LOG CABIN QUILT

Design is one of my favourite quilt patterns. I made the quilt wall hanging years ago. Due to many washings it is starting to fade. Taking a creative step can be hard for many people. It is easy to go to a store and buy a factory made product. The art of hand work is very pleasing. Lately my sewing machine has lay dormant due to other projects. There was a time that many small projects such as cushions, doll blankets, christmas decorations could be made using quilt patterns. I feel the urge to create a new quilt project. Beautiful quilts by crafters are such art works. Do you have quilts in your life? Have you ever made one or even a small square with a design? Quilts are part of our culture. The quilters perform a service to the cultural community. There could be a corner of your home that could benefit from a quilted article. If you do not want to make one then maybe buy something and keep the tradition alive!

OUT LIKE A LION

Describes the last day of March. Some light snow this morning and cold weather to warrant donning my winter coat again. As Canadians, we talk about the weather. It is a social custom. How cold is it? Looks like rain. So hot could fry an egg on the sidewalk! It is also a great way to avoid really talking about anything of importance. I wonder if other cultures use weather for conversation as much as we do. What do you think? By the way, what's the weather like there?

SUNSET-TIME TO REFLECT

A sunset brings an end to the light of day. There is always time after dark to continue to enjoy before bedtime. I love sunsets. Ordinary ones from my house, some sitting on beaches in faraway places or in crowded cities where glimpses can be seen between buildings. The sky aglow with colour. As we age, sunset often refers to the sunset of our life. Are we colourful? Does anyone stop to view us as beautiful or knowledgeable? A sunset can be romantic. Sitting with someone you love, watching the sun go down can be a memorable time. When you look at the picture, what do you see? Can you hear the water lapping against the shore? Do the clouds indicate rain or is it just overcast? Would you like a ride on the boat in the water? Do you wish you were sitting on a chair watching the sun go down on a summer's night? I know I do.

SUNSET-TIME TO REFLECT

Sunset always brings an end to the light of day. There is always time after dark to continue to enjoy before bedtime. As we age, sunset often refers to the sunset of our life. I love sunsets.

JUST DO IT!

Is a phrase made popular by a creative ad campaign of a major company. It says so much. We can procrastinate and put off things we need to do. But just do it, puts a fire under our butts to get started in the activity being avoided. Lately, I have been pushing myself to get some projects finished, some in process and start some new ones as well as planning for others. It feels great to be busy with activities that bring some satisfaction. Projects can be small-achievable in an hour, day, week or ones that need more time like a major writing project that require several drafts and reviews. I am finishing some small crochet and knitting crafts, making cards for special occasions, some spring cleaning and trying to find activities for the little grandchildren that visit. Of course photo opportunities! Are you avoiding getting started? Or are you using the change of season to review areas in your life? Start small so you can see some results! Scrapbook one page, take one picture, clean one drawer! You are on your way- You did It!

A GOOD MEAT SAUCE

With some homemade pasta is a meal in itself! The smell of a sauce simmering for several hours brings such an aroma to a home. Prepackaged foods are useful for a quick meal but taking the time to cook from stratch, allows food to be enjoyed differently.

My husband Adolph is a cook, not a chef. Coming home to a house where a meal is in progress creates an immediate sense of relaxation. Of course I do the cleaning of the kitchen after dinner. A bond is created when the work around meals is shared. Do you do the cooking? Or does someone else in your home carry the task of meal preparation? I cook on the weekends to give Adolph a break or sometimes we order takeout. Some couples take turns with the household tasks while other divide the load. Unfortunately,the majority of women do more in the home. Are you a couple that share tasks? Or does the woman in your home still carry the load? Adolph cooks- if only I could get him to vacuum!!!

DO YOU LIKE GARLIC?

We use garlic in many dishes. Named Allium Sativum, it is a member of the Onion family. Perhaps that's why one can have garlic and onion breath!! It is grown globally with the largest crops in China. Garlic bread, shrimps sauted with garlic or added to my bread stuffing for the turkey it adds flavour to food. There are theories stating it has medicinal purposes helping the body. Some myths say garlic fends off vampires- if you actually believe in vampires! Adolph uses it in many veggie dishes and roasts he cooks. Do you like garlic? Do you use it in your dishes?

