NANA SAYS SHELL OUT SHELL OUT

The witches are out! Treat or Trick! Smell my feet! Give me something good to eat! Halloween! One of the most popular days for children here in North America. Many families now decorate their lawns for several weeks with Halloween decorations. Children go door to door getting candies and other Halloween goodies. When I was a child, some people would give an apple or a peanut or one candy! My favourite was the lady who made candy apples. Now with some of the tricks like a needle in an item, parents check their children's bags for appropriate candies. The wrapped candies are the safest. There are Halloween parties at school or friends' houses! Children wear store bought costumes in a variety of themes! My little grandsons are superheroes while my granddaughter will be Belle from Beauty and the Beast! Some people still will try to make a homemade outfit. I made clown costumes for my girls one Halloween! Last Saturday was the Halloween party time for the Adults. Apparently the business surrounding this event has boomed into a lucrative affair for many entrepreneurs! So with my pumpkins on the front porch, some bagged candies to accompany the cans of pop I give out, Halloween is about to begin. Have a very Scary time! Watch out for all the little trick and treaters on the street! If you are in the mood you can watch all those Halloween horror movies! So are you a good witch or a bad witch!

SURVIVING A SUPERSTORM

Downgraded from Hurricane status, Sandy still packed a powerful punch to the Eastern region of North America. Friends and families in the American Eastern Seaboard are waking up to a new reality this morning. Surviving a night of howling winds and bending trees here in Ontario, my damage is two sections of my wooden fence needing repairs. After hearing a huge thump at 2 a.m., I checked the house and could not determine what it was! Checked the whole house this morning and still is standing! My little leak in a corner of my basement is nothing compared to the losses many are facing today! Should I count my blessings? You bet! Toronto has some damage and lots of stuff and garbage strewn over city streets despite the warnings to take in anything that could fly around. Take a look at my kitchen and front hall with outdoor stuff needing to be put away! I even cleaned lots of leaves from the street in front of my house as there are two sewer grates that could fill with them and cause potential flooding. In a crisis, if everyone does their part, then the community can come through it with as little damage as possible. The only question- do I take a ride from Adolph to work or grab a good broom because with the wind still howling I could probably fly there?!!!

PREPARING FOR THE STORM

As Hurricane Sandy heads inland, Ontario is told to brace itself for rain and high winds and possible power outages. Time to pull out the emergency supplies- batteries, flashlights and candles- just in case they are needed. Check the sewer grates on the street to make sure they are not covered in Fall leaves that could interfere with drainage. The wind is the greatest fear as there are big trees around my house and street. Can not do anything about the trees! We may get some water in the basement- who knows. We are told to get prepared for the unexpected! But if we don't know what will happen, we can only do so much!

PUMPKINS PUMPKINS PUMPKINS EVERYWHERE

Between Thanksgiving and Halloween, pumpkins are popping up everywhere. For the amazing crafters, craving has become an art. I just put out a few uncarved ones on my front porch. I am not good at craving. After all the festive events, I cut the pumpkins open take out the seeds and roast them in the oven. I cook some of the pumpkin with ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon then take the skin off and use the mush in pumpkin  in bread, muffins or pies! A Pumpkin is a happy vegetable with its bright orange!

I also like to take a few pictures. A quick picture from a speeding car of a pumpkin field not far from home!

Some little pumpkins for decoration!

Fun farm decoration!

Which one to chose!

Or are these ones better!

A Cinderella Pumpkin for the little Princess in your Life!

CANADA AM- ANOTHER CANADIAN ICON

This popular morning show is celebrating 40 years on the air this week and particularly today when the first show occurred. I remember it! Over the years,I have watched many hosts change, learned about new singers, writers, current studies on various themes and the political and news issues from coast to coast to coast. The show does go on location in various parts of the country periodically to showcase the locales! If I am travelling, it is  a way to keep in touch with my home base. I can also check what the weather is like for other family members in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and New Brunswick. Canadians like to know what the weather is like so we have something to talk about! Unlike other Canadians institutions, for example, The Bay that have been bought by foreigners, Canada AM continues to be Canadian! A guest today will be Burton Cummings- a favourite from Winnipeg! The show is done with some class and some humour! I have it on in the morning while I blog, get dressed and then scurry off to work. I do not sit and watch it but treat the show like a radio where I can listen to what is happening then watch the tidbits I like. So to Bev, Marcie and Jeff- keep up the tradition of a long list of people that made this show a keeper! Do you watch CANADA AM? Do you have favourite moments?

