CANADIAN CHURCHES CAN BE INTERESTING TOO

On a recent trip to Cambridge Ontario for one of our food jaunts to the Farmer's Market there, I took some time to photograph several churches. The Presbyterian church was quite interesting.

I had to cross the bridge across the Grand River to get a view from the front of the church.

Built in 1880, the church had some interesting detail.

The doorway has intricate detail.

The church window made another impression on me.

The front and side of the church from the street give another view. The masonary work is beautiful. Who were the men that helped to erect such a magnificient church in this small community? Perhaps a little history needs to be explored!

A HOME CAN BE ANYWHERE

Birds and little animals make their homes in the most unusual places. A robin decided to use the down spout near our front door.

We try to go by the nest quietly but the Mommie Robin will fly away. I keep telling her no one will harm her babies! I guess she does not speak human!

A CANADIAN SUMMER LONG WEEKEND

As June winds down and school is out, many bags are packed with Canadians heading to Europe, the cottage or going on long road trips! The July 1st long weekend is always busy at all the airports across the country! Highways become busy with the deluge of people heading out of the cities! It is a time to review all the safety rules for adults and children around driving well, caution near the water and lots of sun screen! Summer brings up so many memories of fun times camping, picnicing and water skiing for me! As for the first long weekend- a day trip, writing, reading, relaxing, gardening, and some good eating- if I have the urge some decluttering and cleaning! Yes, buying an Alberta rose donut at Tim's to support the flood victims! How about you? What are you doing with this first long summer weekend? Are you headed somewhere?

MEMORIALS AND ANNIVERSARIES OF EVENTS

In our lives there are times we want to reflect and remember the loved ones in our lives that are no longer with us. Some people plant a tree, donate to a charity, participate in a run or even visit the cemetery with a fresh bouquet of flowers. We can be in the present moment but honouring those in our lives we are missing. There are celebrations of historical events annually! Is there someone you want to remember? Perhaps some new pink roses for a Mom!

NATURAL DISASTERS CAN LEAD TO POST TRAUMATIC STRESS

As we watch the cleanup in the Alberta flood, we are reminded of other natural disasters in Canada and around the world. In the early stages there is the surreal feeling and disbelief of what has happened. For those affected, not only homes but often livelihoods are destroyed. Look at September 11th and the financial community! Loss of life brings a deeper level. As the degree of  realized destruction sets in, many other feelings can surface- anger, why me, heightened anxiety and for those not affected directly but hurting from a changed city and province-survivor's sydrome. Not only does cleanup take its time so does an emotional recovery. Talking, doing, rebuilding are ways to move forward. But as a whole community heals, the individuals in it heal- well individually. Volunteering a listening ear. Acts of kindness. Although many will recover, some may not recover emotionally. There is lots of literature and books written on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that can be reviewed and read. Be prepared for those you know in any disaster or crisis to be changed- it takes a toll! If you are coping or dealing with a changed home, life, your own crisis- be kind to yourself! Reach out to others! Learn to love and accept the new you! If you need some professional counselling or a support group, go for it! When a community suffers together, there are more people with whom to bond. You have a common language! To the current people in this country and around the world, a group hug!

NANA SAYS CHILDREN OF ALL AGES CAN BE IN A WEDDING

It can be a thrill to have your little ones included in a wedding party. The wedding season is heightened at this time of year with Spring and Summer weddings. Flower girls! Ring boys! They are always so cute. However, behind the scenes are the parents buying the outfits, taking them to rehearsal and managing them during the couple's big day! Even older children and teens can be included in weddings especially if family is important. Many times wedding parties are bigger to try to accomodate everyone without any hurt feelings of exclusion! Keeping them quiet during the marriage ceremony may take some bribing! Photo shoots can be challenging. Often the little ones are sent for a nap during an afternoon session to meet up with the wedding party before the dinner for pictures. Don't be offended if the little flower girl is asked not to come for the 3 hour picture taking! It actually bodes better if you the parent can have a little break. Pictures at the hall or outdoor venue gives plenty of opportunities for pictures. Group and family shots will have your little ones in many photos. During one of my daughter's wedding, I had my great-niece in a hug to keep her still during a family picture I adore. She was front and center! Many halls have a bridal room where the little ones can change to PJs later when the party is in full swing. Second or third marriages, also offer many children time to be part of the inner wedding circle! If a baby is born before the wedding, a couple can include their own child in the ceremony! The photographers in the crowd can often obtain cute and fun candid photos of little children. When investigating photographers' portfolios for Tasha's wedding, I recall a cute photo of a little ring bearer lifting up the bride's dress and playing peek -a -boo! There are always times to get the little ones or teens with older family members or those multi-generational photo opts  that do not happen very often. Some of my favourite wedding photos are those with family members who came from near and far to attend. Weddings often exclude children at the party. Many times I would take my girls to the church to see the Bride when they were little. They could have some food at the little church luncheon and feel part of the day.When they were left at home while Mommy and Daddy went out, they had been included in the day. The next day they would look forward to the pastry I would bring them from the dinner!

