomorrow for sure. I noticed when driving along the Ontario highways, the message was clear…get vaccinated. I would say at every 20 km there was a neon road sign that flashed the message “Stay safe, get vaccinated”. I am wondering if covid19 will become part of the repertoire of expected illnesses like the common cold, flu or even pneumonia??

Anyway travelling back at 3:45 am in the morning from the island the day after New Years, where I was only in darkness for a wee bit, the day was perfect for travelling. I had a two day window according the Weather Channel of good weather from PEI to Barrie. Not going to mess with it so arrived that night at 9:30 pm and yes straight through. Thank the Lord for technology and advanced satellite systems. Woohoo. Travelling I try to miss the peak times. Of course in NB, there are not really any peak times driving on the super duper highway 2 (my little name for it) which can be good or bad for weather. Speed limit is 110 km which of course translates to 120 km or so. If you like trees and more trees then that is the route for you. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder and honestly the ice on the rocky terrain along the highway is beautiful to look at. And the evergreens ladened with snow takes your breath away. Sight to behold.

I love getting in my truck and travelling despite the parameters of travel and Covid restrictions. It is funny really how the term Covid and its associated words or phrases have become part and parcel of the language of the day. The dictionary has probably changed over the last two years, adding to the definitions or examples or even the thesaurus. I have not looked but I am guessing that is maybe the case.

Don’t you find that things often work out, despite the worry or fret or days of over thinking. Things work out for a reason. What are the odds my oldest daughter wants to go back to school and she cannot get daycare. So lo and behold I can go. But then my island daughter sells her home and needs a place to stay without uprooting and being in a strange place. And in the meantime, I am fully vaccinated so I can visit my folks and siblings and be closer with my other two daughters too. Things work out.

Someone called me being a “homeless with suitcase mom/sister/daughter” right now. Yes on the one hand that may be true. Not sure what is ahead as life is not ‘normal’ so to speak. But I get to lay my head where a space has been provided for me by the kindness of my oldest daughter and sister/dad as they allow me to ‘crash’ in their respective homes (and Maggie May). Do I miss home and family? Yes. But then again, Mi casa et tu casa.

So for now, I get to be with my youngest granddaughter (oh yes I miss my other two grandchildren, and family/friends) and experience her . However, I could have done without the temper tantrum and noise level of the little one today. Yep. Been there done that, now it is on repeat with the new generation. Sucks to be me. Not in the slightest. LOL. Remember patience is a virtue.

Now (or hopefully if the booster works out for me in Ontario) I get to continue to see and love my mom face to face. Touching her. And giving her a kiss (mask on); and who still knows me, calls me by name once and awhile. Tears here. Or if the restrictions change then I will jump up and down at her window. Hopefully she looks. Hey mom, over here. But also to be a part of my older sister’s life and enjoying her, helping her, supporting her too as it is not easy living with two alpha men, our dad and her hubby. Breathe. Even seeing my brother and family too. Bonus. Oops. Cannot forget my dad too. Yes, being with you, listening to your stories of old again and again and again and…yes again dad. LOL.

And if that is not enough to fill me up, I have been gifted to experience and watch my youngest and oldest daughters’ grow and mature right before my eyes as I had the pleasure for last few years with their island sister. Something that has been unexpected but truly welcomed. All of this happened and is happening on the way from PE to ON to PE to ON. Blessings.

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

Not that you want to know the ins and outs of bathroom activity but sometimes when you are contemplating life while on the throne so to speak, you find your mind wandering; sometimes even searching around for some reading material or putting another thing on your “honey do list” if you are so inclined. Besides the kitchen, the bathroom decor gets the most use. Literally. LOL. I have to smile when I think of those books you can buy at Chapters or any used book stores of that infamous book For the Bathroom Reader. Let’s face it, we have all been there, done that. Too much information?? Yeah. Anyway I think there is a lot of thinking that goes on in the quiet of one’s morning constitution unless of course you have only one bathroom or you have little children who like to join you or the cell phone starts ringing. Geez. Getting old before my time. Oops getting sidetracked.

This morning I was thinking of my mom’s bathroom and birthdays. How in the world my mind goes to those places, I have no idea. But since I can remember, she had this long rectangular framed wooden calendar hung on the wall of the main bathroom. And as I was saying earlier, your mind can wander at times while doing your business and in this particular case, your eyes may find themselves glancing up and voila….you see this perpetual calendar with dates, name and years on it. (FYI, a perpetual calendar is not made for one year and discarded but a forever calendar designed with no year date attached to it, only the months shown or some facsimile thereof). Sometimes when visiting the little girls room, I find I glance over at the calendar automatically. Funnily my mind will notice things when I should be focusing on the business at hand, instead of noting that my mom did not change the month!!. Or holy moly, I forgot so and so’s birthday or anniversary. Or doing a quick calculation in my head to the realization that I did not know so and so was THAT old. TMI. My bad.

But, I am grateful for that perpetual calendar. Not only does it have the birth dates of the living but also mom put the end date of those dearly departed. It is not something I want to forget. Sometimes in the still quiet of the night, I feel the spirit warming my heart as I think of those who have left this earthly place. It brings much joy and sometimes freely falling tears of love. Although the ache of the loss of loved ones never leaves, it is profoundly felt especially now as December opens with Advent season as Christmas draws near. And of course, the rejoicing in the birth of Jesus, love born on Christmas. Hmmmm.

