LIFE KEEPS YOU BUSY

Sometimes there are not just enough hours in the day to complete all the things we think we want to do. My work and family commitments fill so much time that I often wish there was more time to do my special projects which include two major writing ones. Then I realize those commitments are my life. Would I trade them for more leisure time? No way. Life keeps me busy! What a wonderful life it is! How about you? What in your life brings meaning? Does life keep you busy?

I'LL GET AROUND TO IT

Can be the motto for many people. Usually these are the activities avoided for whatever reasons a person can define. Lately, I have been tackling some projects with a renewed sense of accomplishment. Personally, "there is no time like the present " has been my motto most of my life. Are you a doer or a dreamer? Dreams come true when the tasks at hand are done. It does not mean the road to a dream comes with little work or perseverance. Dreams start with the first step!

ANOTHER WINTER WONDERLAND

Occurred last night. Before I began the day, I could not resist the urge to take some last minute winter photos before Spring arrives in a few weeks. Although we are all getting tired of winter, it is a season with its own beauty and outdoor activities. Do we stop enough in our lives to enjoy the simple moments presented to us?

My angel chime in the plum tree, had a small dusting of snow. It was this image that enticed me to grab the camera. Do you see moments in your life that are a photo opt? Do you take advantage or let the moment slip away?

BOOTS

Are footwear used for many different occasions. Construction boots, ski boots, riding boots, snowboard boots, winter boots, spring rain boots, a big long boot called a wader for fishermen to name a few. Attractive legs look great in fashionable boots with heels! Many expressions include boot. Someone gives you the boot- you're fired! Any Western can have a character that "dies with his boots on." Am I scared?- " I'm shaking in my boots!" If you are not behaving- I'll get a big boot and give you a swift kick in the butt! We boot our computers. While training for the Armed Forces, we go to Boot Camp. In England, the boot is the trunk of the car as well as BOOTS is an UK pharmacy chain! Cowboy boots can be popular periodically. My mother had a red pair that received several second looks when she wore them locally! Nancy Sinatra's "These boots are made for Walking" was a hit song. Some creative gardeners have taken old boots, filled them with dirt and planted some flowers as outdoor decoration planters! Personally, I bought the best winter boots that have been perfect for my winter walks to and from work. Do you have a boot tale to tell? What aboot this blog appeals to you as I speak in a Scottish accent? I guess my boots are going walking!

#boots#bootsmadeforwalking#shakinginmyboots#bootcampeinthearmy#nanacysinatra'sbootsaremadeforwalking#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MANY FLOWERS MAKE A BOUQUET

That most brides have at their weddings. Flowers bring joy. Interestingly one flower can not make a flower arrangement. A single rose can be a sign of love and often greeted with the same enthusiasm as a dozen by the intended. A bouquet can represent the mood of the night- multi-coloured or one! Families are like bouquets- individuals- unique and sometimes colourful! If placed in the right water with a little sugar can last a long time. Eventually the flowers will die. The memory will last! Is your famiy like a bouquet? Do you think about the faded flowers? Many people press a special flower and keep it as a keepsake. Do you have some in a book?

ALL SHAPES AND SIZES

Can be the way to describe our multi-culture world. By understanding others, we often find a way to define ourselves. Being Canadian, can mean different things to different people. As a multi-generation one, here since the 1820's in some family branches and only 1878 in one great-grandfather branch, brings a different sense of belonging than others like my husband Adolph who came to Canada at age 9 from Italy. My children have a different definition to mine. How do you define yourself?

OUR FAMILY ROOTS

Family Day was celebrated in several provinces of Canada on Monday, February 21. It is a much needed winter break- another stat holiday and time off from work. Family can be a positive force in our lives, knowing where we belong. It can also have detrimental effects if there are unresolved family conflicts. As the family genealogist it is always interesting how there are themes throughout the generations that prevail. The number of children, baby losses, divorce, commitment to parents and the urge for change can transcend the years. Regardless of what our roots reveal, knowing about our own history is very grounding allowing us to know in this generation how our ancestors shaped us. My love of books, curiosity about history, crafts, and the need to complete my education were part of my family roots. What did you learn from your ancestors? Even connecting with cousins and second cousins can reveal the themes. For example, my cousin Roy and I seem to love photography. Was there a common ancestor that shaped this love for us?

DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE BABY BOOMERS

Breaking the bank. All my life being a baby boomer, everything that has been done has been analysed. The current fear is the demand to health care as the baby boomers boom into old age. Well, has anyone really done the demographics. All the baby boomers are not going to make it. In my family and friendship circle, three have already died in their 50's. No burden on health care or the pension system! Did anyone consider the boomers actually have worked and contributed to society, have their own pension plans and perhaps have saved for their retirement. Oh yeah- put their children through school and gave lavish weddings and nice gifts to their grandchildren. The house where they currently reside may help with their needs in their old age. Being in health care, the current older generation has been a conudrum! Many believe they will live forever and do not want to spend their savings as they were saving it for their old age! They expect the government should provide for them. Even some of their family members think they should get free housekeeping and daily free nursing beyond what any provincial plan pays. The baby boomers on the other hand have heard it again and again to save for their old age! I hate the term baby boomer. It has been tough competing my whole life with one of the largest group of people. What is not realized is if all of us retired at the same time there would not be enough of a mature workforce to keep everything going! We need the young ones, the middle experienced and the mature ones in all fields. Actually today I have reached 200- 200 blogs that is! Are you tired of the baby boomer dialogue? Have you lost some along the way! Here's to people of all ages! I have a little grandson 6 months! This baby boomer is overjoyed with this blessing in my life!

AN OLD FOSSIL

Is how we feel sometimes. There

are things older than we are on this earth. If we are lucky, we find some objects that put it all in perspective.

I like the beach finds featured here- a quartz arrowhead for St. Joseph's Island and a fossil from Lake Scugog. Do you have finds that make you feel younger!

FROM ONE PLACE TO THE NEXT

Is the image conveyed by the wires on telephone poles. We only see a segment at a time and rarely see the whole picture. What is being communicated? Still amazes me that information can be sent miles away! Thanks Alexander!

DIFFERENT USES

For every day items. Do you ever use an item for an activity for whose use it was not intended? My ironing board is so convenient to organize a writing project, help sort photos and occasionally even for ironing. It is a useful portable table- can stand or sit to work depending on the project. When my children were babies, the ice cube tray that helped me freeze homemade baby food. Later excellent for sorting small craft items and of course still used for ice cubes. My sister, Marilee made lamps from old wine bottles when she was a newlywed many years ago. We do not need to read magazines or get advice from some decorator to think creatively about innovative uses for common things around the home. I am sure you have some good ideas to share. Perhaps even a whacky one would be fun to know! Did you ever use an old pair of pantyhose for a fan belt temporarily? I heard about it once- really wonder if it works!

THE WORDS WE SAY

Can create a memory for people. I was chatting with a young nurse who had returned from her maternity leave about a case where the patient had died that both of us had involvement. She remarked that my role as the Social Worker had been more important to the family. She only supported the patient. It made me think of a time in my life where the thoughtfulness of a nurse had made the difference. My father-in-law Joe had ALS- Lou Gherig's disease for 7 years. My mother-in-law, Concetta had cared for him while sustaining a fulltime job to support herself, spouse and mother-in-law. She cared for him doing the diapers when he was bedridden the last 3 years of his life. She pureed his food as the disease had atrophied his throat and he risked choking to death every time he ate. Many of her family and friends in my husband's Italian group were not the most supportive and often quite critical. Questions like- does your house stink from a family member wearing diapers did not actually help with the situation. At the end when he was hospitalized for the last day and a half of his life, it was while we were doing the death watch- that time when you stay with the loved one until the person passes away- that an amazing memory occur. It was two experienced nurses that were supporting us during the six hours. One nurse came in to turn Joe and noticed his body and skin. She looked at my mother-in-law saying did you provide this excellent care? I was 24 years old and knew nothing about skin care and how hard it was to keep the skin intact without sores or ulcers. Sometime later another nurse remarked about the same skin and how beautiful it was. In that short time two wonderful nurses provided more support and acknowledgement about the care Mama-Concetta had given her husband for 7 years than many other close family members. The small things we say and perform stay with the people we have contacted in our lives. If you think your small kindnesses do not count, well they do. My only regret to this day is not taking the names of those two nurses. For my mother-in-law it was the most validating moments. Professionals who understood the love and care she had given. I told this story to my young colleague stating the patient and family we supported that day through their death watch will always remember the care she gave. Do you have a memory of a professional being there for you when you needed him or her? Was someone nasty and you remember the negativity? For the professionals who read this blog, do you have a story to tell?