A RED POPPY-HOW CANADIAN!

A red poppy in the garden brings lots of needed colour with the green. In time time for Canada Day, the red goes nicely with our flag.

Like other flowers in the garden they come and go too quickly! It is no wonder the poppy is used for Remembrance Day! It sure catches your eye! Do you have poppies in your garden?

HELPING IN A CRISIS

As we watch the flood cleanup in Alberta, we are reminded how vulnerable we all can be. During any time of crisis, there are so many that want to help. Seeing our Armed Forces lending support and manpower as well as unaffected neighbours and friends reassures that people do care. However, be careful not to say insensitive things. One woman on TV returning to her home was told " it was just Stuff!". She reminded us "it's my stuff and I just want to go home!" She said " we wanted hard for that stuff!" Yes people are glad to be alive and be able to go on. But stuff destroyed in any tragedy belongs to someone. We all have emotional attachments to stuff and in particular our homes! The best help we can give is a monetary donation to our favourite relief charity. Over the years I have just donated to the Canadian Red Cross. In other flood situations in Manitoba and now Alberta it is an organization that is on the ground. There will be volunteers heading out from Ontario to help with cleanup too from many organizations as well as other service providers. I know our Ontario Hydro has reciprocal agreements with the States and other provinces to help in a crisis so not sure if some will be heading west. So as we find out more about what they need then help can be given. No one and no where is free from any of the stories making the press today! I know I am in tornado country! Our thoughts and prayers go out to those in the west as well as other parts of the world suffering today.

MOTHER NATURE TEACHES US ABOUT VULNERABILITY

Natural disasters teach us that life can change in an instant, an hour, a day. Flooding in Canada right now has affected many families and businesses. Forest fires bring similar devastation. Living makes us vulnerable to all the forces of mother nature! Without the water crops can not grow but too much destroys them. Sitting outside, I thought about how quickly everything one has built can be gone! Does it stop us from trying and living? Nope, life must be lived. Rebuilding is always tough but can be done! Here's to Canadians everywhere-stay strong! For those that can-lend a hand!

THE SUMMER SOLSTICE-WELCOME TO CANADA

The longest day of the year is always welcome in Canada. Actually since the beginning of May the longer days are noticed and enjoyed. At 9 p.m., it is nice to sit outside and take advantage of the evening. Of course it means after today the sun is starting to move away from us again. But only a little at a time. There are still the summer months with all the hoopla or quiet. Travel or cottage life! Summer reading! Some people are moving! Others are staying still! The longer days bring more to our lives! How about you? Do you welcome the summer solstice?

WOULD HAVE COULD HAVE SHOULD HAVE

Do you notice these words seem to bring a sense of regret? I would have done it but I did not have time. I could have done it but I did not want to. I should have done it and I wish I had. These are often the addition to the words. Life can come with regrets. The things that did not happen. The things we wish we did. The bad experiences we wish we could have avoided. How can we turn regrets into life learning? Rather than beat ourselves over the head about events, just learn from them. If we have a regret, try to remember so when a similar circumstance comes along do what we did not do previously. Especially the shoulds! I should lose weight. I should phone my friend. The lists of shoulds is often long and often running through our heads. Turning it around to positive living! We can always ask ourselves if we should be doing something then why aren't we? What is holding us back? Honestly, maybe it is really something someone else wants us to do! So what are your would have, could have, should have thoughts?