Birthdays. Celebrating a new page of your life and if you are fortunate to have friends and family, celebrating their day too. Acknowledging YOU. You are here. Oh the joy of getting older. Now let’s face it, not everyone sees a birthday as a celebration. It may even be depressing, sort of like birthday blues. Oh my. Growing older can be a bit off putting at times but maybe we should look at it as seeing how far we have come, celebrating the birth itself. Thanking God for you. Wow! Being born and being alive. Fantastic!!

Yes, there might be a tinge of hurt and loneliness, if people in your life do not even remember your birthday after awhile. Sorry for that feeling. I wonder how many people would remember birthdays if Facebook was not around? Thank goodness for small mercies….kind of like a perpetual calendar. Yet, on the other hand, if you do not tell people it is your birthday then what? It is kind of a catch 22 or even a conundrum. But thankfully God has your picture on his Samsung refrigerator to remind you, you are not alone. Just saying.

This week I celebrated my 62nd birthday. I did it!! Thank you Lord. Where did the time go? I have no idea. It is not something to hide from, although many have a thing about keeping it a state secret. Not sure why. Although I think of my mom right now who seems to celebrate her being 29 each year so I am not quite sure how that works and how I could possibly surpass her but hey, there are mysteries that cannot be explained. It behooves me to think that I have been on this planet for a long time, like 743 months, 1 week, 6 days, 5 hours, 13 minutes and 19 seconds to be exact. But the clock keeps ticking. LOL.

In celebrating my birthday, I can honestly say I have grown older but have I grown up? Well that is debatable as my brother might say to me. I guess I am on the hill now. Does this mean that I am needing more prune juice, velcro shoes, A5-35, fiber ….nah. You are as old as you feel. I got this.

A birthday is a precious gift no matter how young or old you are. And I am most grateful for the best wishes of family and friends that I have received past and present. My well is filled to the brim. To know that it is a new year before you of a new beginning, full of possibilities, of new tomorrows and promises, and a chance to meet the challenges in everything you try.

Let this day, if it is your day, be one of love and heartfelt joy in celebrating YOU. Know that this note comes with heartfelt love and joy for you on this day. As George Meredith shared “don’t just count your years, make your years count.” Wherever the year ahead takes you, I hope it’s happy. Blessings.

Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers and keeping the celebration of birthdays alive and well for all.

Bit of birthday humour….

After 30, a body has a mind of its own. ~ Bette Midler

Live your life and forget your age, ~ Norman Peale

Middle age is when you’re sitting at home on a Saturday night and the telephone rings and you hope it isn’t for you. ~Ogden Nash

Just remember, once you’re over the hill you begin to pick up speed. ~Charles Schulz

The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age. ~Lucille Ball

It’s important to have a twinkle in your wrinkle. ~Author Unknown

The good thing about getting older is if you don’t want to do something you can say, I’m too old to do that! ~Kate Summers

You’ve heard of the three ages of man: Youth, middle age, and you’re looking wonderful. ~ Cardinal Spellman

Artificial intelligence is a wonderful thing. I told my computer that today is my birthday, and it said that I need an upgrade. ~ Author Unknown

Age is a number and mine is unlisted. ~ Author Unknown

I watched the Remembrance Day National Ceremony shown live at the National War Memorial in Ottawa last week. It was quite moving especially with the videographers panning and capturing the faces of those who attended the memorial. Covered in masks for the most part, the participants eyes spoke volumes to me. Is there not a saying somewhere that the eyes are like windows to your soul or something like that? Maybe William Shakespeare? Anyway, I was struck by the gamut of expression telling their own story; eyes expressing many emotions in their depths. The holding back of unshed tears, clouded looks, sightless peering off into the distance, tightly squeezed eyes shut, unguarded thoughts…maybe of memories from yesteryear. Yet they stand there proudly in the midst of the many, a young and old gathering of the human heart.

How do we support keeping the ‘remembering’ and hold steadfastly the memories of those men and women who gave up their own lives so that we as a country can enjoy the unbelievable fruits of their sacrifices. As I was readying myself for the moment of silence, I surfed the net seeking out pieces of work connected to Remembrance Day and I came across a video clip on Youtube. One piece in particular spoke volumes to me titled a A Pittance of Time, a music video written and performed by Terry Kelly many moons ago. I believe he is a Canadian folk singer from the Maritimes. Talk about moving the heart, the song jiggled and jostled me inside and out prompting my eyes in shedding a tear or two. How the video creates such a poignant telling message in such a way to provoke a response to “stop and pause” for just a pittance of time?? Wow! Perfect words for me because for goodness sake, can we not pause for a moment!!

The realization that many peoples across the world living today have not experienced such wars and devastations as from our past does not bode well for keeping the memories alive. An old adage of ‘we do not know what we do not know’ makes it difficult to give real meaning to the many horrors and devastations that have reeked havoc historically and still continue in certain parts of our world to this day. The why what where who when and how falls and fails in its learnings and losses from the past, shaping and molding our present and future. I think that is why the phrase ‘pittance of time’ speaks to me so strongly and heartrendingly. To give over for just a moment, a stoppage to one’s ‘busy’ lived life and allowing such a day like Remembrance Day for instance, to be honoured and commemorated.