PATIENCE IS A TOUGH VIRTUE

Waiting to capture the image you want takes patience.The above picture took 7 photos to obtain the one I wanted. Patience with people or events in our lives take strength of character. It can be difficult to trust the process presented in front of us. To be able to wait! Patiently! Sometimes we need to leave or walk away from a situation! To think! Regroup! The Therapist works with the client's issues and the insight that can be a struggle to occur. The parent gives the child time to learn at his/her pace. The teacher presents material for the class to grasp collectively but some individuals do need more time! Patience- a virtue! A tough one!

NANA SAYS HAVE SWEET NAMES FOR CHILDREN

Children have given names that go on birth certificates and official documents. There are those nicknames and messages that abound. My daughter told me a cute story about one of my little grandsons. He told her- "Mommy you call me a monkey. Nana calls me a pumpkin!" He likes his little nicknames! A good thing! Sometimes the names we call our children and grandchildren may not be so loving! How many times do you hear- he was my little accident! Really did not want another baby! Love him anyway. Why not say- he was my wonderful surprise! Or finally after 3 girls, we had the son we always wanted! Or 2 boys and we have our little princess! Why not- we always wanted to have a boy and a girl- the millionaire's family! The black sheep in the family! Oh, she was always my troubled child! Nothing but heartache! Some of these children end up in therapy or feel they were never really loved in their families! As the adults in our children's lives remember to give praise, loving messages amidst the normal nagging that goes on! Safety and discipline mean we might not always sound so nice! Don't run into the street! Sit while you eat or you will choke! Listen to me! Negative messages or names do slip into our conversations- to be human! Children are listening but much more they are feeling! The tone of voice, the touch and the correction can save the day to reflect the love we feel for those people! Focus on the activity that needs correcting, not everything about the person. " You are not listening to me right now!" Rather than- " you never listen!" is one example. Children try our patience and do need constant supervision sometimes. Act as if you really love being around the little ones! Even if you look forward to their bed time! Even grandparents love bed time!

THE ROADS WE TAKE

To get us to places can be varied or the same route day after day. As creatures of habit, there is comfort knowing the way, how long it will be and the safety in finding us back at the beginning. Some people are highway drivers, others like the back routes but all arrive at their wanted destinations. There are some country roads that offer interesting scenery as the seasons change. City streets with flags at Canada Day and Christmas lights during the festive season, make the same way engrossing. Of course, some roads may be boring if only concrete walls surround them. There is one stretch to Niagara Falls that is difficult to drive as there is nothing to see. Roads can also have symbolic significance to us. Some roads are very long- like Yonge Street- one of the longest in the world. It changes depending if you are in Toronto, here in Richmond Hill or further north where it goes into the country. Our highways like the Trans Canada Highway would tell a million stories if they could talk. Of course roads don't talk!

A PLACE TO THINK

Quiet spots beside water are often inviting us to sit and think or read or write a grocery list!

Sitting on a dock listening to the waves lap against the shore has a calming effect. Do you have a quiet spot?

#needingaplacetoghink#abenchisagoodplacetogotothink#sittingbytheedgeofthewaterisagoodplacetothink#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#wheretogotothink#wheredoyougotothink

GETTING OUT OF A FUNK

Or trying to feel less depressed. Do you get into a funk? While talking to a friend who is in a funk, it occurred to me that many people can feel this way. My friend is starting an exercise class, trying to work on a project and finding some resolution to a family crisis. Did it ever occur to all of us that sometimes there is just too much to consider and a little "crash" may be necessary to regroup? Not robots! People! And people with emotions and feelings! Sounds corny but the best advice is to get started on something! Quiet activities- finishing the book, tidying a closet, donating used items to a charity, short walks, and whatever brings some sense of moving forward. Last year at this time I was in a funk- worrying about the folks out west. This year my energy and completion of activities has helped me to live my life. Pushing my husband to write his posts for his blog! Fixing some corners of the house! Supporting my family! Funks are debilitating but with a little help from your friends and meaningful activities and self reflection, this too shall pass!