NANA SAYS LONGER DAYS MAY INTERFERE WITH BEDTIME

How often does a parent hear-but it is not dark out, why do I have to go to bed? As much as we all love the longer days, children may become confused. Of course, blinds or curtains in a bedroom help to make the room dark and keep the morning sun out but our little ones still can see it is "day" outside. Do we move the bedtime a little later to accomodate the season? Fortunately, the school year is almost over so children do not have to be so awake in the morning. For the working parents, there is still the schedule to get up and get going to Day Care or Summer Camps or to catch the bus to the camp. Weather permitting, one solution is active play before and after dinner to tire the children! Letting them take advantage of play or a walk or a bike ride to burn some energy not only keeps them and us fit but does help with bedtime. It changes the routine or strict schedule parents often have with their children. Thus summer becomes more laid back with some good parent-child activities. Sometimes struggles can become positive- as a parent becomes more relaxed and slides into the season, children will follow. It is amazing that the stress and strain of living becomes the norm that often parents don't know how to get away from it! Think of summer as a time to enjoy the longer days! Get outside! A load of laundry can be put in the machine and then do a fun activity! Multi-tasking can be rearranged. Does the house really need to be cleaned as often? Little children grow up! Do you want your memories to be- the rushed life style? Will your excuse be-I was busy, I did not have time to do that! Children are what make us busy. If you want your house to be clean, keep children out of it. The outdoor play does not mess the house! Does it really hurt if your little one wants another story or the older one to read some more before sleeping? For a couple of months, change it up!

THE HAPPY JUNE FLOWER-THE PEONY

Peonies add some delightful colour to the garden. Mine are white. A neighbour has some beautiful dark pink ones.

If you look closely there are little bugs. Peonies need ants to bloom. I forget why but maybe somebody knows. Like other flowers in the garden- their presence is welcomed! Always wishing they would just last longer!

SHARING

Is sharing a natural quality or do we learn socially to share? Sometimes position in a family reveals sharing differently. The younger child often shares with the older child easier. Parents are shared by children. Drivers share the road. The work lunch room is shared by all staff. In divorce, shared custody of the children prevails. Some people get more than their share of everything and can be reluctant to share anything. The winner of a race does not share the prize. The loser must just walk away empty handed. No sharing. The dictionary tells us- share-a portion that a person receives from or gives to a common amount. Different religions would have their own definition of sharing. Giving unto others as you would have them give unto you! If we work hard to earn something, is it fair to ask us to share! Like the grasshopper and the ant in Aesop's fable. Should the ant share with the carefree grasshopper? Sharing can cause moral dilemmas! If something is given away that is needed, is it a wise decision? Do we assess to whom we share our lives? Sharing- a noble gesture! But is it easy?

WHAT IS A DAD?

As we celebrate Father's Day 2013, we ponder this special role in a family. Our biological Dad! We may have an adoptive Dad! He's the father of our children. Grandfather takes a new role. A Father figure could be a coach, teacher, boss! He's one-half of a parent set! Mom and Dad! Ma and Pa! He has different names- pere, padre, papa, babbo, daddy! If he is good at what he does, he helps to mould character and is there for you. Watches you dance, play hockey, sing at a school concert, sees you graduate or whatever activity you do! Gives a hug! Tucks you in bed! If a girl, walks you down the aisle! Divorced Dads may only have the job part of the time! They miss their kids and do want to be part of their lives. They divorce their Mom but never really divorce their children! Some Dads do more housework and cooking than others. Some are real handy men! Most like to cut the grass especially if there is a sit down lawn mover. Dads are important in children's lives! So to all the Dads out there- get to it! You have an important part in this world! Happy Father's Day!

THE TOP OF THE HILL

While on my regular power walk, at the road to cross to the library there is a hill. I look very carefully to make sure there are no cars but actually can not see far to my left. I really must depend on my hearing and senses there is no one coming. Sometimes I can go and other times I must wait. I can not see over the hill. In life we can not always see over the hill. No matter how careful, there are chances that must be taken. We do not always know what is coming but using our judgement, senses and experience try to make wise decisions. When I proceed with my walk around the library, along Major Mackenzie then back to cross at a higher spot it is easy to determine if cars are coming. It is safer and easier. So should we look for a higher spot to have an advantage? Should we take some chances when we can not see over the hill? There are flat routes with no problem. Should we take those flat routes? Life presents us with different terrain. How we approach it depends, doesn't it?

