IF LIFE GIVES YOU A FENCE-BE SURE TO HAVE A GATE

Fences keep us contained. Sometimes in life we make our own imaginary fences to protect us. As long as there are enough slates to breath our lives will go on! It is said that fences make good neighbours. So true, I have a garbage dump behind our house from the hoarder who lives there and the business beside us can be chaotic too! The fence allows our property to have its own look and I do not have to look at the mess! The fences in our lives need gates so we can come and go as we wish! There have always been fences in history. The Great Wall of China is actually a fence in a different form. Fences can be climbed! Even though protective, we must watch for those that want to come into our safety zone! In my travels, I watch for interesting fences as the photo opportunities are incredible! What are your thoughts on fences? Do you have a fence keeping you contained?   

NANA SAYS HALLOWEEN IS COMING

So Halloween is one day away. The little children are excited for the fun night of trick and treating. Some safety precautions as usual are suggested by all the experts. Check all the candy. If allergic to peanuts watch for the ones that may be harmful. All my candies are peanut and nut free so parents in my area do not have to worry! It may be raining so put a light stripe on the costumes and carry a flashlight! I made special bags full of goodies for my grandchildren! As if they will not get enough when they go out! Have some plastic bags by your door in case one of the little ones has a broken bag and you can be the good witch helping out! Clear your own walkway of any clutter so cumbersome costumes will not snag on anything. As an adult have some fun too! I usually wear a hat or my deely boppers to greet the little and big ones. Along with candies, I give out cans of pop! So year round I am known as the Pop Lady! I know there are other names that I could have! So to all the ghosts, goblins and my two gransons-skylanders as well as my granddaughter is going to be Dorthy(Wizard of Oz) have a great night! Tomorrow will be parties at school but the night belongs to everyone!  

LLIFE IS LIKE A QUILT-PIECES US TOGETHER!

Life can be like a quilt. Contrasting colours patched together to make a beautiful item. The dark and the light help to make it beautiful! Like our dark and light sides! Sometimes out there for all to see! A quilt can tell a story or just be a combination of interesting patches and triangles! For the crafting hoarder- a great way to use all those saved scrapes! Do you know the pattern of the featured quilt? It is called the Log Cabin! Uses a series of rectangles! Two long and two short sides! Does it connect to our life in any way?

WHAT IS OLD IS NEW AGAIN-MODERN WEAVING

What goes around come around! The same can be said for crafts and ideas for children. The latest range for children is a psuedo loom that children can weave or loop coloured elastics into bracelets, chains or other items. My granddaughter has a set and made her Nana a colourful bracelet. Similar to ideas of old- like corking! The modern moms think it is so cool! But what is old is new again! Talk to a skilled weaver who makes cloth and rugs or other items! Yup another form of weaving. The Dad that "invented" it is given so much credit! Smart man! He just looked around at what was here for generations and put a modern plastic slant on it! I remember as a child making elastic chains to use like a jump rope. Someone held each end and we would jump over it until it was too high. As a crafter, knitting and crocheting has been a part of my conscienceness for decades. Can't wait until some Dad reinvents knitting! Actually I think it is great that little children want to make something with their hands. My girls made friendship pins when they were little. A simple safety pin that the child could put coloured beads and other items. Worn as one or chained together! An item to share with friends thus the friendship connotation! Remember pet rocks! Perhaps there is an old idea to be reinvented right in front of me! Hum-let me see what I can find!    

COUNTRY VIEWS IN URBAN SPAWL

My favourtie building in the Fall. Luckily I have lived in an area where large fields are near me despite the fact it is more of an urban area. The Richmond Hill Central library with its pink hue is a nice contrast to the Fall trees. The hill leading to it makes a good power walk as it uses  a different set of muscles than walking on a flat surface. The scene looks a little country but it is beside Yonge Street where large condos are being built. Pictures can often give us an illusion of what we want! For me, I want my area to have a country feel to it. Living in Richmond Hill, it has always been a small town on the edge of the big city-Toronto! With all the development, the urban sprawl is making it more of one big suburb! But if I aim my camera in the right direction, little pockets of country can be captured!

FALL IMAGES 2013

Fall gives so many opportunities to find contrasting images. Concrete columns with trees decked in the colours of the season.

Red bushes between rocks. Images close to home if time is given to find them! What local images have you found?

A CANADIAN HALLOWEEN

Halloween week is gearing up. Houses and shop windows are decorated to be ready for the little and big trick and treaters coming our way. The weather always plays a factor. If too cold then the coats hide the costumes. For school children, wearing their costumes to school allows some time to don them. I don't remember the last time Adolph and I went to a Halloween party! Usually I wear something at home on Halloween to greet my "little guests". Are you ready for another Canadian Halloween? 

