LAST DAY OF APRIL-THE GARDEN IS BLOOMING

A cool April but the bulbs in the garden have been blooming in regular fashion. The buds are on the trees and soon it will be green everywhere. Pruning, raking and general garden cleanup is well underway. I love my garden. But the best thing I love is to see the colours slowly evolving. Especially love the tulips! And the sound of the birds!What do you love about your garden? Do you have songbirds in your garden? Do you enjoy them? What other wildlife visit you? I have squirrels and a racoon periodically!

ROYAL WEDDING MEMORIES

Wasn't it a beautiful wedding! Did you cry? Everyone had an opinion about the dress, the hats, the whole affair. Even people that claimed not to be interested- interesting, eh? To have a happy occasion in the news is a refreshing change! Have you bought copies of the newspapers, yet? What memorabilia do you collect? Do you know someone who was in the crowd? Tell me your story!

THE ROYAL WEDDING

Is tomorrow and the world will be watching. It reminds us of other times when a world event captures our attention. Royal weddings have such a happiness to them. Weddings are about beginnings. We all remember starting out. Our own wedding day has such meaning to it. To the Royal Couple!!

COMING THROUGH THE FOG

A foggy April morning, with hope of clearing later today made me reflect on tough times in life. Sometimes we are all in a fog unable to see down the road. Will the situation get better? Will there be a solution? Our minds can be in fog periodically too. Too much clouding the issues. A foggy day has too many uncertainities. If driving on a highway, it can be very treacherous. It can feel like we are in a box with the inability to see around us. We need to stop and be more careful which is not a bad thing- just a little scary! How do you feel as if you are in a fog? Does it bring thoughts of difficult times? Does it make you want to stay home? If we get our bearings, then it gives us a marker to guide us. Like a buoy in the water with a light and a bell!

NANA SAYS AVOID THE POWER STRUGGLE

It is so easy to be caught in a power struggle with little children. Argumentative adults are always looking to win a discussion, an argument or to emphaize their opinion as the right one. With children, there is an automatic power imbalance- parent/child. We need to love, discipline, and keep our children safe. When the baby becomes the toddler, then the preschooler, the room for power struggles increases. Discipline is not punishment- it is setting limits, rules and offering a consistent, safe enviroment for our children with love and compassion. Even a young child has the need to be right or to do what he/she wants to do. Bribing and threatening are not the best strategies. Children do play together well sometimes. But separating two fighting children works rather than " you must share and get along." With a little distance, they often group against the adult anyway and decide to play together. Redirection is one of my favourite strategies. Focussing on something else other than the yelling, the messing or whatever is undesirable behaviour. With my grandson, look there's a squirrel outside! When asking a child to clean up and the answer is no, I use I will wait and when you are ready! As we know waiting can be whatever time it takes. If a grandchild yells or tries to hit me, I simply say- I am not yelling at you so please do not yell at me. Children do try our patience- a lot! We are the adults so must find ways to be tolerable. As we all know movie time or better yet nap time is a great relief! What are your thoughts on power struggles? Do you have strategies in avoiding them?

TIME TO STOP AND SMELL THE FLOWERS

Easter Monday brings a time to clean up, enjoy the memories of a good Easter weekend. Received several bundles of flowers from the girls so am enjoying the wonderful fragrance in the house. Took the day as a vacation day for myself to organize for the weeks ahead and to have a sleepover with my granddaughter, Sophia. Lots of leftovers so no need for cooking. Reflecting on the blessings in my life. Are you taking some time to count your blessings? Do you find the holidays so busy, they may not be enjoyed? Maybe it is good for us to feel tired. It makes us stop the running around and to relax because we are too exhausted to keep running! Enjoy you day!

HAPPY EASTER

Happy Easter! May the message of the season be heard by all regardless of faith. To love one another as we love ourselves!

EASTER EGG CANADIAN STYLE

The Easter Egg has pagan roots
and in most cultures around the
world it is a symbol of rebirth.
For some there is an association with
fertility. Even the word Easter was from the Saxon language- Eostre. They brought their traditions involving eggs, chicks and rabbits to Britain in the 5th centruy AD. All items that are prevalent during the Easter season today.
As a child, we would boil eggs and then decorate them with crayons or markers. Small eggs were hidden throughout the house to find on Easter morning. There was an Easter parade in Toronto in the1950's. I remember getting an Easter bonnet to wear
to it.

