FINDING THE COLOUR PURPLE

Purple can be found in many items and locations. A beautiful car at a recent event.

In many gardens, where the purple and yellow flowers attract butterflies. A colour of royalty, passion and healing. Of course some people just love the colour!

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

What's in a name? Some people can receive odd cutsey names while others like the new little prince gets George after some of his ancestors. There are biblical names, celebrity names and just names that the Mom and Dad liked. It is always a question I ask new parents- how did you get the name. Of course, middle names can add some intrigue as last names, grandma's name, the name of the dog-well you get the picture can be put there. Often the middle name saves the day as someone gets included without having to call the child by that name. Then the nicknames-well the list is endless. The personality of the child usually determines it! So what does your name mean? If you could have a new name what would it be?

LESSONS FROM THE WAR OF 1812

The War of 1812 continues to be celebrated since it actually lasted until 1814. Toronto has Fort York which still can be visited as a historical site. Recently Adolph and I visited Fort George in the Niagara area. Last year we saw Fort Henry in Kingston. Reading about an event then visiting a place where the action occurred brings history alive.

Although we like to think rustic in the early 1800s, the officers actually lived in style. The British soldiers brought many amenities from England. The fine china and tablecloths seemed to be opulent. Of course, the mess hall for the regulars was quite different.

There are always many reenactments of soldiers performing drills, raising the flag and playing the flute and drumming. Actually gives a face to the lives lived. Learning Canadian history can be a real hands on experience that people of all ages can enjoy. Yes Canada does say it won the War of 1812.

NANA SAYS BACK TO SCHOOL CAN BE MANAGED

Back to school brings some stress and anxiety for children and parents if one lets it happen. Transitions are always difficult but can be managed. There are tips and strategies and advice from the "experts" abounding right now. Turn on the TV and the discussion begins. So take a breath- remember it is just getting used to the same old routine. Two months ago, everyone stressed about planning for the summer. Yes August did include organizing the lessons for the year. But who said you needed to plan so much? Only put the amount of stress on yourself that you can handle and stop comparing what other parents are doing! Does your child need to do everything or can you priortize and take on some of the learning yourself. Power skating is great but does a four year need it or can you do some family recreational time, teaching the little one to skate! Remember the new school routine will be a routine in a week or two. There will be needed breaks in the school year. Let's face it-back to school is really a relief! The school day uses a huge chunk of time that parents do not have to plan. Perhaps it is the same reason so many lessons are planned. Someone else does the work while complaints are made about how busy, busy, busy one becomes! Let's face it there is a badge of honour about who can complain about being the busiest! I remember one year 5 days out of 7 had a lesson of some kind for my children. I realized that it was necessary to expose my children to a variety of activities but it was my choice! So with choices does come some commitment! So can less is more also be a choice and stop worrying about the other parents who are worried they want their children to have a leg up over your children. Back to school brings enough work for everyone! Can you plan activities and lessons around the needs of your own family rather than the competition of who does more? Remember I too did the lesson thing, the homework thing, made the lunches thing etc. When approached with some calm and constructive planning and breathing spaces it can be managed. The first week of school- well this too shall pass! Approach it with stress or just approach it as another transition that can be managed! Your choice!  

A RIDE IN LIFE COMES IN VARIOUS SHAPES

Sometimes our ride in life takes us to heights where we can observe the world around us. Give us new perspective and time to contemplate what is next.

Or we can go in circles and arrive at the same place we started. Sometimes it is upside down and other times round and round. What does your ride of life look like?

THE CNE IS A FOODIE'S DELIGHT

The Ex is famous for many things but one of the best deals is the food that can be found everywhere. On a visit it is time to sample as many delights as possible.

Fries of all kinds can be found. One of my favourite Ex foods. I had some from the Food Building.

A slice or two of fudge is a must. The flavours Death by Fudge and Mint Chocolate were purchased in the Food Building. Made by the Northwest Fudge Factory that boasts a Guinness World Record for the largest slab of fudge which weighed 2.52 tonnes on October 24, 2010. Fudge is always a delight to enjoy for days after a trip to the CNE. Just makes me want to go back to buy more!

MUSKOKA CHAIRS AS ART!

On a recent trip to the Canadian National Exhibition, I captured some pictures of these Muskoka chairs painted in a variety of ways.

Aren't they pretty?

Different schools throughout the city, decorated a chair. They were abundant in front of the Direct Energy Centre. A fun, creative idea to showcase the artistic talents of school children as well as providing much needed seats for weary visitors. A Canadian icon-the muskoka chair made into art. Only in Canada they say?

