A WINTER WONDERLAND IN CANADA

We Canadians can be a fickle people. We call the beauty of a snowfall- a Winter Wonderland- then curse when the shovels and snow blowers are out in full force trying to clear a path to the road. Wet snow is very heavy which made for busy hands yesterday. But lots of snowmen! Here in Ontario February made up for the reasonably okay winter months. More snow accumulation than other years. Other parts of Canada like Manitoba and the Maritimes, even Alberta had snowstorms in November and December. So with March around the corner, will there be more winter or some spring days? Oh Canada, what a wonderland! I would not put the winter grab and gear away just yet!

NANA SAYS EVERY CHILD NEEDS TO BE A STAR FOR A DAY

Birthdays and school awards allow each child to have a time in the spotlight. My little grandson, Brody, has his moment as the kid tester in the March edition of Today's Parent. A little photo shoot back in January lead to his spot in the magazine. It is fun to see a family member in print. Reminds me of times when I or other people I know  were in a newspaper or magazine article. Would we want to be in the media all the time, probably not!

DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS?

Any project needs the right tools to finish the job. Too often in life a task is approached without thinking about what is needed. The frustration comes with the understanding that we needs different tools. Education, skill development and ongoing learning are the tools needed for a happy life in the workplace. What are you doing to keep your "tools" current?

A POSTCARD FROM THE WAR MUSEUM OTTAWA ONTARIO

When Adolph and I travelled to Ottawa on our anniversary trip two years ago, one of our stops was the War Museum.

At the museum there is an incredible history of all the wars that Canada participated. If a school age child does not know our history, then he or she will by the end of a visit. The art collection is enormous. Most of it is the Beaverbrook Collection of War Art. The poster postcard are self explanatory. The men on horses is by Alfred Munnings- Fort Garrys on the March, around 1918- from World War One.

These postcards depict the woman's role in war.  The top card by Henrietta Mable May- Women Making Shells, 1919 and the bottom one depicts a painting by George Agnew Reid- Women Operators, 1919.

Top left- Maurice Cullen- Tents at No. 4 Casualty Clearing Station, 1918, middle one is the statue of  Breaking of the sword- by Walter Allward 1925-1930 and the bottom one is by Arthur Lismer- His Majesty's Transport Olympic in Colours of Peace, 1919.

The top postcard is by A.Y. Jackson, 1914- A Copse,Evening and the bottom one is by J.W. Morrice- Canadians in the Snow. Do you see a pattern? Isn't  it interesting how art tells a picture and a reality of war? These are not depictions of photos but an artist's view of what has happened. Do they stand the test of time? Before digital and tweeting, art really tells a story, doesn't it?

The postcard of the original headstone of Canada's unknown soldier, 1920 is very typical of the headstones of our armed forces that were buried in Europe. I visited the cemetery in the Cassino Italy area and found the headstones with our maple leaf to be very endearing. It lets us know who the Canadians who died in Europe were and from what region/city/ or area of Canada.  The bottom  postcard is by C.R.W. Nevinson- The Roads of France 'C'. 1917.
The visit to the War Museum does not glorify war. It reminds us and makes us reflect on the campaigns  throughout the ages and many generations of the sacrifices made to have the peace we experience here in Canada.. Ottawa has many museums and galleries and tourist attractions. The war museum is sure worth a visit.

A POSTCARD FROM BLUE MOUNTAIN COLLINGWOOD ONTARIO CANADA

Blue Mountain in Collingwood Ontario is the largest mountain resort in Ontario. There are many skiing and snowboarding opportunities not far from the GTA. Just a couple of hours north of Toronto, there is this major tourist attraction.

A day trip, an overnight or a week's vacation- there are so many activities year round. Situated on Georgian Bay-Lake Huron Collingwood, the scenery is quite beautiful.

These beautiful postcards are the photographic works of Paul Madden. Not only is the country beautiful but there are so many talented people to capture the images. Why not come to Collingwood and see for yourself! And buy a few postcards!

A POSTCARD FROM THE SISTINE CHAPEL

A trip to Rome Italy is not complete without a visit to Vatican City to see the Sistine Chapel-Cappella Sistina. Not allowed to take any photos as it may damage the paint, postcards are bountiful. Don't you love the closeup of " the creation of man."

The detail in the painting is extraordinaire. Michelangelo was such an expert artist. Being able to purchase as many art cards as possible bring back so many memories and a chance to reflect on the amazing art.