THE KNOW IT ALL

Is the most annoying person to be around. When I find myself commenting too much on situations, I force myself to stop. No one knows everything. By letting someone else actually comment or have an opinion without a retort, the most respectful thing happens. Asking someone for their point of view and listening, makes friends. Especially with little children, they must be validated. Even if we could add information, it is best to ask questions- to let the other person answer. The workplace is live with the know it alls!!!! Are you a know it all? Or do you grow tired of the know it all? Even if you could add corrected information, can you let the subject drop so someone else can shine?

THE TOOLS FOR WRITING

Include more than spell check. A dictionary, a thesaurus, and "The Elements of Grammar" by Margaret Shertzer are on my computer bookshelf. Reviewing, rereading and editing any written word are regular habits. Yes, in modern times the abbreviations for texting have unfortunately become the norm. Read entries on Facebook or other medias and the grammatical errors stand out" like a sore thumb". There and their have two very different meanings. Your and you're are often misused. I regularly resist the urge to correct the grammar I have encountered. Should we be correcting the grammar? Or do we let the modern generation flounder? There are jobs that require the ability to write. If we are not sitting at a computer with spell check and grammar check, it is necessary to know the difference. What do you think?

THE SPRING BULBS ARE THERE

Beneath the snow. Everyday I look at the leaves covering the brown dirt. Well, today there is a light dusting of snow and hard to see anything. The flowers are waiting for the right moment to begin the journey of emerging to the light. Our first flowers will be the white snow drops. Once they are seen, the rest will follow. Crocuses are next. For the photographer, there ae many opportunities to capture the spring flowers. How is your garden? Is there green popping up?

LOOSE LIPS

Sink ships is an amazing statement. When trusted with confidential information, the important consideration is to tell no one. When someone has shared with me, I always finish the conversation by stating " you know I will keep this confidential." If it is a counselling session, it is a given. Conversations with friends, colleagues that reveal very private matters should be kept private. It is up to the person to whom they share their lives. Remember knowledge can be power for some people. Be careful who you let through your front door! Isn't it interesting no matter where you work, how the rumours start and what the rumours might be? I love it when the rumours are so off base, it brings tears of laughter to my face. I often ask the question- why do you need to know? In my profession, so much personal information is discovered about people that others' problems or pain are not spectator sports!!! Does it make me feel better if someone's life sucks? Not really! I have learnt from a young age to keep my friends close but my enemies closer. It has always been on my bucket list to be a trusted friend and luckily I too have some friends that are trustworthy!

MOMENTOS TELL A STORY

Do you have a box with tickets to past events? Are your momentos neatly scrapbooked? An old ticket stub can bring memories of an event. I carried a bus ticket in my Spring Jacket for years from my anniversary trip to Rome. It was just a little reminder of a great week. Fridge magnets are another small way to remember events or places visited. Some people hang things from their cars' rear view mirrors!! We all like to keep memories of the good times in some corner of our lives.

"ALL LIFE IS AN EXPERIMENT."

"The more experiments you make the better." I found this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson. He really is saying to live life to the fullest. Have courage to forge ahead even if it is safer to continue with the safe activities in our lives. Age should not hold us back. Yes many people find success in their youth but there have been many who have been late bloomers. Success unfortunately in our society is often defined by money, houses and cars. Success to me means doing something that brings meaning to my life. Writing that article or this blog! Studying another language even if there is an awareness fluency will not occur! Trying a new activity like hot yoga! Emerson said it correctly. Experiment and make a life! What will be your experiment today? Or will you have several over the next week? Enjoy!

THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING

No matter what kind of weather, it brings anticipation of warmer times to come. Once the snow melts, looking for those early spring bulbs to poke out of the dirt is a common ritual. It is like a difficult time experienced. It seems it will last forever than there is some hope and events start to turn around or at least have some resolution. Spring brings renewed energy to clean up the house, clean the garden and get outside to walk, run or bike. Isn't it amazing that people start to come outdoors and neighbours are in full view!!! Do you have a spring in your step? Have you sprung into action? Do you feel like you are in the Spring of your life? Like that old saying," Spring has sprung, the grass has riz, I wonder where the birdies is?" Waiting to see my first Robin then it truly will be Spring!!