LET'S GO TO THE EX-A 2013 TRIP TO THE CNE-CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION

You can enter through two gates. This is the Princes' gates opened in the 1930s by the royal princes of the time.

Situated in downtown Toronto on the lakeshore, the Ex or the Canadian National Exhibition is over 100 years old.

The noise and smells of the midway bring back so many childhood and adult memories.

Lots of games and chances to win a prize.

Lots of fun rides in the midway. Or take the younger children to the kiddieland area with rides and fun houses to walk through and try not to be scared.

Food is everywhere-from one end of the Ex to the other. However, at least one trip during the day must be to the Food Building with its many booths and variety of goodies. Meals, french fries, fudge and those famous Ex Tiny Tom donuts!

After visiting the many buildings such as the Direct Energy  Centre, the Allstream Centre, the Better Living Centre and the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies building, a quiet pause by the Fountain near the Bandshell is a must. How many family pictures exist with a group shot by this famous fountain? I know we took some on our visit! The Ex is just one of those must see and visit Canadian icons! So Let's go to the Ex!!

AUGUST FLOWERS IN A CANADIAN GARDEN

All the summer flowers bring some colour and variety to a garden.

Shades of purple that attract butterflies and finches.

Yellow and orange remind us Fall is coming.

So our garden is full of this flower. What is its name? Each year one flower goes crazy and takes over. In October many will be cut back and pruned to make a neater garden for next year. However, gardeners out there what are the names of the flowers featured here today?

ARE YOU UNIQUE?

Are you unique? Do you know people who are unique? Do you have some unique talents and skills? Do you march to a different drummer? Do you look different? Are you a trend setter? Do you know someone who is a trend setter? Or do you just follow the trend? What is unique? Who is unique? Are there places that are unique? What does unique mean anyway? What do you think?

NANA SAYS ENCOURAGEMENT IS THE BEST FORM OF DISCIPLINE

Children need discipline but even more encouragement and praise. Nurturing the positive attributes may take incredible patience of parents and adults around children. The little ones can push your buttons so easily. Fighting and angry screaming do take the patience of Job!! Being able to work past the down times and see the good and the sweetness of your children is what parenting entails. Teenagers are a huge challenge. Aong with finding their way in the world, there is a constant push against authority- the first ones being the parents! Setting boundaries and including children in decision making puts some ownership back to the person! Helping to make good choices and taking responsibility for the consequences. " You can drive the family car but if you get a ticket, you will not be using the car again!" is one example. If a little one writes on the wall, giving cleaning products to scrub the marks off will teach about the work involved in cleanup. Take your time and really look at a piece of art, for example. Ask about the colours and what the picture means rather than oh it looks good  without much attention. Yes the fridge, a bulletin board, a wall can become inundated with those little treasures but believe the time will pass so quickly that those children will no longer create nor want you to see their work. Listen to how your children talk! Do you ever hear your negative voice in their conversation? Do you want to hear a positive voice and comments? Your use of words that encourage and discipline do come back to haunt you! Many modern parents-not much different than parents of many generations- often will say- OMG I sound like my mother! So what you say and what you script can become messages in your children's heads! Discipline that is more encouragement helps those messages to stay positive.  

CANADIANS ARE HEALTHY EATERS

Ah, fresh vegetables from the garden are a great way to enjoy the summer/fall months. Healthy eating! Or fresh from a local farm or market. Tomatoes for lunch and with dinner-just can't get enough. Canada has always had generations of healthy eaters. Using the foods we grow and storing for the winter. Our onions, carrots, apples, potatoes are just a few of the produce that can be kept along with the preserves many women made for the long winter are part of Canadian traditions. Using the freezer to save the bounty from the Fall was a resource used in many homes. My Mother would put food down. Now Adolph and I freeze some tomatoes to use in soups and sauces throughout the year. Of course the jams, jellies and fruit that can be made from the variety of fresh fruit that grows in this great country. Vegetable oil low in fat from corn is another source of good vitamins and minerals. Just plain corn eaten off the cob! Our wheat has been part of our international market for generations too! A great variety of breads made with home grown wheat! Even one brand of Italian pasta uses Canadian wheat! Maple Syrup and honey-two other great foods produced right here in Canada!  No wonder two of the oldest Canadians I knew lived to 102 and 104 ate a good Canadian diet! Only in Canada they say!

INSPIRATION-HAVE YOU BEEN INSPIRED?