I have been fortunate to be able to visit the Sistine Chapel twice. It is so incredible. If I ever return to Rome, it will be on my itinerary again. Have you been to this beautiful room in your travels?

BUSY HANDS SOOTHE THE SOUL

Handwork has been here since women and men learned to use their hands. Keeping busy with a project with a positive useful result does bring some joy to the soul! Whether it's a pair of knitting needles or a woodworking shop or a well designed garden, working then viewing our handiwork does give an individual some personal satisfaction!

FINDING WAYS TO HAVE FUN-GOOD TO HAVE A SPOUSE THAT MAKES YOU LAUGH

There are so many things we need to do every day. Most of them are not fun. Being organized, keeping a tidy work area and being available to others may give meaning to life. But are they fun! Probably not! Do you try to find ways in a day to laugh? Do you smile at positive items on the news? Do you ever try to make sure there is a fun item in family events? For example, the big balloon for Adolph's birthday tied on the bannister is still there. Why? So when the grandkiddies come they can bang it, grab it and have some fun. It makes me smile. I want Nana and Granpa's house to be a place where yes there are rules and discipline but lots of fun! Does fun take planning? Of course, it does! Not malicious practical jokes fun but just an opportunity to laugh, relax and enjoy! Do you ever stop and listen to the mood at family and social functions? Do you hear laughter? Do you see smiles? If not, why not? Children find simple, creative ways to have some fun. I watched my grandchildren on a recent sleepover drag a branch around the garden using it in their play. They were laughing and playing- falling in the snow. Okay, if I dragged that branch it would not be the same fun and might look silly for an old lady to be doing it but there is a point. Sometimes by just stopping and looking for ways to have fun in our daily routines brings some joy to our soul. Some of my readers of this blog often find something funny to say in the comments. Does it make me smile-you bet! Do you know people in your life who are just fun to be around but you can not pinpoint why? Happy people are more fun! Positive people are more fun! Dead beats, miserable people are not! I have been lucky to have some fun people in my life. My husband makes me laugh! There are some family branches like the Ellis clan who have a great sense of humour! Life is really too short not to find fun. The serious stuff will always find us. So maybe it is time for me to seek out more fun themes for my posts periodically! What do you do to have fun? Have you laughed today?

#whatmakesyoulaugh#myspousemakesmelaugh#balloonsarefun#celebratingwithfamily#positivepeoplearemorefun#whatmakesyousmile#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS LISTEN TO THE SUGGESTIONS OF EXPERTS

Children and teenagers with learning disabilities, special needs or complex issues need a different approach than other regular kids. In Ontario, if there is a special learning plan then the child is allowed different concessions. For example, if there are visual issues and the child needs a test orally then it can occur so the knowledge can be tested accurately. Some individuals may need more time to complete a test. Expressing feelings through art and music many help the child to explore and process any emotional issues. Children who have experienced PTSD may manifest the difficulties through diminished results on school work. The emotional piece over rides the learning. Friends and family may be helpful but they can also be detrimental. A friend with a special needs child may give false advice by saying- in my situation all the experts were stupid! Whether you like it or not, the psychologist, special education teacher and social worker or whoever else is involved are on the side of the child to try to find ways to enhance the school experience. Let yourself be part of the team-you are the parent knowing your child best. It can be exhausting trying to manage the situation alone. Yes a diagnosis helps with a plan. Each child with a similar diagnosis needs a different approach that meets the individual needs. It is a struggle but taking the route with expert help takes the pressure off- you are not alone.

PROTECTING OUR THOUGHTS

We all have ways to see out to the world but protect our thoughts and true feelings. There are some environments that warrant less personal information and a more professional approach. When asked personal questions, no one is obliged to answer them. Too often, there is an assumption that people must share. Well you do not! Knowing you have control of what you want to tell about yourself is rewarding in itself. Besides what is the other person going to do with your information! My approach is simple! People will tell me what they want! Besides I often wish less personal information is shared! Don't you? Are you one that likes to be private? Does it bother you when pestered for personal information?  Do you ever just want to say, mind your own Business!!

FAMILY DAY WEEKEND IN ONTARIO

A nice little break in the middle of winter! Actually it coincides with the lobbying to have a flag day. Some of us remember the debate about the new flag that replaced the old Union Jack for Canada. February 15, 1965 our new red and white maple leaf came to be. Many people did not like it. But how times have changed. It is so representative of Canada now. So family day or flag day or just an excuse to have a long weekend, who cares. Workers with a day off to spend time at home or skiing or cleaning or toboganning or snow boarding or whatever will give pleasure embrace the day! Besides it makes the next week even sweeter- a four day work week! Do you have the day off? What will you be doing? Any special plans? Or are you going to roll with whatever happens to come your way?