HEARING GOOD NEWS

Brings joy to us. Especially when waiting for the callback from an interview, a final exam or medical test results. Waiting is so angonizing. Hoping all will be well but trying to stay realistic and planning for any bad news. Then the good news!! It sure has a ripple effect for everyone. To a special lady, yeah!! Have you been waiting for some results from an event in your life? How have you been coping? Do you have someone in your life that needs your support?

DON'T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN

Is a common phrase and actually could save you heartache. There are many situations where we can be caught off guard. Wishing we had not reacted to something negatively or said something regretted later are the fallout. My solution to a question asked in public, for example, could be let me think about it and I'll get back to you later! Or just pausing and looking at the person before answering to gather your thoughts. We do not owe anyone our private information or even have to share our personal business with everyone. It is better to know you trust the individual before sharing. There are malicious people who do wait for a moment to catch someone off guard. Beware but know who trust! Do you have a story to share of how you kept your cool?

HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY

To those with Irish blood and those who like the Irish. Like other cultural groups the Irish immigrated to many parts of the world. Here in Canada, where I have some Irish roots, many settled in Toronto and the outlaying counties in Ontario. Do you have any Irish roots? Where did your folks settle?

OUT OF COFFEE CREAM

This morning. Usually it is a small aggravation as it is one of my few luxuries that I really love and want. Today it was just a comment- oh I am out of cream, get some later today. The events of the last week really helped put many things in perspective. Lately I have been trying to take a huge step back from the areas of my life with any conflict and reevaluate if contention is worth the effort. Looking for positive solutions with a kind heart and mind. Must be working as I am drinking coffee with milk and sugar with no problem. Do you need to take a step back and view your life from a different angle? Sometimes taking a day off or a break from a situation is refreshing and helps to calm your nerves.

THE IDES OF MARCH

Can be a dangerous time to some. Remember the quote to Caesar- Beware the Ides of March. I usually view it as one step closer to Spring. It is a time to reflect as we are almost through Winter which I am sure has a punch or two remaining. Remember snowstorms in April can happen!! Days can be warm or chilly; rain or snow; do I keep wearing my boots or is it time for running shoes? The days are getting even longer with the time change. I feel there is a urgency to get those winter projects finished as the great outdoors is welcoming. Beware the Ides of March- bring it on as I can not wait for the new season to begin!

IT'S NOT ABOUT ME

But the people I need to help. Many times I am asked how I can do the job I do. The emotions, the situation, the feelings. We are taught as Social Workers, Therapists to be objective. To put our feelings aside. For me, I have learnt to say this phrase in my head- it's not about me but what does this person need. It's their anger, not mine, what does it mean. By not personalizing the pain, and dealing with the pain, it allows me and other therapists to facilitate, help the person/family/situation to be given what they need, not what I need. Debriefing, talking to team members, normalizing my feelings as a caregiver help to deal with the situation after the crisis has passed. Helping others, means helping others and not projecting my feelings on a situation. I work in Health Care and it never seems to amaze me how simple it is or complex it is to be there for the other person and help them obtain what they need. I do not cry at funerals as it is about the family and allowing them to grieve. It is not about me but what I can bring to the situation to help the situation. I do shed some tears at weddings as they are happy, new beginning situations. What about you? Can you put your feelings aside to help someone? A hug! Support! It is about the other person- just be there, support, be a friend! With care, love, compassion- be human!

A WINTER PROJECT

Almost done. When goals are set to try to complete projects in a timely fashion, some technical difficulties get in the way. Needed to buy a new printer, more ink, some pictures too dark, eventually went to a photoshop. Then I thought of my week and the tragedy, the terrible situation in Japan and the people still recovering in New Zealand. How blessed to have nothing more to worry about than some technical difficulties. Do you feel blessed to have family and friends safe?

MAPLE SYRUP-CANADIAN EH!

Maple Syrup is very Canadian. I have been very fortunate to live near several Maple Sugar Bushes in the York Region area.
In 2007 I visited Thompson's which is
a major producer on St. Joseph's Island near
Sault Ste Marie Ontario.
It is so interesting to know how the syrup is
made.

March is the time of year when the sap runs in the Maple trees prolific for maple syrup. The two main sources are the sugar and black maple trees. We have 2,600 producers in Ontario alone. Quebec has the most production and locales in the USA are renown as well. The farmers use a plastic tub collection 80% of the time while the traditional bucket tapping can still be seen in some locations. The Native Canadians introduced the white man to maple syrup. School children will have spring trips to Maple bushes to learn about the process and to taste the raw product. As for me, love it on pancakes, in my oatmeal and have used maple syrup as a sugar substitute in baking. Do you have favourite dishes that include maply syrup?