Moving moments, a mere pittance of time. What prevents the pause? Hmmmm. Do you not have a song or passage or poem or saying or image or book or even a tradition that for some reason you hold on to, bring out (if you remember) at different times over the course of the year? No matter how many times you have listened, heard, read, touched or carried the experience out, it tugs at the heartstrings, making an indelible impression; affecting the heart, mind, spirit, funny bone. Oh I have lots of them and they are so good to hold on to.

The feeling of those touching moments, times where you are awe struck, captivated, paused. I think we need ‘a pittance’ of poignant once in awhile. Don’t you? Does that sound kind of crazy? The spirit within seems to be in need of a sliver of a teardrop, a chortle, a sigh, a happiness to come in, even a sadness too so as to stir the soul within for a bit, the heart of you.

November is a perfect month, albeit darker shorter daylight in the day, to sidle up to slowing your roll, grabbing the clock as it were (or digital watch or Big Ben or hourglass or timepiece or Apple watch etc) and awakening to the changes marked by giving over to this month that has been dedicated to memories of loved ones gone, past and present. It does not take much out of your day, next to nothing really, to spend a candlelit time so to speak. A mere pittance of time.

Yes there will be plenty of memories that are quite nostalgic in nature, putting you into a space of smiles and chuckles, unsullied and joyful, as you muse about the past of a person you are thinking of. To give over to the memory and give it a tiny amount of you and your time, you may pull up that old letter from them (email or twitter or Facebook today), play an old song, look at old photos, or maybe even cook a meal that reminds you of them. But on the other side, often with a greater intensity of emotion, some memories can come crashing in which are not so life-giving in nature, resurrecting and bringing up old thoughts of anger or sadness or hurt onto wards the loss of someone. I refer to them as triggers. Sometimes these come out of the blue and other times not so much because a certain event or situation triggers an onslaught of long ago thought to be forgotten feelings. Hmmm.

The act of remembering is a gift whether it evokes joyful glee and heel-kicking or filled with a deep sadness and sorrow and regret. Remembering does something for you and I…it gives each of us our own story, snippets of mini moments, that shape us in some way. A wondrous realization of thanksgiving and forgiveness.

Light up a life in remembrance even if for a pittance of time. Blessings today.

Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers and for those who struggle with remembering and keeping memories.

It is apple pie and cinnamon time. Fresh loaves of bread newly out of the oven. Tasty preserves and canning galore lining the counters of many a home. Trekking through the treed archway laden with a thick carpet of colour. Can you not smell the rich familiar aromas wafting their way through the market stalls? I welcome the fall with open arms from its’ radiant colours to the crisp chilly air to the bounty of harvest abounding eatables. Everywhere I look I see the vivid signs of autumn being shared, a wealth of resplendent beauty to the human eye. There is something about the hue of the autumn celestial and earthen palette that speaks to my very soul, offering a peace and gentle quiet. Can colours have such an impact? Oh yes I say, oh yes.

What is it about the fall that creates a homey cozy feeling within? Do you not remember those times in your childhood and youth where the wonder of the seasons come to play in your own backyard? I can think back to the many times my dad or mom would rake the leaves into neat piles around the yard. And we being kids would very kindly and most carefully plow through them, causing havoc and chaos with the leaves. Yes, good times had by all. Well some of us at least.

The autumn splendour captures the heart and mind with its dramatic antonymic presence. The brilliance of autumn colours while baring the trees of its clothes; the fresh cool air while blustery winds sweep deep; the playful crunch of the fallen leaves while blanketing for change of season ahead; rich arrayed palette of earth and sky while leading to the dark of winter; and a balance of light while darkness. It is a time of preparing to letting go, a tell tale sign of nature’s cycle releasing things that have been a burden.

Christopher Hill, a writer of Holidays and Holy Nights, talks of the onset of fall as “the dynamics of the fall of the year have the sweep of a great symphony or an epic poem.” I am not sure why autumn does such stirrings to heart and mind. Maybe it is the boldness of the colours blended and interwoven so beautifully into the earth and sky. You can be quite riveted just in your stance, solidly cemented in your walk, to the lyrical sway and soaring of colour. It is more than a splash but a canvas capturing a moment of significance. Can the magnificence of what is before truly be real?

Autumn creates a place for readiness. Change is obviously inevitable as you can see and feel. Sadly I have placed summer sandals up on the shoe rack, sitting squarely with its worn torn soles from plenty of walk and talks, galavanting and scouring the rocky shores and cliffs and sand and surf. No more. And with that the cool nights of August bright have moved to a chilliness, which calls out for the sweaters and toques, and bulky attire befitting the quilted bedspread that has found its way atop the sleeping cozy berth. Did I mention cozy?

Getting a text last evening from my sister she shares the closing down of summer ware. Putting to rest in the shed, the screens and chairs, barbecues and umbrellas, toys and nets. Chopping back the foliage along the lane, readying for the upcoming snowplowing of lane. The fleeting nature of the seasons, all is put to bed. But in that, it is okay. Your mind can adapt to change, a consciousness that sees the goodness and spends the time dwelling of living daily to the fullest.

Living fully, you have affection for life lived, the world around you. You take in autumn, knowing that it is momentary, but still abounding with all its gorgeousness and majesty, and embrace the gifts of nature’s best. Have you ever heard of Tibetan monks practice the turning of teacups. I am not sure why I am thinking of it now. But somewhere in a distant memory I recall that they would turn their teacup face down at night….maybe as a way of saying you never know how life turns. But in the morning they awake and then turn teacup right side up, seeing a new day to celebrate. It’s all good. Yes because you can kick and shout and frolic. Yes frolic. It is not such a bad thing to do. Be playful. Romp. Prance. Bounce. Why not? Hahaha.

