TAKE THAT OPENING IN LIFE

Sometimes we are stuck with no ideas then we see a small opening, an opportunity. With hard work, creative thought, the opening becomes bigger and bigger as we pursue it. We can drive through to the other side and pursue our dreams, ambitions, joys. Are you feeling stuck today? Discouraged? Look around you for a little opening, an encouraging word, a possibility! Are you ready to follow where it leads you?

KINDNESS

Sometimes I like to revisit articles, poems, ideas I wrote years ago. Here is a poem I wrote March 17, 1994.
Go out of your way to be kind.
Why kind?
To make the world a better place.
To make my world a better place.
Does it give meanig in a manner that nothing else replaces.
Kindness, thoughtfulness-meaning, a way of life.
Purposeful, meaningful, just plain nice.
Can my epitaph read-just plain nice!
What's wrong with being nice?
Why does it raise contempt in others, why does it hurt to be nice?
Why do nice guys finish last or do they?
Perhaps they just stand aside to let others pass because the need to be number one is not paramount in their lives.
It's nice to let others go first, it's nice to bring joy to others.
It brings joy to oneself.
So do we finish last, if the last smile is ours.
Kind, it's okay to be kind.

THE SERENITY PRAYER

Written by an unknown author is one of the most endearing prayers.

GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE,

COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN,

AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.

Sounds so simple, yet it is so complex.

For me to accept what I cannot change is a constant struggle.

To allow others or situations to be. Leave it alone. Your advice is not needed.

Bite your tongue. Walk away. Be supportive, not controlling. You get the picture.

It is easy to state your mind but to stop talking and listen takes more energy.

I am always striving to meet the balance of this little prayer. A life's journey!

Do you like this prayer? Do you have other prayers you follow? I often wonder who

really wrote it.

PROJECTION-THAT LITTLE DEFENSE MECHANISM

We all like to feel we have something different than other people. Criticizing others must make us stop and analyse what we are saying. In life it is too easy to project all our faults on others. Projection is such a defense mechanism. Remember if you are pointing a finger at someone- three fingers are pointing back at you! Extreme thinking- religious zeal- racial slurring are times to look at the situation and ask what is that person hiding! Shakespere said it best- I think you doeth protest too much! Do you recognize such feelings? Do you see them in others? How do you deal with the situation?

A POSTCARD FROM ALGONQUIN PARK ONTARIO

A camping trip to Algonquin Park was a major part of my childhood- late 1950's to the last trip in 1973 with Adolph. We camped at Rock Lake which was several miles from main highway- 60. We would stay for 4 to 6 weeks, usually leaving a few days before school ended. Some summers we took friends for part of the time.The mosquitoes and especially the black flies would be ferocious in June but became manageable in July. Mom would stay with us kids while Dad went back and forth to work. When he would arrive with fresh fruit and goodies, it was like a care package. Canoeing, sleeping in a tent with a sleeping bag- on the ground, using the campfire along with the Coleman stove everyone had, hiking, Campfire singsongs- a couple of summers with my brother Ron and his friend playing their guitars- and swimming every day whether the water was warm or cold. Rock Lake was a campground that had been a canoe route for our Native Canadians- the Algonquian. My finds of flint along the shoreline were always exciting. One day I found a whole arrowhead that must have been used for birds. My mother made my siblings donate their finds to the Nature Museum in the Park but I kept mine and still have them to this day- a real childhood treasure! Wildlife abounded. The favourite for all the campers were the deer that grazed along the highway. It was always exciting to see a baby fawn. Hikes in the woods could result with encounters with not only deer but racoons, squirrels, chipmunks, fox, and even a black bear. No one would keep food in their tent as the Black Bear was notorious for coming to the campground at night. A simple canvas wall would not keep one from ripping open a tent for food. The same problem with racoons! There were wolves in the park but they were smart and avoided people! A special outing would be the annual visit to the Logging Museum! One summer I had gone home early. My brother Reed sent me a postcard-" Hi Blondey, Have the lawn weeded for when I get back, or you'll get a shot in the left eye, both of them. Wheather's lousy, water cold, no dear to see and the kids are running Marg and Howie up the wall (tree). See you soon. Reed. "The year was 1962 and postmarked from Whitney, Ontario- the little town to the east of Algonquin Park. My postcards in my collection show a history. The earlier ones with the cars from the 50's! Have you been to Algonquin Park? Is there a favourite Park in Canada you know well? Do you camp or like the convenience of staying in a Lodge? Camping has changed but the feel and smell of the great outdoors has not!