THE DEATH OF A CHILD

Is the hardest death to accept. If a child has been sickly since birth, perhaps there is some acceptance. When a healthy child becomes fatally ill, there is no answer to give a parent. The loss is incredible. Sometimes in my work there are very sad times such as this. Do you know a parent that has lost a beloved child? Stop and listen to their pain. Then give a big hug and be there when the parents need to talk.

NATIONAL WORK SOCIAL WEEK

This year's motto is " There for you when you need us!" Social Work is a profession that has a great range of services and interventions. Community, hospital, private practice, social workers are there for people in all socio-economic backgrounds. Abuse, for example, can filter to anyone regardless of race, creed, colour or economic status. From crisis intervention to therapy to resouce information, social workers have the knowledge to assist you or to find the right service or intervention that will help you. Here's to Social Workers everywhere- a profession that I am proud to represent.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

A day to celebrate all the accomplishments
women have done. We have come a long way
baby and there is a further journey ahead of
us.
Modern men have learnt to appreciate the
women in their lives. Shared parenting has
become more of the norm. Women have been
breaking barriers in the workplace. Support must be given to those women in other countries without the freedoms we have here in Canada.
Raise your children to see the beauty in being human without gender discrimination.
Do you have a story to share about what the day means to you?

TUESDAY IS THE PRODUCTIVE DAY

We are always told we are most productive at work on Tuesdays. Monday bring mixed emotions- glad to have a job and wishing more had been accomplished on the Sunday and then planning for the week. In the hospital, many new admissions can occur over the weekend- review of charts and what is needed is a common routine. Tuesday we are in full gear to work and conduct those family and staff meetings. On the home front, garbage day, do some blogs and try to stay up late to continue with some projects. The more productive we are, the more life brings rewards with a sense of accomplishment. It can be productive with a small "p". The small activities make a life of success! Is Tuesday a good day for you? Or just another day? Do you use every day to achieve the things you value most?

A COUNTRY LANE

While on an overnight jaunt last weekend, I was able to capture this photo. Fresh fallen snow with one set of tracks leading to home. Old wagon wheels always intrigue me. One leaning against a post! To what did it belong? Does the picture tell you a story?

LOVE OF CEILING DESIGNS

Do you love the ceiling design of old buildings? Modern homes can be so plain. The work accomplished does not compare to the art of the previous generations of craftsmen. This photo was taken at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto- an historic local hotel.

I always admire work that I am unable to perform.

COWS IN A FIELD

Remind us of time many people lived on farms. Although there still are rural communities today, most of

us live in urban settings in Canada. The need to go to a country setting is reflected in the number of people that own cottages or a sailboat to leave the city and enjoy country living periodically. Small towns on the edge of big cities are the best of both worlds but can be stressful if a long commute is involved for work every day. My family has country roots in Ontario then in the early 1900's family members moved to Toronto. Do you live in the country or city? If you could would you have a country home? Or are you a city person?

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU BRUISED APPLES

Make applesauce. It goes with pork roast or can be eaten by itself. Helps with the apple a day motto- keeps the doctor away. We can always find ways to salvage things in our lives. Apples are just good! Do you have your special suggestion for a bruised apple? I wonder if it helps with a bruised ego too??

WOODEN CRAFTS

Made by hand are items that touch my soul. I love wood and the crafters that make functional wooden items. Even old items covered with grit and grease can be spruced up with some sanding and oil. Our first house had wooden floors when sanded and varnished were so presentable. In older times, a wooden spoon was used to threaten misbehaving children. Do you make wooden items by hand?

THE BEST BUTTER TARTS

Were made by my late mother-in-law, Concetta. Although she was a fabulous cook, her baking was even better. Butter tarts are Canadian. She came from Italy and learnt to make them here. What was so special was the fact she would make them to take to someone's home when they were sick, a dessert item for festive dinners and any other occasion since we loved them. The taste was so good because she put love into them! Food is one of those comfort things in our lives. We often equate food with memories. The smell of baked bread! Turkey cooking! Coffee brewing! Are there foods that bring memories for you? Do you miss someone in your life that made a favourite entree?