Although autumn can be fleeting in nature, dramatic even, it has a character and charm about it; almost like a study in contrasts. Does that make sense? I think of the squirrels and chipmunks scurrying around, gathering the fruits of nature’s labour, to store up for the upcoming season of bare and cold. Lean times ahead. Message or reminder for us maybe. Yet you watch them in the gathering of necessary food, they do the romp and frolic and scamper. In other words, having the time of their life. Why ever not? The bounty of the harvest is plentiful, much like the tradition of Thanksgiving and thanksgiving meal. So celebrate. The signal of autumn equinox coming, dark and light of days doing a balancing act draws near. So frolic, for goodness sake. (: Before dark takes over at 4:30 at night and does not leave until 7:45 am the next day. Grrrr.

Enjoy the day, rain or shine, dark or light, autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go (Randy Frazier). Blessings to you all this day.

Hoodies, hot cocoa, boots, jeans, cuddling, crisp air, flushed cheeks. I live for Autumn. ~coolnsmart.com

I always start running in the fall. Not all of me, just my nose. ~coolpun.com

A distinct smell…a mixture of the dried leaves on the ground and the smoke from the chimneys and the sweet ripe apples. ~bestquite.com

I remember when the only things that tasted like pumpkin….were pumpkins. ~maxine.com

My leaves are dead. Everyone come over with your rakes and pay your respects. ~maxine.com

Notice that autumn is the season of the soul than of nature. ~Friedrich Nietzsche

Anyone who thinks that fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing in the wind. ~ Shira Tamar

Autumn wins you best by this its mute appeal to sympathy for its decay. ~ Robert Browning

No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, no fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds — November!” ~Thomas Hood

I love a brisk fall leaves especially when the wind blows into the neighbours yard. ~maxine.com

See it, smell it, taste it, and forget the time of day or year. Autumn needs no clock or calendar. ~ Hal Borland

What are the things that we most value in life? Can you name them off the top of your head? At this moment it is time and what is happening with the time given and spent? I think of J. R. R. Tolkien’s words from the Fellowship of the Ring. He said, “all we have to decide is what to do with the time we are given.” Do you look at the day before you and say, “What a great day! Thank you for this time”? Having time, just being able to have it, that is what is meaningful. And each day you wake up, you have been given the time to do and be and see and feel all that is around you. I think of my grandpa and remember what he said to me so many moons ago, “when I woke up and could feel the floor beneath my feet, it was a good day“. It is a memory with a lasting message that means more to me now than ever before.

Deep breath here. Time. The cycle of time, that goes by so fast, continuous, never ending, and beckons one in asking the question “how was time spent?” Oh my. Where to start? Do I talk about me getting up way too early this morning because I wanted a few moments to myself. Why one may ask? Well it is a great question. So lately, my reality has been, taking care of my granddaughter. Yes, for the next little while I get to babysit my youngest granddaughter, bless her little 19-month old heart. Why? No brainer. I love my grandkids. But seriously, there is a daycare shortage of spaces available in Ontario, especially for under two year olds. So those who have daycare, be in gratitude because it is very difficult to find daycare during this time. Thankfully I can help out.

Spending time with my youngest granddaughter is a gift beyond measure. However, I must qualify that too. Let’s just say that I am recognizing that my brain works way better than the body parts of me, especially my knees, memory of songs, and arm muscles. Lifting a little one seems cute until you lift and carry her for a bit as her little legs are tired from the outdoor park/walk or has a booboo or the playground equipment as height and such are not a thing to her. Then indoor play. For goodness sake, invest in knee pads if you are over 60. These old knees are susceptible to bone creaking and no give and take on an unforgiving carpetless floor and play area. LOL. Thank goodness for the invention of those puzzle pieced Disney spongy floor mats (grateful to my daughter for the purchase too). Yes, I kneel, lay, sit, crawl on those little Disney princesses picture images emboldened in the mat because I need to (sorry princess girls). Little one, PLEASE stay on the mat. Hahaha. Listening skills 101. Well she needs practice in hearing me. Aaaaahhhhh.

Being with one grandchild does not allow me to spend time with my much missed other two grandkids. It is not as if I can be in two places at once unless I purchase the state of the art Harry Potter’s Hermione’s Time Turner. Kind of a bittersweet quandary to feel not being able to be with both. Yet, time can be stopped, paused, captured, fully alive too. Praise to the cell phone makers and shakers, testing the endless limits to what that device can do. Or the new version of reality presence, you got zoomed. Unbelievable! Regardless, in a matter of seconds beautiful faces come to the screen just waiting to be pinched. Haha. How the world has changed. FYI: Do not for a second think that I would replace face to face but I’ll save the pondering of the nuances of video chat/zoomed” world for another time.

Anyway, last weekend, I was given a couple of moments in time with my mom that moved me to pause the time; hold onto for a second. So the Saturday my sister and I went to visit my mom in nursing home. We caught her sleeping in her wheelchair and woke her up. I am not sure if that did it, but she was serious and kept this kind of blank fierce stare for most of visit. Now my older sister can be quite crusty with her jokes, teasing and egging mom on, trying to get her going. Nothing would do. One moment her face was fierce looking and the next tears rolled down her eyes. Holy moly. We, my sister and I, had our masks on, and tears began to roll down our cheeks too. It was such a tender, heartbreaking and poignant moment of not knowing the why. I could see my mom trying to push out words but they would not come out. Nothing. Which made it harder to stop the flow of tears streaming down her face and ours. Geez. Holy mighty Lord. Why? My sister bent over and said to our mom, “Mom I am so sorry this is happening to you. I wish it did not. So much.” Hard to leave. So grateful it was supper time because somehow the word supper brought mom back. Dementia is not nice.