If you want to have your postcard featured here. Email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you my address.

TIS THE SEASON FOR ICE CREAM

The child in all of us comes out in the summer. Ice Cream is the main dish.

Ice cream cones, sundaes, banana splits or whatever you want- ice cream goes with most desserts. Apple pie just tastes better with some vanilla ice cream. Here in Canada we has Dairy Queen and Baskin Robins. Containers for home abound in the frozen food section. Chapmans is the home grown Canadian brand. A dish with your favourite fruit is always delightful. I love chocolate ice cream and peaches. Do you have a favourite? Is there a fruit that goes better with a different kind for you? Do you just love a simple ice cream cone? A hot summer day just invites us to eat more than one!!

THE IRIS

Is a beautiful flower in any garden.
Comes in an array of colours. Of course, my garden includes the purple ones. The garden is like an orchestra with new blooms every week and other flowers wilting. Photographers must catch each one at their peak so
the best moment is captured.

Then there are the two colour types. For some reason I find them to be quite regal. Need to research the history. What do you know about the lovely iris? Is it a flower you have in your garden?

HOW NOT TO BE PRETENTIOUS

Simple- get down to the person's level without being patronizing. I was thinking about this topic after I was babysitting my two grandsons the other night. For the little guy- 10 months- I just sat on the floor with him- at his level. We were seeing eye to eye. As a professional, how can we see eye to eye with the clients, patients, children? In any therapeutic relationship, there is always a power imbalance. As the authority, big words, big ideas and well concepts that need a dictionary abound. In social situations, the person with the most money can look down his/her nose and be the most important- well pretentious! " I am richer than You!" Or I am prettier than you! I am slimmer than you! If we want to be superior, very easy in many circumstances. For example, watch the way many people treat the cashier at any checkout line! Or the waitress/waiter in the restaurant business! Sometimes pretentiousness is just a defense for real underlying insecurities. But sometimes there are real people who do believe they are owed more! More of what- that is the question? I love it when I witness someone getting down to a person's level of understanding. We have some doctors who will draw a crude, simple diagram for a patient to explain the diagnosis or illness. The patient understands without a lot of big words or having to research 6 sites on the Internet. Can take the paper and drawing away with a new respect for their physician. Regardless of the job we have, there is a team around us that provide work and service. Back to the little guy, I'm on the floor with him but when needed, I can stand up again and tower over him or just pick him up to be at my level again. Perhaps that is the trick, reaching out and picking someone up to our level. Then on other occasions, we may be the one needing picking up! Are you pretentious? Do you know people who are pretentious? How do you deal with such people? Do you avoid pretentious people? I know I do!

NANA SAYS SIBLING RIVALRY IS NORMAL

It is what we do about it that can make the difference. For example, when children in the same family have a birthday, it becomes very apparent. While celebrating one child's birthday, the feelings of the other child may be bruised. Letting any children present blow out an additional lit candle on the cake, helps to ease the tension after the birthday boy/girl has had the traditional singing and candles lit. Older children may want to play with the younger child's toys. My answer- only if the child gives permission and to remember your toys may need to be shared too. Each person deserves to have an individual celebration. For some reason when children attend a friend's birthday celebration the same situation does not result. The need to have some attention is always paramount at home. For parents, it can be stressful. Trying to keep the peace and giving the birthday celebration justice! I notice when the grandchildren play in my backyard. They will all want the same stick- there are dozens of sticks to chose! Is it human nature to want what someone else has? Adults have the " keep up with the Jones" syndrome sometimes. There are adults that do not seem to want or envy others for what they have. By helping siblings to get along and share, are we helping to create healthier adults? I know loving parents who treated all their children fairly but there has been one child who just did not grow into that healthy adult. Still jealous of the other child/children in the family. Sibling rivalry is a huge topic. I think I need to think about it more and perhaps share more thoughts at another time. Are you a sibling? How do you feel about your brother or sister?