 Who inspires you? What inspires you? Do you take moments to reflect on your life to find meaning? Are there events that have shaped you? Or has a life lived so far given reason to continue? When you have your down moments where do you turn? Your faith? Your family? Your accomplishments to keep you going? Have you found places that make you stop and view the world? A top of a mountain or high hill? The top of a famous tower? Beside a babbling brook? High in the sky in a plane? Did you have a good parent? A teacher? A boss? So your inspiration-where did it come from?

A POSTCARD FROM FORT GEORGE-NIAGARA AREA

Historic Fort George located in the Niagara area was a significant fort during the War of 1812. It was the home of Brock. Captured by the Americans in 1813, it was recaptured by the British. According to the staff about 300 visitors or more explore the fort daily. During the Bicentennial celebrations in 2012, there were over a million visitors. As a tourist attraction it has become more appealing due to the celebrations of the War of 1812 which actually ended in 1814. Both the Americans and the Canadians claimed victory.

A Canadian history lesson is always welcome. Adolph and I enjoyed visiting the site on one of the hottest days of the summer. He kept inside the air conditioned buildings while I walked around taking photos. It was rather amusing when we had bought our tickets when a staff person asked me if I had visited Fort George previously. I replied-yes! What I did not tell her was how long ago. It was during a Grade 8 class trip when I was 14! The thing with historical sites is they do not change! It is a time that stands still!
The Niagara area is rich in history. It is very easy to visit with all the monuments and historical plaques and signs. Exposing young children to their past helps with understanding the present!
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.

ISN'T IT FUN BEING A TOURIST?

 Isn't it fun being a tourist? A change from normal routine! Being somewhere else but home and having fun! Whether it is Europe in exotic places like Rome or south on a beach or north at a lake with a canoe- the touristy things make life interesting. Lots of pictures to give years of memories! Keeping the little souvenirs like tickets and flyers to put in scrapbooks or incorporate into photo books-the modern trend. Taking advantage of just being a tourist! Staying at a hotel with a view! Knowing a trip has been made somewhere! Something to talk about with your gossipy lunch crowd if you have one! Comparing notes on who has done more or seen more! Not caring if you look like a tourist! Sometimes even going to your own home town and pretending to be a tourist for the day. Like a trip to Harbourfront in Toronto can create that illusion! So do you have fun being a tourist for a day? I know I do!

IVY WITH ITS GREEN AND MEANING

The Ivy is an interesting vine that grows on fences or walls making the environment quite attractive. One thinks of the old English country cottage. Even the most sought university degree comes with " I attended an Ivy League school". A Christmas carroll- The Holly and the Ivy- includes our little plant. Or on roads near our homes it can be found!

Chain link fences are ideal structures for our pretty ivy!

It makes an interesting and colourful walk along the sidewalk. The Ivy!

NANA SAYS DO FAMOUS PEOPLE MAKE BETTER PARENTS?

Do famous people make better parents? Does someone with some celebrity have to give advice about everything to do with children? Like one person and her views about no vaccinations to babies! Why do people even listen to them? Your grandmother, auntie and mother have the wisdom of the ages! Technology has changed but not women's bodies nor babies! There is little that each new generation can change! Oh yes there are stimulating mobiles and toys but if one looks at anyone's baby pictures, mothers from other times had stimulating items around and with baby. Besides your voice and face give a lot of credence to the little one. The lessons-well other generations took their children to lessons too! Or exposed their children to many different environments. I learnt to paddle a canoe at age 3 and had my first pair of skates around the same time. Yes there can be different discipline styles- maybe! Every parent gets tired of whines, cries and little people's demands at times-famous or otherwise. The difference is the amount of money-rich people can afford nannies and housekeepers so have the time for just quality time! What about the rest of the hard work? So what do you think! Should we listen to the unsolicited advice of famous people and their attempt to reinvent parenthood? 

FORMALITY BRINGS ORDER

Are you formal or informal with most of your life? Do you like to have boundaries between work and home? Do you value your privacy or is your life an open book? Some formality keeps us civilized. Meetings need an agenda. Traffic needs traffic lights. Waiting in line and going when it is your turn. Families need boundaries too. A birthday is celebrated one person at a time. Even formal gardens give some order to the world. Ah-just a hint of whimsy with some umbrellas! So what do you prefer?