But the next day on my visit, with my dad and me this time, to see her, she was smiles and seemed to be in good spirits. We had a good visit. She even seemed to be able to respond to questions as I asked her how come our brother’s name begins with “M” but the three girls all have “k” sounding names. What’s up with that? She laughed when dad said well the name “Kucky” would not do. Must be an inside joke between them. LOL. It was a beautiful visit and more so towards end of time, when we took her to lunch, my mom reached out her hand to my dad as I wheeled her chair down the all and they held hands to the dining room. I am telling you in that moment, a time of love etched in my mind, I am most grateful. Each moment of time counts if we only but know it.

Time is precious, don’t you find? Although if you are a clock watcher, time seems to slow down. It does not go any faster if you give it the ‘eye’ or ‘the look’ as you monitor its lack of progress. LOL. I have heard that the best things take time, which does not give permission to always be late. One pet peeve of mine is hearing ‘just 5 more minutes’. Honestly it still bothers me to this day. Trying to get your child up in time to get to school on time, there would be a voice echoing down the hall, “just 5 more minutes”. I see RED. I mean it. Not one of my finer moments as a mom. Ugh. Seriously. So this past summer when we were getting things ready for the wedding day ahead, my daughter still sleeping, said sleepily “just 5 more minutes”. Nine years since I heard that. But this time, haha, I walked out. Lesson learned. LOL.

So for now, be patient with the time you have. It is not the quantity but the quality of time in what you choose to do with it as you will. For time funnily enough, does not wait for you, it keeps on ticking. And you can waste time for you cannot retrieve it. I think a realistic phrase by my middle daughter recently saying “woulda shoulda coulda”. It is so true. But time is ours even though many would say are you kidding. But it is. You can choose. It may appear less than altruistic to others of how you use it, but it is a valuable and precious resource that each of us has in our grasp.

So cheers to time, active time that is relentless, irreversible, wasted, controlled, elusive. Give the gift of time to those whom are in need. Blessings.

Time passes too quickly when your getting ready to do something you do not want to do. ~Courtney Summers

Realize that you have the time to whine and complain about it you have the time to do something about it. ~Anthony D’Angelo

Learn to appreciate what you have, before time makes you appreciate what you had. ~Unknown

Time takes it all, whether you want it to or not. Stephen King, The Green Mile

I always arrive late to the office but I make up for it by leaving early. ~Quotesgram

It’s almost bed time. So I’ll just check my email, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and watch my one of my favourite season show on Netflix.~ coolfunnyjokes.com

It is not enough to be busy. The question is: what are we busy about? Henry D Thoreau

We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they’re called memories. Some take us forward, they’re called dreams. ~ Jeremy Irons

If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves. Maria Edgeworth

I have 206 bones, 650 muscles, 50 billion cells in my body. It takes time to wake up all of them up in the morning. ~coolfunnyquotes.com

Whether it is the best of times or the worst of times, its the only time we got. ~ Art Bushwald

Time is precious….waste it wisely. ~cherrybam.com

With money, you can buy a clock. But not time. ~Chinese Proverb

Don’t say “There’s still time” or “Maybe next time”. Because there is also the concept of “It’s too late.” ~ Anon

This past summer, I witnessed a gift and blessing that I have really not fully appreciated until recently. I know that I have not given the event its due. What in the world! An event!! Am I for real? How insignificant in word choice? Event!! Holy lightning!! Just put it down to writer’s block and inappropriateness here, a lapse in honouring these two special people. For goodness sake!! My daughter got married and no it was not an event but a holy moly MY DAUGHTER GOT MARRIED! Woohoo! Yippee!! Hooray!!! Glory be!!!! Kick the heels! She did it!! I mean they, the two, both of them, yes…got married. Tied the knot. Wed. Got hitched. Two became one. Bless their hearts.

I want to say before I go any further that I do not want to embarrass my daughter with my thoughts but I probably will. So I am going to apologize now, seek forgiveness and oops, sorry daughter of mine.

I’m calm now. Yes, my middle daughter and fiancee got married this summer during the pandemic. They had been planning it for 2 years and had to postpone it last summer with the hope of the remnants of Covid-19 would be well behind. Let’s hear it for the bride and groom. Oops. Nope. A toast to a cancelled wedding. Not funny. So they decided no more waiting because at the end of the day, what was most important to them – – to be wed. And to be honest, the worry and fret involved in planning a normal wedding (which is up for debate) exasperated by the protocols and rules of pandemic social distancing etc, created a mountain of crazy. How in the world to answer the swirl of questions….who could come or not come, who to invite and not invite, how to make people feel welcomed and safe (operative word), seating. Flight-no flight. No dance-dance. Hug – no hug. Inside – outside. Book – not book.

I look back to that late August afternoon with the sunlight shining gloriously upon the couple before us with wonder. I saw my beautiful and gracious daughter stand before the man she loves responding to a time honoured traditional life altering question, with “I do“. And so too did he!! With those two little words spoken freely and willingly by both while holding hands, they professed their commitment to one another. Tears welled up in my eyes, slowly flowing of own volition, down my face (no makeup to worry about here just so you know) while I smiled with joy and happiness in my heart. Oh my.