FLOWERS HAVE MEANING

Flowers are grown all over the world. Colombia is the country that grows the most roses for the international market. During our summer months there are lots of local roses. Did you know Richmond Hill used to be the Rose Capital of Canada due to the Ontario clay soil? Roses with individual colours have different meaning. What do you think the pink rose means?

THE IDES OF FEBRUARY

Here we are at the 15th of the month. It seems halfway but actually with February it is past that mark. With Valentine's Day with all the flowers and chocolates over, there is little excitement about the days ahead. Perhaps that is the reason for so much depression this time of year.To find activities and fun can help keep the spirits going. Although the sun is returning to us with longer days, is it the darkness that brings darkness to our lives? Winter driving and commutes are longer which leaves less time at night to do those much needed chores. Times we are just tired, right? So are there things that you can do with less energy and effort? Reading? A game with the children? Organizing a drawer- each night do one? Sometimes just getting started with something small. Work can be strenuous with more sick calls from colleagues. Sometimes more mental health days than actual sick days so covering for those away brings stress. Oh the ides of February! The month in the middle of winter so it seems but actually much closer to Spring than realized. Get out and walk in the snow! Get back to a winter activity! Make a snowman with a child or a snow angel! Pretend you really like it and before you know it, a new season will arrive! Or you can still go to bed and pull the covers over your head and hope it all goes away!

NANA SAYS CHILDREN KNOW HOW TO WASTE FOOD

The dilemma of every parent is feeding our children with nutritious food. Children always gravitate towards the sweets if available. Having well balanced meals with some of any child's favourite food helps. Two of my grandchildren love cheddar cheese so the appetizer tray always includes some cheese slices. A variety of fruit appeals to all of us, so fruit is available. Saying a cookie always goes with a glass of milk keeps some protein going for the little ones. Now with designer and vegetarian pizzas on whole wheat dough,the teenager can get some needed food requirements. Regardless, too much food does get wasted so there is the cost of the food as well as the concern of waste. Keeping portions low so there is not an expectation the child must eat everything on the plate. One trick I use with my grandchildren is to make a little platter of food always saying it is for you to share. For some reason, children like to compete on how many they take of something. If I made individual plates, I notice they do not eat as much. Exposure and perseverance do pay off. If the adults are eating well balanced meals then children are continually viewing good eating habits. However if the major of your meals are take out, take notice of the message you are conveying. It is easy to make simple meals from scratch. Even the busy working parent, can meal plan. If there is time, let the child help with planning and even some meal preparation. Having healthy choices available does make life easier. Regardless, there will be days when food makes it way into the disposal bin!

A DAY TO SUPPORT THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

One of our large corporations- Bell- has a Let's Talk day! It is a day to acknowledge, think, and act in supporting our fellow Canadians who live and experience a mental illness. It could be depression, bipolar disorder and any number of anxiety disorders. Knowing people with mental illness need support and help is the first step. If you know someone, reach out and help that person. If it is you, then know there is help available and you do not need to suffer alone. It is a wonderful initiative. Hopefully, the stigma will finally go away.

WINTER SNOW HELPS THE SPRING CROPS

Lots of winter snow helps the farmers in the Spring. There was some worry in Southern Ontario  but not any more. With the massive Eastern Seaboard snowfall and more to come the Spring crops are saved.

When the dust settles or should I say the snow, photographers have a chance for interesting winter photos. Or look out the window while staying warm in your cosy homes! With a hot beverage of course!

WHO NEEDS THE GYM WHEN WE HAVE A CANADIAN SNOWSTORM

A snowstorm means lots of work to maintain the essentials. Tredging home to and from work Friday during the storm took more effort and time. Shovelling some of the 29 cm- 1 foot of accumulation in the Richmond Hill area-Vaughan where the kids live received 34 cm- took more muscle power. With some 2 foot and 3 foot drifts in the driveway, it took awhile to take off the top layers Saturday morning. The road was uncleared. We live on a corner so had a 20 foot wide and 2 foot high band across the driveway. So more tredging to the bank and stores nearby- twice gave me a workout. An emergency call to the hospital and more tredging home in the snow. Some more walking and shovelling today. So does my body feel it? Yes my biceps seem as if I did a good weight routine, my butt feels as if I did many series of squats and my legs are well toned like I have been on a treadmill running! Overall, I feel quite fit! And no membership fee! Glad I have some A5-35 handy to soothe these well worked muscles. Heh bring on the next storm!