OPTIMISM IS PLANTING BULBS FOR SPRING FLOWERS

This is the perfect time of year to plant those bulbs for Spring flowers. Last Spring I noticed some spots in my gardens where flowers used to be . So recently tulip and crocus bulbs were  purchased. Let me regress. In 1997, Adolph had a large excavating job and needed to get rid of about 50 boulders. So our yard was ripped up and the boulders placed by two hardworking guys with one of the company's machines. Paths and gardens were created.  That Fall, I planted 400 bulbs of various kinds in the front and back. The next Fall another 400 and the Fall after that -300. So year after year the Spring flowers would bloom. My tulips were starting to look a little sparse in the Spring of 2012.  So dividing the 40 tulip bulbs, some were planted in one of the front gardens and one of the back gardens. The 25 crocus bulbs were put in a variety of spots. I began thinking as I toiled. How optimistic to plant in the Fall with the expectation flowers will bloom each Spring. There is a hopefulness of renewel! Harsh winters can play havoc on bulbs and rose bushes! But gardeners plant and prune and clean up with the anticipation the effort will bring results! So with a great stab at the garden today filling bags of  yard waste and bundling branches for roadside pickup, this gardener is proud with the results. I look forward to what the Spring will bring! Of course a few more sessions of raking as all the leaves have not descended yet! How is your garden looking? Is it ready for the winter with a few branch piles for the little creatures that abound? Are the garden gnomes put to sleep for the winter? Even though gardening is so enjoyable, are you glad for the winter break ahead? Bulbs are not the only thing that need to wait until the Spring!

WHO BUILT THE CN TOWER AND OTHER FAMOUS LANDMARKS

Whenever a building or landmark is built, the credit usually goes to the Architect or Architects who designed it. Somebody from a famous firm. Even the Taj Mahal in India gives credit to those men. Even though it took many years between 1632 and 1653 to complete. Many castles and palaces in England give credit to the person who commissioned it. Buckingham Palace started in 1705 is such a place named after the Duke of Buckingham. The Pyramids give credit to the Pharaoh who wanted it. Who really gives credit to the thousands of workers over the centuries that made these landmarks a reality. Families often will tell us their Dad or Grandpa worked on a special project, like the Hoover Dam near Las Vegas! I saw a documentary on the Dam once that credited the workers and their stories. There are many people in the Toronto area who worked on the CN Tower and made it happen. When Adolph was going strong in the Construction Industry, there were many work sites in and around the city- excavation jobs, demolition, large industrial parking lots, condo buildings and housing developments which would be part of his crews' contributions to the larger projects. Even one summer in 1968, Adolph knew what it was like to be a worker. He had a summer job at a downtown building site at Bay and Bloor. He was the gopher for coffee, equipment and other sundries. Usually 5 times daily, he had to walk up and down 22 flights of stairs to give the crew on the top, open aired floor whatever they needed! Needless to say he was in great shape by the start of the school year! It takes a village to raise a family but it also takes a village to complete any large or even small projects globally. From predawn to the postmodern era, anything is built one step at a time with many people using whatever tools they have at their fingertips. The next time you admire a building or a landmark, try to envision the people who made it happen! It takes a village of craftsmen with a variety of skills to make those projects a reality! And even a craftswoman or two!

DO YOU LIKE TO BE ALONE?

Being alone is different from feeling lonely. Reading and studying are solitary activities. Writing an essay, woodworking, knitting and sewing can bring quiet moments. Garden cleanup, fixing an engine, going for a run are enjoyed best alone. Do you ever just shop alone and don't feel lonely in a crowd? Can you stay in your home alone and relish your own company? Social activities and friends are important. But knowing you can be your own best friend allows some space when you need it. But can we be alone with all the connecting with modern technology! Well devices can be turned off for a few hours. We can sleep a whole night without answering a text- can't we? Some people meditate and reflect internally about their own thoughts and being! In our busy, noisy lives should we find moments alone? What do you think? Do you find quiet times in the day for just yourself? Or does being alone scare you? Do you find yourself running to situations where you can be part of a crowd?

ONE LEAF AT A TIME

As the leaves change, the splendour of a woodlot or forest is beautiful. Closeup we see the gradual process each leaf must undertake.

In the Fall of our lives, seeing all our leaves displayed let's us reflect on a life lived. Each leaf can stand for a moment-  good,  bad,  painful,  happy! But the overall picture becomes our unique tree in the world. Does your tree become a beautiful image? Does it glow when the sun shines on it? Do we have a great last hurrah before heading into old age? Everyone wants to see the Fall colours! Like us, still vibrant, ready to conquer new avenues and continue to be useful to life! Fall- a time of harvest, colour and of course, a few reflections!