The few days leading up to the wedding, the kindness of the people involved in making the wedding preparation and the day became a dream come true from start to finish, were realized. As the tent went up, the furniture positioned, the wondrous and generous hands that prepared and served the evening meal for the wedding rehearsal, the hosts (groom’s parents) of the wedding, the presider over the wedding and her encouragement, the host for the bride team (grooms aunt and uncle) in opening their home to utter chaos with hair and makeup frenzy, all led up to the special moments of joy and happiness.

No words can express the delightful and overwhelming feeling within me as I escorted my daughter down the aisle (lawn), with my middle granddaughter in my arms and the oldest sister (maid of honour) with her daughter in her arms in front of us. And my youngest daughter being the day event organizer /decorator and ‘go to’ person extraordinaire standing on the sidelines carefully monitoring any glitches. Family affair. LOL.

And then when turning the corner to go up the aisle, it was a sight to be told. For there before us were the “brothers” of the groom, men who have been with him for a long time, 9 groomsmen/bestman, and the loving and kind “sisters” of the bride, 7 bridesmaids/maid of honour (two missing unfortunately) standing before their beloved brother and sister. All present to give witness to their love and support and friendship for the bride and groom. And that is the aha for me.

Why? I am drawn to two words right now, like and love. The nuances of both words conjure up many images for me from one’s own lived experiences and observations. I came across this quote from Buddha who seems to always have a lesson on life. What is the difference between “I like you” and “I love you.” Beautifully answered by Buddha….When you like a flower, you just pluck it; but when you love a flower you water it daily. One who understands this, understands life.

I am thinking what a garden these two people, bride and groom, have grown on own and now together. For looking at the wedding party, each person, unique and special, have been plucked and have plucked from the garden. Something about them is likeable. So much so that they have remained friends over a period of years; some since childhood. Wow! Just wow. Being liked is so important. However if each were plucked then they would not survive for a long period of time. Sidebar here. Pluck gives me the willies. Kind of reminds me of a chicken being plucked. Hmmmmm. Why did I like this quote? Hahaha. I think I would like to replace the word pluck with pick or select. In that plucked does not mean long lasting. You need to love them too, which means the care of them such as watering them. Does that make sense?

What are the odds of two people meeting, connecting, be friending, and then by some miracle of wondrous miracles, somehow transforms into something much deeper much richer. How does it happen? How do two people who meet randomly become friends? How do they come to a place where they want to stay friends? Then the friend zone turns into possibility of the more. In other words, they find themselves wanting to move to a place of thinking…. “you are it for me”. Well, don’t tell me it is rocket science. For it cannot be. What draws one to another?

I think that is the conclusion I have come to believe when friendship becomes more. Like and love are visibly present. It is such a beautiful awareness to see unfold before your eyes. And I could kick myself because I did not express my thoughts to them when I had a chance during the speeches at the wedding. Firstly I was not expecting to go first and so, thoughtful words just flew out the window. Secondly I was already blubbery so goodness how could they even hear me say anything. And thirdly, I do not do well under pressure. What you get is what you get. Sorry kids.

But, what did I want to say to them? Well, after watching the two exchange their vows, I was humbled by the emotional moment before me. Oops, I do need to qualify that point. What I should be saying was my new son-in-law stared into my daughters eyes for long periods of time while my daughter, bless her big heart, seemed to look downward a few times. Why? Knowing her as I do, she would start to cry and that would not do. Kleenexes were everywhere, daughter of mine. No offence, son-in-law. Okay?

But no, what I wanted to say to them was they not only love each other but they like one another too. They are friends. As the above saying suggests, you pluck a flower because you like it. But you do not want to just like but to love too. Meaning caring for it. If I go into a garden I am drawn to different flowers. My go to flower is a sun flower. It is so cheery and joyful to look at. I planted some this summer and holy moly, they grew up. I mean way up like the Jolly Green Giant height. I think I made a mistake on height restrictions. Obviously I could not read the fine print. Anyway, there is something about the sunflower that I like. I automatically smile when I see the flower, no matter if real or fake. It brings that out in me. Naturally I have no idea if it likes me back because let’s face it there is no smile in return. LOL.

However if I pull on the sunflower and hold the flower in my hand because I like it, it will not survive. I have to allow it to continue to grow, give it what it needs. In other words, I not only have to like it but love it as well. Hence, the water. For the things that I like about the sunflower will not blossom if it not tended. Loved.

So love when it comes, I think it reflects what Thomas Moore has quoted in that “a friendship like love is warm; a love like friendship, steady.” And for me, what I have been given a glimpse of is a friendship grown into a love.

To all those who have said “I do”. May the blessings of the day be with you always. Like each other, love each other… daily. Blessings.

Let us pray for all those whom are in need of prayers and know that you are liked and loved always.

What a beautiful day…four days ago. LOL. Honestly I loved that morning. The sun was out, clouds were fluffy, sky was blue with a slight breeze off the water. The sun touched everything with a smile. Just wanted to wrap in the cheery.