REMEMBERING A LOVED ONE

Do you have people you miss? Someone who died? What do you do on the anniversary dates of the death, birthday, special occasions? Do you have  a special place you go? Is there a little ritual like lighting a candle, planting a new tree, buying a bouquet of flowers? No matter how long it has been when someone has left us, it can be comforting to remember, reflect and recall some of the good times so your loved one is not forgotten. We all have times when we want to remember a loved one!

NANA SAYS THE MORNING RUSH HOUR IS TOUGH

It does not mean the drive to work. As soon as a parent's feet hit the floor, there is the rush to get ready for work, breakfast, get the children ready and out the door on time. If there is bad weather, the pressure and worry, the ride to school and work can be delayed. To stay focused and calm takes lots of patience. Children sometimes want to sleep longer. Sometimes parents want to sleep longer. There can be the whining- " I can't find ........." Organization helps. Getting as many things ready the night previously and stationed by the door allows for saving time. Lunches made. Breakfast planned or snack food- a banana works- given to everyone as they leave to eat in the car. Of course, patience to allow a little mess in the car! Most day cares give the children a breakfast item on arrival. For older children, an item in their lunch box that can be eaten for breakfast or recess snack helps since many older children won't eat a prepared breakfast. Adults work out the breakfast thing for yourself! It takes strength not to yell and become impatience with the whole affair. It is a busy, stressful time but using some fun ideas too- work. Who can be ready first? Make a game of some activities. Keep score so at the end of the week-there is a weekly winner. Of course, trying to keep children relaxed in any drive helps the driver stay calm. Allow time for some morning hugs and snuggles! Especially with little children-time in a parent's arms means more than all the cleaning before leaving the house! Couples a hug or two and the kiss goodbye help to set the emotional tone of the day! Single parents do use other supports in your life to help with the day! Oh the morning rush hour- remember Saturday morning is coming soon!!

A FINAL RESTING PLACE

What an interesting story to find King Richard's remains in England after so many centuries! He will finally have a proper resting place. In family history research, cemeteries are valuable places to find facts about our ancestors. In my early genealogical pursuits, many trips were made with my children in toll to several in York Region. Now with so many databases and the transcription of most of Ontario's cemeteries it is much easier to locate names and then go to the relevant cemetery. This little cairn located on Langstaff sideroad in Vaughan honours pioneers from the 1800s. Are there places you visit?

A STAR FOR A DAY!

The star is one of those symbols seen everywhere. With its five sides, it is easy to make. ( Yes sometimes there are 6 sides.)You can be the star of a movie, a hockey team or even your own family. The star of David over Bethlehem is the most religious one. Follow the star and find your dreams. Looking at the stars in the night sky is popular once you leave the bright lights of any city. Items in star shapes such as candy dishes and platters adorn many tables on all occasions. It can be a symbol of the spirit- shining out of the darkness. Stars make us look up! Our sun is a burning star in the sky giving us life and warmth! Are stars a little mysterious? What do stars mean to you? Are you the star in your family?

GROUND HOG DAY IN CANADA

There are several locations in Canada where towns celebrate the ritual of a little ground hog trying to see his or her shadow. Here in Ontario, Wiarton in the Bruce Pennisula  has that honour.

Wiarton Willie as he is known actually has been several different ground hogs over the years. On February 2 each year people wait by his hole in the ground in the caged area in town. If he sees his shadow, there will be 6 more weeks of winter. If not, an early Spring. I usually smile at this occurrence. Regardless there is usually lots of winter left. So in Nova Scotia-Shubenacadie Sam, Manitoba-Winnipeg Willow or Manitoba Merv, and Alberta- Balzak Bill, these other ground hogs will be predicting the arrival of Spring! Down in Pennsylvania- Punxsutawney Phil- that  American  will have his say too!

FEBRUARY-THE MONTH WITH A HEART

February is the short little month stuck in the dark months of winter. Heart and Stroke Foundation has its drive for funds. Valentines Day with all the heart symbols-especially the chocolate ones makes it fun for children and lovers. Colours of red and pink light up the dark colours that people insist on wearing. Oh February-you give us the heart to continue!