NANA SAYS BE KIND TO WORKING PARENTS

As I see my daughters and spouses cope with the fulltime jobs and parenting, I am reminded of the days I too faced the stress of a 16 hour day before collapsing into bed. Then starting again the next morning with early risings and preparation. Organization skills were in top form. Bags by the door; lunches in the Fridge and lists of what needed to be done that day. Grandparents are the support team as well as aunts, uncles, friends and even some neighbours. Finding others to help with car pools for lessons can be a big help. Other times and cultures had generations living under the same roof so the support was in the home. Independent nuclear families come with perks and downbacks. Having family nearby but not in the home is a positive option. Adolph and I are the backup for Day Care pickups. Others have a special day at the Market or Saturday night sleepovers to give the parents a break. How are you coping as a working parent? Have you checked out all the support you need? Do you have family members you can trust? It seems like it will last forever, but like everything else in life it will change and those little dependents will become more independent, making their own way!

AREN'T YOU LUCKY?

Have you ever gone through hard times and you just try to put on a happy face? No compaints! Choosing to be someone others want to be around! Since you are not a woe is me person, do others ever tell you, you are so lucky, you have a perfect life, nothing bad ever happened to you! How do you respond?  Do you give a list of everything harsh you have survived or like I do, you just smile, hoping the inconsiderate person can not read your mind!

A POSTCARD FROM ANTIGUA

In 1964, my folks went on a vacation to Antigua, British West Indies.

I love the old dresses. Postcards give a social picture of a set time.

They stayed at the Blue Waters Hotel. I wonder if it is still there. The card in the middle is of the Anchorage Hotel at Dickinson's Bay. Nelson's Dockyard was the main tourist attraction as seen by the card in the top left corner.

As with many islands in the Caribbean, there is an annual carnival time. The beaches look so pristine, don't they? My mother loved the island and in her usual fashion, she wanted to go live there! No matter where she visited, she always wanted to take us all there! Has anyone been to this beautiful island lately? What are your thoughts?
If you want a postcard featured here, email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you my address so you can send me a postcard.

RUNNING/WALKING FOR A CAUSE

We see them on TV- a run, a walk, a swim, a bike ride for a cause. There are usually lots of people- just faces in a crowd. Yet each family, couple, individual may be doing it for their own special reason. Yesterday- the Kerr Family- performed such an event for a special lady that died last April from pancreatic cancer- it was their cause. Not just  faces- people I knew and loved. Does it help with the grieving process? Probably. But it was very proactive and let everyone do something.Perhaps to help someone else with the terrible disease.  Have you participated in a cause? Did it help with your loss? Did it give hope for a better tomorrow?

HAVE YOU BEEN PHISHED?

Phishing is the new way for others to try to get our information online. An email will arrive looking like it came from a contact sometimes with a correct email address with a link to click then asking for personal information. The smart people just delete it! Our usual contacts always send similar items so if it looks out of character then be suspicious. Recently I was adamantly accused of sending such an email even though I tried to reassure the person- not from me! So if in doubt just delete any email or links that do not appear to be legitimate. Some of the scams are ones for example that look like they are coming from a bank. If you do not have an account with that bank, you know for sure it is a scam email. Remember the ones for years from Nigeria- you have inherited!!! Sure!! Don't you just love the word- phish! I wonder if it will make it into the next edition of the Webster dictionary?

BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER

Actually swans and ducks at the Mill Pond in Richmond Hill illustrate the idea of people gravitating towards people with the same ideas or interests. Although it is said opposites attract and even mate, there are often more similarities than differences in most relationships. In the work environment, the complainers find each other, the hard workers find each other and the friendly nice people find each other- everyone avoids the ones who are not similar!  Our friends tend to have similar natures, otherwise it becomes too difficult to spend time with negative people in a social situation. There can be lively debate and differences of opinions of course as it keeps activities alive. At the end of it all, there is usually a friendly compromise! So when you review your own flock, who do you see? Is it like looking in a mirror?

SHOULD WE INFANTILZE OUR ELDERLY?

As a clinical Social Worker, it often comes to my attention that it is difficult to know when to give advice to our elderly folks and when to allow them to live their lives the way they have lived. Taking away favourite foods or drinks to preserve the health of someone who is elderly and has- well elderly body parts can become a dilemma for family members! For example, many Nursing Homes will let the resident have a beer daily if it was part of the lifestyle and does not interfere with medications. Others will not as their care becomes micromanaged.  Many doctors who deal with Geriatrics will not do unnecessary blood tests as the body chemistry changes as we age . What was normal at 40 may not be the person's new normal at 91! It is sometimes easier to start to treat our elderly parents as "children" because it takes us away from the emotional piece- sadness of seeing them not as functional as they once had been! The old sibling rivalries may emerge- who is the better child and does more for the parent! There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to doing and loving our elderly folks! Each child must have their own unique relationship and continue to engage with their parent without the interference of others. In my practice I encourage my families to find their way with their parent. Offering strategies to work on it.  To find peace and love as the end of life is around the corner for our loved is hard! Are you struggling with an aging parent? Do you find yourself in dilemmas? Do you find the old sibling rivalries rear their ugly heads? What do you do to make it work?