THE RATS IN LIFE

Do you ever notice how rats like to eat garbage? How they hover around garbage? Other animals like the squirrel run and work all day at finding food. They are busy. Sometimes animals or little rodents do remind us of people! So do you know any rats? Are you a rat or the busy little squirrel?

COUNSELLING IS MORE THAN TALKING

As a Social Worker, the minute I tell someone what I do I am often told, I'm like a social worker because I like to talk to people and give advice! Hum! Counselling is much more than that! It is a trained set of skills. Years of practice of how to question and facilitate a person's process in the direction he/she needs to go. Different questioning than a job interview, a police interrogation or a lawyer that tries "to trip you up" so you will contradict yourself. It is different than teaching!  Listening to the client's words or using therapeutic modalities such as art, music, photos gives insight into a person's issues. I love to be around other therapists and social workers because we speak the same language. Taking some psychology courses are good but they do not make everyone a trained clinician. So do you understand why I do not always tell people what I do?

NANA SAYS CHILDREN SAY THE DARNEST THINGS

We often capture many photos of our children and grandchildren. There are videos of every event. But do we save the words they say or  thoughts our children reveal. Along with photos in an album or scrapbook or saved to a file on the computer, save the words in quotes. In years to come those words will have as much meaning as the photo. Children can be smart, witty and say the cutest things. There was a TV show in the 1950s and 1960s with Art Linkletter that had a new group of children on each show asked questions and the answers were often priceless. Children ask adults interesting questions all the time. It can be perplexing to try to understand why certain questions are asked. Letting children and even teenagers talk about their lives in a safe way is very therapeutic often helping us to be with them and be on top of any concerns that may be brewing. Words do reveal a lot about our children and grandchildren. We just have to stop and listen!

FINDING A WAY TO GET TO OUR DESTINATION

Goals and life's objectives can take different paths or roads. Like Aesop's fable -The Tortoise and The Hare- some of us are faster than others. But plodding along helps us to get there. It brings me to age. We can plod along at any age. Like learning! It is life long. Each year at graduation ceremonies there will be an elderly person deciding to receive that long sought out degree! Why not? The tortoise-the old guy finally crossed the finish line! We can drive the fastest car or take a jet or a speed boat in life. Walking, biking, paddling the canoe often reveals the smaller details of our environment and community. Just ask any photographer that can stand in a spot and snap photos in every direction finding images that others might miss. Having a destination in mind is great! Enjoying the view and people along the way is even better!

LIFE IS LIKE A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

Each person is given a life to live. How we live it depends on many aspects- geography, family, culture, education, gender, health and position in the family, i.e. oldest, youngest, middle, only boy, only girl! Sometimes we are able to make choices about how to proceed. In a democracy like Canada, the choices are not necessarily endless but are much better than other parts of the world. So if you were a musical instrument, what kind of instrument would you be! Would you stand alone or want to be part of a group or orchestra? Do you like recognition and want to be in public? Or are your accomplishments personal and you want your privacy? Perhaps you need to ponder the questions? Considering there are many different instruments. Some are reflective of the country. Even drums change depending on the environment. Remember the beginning of the Sydney Olympics and the drummers from around the world. So the same instrument can change depending on the person. Some instruments play loudly and others are soft!   Some are big and others can be carried under your arm! The music made by some is beautiful and others is just noisy! Lastly, life would be a little dull without music!

A POSTCARD FROM THE PETERBOROUGH LIFT LOCK

A visit two years ago to Peterborough is still memorable. The highest hydralic lift lock in the world is always an impressive site.

On the Trent-Severn Waterway in Ontario, it is one of many National Historic sites in Canada. As the summer begins to wind up perhaps travelling and visiting places in this beautiful land is on your agenda.
For the boaters, there are so many lakes, rivers and canals to satisfy your hobby. In Peterborough, boaters experience  being lifted and lowered a distance of 14.9 m.

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.