Sometimes a new Easter outfit or dress to match would be a gift. Then it seemed special to go to church with the new outfit to hear the Easter story. Many different cultures throughout the world have their own customs around eggs and how they decorate them.
Now Adolph and I hide some chocolate Easter eggs for the grandchildren to collect in their colourful baskets. They have an egg hunt at their own homes before coming to our house for Easter dinner. Last week I asked my granddaughter if she wanted the Easter bunny to come to our house to hide eggs. She said yes. So I asked if she wanted me to email him to ask him to come here. She agreed! There are some books on the coffee table to read about the real significance of Easter. A nice blend of religious and fun things to do! What do you do for Easter? Do you have fun with your children or grandchildren? Do you have any special traditions with eggs?

THE EASTER LILY

The Easter Lily so prevalent during the season has
many historical roots.
While doing some research for this
blog, there are references to Eve
and the Garden of Eden. Lilies sprang
from her tears as she left.
Roman mythology says Juno was nursing her son Hercules and her
milk was so abundant, it fell from the sky, creating lilies on earth while the
rest stayed in the sky creating the Milky Way

For Christians, the white lily is associated with the Virgin Mary. We are told through various sources and legends that when Jesus's sweat fell to the ground lilies grew. They are often called the" white robed apostles of hope" as they were growing in the Garden of Gethsemane. Even in the Virgin Mary's tomb visited after her burial, only bunches of white lilies remained.
Regardless of the legends, it is a significant flower at Easter. It connects us with older times. For me, I love the fragrance. I bought three of them- one for our home and two to give to the girls! I often think how modern customs and symbols have been with us throughout the ages. No matter how modern we may be, there is a quiet link to other times. As Jung said, the collective unconscious- I wonder! I find a peace with having the lily in my home. It's just a flower or is it! Do you have symbols of this holy weekend in your home? Do they have special meaning to you?

EASTER THURSDAY AND PASSOVER

A holy time of year for Christians and Jews. A time to stop and remember the significance of the stories. Religious, spiritual or otherwise, there is so much to include in our lives from the Bible and the parables told. May we continue to count our blessings and pray for a peaceful world. To those suffering today, may others reach out to you and aid you! Take time to make the holidays joyous! Especially when you have little children to pass on the traditions. Whether it be the special food you may make or a time to have a special dinner together- it is a time of celebration and reflection! Do you have traditions you follow? Tell me what they are. I was fortunate in 1991 to visit Jerusalem and follow the steps Jesus took. A wonderful local Rabbi was our guide. A holy city for- Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Something to think about!

STEAK ON THE BARBECUE

Along with sping flowers and songbirds, Spring is the renewel of the outdoor barbecue. Although some folks barbecue year round with enclosed outdoor facilities, we start again in April and try to go until the end of October. All meat and grilled vegetables just taste better barbecued. It also gets us outdoors and enjoying the garden. I always put my patio furniture on the porch the beginning of April. Do you love to barbecue? Is it an excuse to be outside? Or do you just love the simplicity of the cooking? And it saves getting the oven dirty!!

GARBAGE DAY- TIME TO REDUCE AND GOOD FOR THE GARDEN

With the recycling programs in full force across the country, garbage day has become work. Sorting, folding cardboard and determining what item goes in which container then hauling to the curb is a weekly task. The compost items stay. Since Adolph and I have been composting for over 30 years as gardeners, it is best for the soil. As is known water leeches the soil so adding fertilizer or compost regularly adds much needed nutrients back into it. I have a little compost container on my counter which I empty daily. Our leaves are mulched back into the ground as well. Thus our beds of flowers and vegetables are never pretty! The compost can be fun as well. When placed on various beds, it is always interesting to see a tomatoe or cantoloupe plant grow unexpectedly in the middle of a cluster of flowers. Adolph always wants to take it out but I think if nature wanted it there so be it! Like the tulips that grow in the middle of one our paths- the squirrel put the bulbs there! Do you garden? Do you like a pristine garden? Or is your garden like ours- a little rough around the edges?