There is so much around us that we miss. It is right in front of us….a laugh, a smile, a jolt to the heart, a wish, a promise, a hope, a present. Yes just take a boo. Is it any wonder that we live in a wondrous place, a world full of all kinds of things to enjoy if we would only see what is before us? Of course there are things behind us too but oh well and I do not have my teacher eyes on anymore. LOL. You know the kind where young people are acting up behind you but you can ‘see’ or they believe you can as you turn around and hone in on the little imps. Oh the many times I can remember in teaching. But then as parents we have that honing or radar device too.

But this morning, I put on a sweatshirt. Cloudy, misty rain feeling in the air, and breeze. Really!! Yes. Today is a bit cool for a July morning. But to be truthful, it kind of feels great putting on a snuggly for a bit. No I do not want the fall to come. But with the weather being quite muggy, overcast and cloudy to boot the last few days, cool rules. So the rain last night, and the beautiful sound of the down pour, how does it all work? Do you ever stop and wonder? Well whatever the case may be, relief. I know that my granddaughter will be getting her boots out to play today….oh yes, puddles red mud splash squish clothes wash dry repeat….sounds like a commercial for Tide. Nah, Arm and Hammer or Purex all the way.

I am privileged to walk with my grandchildren right now, seeing them uncover, discover, explore this world in a way that I do not see like they do. But they make me. And when you are a grandparent, you do anything for them because you can. For the two youngest of my grandkids I do the pretzel kind of moves, sometimes crawling or sitting crossed leg (not as easy holy moly) but not for my oldest. Oh no. Holy lightning he has grown!! Up to my eyebrows I believe. Haha. Who gave him those cereal wheaties or dob of spinach or something?? No. Oh no. He, my taller than crazy grandson, takes me on a whole different plane of the intellectual experience which include being playful. I keep reminding myself that he is only 10 and is tall for his age. Always have to be mindful of that because he needs hugs and love and playfulness too. It is just…well may the force be with me…he is long and my lap does not do the trick. Oh they grow so fast.

Soon a wondrous gift will be coming my way. Another part of my family will be flying in. Trepidation is at the feet of my daughter but she is going to do it. Fly. Because a window, the pandemic in this case, has slowed down enough that the Maritimes has opened its doors. Woohoo. Right before me will be a big hug and love. Yes hug. I said that out loud. Cannot believe it!! It has been awhile since I got to hold her and my grandchild so I am going to relish the moments. I do not know the airport protocols but I will soon enough. And then off to the races.

Taking for granted even the simplest things is noted. I have been toggling between PEI and Ontario for the last few years, making sure I keep connected with my family. We make life choices and there always is a domino effect in those choices. Albeit, moving away you are not able to see who you love as much. Thank the Lord for advanced technology but even more importantly that family wants to be and stay connected. What a learning over the last 18 months or so. It has become very apparent what is important and essential in one’s life. That has been a blessing for I do not presuppose in any way shape or form that a person wants to be in another person’s life. So girls and grandkids, I chose you. LOL. Better watch out.

And yet I am also aware that I have a life too. That is a funny thing to say but not really. It is a personal awareness that I have discovered. I tend to be an island at times. Haha and I live on an island. How apropos. But seriously I know that about myself; Thomas Merton and his hermitage always appealed to me. LOL. So the discovery for me of me wanting to be more social…whoa. New. To.Me. The value of friendships, the people in my life who have walked with me and more recently new friendships that have developed, has taught me a valuable lesson. Because right in front of me is an abundance of joy and laughter and fun and goodness, virtually and face to face. I find myself embracing or awakening in me that I can still be me, hold on to the quiet and reflective, but welcome the intrusion. It must be that down home Maritime influence from my younger years. Nah. I think it is me accepting that I can be fun and worthy. Hahaha. Kind of an aha moment here. Humbling actually. Hmmmmm.

I think the life before you is more important than the life behind you. The past is just that…the past. It is not something a person can change but it is something one can learn from. At this moment, life is right in front of you and you can take it for a ride, a journey. Boy that is deep for a morning pondering. My bad. It is just the realization that our past has helped shape us to be the person we are today. Which reminds me of my favourite poem from May Sarton Now I Become Myself where she talks about a person taking on many faces from different places. So many things can influence us but at the end of the day it is coming to know ourselves just a little bit more and believing in the goodness within. Be a better version of ourselves. Yes I have to believe I can grow a sunflower…be a green thumber. LOL.

So today, right in front of you, is a moment to take and hold. Maybe even wrap around you, feeling more fully alive. I am looking out my screen door and watching the wind swaying the trees as the rain comes down….again. A billowing and rustling sound of the leaves echo and move me to smile as I nestle in more snuggly, listening to rain and wind wrestle the trees. Aaaahhhh. Nice. Love it.

So what is right in front of you today? Blessings.

Let us pray for those whom are in need of prayers and to experience the joys and blessings right before them.

Oh happy day as the sun comes out. For goodness sake gloomy has been overhanging the island for quite a bit lately so of course I’m singing the children’s song Mr Sun….come out and play. And voila! Thank you so much. There is a cheerfulness about having the sunshine. Maybe not the intensive heat or mugginess but the shiny brightness and light filtering the break of dawn into a full blown burst in sunshine. It lifts the spirits deep within, don’t you find? Naturally the sun would come out at the beginning of the weekday…Monday. Because you know I went camping.