STRONGER THAN THE STORM-HATS OFF TO NEW JERSEY

I love this motto- post Hurricane Sandy  in New Jersey. They want us to come back to that region. It made me reflect on how a community comes together after a collective disaster or tradgedy. Recovering together, supporting each other! Although there can be many personal stories, there is a feeling of having others to lean on! What happens when one suffer their own personal "storm" such as a death, job loss, marital breakup or a change in one's life not for the better! Is there a way to find a group, a collection of people who may have a common denominator with you? Can the stronger than the storm rally be used in other circumstances? Are we all stronger than the personal storms we face in our lives? Do you see or hear mottos that touch you? Why not share them with me?

WHY DO WE IDOLIZE THE RICH?

On my walk to work yesterday, I was thinking about the number of times in a day the people I work around discuss money, how much money someone has, the  house, the car and the feeling if you make a lot of money you are successful! Money and things! Yes, if you do not make lots of money no matter what you do-well you really are not very successful.  It definitely does help not to worry how the bills will be paid. Is a person's worth the size of the wallet and all the money? Does everyone that lives in the big houses have lots of money? A celebrity with all the trimmings often get more goodies for nothing because of the fame! How much is enough money? So why are there many people who are not rich nor make elaborate incomes just enjoying life. A smaller house, a garden, love of family and social activities that bring joy but not in any ritzy place. Why do some people just love living despite the fact there is no wealth? Some days-well I look around and feel happy, content! Don't get me wrong-I have bills to pay and do not have the funds I hoped I would have at this age. But for some reason I just plod along and enjoy life! My purple/white irises called me to photograph them. A spontaneous hug from one of my grandsons brought joy! Celebrating my granddaughter's birthday was fun! She enjoyed the new book about horses! Sure I would love to win the lottery, have one of my projects make money and have more things like a cottage but for some reason my life still has lots of meaning, joy, love and purpose that with or without those things I carry on! I did find myself discussing one of my projects with a fellow Social Worker yesterday and after the discussion, I thought to myself- hey I have passion about that project! It was not about money but about completing the project-just because, regardless of how successful it would be! Talking to her reminded me that not everyone is obsessed with money! Perhaps I need to surround myself with more people that have a passion about something and are not judging everyone about the size of paycheque they make! So why do we idolize the rich, the athlete, the celebrity? Do you have the answer?

THE CANADIANS AND D-DAY-JUNE 6 1944

Todays marks the 69th anniversary of D-Day- the Allied landing at Normandy to liberate Europe. The Canadians were there in full force. A little research-as there is so much written not only about the day but the war itself-gave some needed information for this post. Juno Beach was the location of the Canadians' landing. It is 1.5 km east of Gold Beach. La Riviere in the west and of Saint-Aubin-Sur mer in the East. A beach area totalling 8 km. Did you know who were the first soldiers from Canada to land? They were the 7th Brigade- the Royal Winnipeg Rifles regiment and the Regina Rifle regiment with the 8th Brigade-the Queen own Regiment and North Shore Regiment belonging to the 3rd Canadian infantry division. They were supported by the British Royal Mauve Commando 48. As the day progessed, the toll was great- 1074 soldiers were killed or wounded. The film "Saving Private Ryan" is a modern movie that depicts that day quite graphically. Of course we all have seen other movies and raw film footage over the years. History-our history in the making. For the men who served that day, the people of France and other countries are eternally grateful. For us Canadians, we say thank you for the efforts and the sacrifice! War is not remembered to glorify it but as a reminder to work for peace! To reflect on the toll taken on lives, families, countries! So the next time you see a Veteran-recognize the effort made and just say thanks! If visiting France, Juno Beach would be a stop to remember our forces and reflect!!

NANA SAYS PREGNANCY IS A LONG 40 WEEKS

For most people the time flies by. When a woman is pregnant, the 40 weeks seems longer. With the continual changes and muscle stretching, the focus can be on all the body functions. If a first pregnancy anxiety may be a factor as the anticipation of what the labour and delivery will entail. For subsequent pregancies there is the care needed for the other children. It is a time of reflection! The body is doing a beautiful thing! Creating a new person! Who to use? An obstetrician or a mid-wife? The hospital birth is still the safest route to choose. The stay is only 24 hours for the average delivery. So going home occurs very quickly! Preparing by reading the books on pregnancy and nursing, going to childbirth classes and parenting sessions is a great way to educate oneself about the whole process. It is time for a couple to begin to prepare the transition to being a family. Good prenatal care is a must. The vitamins, the doctor visits, proper nutrition and exercise contribute to the pregnancy. Trying to be comfortable can take great effort. The old adage if standing try to sit, if sitting try to lay down-it helps with all the body aches! In this modern times, the ultrasounds with the pictures of the developing baby are always fun to see. For those couples knowing what the sex of the baby will be gives time to ponder what theme the little nursery's theme will be!! Regardless 40 weeks is a long time!