THE SUMMER SOLSTICE

Makes the longest day here in the northern hemisphere and the shortest day in the southern hemisphere. It is only a moment in time as the earth tilts on its axis but for most of us, we consider it as a day. Also the first day of summer! Although we do start to feel summer begins around the beginning of May. This year the weather has been cooler than normal so it feels like we have been ripped off! Then the floods in parts of Canada have affected many farmers and homeowners. Summer starts to conjure up plans for vacations, day trips, family reunions, barbecues and even what will be the summer reading! Camps for children who need to stay home- day or sleepover! With the long days, I find myself outside more. Eating dinner on the back porch. Crafting or reading outside to enjoy the longer days. Even staying up past 9 p.m. at night! The light keeps me awake so I feel like I have another half day after work to accomplish some personal activities. I love it! What makes the summer special for you? Do you enjoy the longer days? Do you become busier or just enjoy the " lazy, hazy days of summer"?

PRIVACY

Privacy is that luxury we all crave when we want to collect our thoughts. The rich and famous when dealing with a personal event will ask for privacy. Why does anyone need to know the details of a person's life? In my profession, I hear many stories and decide what goes into a person's chart that is relevant to the current situation. With friends, I respect what they have shared with me and expect the same respect in return. We do not have to share everything with everyone everytime. Friends and family know our stories! Do you have moments where you felt others were questioning you too much? Do you want privacy in your life? Do you give the same courtesy to others? Do you cringe at gossip? Do you avoid the gossip mongers in your life? I know I do!

A POSTCARD FROM HAWAII

Aloha from the beautiful state. Many

people we know have been to Hawaii. My first trip at age 18 with parents and brother- Rob then Adolph and I honeymooned there in 1971. My folks had been there several times and loved it. During our honeymoon, we met Marge- from Portland, Oregon and Dorothy from Victoria, British Columbia, two friends who vacationed in Waikiki every year without their husbands. They took our only couple picture on the trip. We continued to correspond with them over the years and they would send a card each year from Hawaii. Along with annual Christmas cards and postcards from us wherever we vacationed, the bond continued. Dorothy was older and died a few years ago. Up until last Christmas we still heard from Marge. She made my daughter Natasha a beautiful blanket with scraps of Hawaiian material that I still use for the grandchildren! One of the cards from 1988 read- "My 11th day here. Weather is perfect. So many things to do. All usual people are here. Enjoyed your card from Fla. Vacations are my type of living. After this is Dullsville. So many pedestrians at 6:30 AM. Aloha- Marge H." Postmarked April 18, 1988. I have the card we sent to Mama on our honeymoon- "Hi Mama, Joe, Nonna- Adolph and I are enjoying the sun and the beach. We rented a car and have driven around the island. It is so beautiful. Adolph really loves it. We will see you when we get home. Love Adolph &Barb" Postmarked May 22, 1971
Postcards are like a mini time capsule. I have lots of blank cards that I bought to have in my collection. One card from my Mom and Dad- tells of their enjoyment in Maui in 1981. " You wouldn't recognize Wakiki- Barb- it's all built up. No room to breath. We love it here in Maui. Might buy a "Condo".

Have you been to Hawaii? What is your favourite island? Can you smell the flowers? Don't you just love the orchids?

If you want to send a postcard to have featured here, just email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send my address to you.

DO YOU HAVE DANCER'S LEGS?