NANA SAYS HIGH TECH VERSUS LOW TECH

With all the High Tech gadgets around it is difficult sometimes to encourage children to use other resources at hand. However, little children tend to gravitate towards items they find that are fun. In one of my daughters' basement the big box which the Fridge was packaged has become a playhouse. The grandchildren love the sticks and pinecones in the yard to gather and use. My granddaughter made a beautiful princess scarecrow for Thanksgiving out of a stick and scraps I have in a bin in my craft room. They need to use the computer and work a keyboard to keep up with modern times but using a variety of media to learn is important too.

THE CHANGING FALL COLOURS ALONG A COUNTRY ROAD

Each week in the Fall, the trees continue to awe with the changing colours. A drive up Dufferin Street a week ago revealed the green with the oranges, reds, yellows.

A busy Thanksgiving dinner on the Sunday then a quiet Monday drive close to home revealed more of nature's beauty.

Along the Vaughan-King Road the avenue of trees was showing nature at its best.

Country images abound with fields, farms and the remainder of the crops to be harvested.

There is always a sense of peace knowing the seasons bring images of work, preparation and hope to survive a cold winter.

Even closer to home there are images to capture.

Like the Fall of our lives, there are many activities and realization of the events that bring us there

to enjoy. What Fall images have you captured? What hope does it bring for you? Does the Fall bring many reflections for you about your life? Does a particular Fall colour have more meaning? The orange? The red? The yellow?

THE CANADIAN THANKSGIVING DINNER PREPARATIONS

Canadians have been making a similar dinner for generations- basically Turkey and all the trimmings! What does it entail! A fresh or frozen turkey, turkey gravy, bread stuffing, and a variety of vegetables. Depending on the family they could include mashed potatoes, peas, kernel corn, a variety of squashes, brussel sprouts,sweet potatoe, turnip! A splash of cranberry sauce flavours the turkey well! My Mom used to make turnip but I do not as no one really likes it. We add a couple of Italian side dishes like rapini and red peppers to the meal as well as a few Italian sausages. I always had to satisfy my Italian born hubbie! The dessert includes pies but usually pumpkin and apple make it to every dinner. There are other cookies, squares or decorated cupcakes that round out this course. Women from coast to coast have been baking all week. I have a sister-in-law in New Brunswick- Edna- who is a terrific baker and I am sure her family will be loving her efforts! By the end of the meal everyone feels stuffed! Newly arrived immigrants of each generation start to find that it is a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends. I never had any recipes from my Mom, I just would watch her cook this meal and learnt how to do do. Since my husband has a food blog, he let me put the Canadian Bread Stuffing recipe there. http://granpalovestocook.blogspot.com
I love the tradition of this meal. It ties in our historical roots from not only the white men who came to Canada but our indigenous people. The cranberry, sweet potatoe and squash are so Canadian. Pumpkins and apples are wonderful harvest crops that have been added to the table. For me another whole generation is discovering it bounty! Thanksgiving- a time to celebrate the Harvest and to be thankful for the many blessings in our lives. Are you having the traditional meal? Have you been baking your pies and sweets? Turkey and all the trimmings is such a wonderful meal. Hope your preparations are going well! Enjoy! Cheers! Buon Appetito! Bon Appetit!

REMEMBERING THANKSGIVING DINNERS

As Canadians coast to coast sit down to their traditional Thanksgiving dinners this weekend, there are bound to be memories made as well as sharing from past years. Growing up, many Thanksgivings included our family as well as my Uncle Norman, Auntie Lynne and cousin Pam. There was always table banter as well as lots of overeating. When I married, Adolph and I would go to his mother's or my mother's home until we started being responsible for the dinners. When my folks retired to British Columbia, there were many Thanksgivings they would come and stay at my house enjoying the company of our family and my sister's family who lived nearby. A dinner table is about family gathering together. Now our table includes the married daughters and families. This year my sister is visiting so there will be a chance to talk about those who are missing and also to enjoy the day- the present. I know there will be several more years where the Thanksgiving dinner will be at my house. But someday the torch will be passed to the younger generation. Don't worry they bring dessert now so the work is not all mine! What is your fondest dinner memory of Thanksgiving? Is it a time to be together to celebrate? Or do you just like the eating?