A TRIP TO LIBRARY IN MODERN TIMES

Will libraries become redundant due to modern technology? Somehow I doubt it or hope not! Reading from a computer or your phone is one way to acquire knowledge but a book in your hands while sitting in a favourite spot still has an appeal. Cuddled up to a youngster reading a bedtime story is so socially wonderful. I love the digital world and access to obscure books-especially historical documents only available in reference libraries at a far away towns- but not sitting at my computer after I have printed the material gives an opportunity to digest the information! Having literature available at home is great but a trip to the library with shelves of books is still one of my favourite places with a bookstore second on my list. To think even in Canada one of the first libraries was in 1800! Our early settlers saw the the need to have books available to people! The library is a wonderful place to study. For the genalogist a good reference room or library or archives are a must! Remember the librarian has lots of knowledge and education to assist with any difficult requests! So when is your next trip to the Library? Do you have any overdue books? Get going!! 

THE MOOSE-A CANADIAN ICON

The moose is a Canadian icon and can be found everywhere. Although it is a shy, aggressive animal that lives in the bush, many souvenirs, T-shirts and knickknacks have moose motifs. Even at this Niagara winery there is an interesting moose sculpture. Artists often use the shedded antlers for sculptures and other pieces. Have you ever encountered a moose on the loose? For drivers on country roads the moose can be quite dangerous. Caution is always needed! My home has some moose items like my fridge magnets from some Canadian locales. How about you?

A STORE FOR EVERYONE

Everywhere we go there are stores of interest to both Adolph and me. I love Christmas so this store seemed amazing to find in the middle of July.

Adolph found his favourite store too! Everyone got what they wanted! Well almost- no gelato until afternoon!

LIFE HAS ITS UPS AND DOWNS

Life has its ups and downs. There are periods nothing can go wrong then times when climbing those stairs of life can be very gruelling! The trick is to keep the way clear so when able just run up quickly to the top and enjoy the view! So are you up or down or just in the middle today?

NANA SAYS SIBLING RIVALRY CAN DESTROY FAMILIES

Since the beginning of time, siblings can have rivalry. Even though there are the same parents, each child comes with an unique set of expectations. The oldest can have a sense of entitlement-well I am the oldest. Sometimes the baby of the family is seen as getting more and being spoiled. The middle child of the same sex often can feel he or she does not belong anywhere. The oldest girl, the youngest girl and the only boy can make the playing field even for example. Parents often struggle with keeping things fair and giving each child " the same". However, one child may go further in school so more money may need to be spent. Another child may have special needs so a different amount of time is needed helping that child. It is more difficult when the children are adults and still want to play their childhood resentments with their adult siblings. Look at the Bible- Cain and Able as well as the meaning of Joseph when his brothers resented him because the father gave him a beautiful coat. Some siblings do not become adult friends. Forcing family reunions and functions regularly just do not work. Letting adult children have distance on each other works. Limited family involvement may be the best answer. When children are little, there are the teaching moments of sharing, listening to each other and learning to respect each other's differences. A parent can look at any situation and really understand what brings resentment to a child. However it must be understood that some children really can think they are owed more. If one gets $1.00 and the other child gets a nickle be prepared that the child with more can still resent that other child. Sibling rivalry has destroyed families! Can it be avoided? Sometimes but sometimes not! Parents can not expect their adult children to be best friends! Encourage your children to make friends and have many social contacts in their lives. Be well rounded! Find a middle ground where children can relate. Family functions can be divided between different family groups the same way one may invite friends from different circles. Of course, do not be a parent that wants your children to fight over you. This can occur in families where a parent always compares one child to another-setting the stage for resentment!  For an elderly parent, it may be the only way to keep some control.
If there are too many conflicts-get therapy! Someone outside the family in a professional capacity can help to sort out what is causing the conflict. Remember more hours can be spent away from your siblings than with them! Since it is a touchy subject, more could be said and written. There are no definitive solutions nor answers.

IS LIFE RUSHING BY?

Do you feel life is rushing by? Do you stop to smell the roses or other fragrant flowers? Is the pace of your life very hectic? Are there ways you can find to enjoy what you have without feeling you are always in a hurry? August gives us that sense to stop and enjoy the rest of summer. Even though summer does extend until the middle of September! Seeing your life from new heights can give a different perspective on it! Is it  more important to analyse your life or just live it?

AUGUST CIVIC WEEKEND 2013

The August Civic weekend celebrated in many provinces of Canada gives everyone an opportunity to have one extra day to enjoy the summer. Whether one heads up to the cottage, goes camping or heads downtown to take in the sights, there are always many reasons to chill out. Thanks to Lord Simcoe Gray for whom the day is honoured in Ontario! So pull up a chair or in this case a Canadian Muskoka chair and drink your favourite beverage. Isn't the front of the Marynissen winery quite pretty? It was one of the many wineries toured this summer.