Do you love the comment? She has dancer's legs. No amount of plastic surgery can give you those legs. A tummy tuck- yes a flat tummy! Breasts enlarged, lifted can make a change. If you want dancer's legs- well you must dance or actually use your legs. As I was walking to a local store this morning to get some prosciutto and olives, I recalled the summer of 1986 when I was between cars for about 6 weeks. My little Mazada GLC had rusted out and I needed a new car. Adolph was busy in the business so we got by on one car until he had time to help me get a new one. I was spending some time with the children as I had a small private practice and was at home. So I walked, rode my bike, played with them and took them on day trips Around the end of August, I noticed- I have dancer's legs! Well toned, muscles! If we want a fit body, well we must use our bodies. Walk, run, ride your bike, do some weights, garden. The summer is a good time to decide to become more active. We naturally find ways to use our bodies. If you are lucky to be near a beach or pool- swim!! If you are more active and just keep sucking in that tummy, maybe you don't need a tuck after all! And may end up with a flatter one! Will you be trying for dancer's legs?

THE PLANES FLY OVER

Every morning starting at 6 a.m. The Red Eyes from the west- leaving Vancouver, Calgary at night arriving at Pearson Internation Airport in Toronto in the morning. I like the sound as it gives a start and a rhythm to the day. I live far enough away from the airport that it is tolerable. Planes start to fly over late afternoon again from the west. They come from the north. The planes seen in the southern sky are the ones from Europe. Sometimes I just sit outside to watch them go over my house as they make their descent to the airport. Who is in the plane? Businessmen, tourists to the area or family members arriving for an event or returning home? This time of year, vacations are planned that include plane travel for many while there are cars, buses and trains that transport people. Plane travel however makes us pack very lightly. With a car, we can throw as many items into spaces. I always take more shoes if going by car. This year I only have day trips planned. So there is the envy factor! People going on cruises, travelling to Europe or Africa. Weeks at the cottage- I do not have my own cottage but could go to someone else's I suppose! Thinking about summer brings the urge for most of us to go somewhere. But somehow a plane trip is the ultimate journey! Then there are the plane stories, the airport stories, what a flight! The pretentious stories of how we love one airline over another one! For me as long as the pilot and co-pilot know how to fly the plane and land it safely is the most important factor. Here in Canada we have Air Canada, Westjet and Porter Airlines. All fine airlines. Always hoping they survive. For many of us we remember- Canadian Pacific, Wardair and Canadian that did not remain due to financial problems. The smaller charter airlines like Nordair and others keep us moving. Do you like to fly? What places have you visited? Yes here comes another plane!

OUTDOOR MUSIC FESTIVALS

Start to happen across our nation. Locally during the summer, we have music in the park at our Mill Pond or Richmond Green. Street events always include music, bands, groups. There is something very endearing in hearing music outside. Whether it is jazz, rock, country, gospel or a combination, music brings the lazy days of summer forward. Even our local pub next door has caribbean music on Thursday nights that I can hear sitting at the front on my chair. Love it! Do you have favourite summer music opportunities?

THE DAISY

Is that non-pretentious flower that grows wild or can be bought at a nursery as an annual perennial in your garden. It adds some white to a flower bed with an array of colour. There are several varities. In my Spring garden that has tulips, the daisy fills the void when the tulips are gone. For me, it is a cheery flower. Of course, we can play the old game- he loves me, he loves me not- by slowly plucking the petals of a bloom! Or just leave them to be enjoyed! Do you have daisies in your garden? It is a typical Canadian flower loved by all.

INSPIRATION

Is a wonderful word that conjuresup different meanings for different people. A stimulation for creative activity says the dictionary. We can be inspired by God, a teacher, a parent, a friend, an idea. Our own actions can inspire another to do a task, complete a dream. We all have been both in our lives- getting inspiration from someone or something or inspiring others to tackle their aspirations. Look beyond the mountain to the other side- it is waiting for you. Have you been inspired lately? Are you following a dream? Tell me your story!