THE COMFORTS OF HOME

Can come in many shapes and sizes. Our favourite chair, the morning coffee mug, putting on comfortable clothes after work! The people we love. Bigger is not necessarily better. Having empty rooms where loved ones once lived can bring loneliness too! If you were asked what are the 20 things you would take, if you only could take 20, what would they be? Think about that elderly person moving from a house to a condo then to a retirement home- which is really a small suite! How stressful to give up a lifetime of things! I have many comforts- my camera of course, my albums, my antiques- well the list could go on.

What are your comforts? Is your home your safe haven from the storm? Do you have a cosy corner?

VALENTINE'S DAY

Is a day for sweethearts and lovers everywhere. If you have not told the people in your life you love them, then today is the great opportunity to do it. Valentine's has historic roots to Roman times. It is always interesting how our modern times are so rooted to other periods of history. So enjoy the heart cards and chocolates. Hug your little ones! Are you celebrating with loved ones today? Or did you take advantage of a quiet Sunday celebration and lunch? Remember the Red Rose is a true symbol of love!

IF LIFE GIVES YOU A ROAD WITH POTHOLES

Hire a paver. Our road of life can have many challenges. Sometimes we get delayed in traffic and sometimes it's clear sailing - getting every green light. We can hit a fork in the road and have the difficult decision to decide which way to go. There are times we just want to park the car. Occasionally we know where the road is headed. Often we must just keep going to discover where it will end. Are you on a challenging road right now? Are you concerned where it may lead?

THE LOVE OF FAMILY

Can bring you through a tough time. Being there for a loved one is more meaningful than all the medication in the world. Unconditional love without any rules brings strength. Medical intervention is needed for many conditions but our family's love gives us all the hope and power to continue. To those needing your support- reach out and hug someone today. When we know we are loved, it gives a purpose to get up in the morning. Do you have someone who needs you today?

DEPRESSION-LET'S TALK

Is a theme day sponsored by BELL CANADA to talk about Mental Health and focus on Depression. Individuals experiencing depression often are misunderstood. It is a real illness that needs treatment and support. We all can experience situational depression that can be related to particular events in our lives. Once we move through those times, our lives will return to our normal. People with clinical depression have a lifetime of the illness. It can cost people a job, a marriage and sometimes a life. For those experiencing depression, seek the help you need. For families with a loved one, reach out to support that person as well as get support for yourselves. Are you experiencing some form of depression today? Do you need to know who to call?

LIFE FLIES BY

Like a blur sometimes. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and the years- well it seems like yesterday sometimes instead of years ago that some events happened. Even when life gets a little blurry, if we stop and look closely we still can see the forest for the trees.

WHAT DOES YOUR HUSBAND DO?

Can sound like an innocent question to married women. It can also be loaded with sexual politics.

The old adage- men can marry down but women should marry up. If you are a wealthy old man, ditch the old woman and get yourself a young trophy wife. Successful women can still be judged by what the husband does for a living. Very rarely have I heard in the workplace a man asked what his wife does for a living especially when the man is very successful. Women have come a long way in terms of equality in the workplace. But we continue to be our own worst enemy when it comes to categorizing how important someone may be. For example, if you are a nurse and your husband is a nurse carries a different weight to some than if you are a nurse and your husband is a doctor! Why is this? Heaven forbid if you decide to be a househusband and your wife supports the family monetarily! Women who are homemakers also are put in various categories depending on the spouse's occupation. If you stay at home to care for your children, you must have a nanny to have more importance. It determines how important your spouse may be. In 2011, why do these outdated judgements exist? It made sense in primitive times when you needed a strong hunter for survival of the fittest. Single women supporting themselves and their children should be put on pedestals instead of a pity party! It takes great strength to carry the load! Often without knowing personal situations, married women can be told " well you don't have to worry about money, your husband is working!" Many women carry the benefit package for those self-employed spouses. The truth is men with confidence do not worry if the wife makes more money- they can enjoy the benefits. A couple and not societal prejudices should prevail. I personally have never liked this question. Having studied psychology and sociology in my undergraduate years, I became attuned at a young age of gender issues and prejudices. For women to become truly confident of their own abilities and personal view of what is successful, we must stop judging- period! We should admit to ourselves when we are jealous of another woman and not try to judge or pigeonhole the person by what her husband does! I feel honoured to work with successful women. Now at my age, younger women are my bosses!! The cashier at the supermarket may be carrying the load for her family; the lady at the Cleaner's may own the store; many women have put their spouses through school. In my case, my husband worked while I finished my Masters- he put me through school! Sexual politics will never go away. The burden can be lessened and I believe it starts with the female gender. What do you think? Do you encounter sexual sterotyping in your workplace? Do you care if someone asks what your wife does?