SNOW SPRING

That season before construction when the winter flurrys will not go away. I like and can tolerate "April Showers bring Spring Flowers" but the cold and white stuff can return next November. We would think with a late Easter this year that it would be a warmer one. Spring is the renewel of life. Birds and animals mate in the Spring. Our beautiful flower bulbs emerge in sequence from the ground. I have been enjoying the Snow Drops and the Crocuses as the foilage on the Tulips and Hyacinths are green and will be blooming in a few weeks. The buds are slowly evolving on the trees. I love this time of year as it gives renewed faith that life has cycles. With patience, we can appreciate there is hope after the cold of winter. Are you enjoying your Spring?

A BIRD'S EYE VIEW

Is one way of looking at the world. Little birds sit in trees chirping away while they watch life below. A view links ideas between different items. Database theory has a view as one of the components. The same view can bring a different response to different people. That wonderful British film- A Room with a View- makes us ask for any hotel room with a good view. Of course the daily show- The View- where the regulars and guests try to outdo each other with an opinion on different topics. We go to a funeral for a viewing. Google has Streetview where we can see our own house or others in the world. We can have a view from the top or view from the bottom. What a view a baby crawling on the floor must have- dust bunnies, everything looks so big. Niagara Falls has its Fallsview venues- the Cassino, several hotels. We stayed in a hotel last year on the 33rd floor with an incredible view of the Falls! My camera has a view finder- gives one segment of the scene in front. A server asks- have you viewed the menu? What's on TV- view the listings! Everyone wants a house, cottage with a view! So what's your point of view? Would you like to review what was written?

NANA SAYS CHILDREN CAN BE FUNNY

Today my granddaughter was talking about her special birthday- she will turn 6 on June 6th. Instead of calling it her champagne birthday- she said I am having my "shampoo" birthday! Do your children or grandchildren make you smile? Share some stories!

THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

Has an important job to support the bride through the journey of planning the wedding and giving emotional support. As I approach my 40th anniversary, I remember my mother wanting the wedding to be her way. My favourite colour was purple but she did not like purple so the bridal party could not wear that colour. I wanted different music at the church but she wanted- Here Comes the Bride- or she would not attend. Some family members were excluded because she did not want them there. When my daughters were married in 2002 and 2006, I was not the control freak mother that many brides have. Actually, with my oldest daughter, we would be going to halls, stores looking for ideas and planning, that many people started to say, you are such a nice mother! Finally, after hearing the comment several times, I asked what are the other mothers doing? I would be met with rolling eyes and you wouldn't believe the nonsense that goes on! For me, there was a budget that my girls were very conscious to follow and able to find the deals and adhered to it. Both their weddings were beautiful events! If you are planning a wedding in your family, there does not need to be fighting and controlling. Are you a control freak mother- well let it go! Can you trust the decisions and ideas your daughter wants to make? Can you work well with the groom's family? When the day comes, you will be the one keeping things on track- probably quite gorgeous in your own outfit but able to stay in the shadows for the bridal party to shine. As a last comment- both my girls selected my mother of the bride outfits for their weddings and if I should say so- I looked quite good for my age. Good luck with any bridal planning or any large events you are doing!

NATURAL DISASTERS CHANGES LIVES

To those around the world and here in Canada who are dealing with life altering natural disasters, I send a prayer. May there be people in your lives to help rebuild. May resources come from many places to help with the process. May the children have the opportunity to work through the emotions experienced with that change. Are you dealing with a disaster?

JUST PUT ONE FOOT FORWARD

Life has a way of stopping us in our tracks with emotional ups and downs. If you are having a stressful day, remember to get started by putting one foot forward. No matter how slowly you may be moving or how slow your progress in your activity may be, by just keeping the movement forward you will eventually get there. Success in life comes from the fortitude and perseverance of the individual to keep going. Are you facing a stressful situation today? Do you have suggestions for others to keep on going? Life can be a big series of baby steps. Just start with one!