A LITTLE CANADIAN THANKSGIVING HISTORY

Each year on the second Monday of October Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving. This festive day has many historical roots. Unlike the American Thanksgiving, it has nothing to do with pilgrims. According to history, the explorer Martin Frobisher is credited with the first celebration. After crossing the ocean and landing in Newfoundland, he gaves thanks for a save crossing. Samuel de Champlain, another significant figure in Canadian history had a celebration in 1608 in Nova Scotia giving thanks. Some say it coincides with the European Harvest celebration. I do not know of anyone who immigrated from Europe however that even knew about Thanksgiving until living in Canada. In modern times there were different dates and times Thanksgiving was celebrated. In 1957 the Canadian Parliament made it official- the second Monday in October - thanskgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest Canada has been blessed." So our celebration has to do with celebrating the harvest. Churches will have a cornucopia filled with fall vegetables and fruit in celebration. For my next few posts, I will reflect on various Thanksgiving themes. However the nicest aspect is Thanksgiving is a slow time with a good meal. Unlike other holiday times it is less stressful and a real family celebration too. What are your historical thoughts of Thanksgiving? Do you remember what you did at home and school to learn about the event?

NANA SAYS BE THANKFUL FOR HEALTHY CHILDREN

As Thanksgiving approaches, it made me think about healthy children. It is a miracle every time a child is born healthy but we can take it for granted. Our children are precious to us. However it means they do all the things healthy children do- cry, need attention, whine, learn to say No at two, dressup and use our shoes, become more defiant in their teens and want their independence from us. Knowing that having children then the luxury of grandchildren in our lives is a real blessing. So let me say beside being thankful for the Harvest at Thanksgiving, my husband and I are thankful for our two wonderful daughters, our fine and caring sons-in-law and four grandchildren. We also have family- nieces, nephews, cousins with little children here in Canada, Italy and the United States that we feel blessed to have those inter-generational connections. Our healthy children are our future. Those with Special Needs children, let us honour them and love them for who they are providing a caring society that accepts everyone. Are there precious children in your life? Does Thanksgiving make you want to reflect on the blessing of children and family?

TIME TO DRIVE SOME COUNTRY ROADS

With the colours on the trees providing an array of images, it is time to find those favourite country roads to explore. Driving within one-half hour of my home to the north then a little east or a little west, there are still lots of little woodlots by homes or even Ministry of Natural Resources properties that are interesting to view and even take a photo or two. As the season changes to cooler weather and poorer road conditions, there is the urge to venture on as many little day trips that can be taken in the country. Then it will be back to visits to the city! Country images seem to fill a need in me. Perhaps, since most of us have rural roots  transcending generations, there is a call from my ancestors to rediscover myself. Or my confinement at work makes me want to get out and explore the little corners of my world. Do you ever feel that way? If I can not visit the world, at least I can explore my local places with new eyes and experiences. Travelling the same roads in different seasons does provide those opportunities to link nature with ideas. Do you try to explore the same locales in different seasons? The same ocean or lake or road does give us an opportunity to view with new eyes, do you take time to think and reflect? Do memories come to the surface?

WRITE ABOUT WHAT YOU KNOW

Is the direction I learnt at a younger age. If it is a topic that is comfortable then it would will show in the writing. So this is my 800th post. I have tried to write about the areas of my life that have meaning to me. History with a little research; my postcard collection to reflect on travel stories or ventures;clinical issues taking in my years of social work and counselling experiences;whimsical because I can be silly at times; nana says to capture more clinical parenting counselling and personsal experiences; genealogy; crafts; and using my photographs to demonstrate or be symbolic in my posts to help make them interesting are some of the items I have included. When I check my stats, the posts with picutres and the whimsical ones have more reads. The clinical posts seem to be boring to most readers. I find the discipline of blogging to be helpful in keeping abreast of ideas, themes and photos to use. Readers notice I do not include my family although I do write about some aspects of my family life. If I am busy in another home like this past weekend, I do not post as I find the personal space I have created in my computer room with my notes, contact pages of photos, dictionary and thesauras allow me to write with better clarity. It is my space to think. I tried blogging from work one time and it just felt wrong. So whoever you readers are, thank you for visiting and letting me venture to new heights. I am trying to find some new themes to use. Perhaps you can suggest what you might want to hear from me and try to comment as I will answer your questions. See my postcard from posts to find my email address. So I will forge ahead with my daily routine.