BIENVENUE BENVENIDO BENVENUTO

Means Welcome in 3 languages. Lately I have noticed people from other countries reading my blog. I welcome comments in your languages. I understand, io capisco italiano, je comprende un peu de francais, comprendo espanol un poco. I work with people, for example, who immigrated from China, Russia, Poland, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Solvenia, Netherlands,India, Japan, Germany, Hungary, Iran, Egypt, South America, Israel and many other countries in Europe, Asia, Africa. So the deal- if you want to write comments in your language- please, per favore, por favor, s'il vous plait and please in any other language write something. I can share with my colleagues and they will translate for me. Do not be shy write in English if you can!! My blog is meant to be an interactive dialogue between people. Merci, grazie, gracias and thank you to all who continue to read. However I really want your reflections too. Will you write me something? Tell me how you feel.

THE LULL AFTER THE STORM

The GTA was supposed to have a blizzard this week but by Wednesday it was just a winter storm. Cleanup was good with few accidents or incidents. We Canadians love to talk about the weather. What always makes me laugh is the reaction to a downgraded storm! So many workmates were saying- it wasn't so bad, driving was okay, what was the fuss! I always think- did you really want a terrible storm? Instead of relief and being glad it was manageable- many people seemed annoyed! I prefer storm warnings so I can be prepared- get some milk, check the batteries in the house in case of a power outage, know what the kids are doing! Winter storms are okay that way- the system makes its way slowly! It's the summer storms with a tornado warning that are the surprises. When it comes to weather, we really are a fickle bunch. On the other hand, weather does give us something to discuss! Hi, how are you? Sure is cold outside! But then not as cold as other parts of Canada- look at the temperatures in Winnipeg and the Maritimes are digging out from another bad storm!

WILL THE GROUNDHOG SEE HIS SHADOW?

Probably unlikely with the snow conditions today on the Eastern Seaboard. That little rodent also known as a woodchuck or marmot will try to predict how long it is to Spring. Punxsutawny Phil in Punsxutawney, Pennsylvania: Brandon Bob in Manitoba, Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia or Alberta's Balzac Billy may just want to stay in their comfortable homes. Perhaps our Wiarton Willie in Bruce County, Ontario may give it a shot but somehow I doubt it. Interesting tradition that goes back to Germanic roots and animalism in Europe. It was a way to try to predict when to plant the crops. Now it is a fun day with many communities having winter festivals around the date. To all the Groundhogs everywhere, Happy Groundhog Day!!!

HEART TO HEART

Helps us to express our feelings. With February full of heart discussion for a healthy heart- that muscle that keeps us going- why not talk to you from the bottom of my heart. It is always endearing to receive a heart shaped valentine, chocolates or candies. Even if I try to have an open mind about things, you can call me a bleeding heart if you want. If you eat to your heart's content be careful you don't get heartburn. Listen to the signs for a heart attack! Don't want any heart surgery! Artichoke hearts are good appetizers. Do you know any heartless creeps that gave a friend a broken heart? If you have lost a loved one, you have my heartfelt condolences. I know many people that have hearts of gold. Have you ever had a boss with a heart of stone? What about those romantic getaways with a heart shaped tub! Just work hard and put your heart into it! Some people are real heart breakers. What about our little Canadian- Justin Beiber- what a heartthrob for young girls! A baby in the womb is soothed by the Mommy's heartbeat! It is heart warming to know that being heart month that any heartache you may have will be resolved by having a good home. We all know home is where the heart is! Adolph is here laughing at me with a hearty laugh. Do you love someone wholeheartedly?