EAT YOUR BROCCOLI!

We know eating green vegetables is a must for healthy living. They are free vegetables especially for anyone with diabetes. Adding lots of vegetables to daily eating has become a major part of our lives. Adolph can eat a dish of green beans for breakfast. I find myself at the Supermarket looking for anything green before I buy other items. But why is it that hours after eating, there could be room for some unhealthy foods? Taste good but not always filling! I guess we really need to have a chocolate chip cookie made with broccoli- then we could enjoy the best of both worlds. What do you think?

NANA SAYS CHILDREN NEED ROUTINES

Children need routines in their lives more than adults. It helps to provide consistency. In my home I have a spot at the kitchen table for each grandchild. I call it their spot. It gives each child a place to put their drinks, food and treats. Reinforcing that there is no running or playing while they eat is another factor. This rule does get tested. My main fear is the possibility of choking. Little ones do not understand the dangers like adults do. Do you have some rules, routines for your children? What strategies do you use to try to reinforce them?

VIMY RIDGE- A PROUD DAY IN CANADIAN HISTORY

To all those that served in World War One, this blog is dedicated to them and their families.

On April 9, 1917, during World War One, the battle at Vimy Ridge France was instrumental for the war. It was a day that put Canadians on the map as a major force. Today there is a huge monument in France that pays tribute to the Canadians that served, fought and for those that gave their lives.

Our grandfather, Ernest Adolphus Ellis, born January 5, 1884 was one soldier that was present at the battle at Vimy Ridge in April. He continued to serve his country during the war. While still fighting at Vimy Ridge, he was wounded on May 8th 1917. For his courage and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Military Medal. According to his records in Ottawa- "this man worked untiringly during an enemy counter attack dressing his wounded comrades under intense shell-fire. He was wounded himself but insisted on continuing his work on several serious cases before going out. His coolness and steadiness under fire and his devotion to his suffering comrades, were a source of encouragement to his country." He earned the British War Medal and Victory Medal which were issued to him in 1922. The Good Conduct Badge was also awarded to him.

Ernie's story is one of thousands. It represents the sacrifices made to this country that have helped forge who we are today. The devotion to duty and country can never be forgotten.

By honouring our past, we can also honour those who serve today in our Armed Forces, Police, Fire Fighters and other professions that keep us safe. Do you have a story about a loved one that served your Nation? Do you know someone who has served today? Let us remember to honour them as their efforts allow us to have peace and to live without violence in our lives.

THE INBETWEEN WEATHER

April is a month with Spring temperatures and still some cool winter like days. Being versatile, means being Canadian. We layer up for warmth and layer down to get cool. We try to be prepared for all kinds of weather. In our lives it may be different. Some people never have back up plans for any normal daily occurrences. Anything can happen at any time to any of us! We do not want to live pessimistically but it helps if some areas of our lives have some contingency plans. For example, I have fuses and a fan belt along with some other basic emergency items in my car. Well just in case!!! With small children, who can you rely on if you needed some help in a hurry. As you age, do you have a will and a power of attorney for care. Planning just gives peace of mind to others around you- especially close family. We are so good about the weather, maybe it is time to give equal consideration to other areas of our lives. Do you have some emergency plans? Who could you depend on?

DEMOCRACY MEANS YOU NEED TO VOTE

Right now in Canada we are in an election campaign for the vote on May 2, 2011. The candidates are talking and trying to get votes. Too often people get disillusioned with our politicians and the whole political system. But remember less than a hundred years ago women- suffragettes marched to get the vote for women in this country and other democratic countries such as Great Britain. People are protesting in the Middle East to try to oust dictatorships and find democracy. Whatever you do try to follow the campaign and when it is time, get out to vote. There are people and nations on this earth who would like the opportunity and the right. Do you take the vote for granted? Do you realize what a cherished privilege it is for you?

YOU LOOK BUT DO YOU SEE

Good observation skills are vital in many jobs and useful in every day living. Recently on a weekend away, I spent some time looking at the view from my hotel window, writing what I saw. It is a good exercise to do periodically. In my work, listening and observing are clinical skills that have been developed over the years. Yet when I looked at the scene from my window, I missed the lake in the background until I realized it was there. Did not take a picture but it would have been a good activity to test other's skills. Seeing means to look again and sometimes to look again several times. Our first impression may not take in everything that is relevant. Like the picture above do you sometimes miss the forest for the trees?