THE BOREDOM FACTOR

Is often a problem in life. Although we can be busy with the daily activities of living- children, job duties, rush hour traffic, laundry, groceries-, we can find ourselves just going through the paces. Adding something interesting to our daily routines can help with any drudgery. By looking at these tasks from a different angle may change the focus. Years ago I would try to get all my regular tasks done so I could go to do the creative ones. Burning all that energy on routines seemed wasted. So I did my creative items first then did the routine ones. Guess what! Changes the outlook. Everything gets done! Like my blog. First thing in the morning or right after work! Daily goals rather than saving everything to the weekend helps too. Monday morning shopping for example can give alot of discounted items. A local store puts lots of bread out that can be frozen for later functions. By rethinking how we do things keeps us creative. Boredom is a great movivator to add more to our lives. It can jolt us from our comfort zone. On the other hand, daily routines gives us a life. The joy of normal and enjoying the moment is a good way to live! Are you ever bored? When do you know it is happening? What do you do to find creative outlets? Have you found ways to make your daily routines more enjoyable?

A POSTCARD FROM BARBARA-OTTAWA

Postcards are fun to receive when family or friends are travelling or just need to keep in touch.

With the invention of social media and emails, many people do not bother to send one anymore. I like to keep in touch with many people by using postcards. Little children love to get mail with their name on it. On our recent anniversary trip to Montreal and Ottawa, due to the timeframes, I only sent to the grandchildren, parents, 2 cousins in Italy and siblings- about 12 cards. I usually print the address labels prior to any trip so it saves time with the writing. I have saved postcards all my life. Many people sent me a card because I have been a stamp collector so it served a double purpose. In reviewing my cards lately I realize many tell a story. The cards here from Ottawa are from two different time periods- one is the only souvenir I could afford on a class trip in May 1963 while the others were bought in May 2011. Do you have postcard stories to share? As a recurring theme on my blog, I will be posting postcard stories regularly. If you want to send me a postcard so I can put it in my blog- email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you my home address. If you have older postcards, do not throw them out as there may be a market for them. Remember people that could travel a hundred years ago had money! So their cards may have a dollar value.

ADM ADOLPH'S INITIALS

Do you ever travel and find your name or initials in print. Adolph's initials in Montreal. There was a Barb Road in Vanhill Ontario. In downtown Toronto- Ellis Ave that may have been named after the Ellis branch of my family. Sonya, Ontario- same spelling as my daughter Sonya. Have you found streets or towns or areas with your name?

NANA SAYS JUNE IS STRESSFUL FOR PARENTS

The end of the school year can be so stressful with all the graduations- Kindergarten to Grade 1, Grade 8 to High School, leaving High School and finalizing where post-High School studies will occur. The social functions- school events- fun days, parent-teacher meetings, pot luck get togethers and if there are children's birthdys in the mix- busy, busy times. Of course, all the dance recitals, pictures, preparation and then the big night for the dancers. Signing up for the summer sports- baseball, soceer, swimming. Can we car pool? Who do we know?If a summer vacation, trip, camp is being planned then where, when, who and for how long. What should be a joyful preparation for the relaxing summer ahead seems more stressful for many than the Christmas season. The pressure to have children in academic endeavors over the summer weighs heavily on parents' heads. Nana says less is more. Creative play is good for children's souls as well as parents. Spending time together with real dialogue works. Getting through the activities of June with some enjoyment should be the goal as we all head into the summer. Did you ever go out in a boat- canoe, rowboat, motorboat, sailboat- with a parent as a child and just relax, talk? Lots of supplies at home to supplement the organized camps and learning opportunites helps. I remember reading and doing things at my own speed. We camped in Algonquin Park so days of swimming, canoeing, exploring. As you organize your children's time, remember to organize down time. Experts say children lose skills over the summer-should you be fearful if the little one does not do structured math for two months well buy some activity books to take to the cottage, car rides and keep those experts at bay! My children took swimming lessons during the year so the summer was a time to go to the beach, pool and consolidate the skills learnt. If all activities are not planned by the middle of June, why not plan to see how the summer will evolve and flow with some creative in the moment planning. Are you enjoying the June activities? Are you feeling the pressure of the end of the school year? Go into child mode and have activities that can be enjoyed by all. Remember whose need is it to run from activity to activity! And remember grandparents can be a big help with sleepovers and taking children to some events.