MY JUNE GARDEN

Sometimes the flowers grow so quickly the garden becomes a blur! Like my onion flowers coming up everywhere. My squirrels planted some in places throughout the flower beds-places I did not want them to be!

These wild flowers transplanted in my yard are in full bloom. There are patches along the side of the highways where they are in abundance. Quite pretty in contrast to other weeds that can be seen-like the dandelions! Remember-purple and yellow flowers attract butterflies!

Does anyone know the name of the flowers? I  could try to research in one of my gardening books but I know there are experts out there! How is your June garden coming along?

OUR CANADIAN WEATHER

Our Canadian weather is always a topic of conversation. Lately with the cool Spring and some warm days then cool days then warm days, the discussion has become heightened! The change is unavoidable! The difficulty is what to wear! For the ladies, bare legs under skirts becomes the norm. However, if too cool do the pantyhose come out of the drawers. Bringing a sweater is always a must. If the weather is too hot, then the air conditioners at work are blasting and it will be needed! Cool nights are better for sleeping! No tossing and turning like on those humid nights! With the majority of the country experiencing a cold winter, warm days are always welcome. Summer activities-biking, hiking, walking, boating, sailing, swimming, and other sports are the break needed from indoors and the boredom of being indoors too long. Just sitting outside to sip a coffee and read is a simple pleasure! If too cool, then back inside! Overall Canadians are good sports about the weather! This year our patience is waning! Let us have a longer warm spell! Let us be outside enjoying the nice weather! We will persevere the cold when it returns-just let it go away for the time being! Fickle weather-only in Canada, eh?

A POSTCARD FROM TUTANKHAMUN

It is on my bucket list to visit Egypt one day. Until I can, there have exhibits at the Royal Ontario Musuem in Toronto over the years to visit. I thought I would share some of the art postcards purchased form such visits. The pictures were from a touring exhibit from 2008. They are from the 18th dynasty.

The pieces were magnificient to see. Everyone knows the story of how the tomb was discovered and the artifacts had not been robbed and pillaged. It made eveyone consider if other pharaohs' burial sites had been unscathed-what treasures would have been found.

The cards have- top left- Tutankhamun Shabi;  bottom left- gilded funeray mask of Tuyu; top right- gilded wooden figures of Tutankhamun as the King of Upper Egypt(L) and the King of Lowere Egypt (R) and bottom right-Cosmetic jar with a recumbent lion on the lid.

Many more images! I love the midde colourful one depicting the Golden inlaid pectoral wtih a winged scarab. The head of the scarab beetle touches a double cartouche containing Tutankhamun's birth name (L) and throne name (R).
A little history in some beautiful art cards to enjoy as often as I want. It will have to hold me until I can take the real tour!

A POSTCARD FROM ROME- LA CHIESA DI S. MARIA DEL POPOLO

During my visits to Rome over the years, Adolph and I have been able to stay at his cousin's place in Rome Piazza Flaminio- which is beside Piazza del Popolo. One of the churches in the piazza is La Chiesa di Santa Maria. One time when visiting I bought these art cards from the Church. Isn't it interesting that many churches have art?

Three of the cards are works by Pinturicchio(1454-1513)- top left-Adorazione del Bambino- The adoration of the child; top right- S. Matteo evangelista-St. Matthew evangelist and bottom right-La sibilla Persica-The Sibylle Persica. The sculpture on the bottom left is by Bernini- Abacue. Italy is full of art and I am sure other churches would yield many masterpieces. Oh Roma- la bella citta!

JUNE THAT SPRING/SUMMER MONTH

June with weddings, bugs, birthdays and the two seasons. Garden in full bloom, warmer weather and the end of the school year. What will it bring? What fun, what surprises and how many barbecues? Starting with babysitting, gardening and sipping white wine! How are you starting this interesting month? And yes the glorious days are getting longer! Able to sit outside longer! With bug spray as the mosquitos have arrived too! Too far south for blackflies! June!