Yes camping!! It was planned a month ago because you have to book in advance, covid 19 and all. And you think, July 1st….well it should be good weather. Yes three days prior to, warm and muggy. But the turning on a dime kind of weather this year, well let me just say no peek a boo for me and the sun. No, it was cloudy with a touch of misty rain sweeping the air and crazy cool wind. Not breeze. No no no. It was blustery blowing wind. And the waves were jumping wild, white capped and fiery as they blew into shore. Did not matter. I love camping. So….

Well it was to be with my daughter and kids, first time for the little one too. Me being me, my voice saying it is all good. Try getting camp set up and running with two happening kids wanting to explore. Haha. Jokes on my daughter and myself. But we did…tarp down, tent up, picnic shelter raised, you know for the “hoping to block out sun” kind of weather. Not necessary. LOL. Anyway once site up and organized, fire time and cooking over the fire. Have you ever tried to start a fire with the off shore wind coming up and over the dunes? Well let me say it does not work so good. And the matches that are supposed to be water proof….well they are not wind proof. LOL. No matter. Got it going and lo and behold…best hotdogs ever. All beef or turkey hotdog….the choice of fare. Yum. Taste delicious. Yes you heard me. Simple camping food…hotdogs, fruit and cut veggies. There is something about camping and eating over the fire….it tastes so much better. Yes my grandson was not too keen on the charcoal look on the hotdog…well my boy it is camping. Not complaining….hahaha. And dessert of smores….calmed the waters.

But alas that evening it got too much with cold and rained swept wind. Not conducive to saying ” camping rocks “. So daughter giving me the mother look, I took them home and in hindsight it was for the best. Not great for the next three days anyway. For me, however, I stayed. Yep. Camper woman here. I love camping and so do all of my daughters. Yet being a mother, you have to do what you have to do. I did not realize how much I missed the simpleness of camping. So I kept all the sleeping bags and blankets, took the air mattress, and made a glamping bed. Good to go. Actually it was fun. I just prayed the guide lines and pegs kept tent in place as I listened to the wind howl. Surprising how the cozy you can get. Of course I tucked my clothes in the sleeping bag so the warmth of me would be ready for morning. Camping wisdom, you know. Wrinkled look is in too. I had fun.

So besides a great time in camping and the sun finally coming out, I got to be a part of a beautiful something last evening. For the last few months I have been preoccupied with the terms love and like. Maybe it is because I am doing on-line dating. I have to say at this point I have met some wonderful men….far away mind you….it seems I tend to be more of friend material. And actually that is okay especially with our the world the way it is. And I love to write as you can tell. Anyway, off track. I have been pondering like and love because my middle daughter is getting married this summer. I will talk more about it in another blog. But suffice to say, I am full of glee and joy and happiness for her and her partner of many years. Woo to the hoo. While thinking of them, two words have popped in my mind….like and love….and what are they all about in relation to relationships. Because for me in my own little realization, you have to have both for a relationship to work. That is what I think. And it is not simple. The complexity of like and love toward another human being. Hmmmm.

And last evening I got to be a part of helping my sister prepare the ambiance for her son proposing to his girlfriend. Watching my sister as she nervously and tearfully got a picnic ready for her son to do one of the biggest and most important things of his life was beautifully moving. He did a bang up job in the planning…romantic thoughtful and hopeful. A birthday of this young woman that she will never forget. Stunning view next to the lighthouse overlooking the red cliffs of PEI’s rugged rocky terrain with water gently touching the rocky shoreline while a picnic blanket lay on the grassy knoll above. Perfect. Of course I did not realize it was a popular lookout when we arrived. We took my truck as the road in to get to the lighthouse reminds me of driving on dirt rock deep crevice road while in the Rift Valley many moons ago.

Can things get things get any better!? Oh my heart soars for my nephew and now newly engaged. He blindfolded her as he drove in. His girlfriend did not have a clue except she was celebrating her birthday. Wow! Favourite foods in picnic basket, flowers adorning the table cloth and words of hope on little rocks next to pre-lit candles (battery operated). You nailed young man. So my sister and I got it ready on the grass knoll and waited. Not going to screw up this part. Waited as he drove in. My sister gave him a blue box and then we skedaddled because he had everything including the blue box containing the box with ring (her fav colour) with her favourite dessert on either side of ring box. Breaking bread for such an occasion. In this case, dessert. But the most precious part was that when he asked her as we found out later, she thought he was having fun with her. And had to ask her again. Oh my. Well if you tease, what do you expect!! Love and like once again.

So my sister and I went back to my place as the lighthouse is about 5 minutes away. She had a feeling that she may be called back….photo op. After an hour or so, my nephew called again to say come and take photos. Selfies are not so easy to do when you are trying to get you all in. Once again I witnessed a gift of something extraordinary. Capturing a moment out of time surrounded in a backdrop so wondrous and beauty, a perfect night to propose. Like and love as they held hands. I saw it. I pray for the days and years ahead for the two of them. Yes, nephew you can sleep now. And you as well my sister. And to the newly engaged woman, bless your heart for the tears of joy. Surreal I am sure. It’s all good.

Hopefully my nephew will not mind me sharing a bit of his story. For he gave me a beautiful gift to witness and hold in my heart. And also to share in my sister’s joy and delight. Special moments given to us….you never know where or when they come but funnily they do come in unexpected ways. Can things get any better? Yes but I’m wrapping this one as a keeper in my top five for now. LOL.

Well off to see what other good things I can see goodness and joy. Maybe have a picnic. Now what would I put in to the basket? Blessings this day.

Let us pray for those who are in need of our prayers and for those unexpected delights touching each of our lives.