OUR PRESENCE HELPS FILL THE ROOM

Adolph and I went to our bank's grand opening last night. They had moved the branch to a bigger location. Ate some munchies, listened to some speeches and congratulated the team on the event. We try to attend as many social events- large and small- well to help fill the room. Too often it is easy to say, no time to go or the event is not that important. It is important to the person hosting the event. I have given parties where the excuses for not attending are always interesting. Even the girls' weddings had some last minute cancellations or people who just forgot to respond to the wedding invitation. We went to a funeral home visitation of an elderly person recently. For the family, it meant so much to be able to say how many people attended in honour of the loved one. For me, there is an honour to be on someone's list of invitees. When others have been there for me, it is kind to be there for someone else. Do you attend social events? Do you try to fill the room? Have you been disappointed when hosting an event with the excuses from those who did not come?

DIED TOO YOUNG TO BE BORED

I read about a young athlete who died at 23. My first thoughts were she died too young to be bored with life. One of the blessings of living a long life is to enjoy the life. We all have moments that are ordinary and think we are missing out on something. What the something may be is personal to the individual. We may think someone leads a more exciting life than our life. In honour of those who were denied the opportunity to marry, have children, work at a job for years, retire, travel- let us stop and really love what we have. I have known people who died and did not get to see their grandchildren, for example. Have few regrets. Frank Sinatra's song- Regrets I've had a few- could be a good mantra! Boredom is a great motivator to do the things you want to do. Are you bored today? Do you have activities in your life that seem boring? Can you turn the boredom into a moment of self revelation? Can it spur you to do the activity with some joy or to do a different activity? We all have to do many daily tasks that are routine. Can we make those routine tasks part of happy living? What do you think?

THE DAFFODIL

Is the April symbol for cancer and hope. It actually grows in the garden closer to May. Daffodils are just one of many Spring bulbs that are anticpated with joy every year after a long winter. Laying dormant under the snow, they come alive at the same time every year. We take so much for granted in our lives. Nature sure does have a way of keeping us humble. Bulbs pop through the ground when they are ready. Birds arrive from the south on cue. Butterflies flock back to us. The cycle of life that comes alive in the Spring. How is your garden growing? Are you watching for the arrival of the Spring growth? Do you ever marvel at the rhythm of nature?

NANA SAYS BABYSITTING CAN BE FUN

What better way is there to experience the grandchildren! Babysitting and helping the moms and dads with a break. Spent Saturday with one twosome at my house in the morning with some outdoor time and Saturday night with the other twosome at their house. Loved the moments of cuddling a baby to sleep. The 3 year old wanted story time sitting on Nana's lap. Grandparents are the backup teams in so many families. Children benefit from the unconditional love that is provided. Do you have grandparents in your life? Do the little ones relish the time spent with them?

FAMILY BIRTHDAYS

Are an excuse to get together and celebrate with food and fun. Catch up on recent events, have a laugh, eat and have the proverbial birthday cake with pictures. Hug the kids and grandkids! The precious moments that make a life. Here's to birthdays and other celebrations! Are you or someone you know celebrating today? Take lots of pictures and enjoy!

THE SOUNDS OF SPRING

Start with the return of the Song Birds. When I was walking to work this week, I started to notice the chirping in the trees again. It is lovely to hear the songs of birds in Ontario. Some species include the Robin, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, Sparrows of several varieties, Yellow Goldfinch, Cardinal, Chickadee, Baltimore Oriole and of course the Red Winged Black Bird. Blackbirds and Grackles are prolific too. There is something in the Song Birds morning greeting that reassures Spring is really here even if the weather stays cool. Welcome back my little friends! Do you have birds that bring some joy to your day?

WELCOME TO APRIL

And April Fools' Day. It is also time to buy that daffodil in memory of those you loved who died from cancer. We can also help the Canadian Cancer Society that provides many services to people living with cancer.