AFTER THE STORM

Passed our way yesterday, it made me reflect on how trouble in our lives can stop us in our tracks. For almost an hour, watching the weather channel, watching the sky for funnel clouds and watching the huge bolts of lightening as well as listening to the thunder that seemed to shake our house. Eventually, the storm system passed. We had no damage but in other areas- downed trees, golf ball sized hail- were recorded. Relief that we were unscathed. Our lives go along in our normal way but there are always events that can change everything. Fires, floods, storms, accidents- well you get the picture. Our fear in the middle of an event can be overwhelming. Most of us like to think we can handle and stay cool through anything . Fear is one of those feelings that has its own agenda. It creeps up on us. Is there anything we can do to control it? If we have the need to be in control, like driving through pounding rain on a highway or helping someone in a disaster. Standing alone is a different matter. Have there been times your own fear of a situation surprised you? Courage can come from fear as we have seen many heros in our lives do extraordinary things. Have you been courageous? Immobilized? After the event could you analyse yourself or were you just happy to be still standing? Some people even say I am not afraid of anything or anyone! I do not know if I am afraid of Mother Nature- I think I respect her- alot!!

JUSTICE FOR ALL

What is justice? It has many definitions but we often think in the legal terms. It can be slanted depending on the situation. If someone hurts us- emotionally, financially, legally- we want justice for that person. Some cases even go to the highest court in our land and still justice may not prevail for you. Just conduct! Fairness! We exercise our authority in the maintenance of right. But what is right depends on the individual's interpretation - I am right and you are wrong. If we want justice, then what. If we are harmed, the deed is done. Will any justice in the land make us feel better? Perhaps in the biblical sense, justice is mine sayeth the lord! The hardest thing to do is to forgive and move on! Is justice an internal sense of well being or an external punishment of the perpetrator! Have you been wronged? Are you seeking justice? What slant do you put on your situation?

PERFECTIONISM

Is an aspect of an anxiety disorder. Too often people brag- I'm a perfectionist! Everything has to be perfect. Well life is not perfect so get over it. Perfectionistic bosses, spouses, friends fret over the smallest, silliest details. It is good to plan, be safety minded and to double check. However, get going. For example, when I write, I throw the thoughts, the words on paper. Easier to amend, draft, correct an idea then to fret about writing the perfect paragraph. Perfectionism can be an excuse to keep a project unfinished! Let go to grow! Yes there can be little flaws in many things we do. Children can not achieve with parents who expect perfect outcomes. A five year old makes a lumpy bed but leave it lumpy. Over time the child will learn. Each task can have layers. It takes me 4 hours to vacuum my house top to bottom. Do I want to spend that time every time I pull out my vacuum cleaner-NO! So can I do a quick vacuum, a thorough room vacuum, one floor vacuum and then once in a blue moon the whole house at one go or find the resources to hire a cleaning lady! My house can not be perfect, not now, not ever. Real people live here! Am I a tidy person- yes! But not obsessed with perfect tidiness! Perfectionism is self limiting! Are you a perfectionist? Are you around perfectionistic people? There is help to work on this disorder. Perfectionism can be turned into normal organizational habits.

D-DAY JUNE 6 1944

Is a significant day in history. The invasion in Normandy to allow the Allies to obtain a foothold in France was a decisive turning point in World War Two. For Canadians, Juno Beach was the landing site for our troops. The 3rd Canadian Infantry Division and commandos of the Royal Marines lead the offensive. Support was given from Naval Force J as well as units of the Royal Canadian Navy. Units of the Royal Navy and RCN provided transport. There is now a Juno Beach Centre in France as well as a website documenting the Canadian efforts. Remembering our history allows us to honour those who served as well as support the efforts of our Armed Forces today. Lest we Forget! Do you stop and think about what today means? Do you even wish that there was no need for war?

RICHMOND HILL CENTRAL LIBRARY

Is one of my favourite buildings. It is located up the street from my house. A beautiful pink building designed by Diamond and Schmitt Architects , finished in 1995, is not only functional because it is a library but pretty! I have taken many pictures throughout the years. It is on hill so makes a good walk from my house. The view from the library is picturesque. We vote there, use the Canadiana room and of course take out library books as needed. Even has a coffee shop inside. Do you have a favourite local building?

IS PATIENCE A VIRTUE?

My husband's Nonna used to say- hai pazienza! Have patience! She was the sweetest person- Nonna Maria. She had a tough life- lost her husband in World War One and had to live with her in-laws. Later in life she lived with her son and family- my husband's family. I am sure it was not the easiest life- going from your father's home to the in-law's home to your son's home- she never really had her own place. Yet, she was not bothered by it. Would a modern woman be able to tolerate that life- I doubt it. To live on one's own is a cherished goal. So patience in life comes with a cost. To be able to tolerate the follies of others- work mates, little children, family member's habits and concerns is patience. But is it a strength! Sometimes is it better to tell the person in the situation to bug off- I don't have time for you! Or is it better to let the others come to their own conclusion and suffer the consequences of their actions? Waiting in line- I can be patient but often feel perturbed by others who huff and puff because they have to wait! If you needed to be first then come earlier- does last minute Christmas shopping come to mind! In the hospital for example, it is not first come first served- it is most urgent backwards for care. We had a patient waiting for surgey. A family member was pushing -he will have surgery today! Explanation- on the trauma block but if someone more urgent comes in through the hospital door then he could be bumped and with a trailer- not first come first served! She was very rude saying well it should be. Trying to explain we are not a department store or a restaurant- our business is trying to save lives. Yes, waiting for non-urgent surgery is difficult but no consideration for anyone else's health risk is actually quite selfish.
Waiting for anything does try our patience!!!
Little children need our patience. They just take longer to do things. Little fingers, tough buttons! Wanting to try and do it their way. Sometimes their behaviour is to try to please us so if we have patience we may actually come to that conclusion.
Does being patient demonstrate by example caring and loving the person? My children often tell me I let them be who they needed to be and not who I thought they should be. It was not always easy as most parents know- our children do try our patience!! What do I have- adult children who are responsible, loving, caring people! So patience can give rewards. But is it a virtue? It does help us control our feelings especially anger. It helps us bite our tongue and not say every cruel thought that flies into our head. It can help us to disfuse a dicey situation by thinking and not reacting. With patience, we can say- this too shall pass! What do you think? Virtue? Strength? Character flaw? Do you have patience?

CANADA GEESE

Are a Canadian icon. They are everywhere across our great nation.

Sometimes they even come to visit with their babies- goslings.

They are so prolific. They look cute but can be a nuisance sometimes if there are flocks of them. Goose poop can be everywhere.

Near my home in a field there is a large Spring pond. Each year the couple come to stay until it dries up. One day they decided to go for a stroll and strolled up to my front door. Do you ever have little visitors? Nature is all around us. It is amazing that we can co-exist together! What has been your experience with Canada geese?

GRAFITTI- LOVE IT OR HATE IT!

I happen to like grafitti- if it is tastefully done. No swear words, no racial slurs, no provocative pictures.There is a debate locally to fine those who do grafitti. If I had a building- which I do not- I would invite local artists to compete and allow the best drawing in my mind to be done. It makes dull brick walls interesting and does draw people to your location. It started with cave paintings- perhaps they were just grafitti too! What do you think- art or nuisance? Have you ever painted a rock near a highway? The side of a building? A sandwalk? Of course, not a church, synagogue or any religious place or in a cemetery. Even grafitti artists should have class and manners! And respect!

TIME STANDS STILL

For no one! It is such an old saying but with so much meaning. We leave a job, a relationship, a trip ends and life does go on. We go on whether we want to continue or not. Have you ever had a time in your life when you were so self absorbed with an issue that life happened around you? You pop up your head and say when did that happen! I always think I am the only one aging. Then I see my children's friends and they are aging too. A neighbourhood changes, one family at at a time! Stores close and new ones open! In our region- York Region- the fastest growing community in Canada, a new housing development pops up on a corner that was a farmer's field. Shortly afterwards the big box stores! When did that happen! Hard to keep up with the development! Having an idea only works if something is done about it! Time keeps on ticking! It's about time! Have a good time! I had the time of my life! What a waste of time! Time flies when you are having fun!

Where did May go? It is already June!