THE PERFECTIONIST-ANXIETY AT ITS BEST

The Perfectionist is a personality with a major anxiety component. People who brag about wanting everything perfect or expect perfection actually mask their anxiety and major insecurities. Celebrities that expect the right temperature of orange juice on a movie set for example stand out like a sore thumb. Two ice cubes but not three! Parents that badger their children with perfection can retard development as the child feels they are not good enough for "Mommy" or "Daddy" so often just stop trying. So where does this need come from in the person's development. Perfectionistic people actually can delay getting things done. It can border on procrastination as the finished product will never be good enough. How does it differ from doing a job well? The teacher needs to have a curriculum and keep on track. The social worker needs to prioritize the cases from urgent to serious. The nurse needs to check the meds with a fellow nurse and provide good bedside care. The bus driver needs to follow the rules of the road and keep passenger safety paramount. The airline pilot must fly the plane correctly, know emergency procedures and keep in constant contact with air traffic. Not perfectionistic but good work standards and abilities! If one works around the perfectionist, then everything gets questioned! Very annoying! The perfectionist boss always needs to find something wrong- you did not dot the "i" on this letter! So as an employee, I have always left a "i" undotted to alleviate some of the person's anxiety to find something "wrong". A job can be done well within the profession's work standards with individual aspects. But comparing the duties of one profession with another can be another habit of the perfectionist! Always comparing! The bottom line to the individual is "I do it better because I do it perfectly and you do not!" Recognizing this trait in others around you can make it easier to live and work with a perfectionist! Don't get in a "pissing" contest! That person needs to win constantly! Like the dog that gets a bone and has to chew on it! Remember it is the person's anxiety issues and not yours! If you recognize you are a perfectionist, try to back off and realize that you may be annoying those around you with your constant need to point out life's imperfections! Are you a perfectionist? Do you have perfectionistic people in your family, work and life? What are your strategies in dealing with those people? Do you find yourself not wanting to discuss anything with that person?   

NANA SAYS BOOKS ARE STILL GREAT FOR CHILDREN

With the invention of the printing press, the masses had access to books. For children even in this technological age with computer interactive games, the book is still a wonderful treasure not only for a child but youth and adults. I know there are e-books that many people love. Talking books can be great on long road trips. Sitting with a book and reading to a young child is still a beloved way to connect to the written word as well as have an emotional moment together. Going to the library and selecting some books can be a social activity. With events for young children, it can be a warm engaging place to be. On my grandchildren's Christmas lists there are several book suggestions. My granddaughter loves to make her own books with some paper, folding and stapling-she creates a subject and has her own content. Bedtime comes with story time for young children. Often, older children are left reading before they fall asleep. Many adults, of course, read a page or two before dozing off to sleep! Big books, little books, picture books, dictionaries, thesaurus and even the atlas are a must for any home. Encouraging children to look up a word in a dictionary is still a way to enrich one's language skills. Donating books to day cares, libraries or communities needing books is a way to wean one's shelves of read books. Children can carry the books in their arms or read on a long car trip. So with all the other tools used in our modern age, keep books front and center. Be a role model to children in your lives. Seeing, touching and reading books regularly becomes part of a family's life. Adults have book clubs. So perhaps a family book discussion could be something to include in a daily activity. On those drives to those copious lessons that are so time consuming, being interested in what your child is reading may be fodder for a conversation. Of course for the bored parent waiting for those lessons to finish, it may be an opportunity to read your own book! Any thoughts?

THE MAPLE LEAF FOREVER-HOW CANADIAN EH!

The Maple Leaf is a Canadian symbol for a reason. There are several varieties of this beautiful tree-the sugar maple as the sap is used to make our wonderful Maple Syrup. The wood is used in a variety of furniture and woodworking activities. In the Fall the maple trees are vibrant with the range of colours. In a forest or woodlot, they stand out in all their glory. Children collect the leaves for school projects as well as adults often pick one up and put in a favourite book to dry and press. On our flag it stands out! Even an old Canadian song- The Maple Leaf Forever- can still be heard!

THE CRANBERRY-A CANADIAN ICON

Cranberries are very Canadian. Originally harvested by our First Nations' people they have become a staple in our diet. Not just a condiment for a turkey dinner, they are used in baking. Just look at the Cranberry muffin at Tim Horton's. Cranberry juice is good for the bladder. It helps with urinary tract infections. Fresh cranberries make wonderful additions to handmade crafts. Beaded together they make a natural band for any Christmas tree. The cranberry- very Canadian, eh!

FALL-A TIME OF PREPARATION

It's a Canadian tradition to perserve food for the winter. For generations, women would make jams, jellies and pickles for use throughout the winter months. My mother would freeze veggies and place them in a large chest freezer. Farms had cold cellars. Our family cottage still has the original cold cellar. Winter is often seen as a time to endure. Extra wood is chopped in many country homes for use throughout the season. New snow tires may be bought. Check the battery in the car. Organzie the snow shovels or make sure the snow blower is functional. Have some salt on hand. Where are the scarves, mitts and hats? It is funny how we prepare for winter but anticipate spring. Winter always seems like more of a hardship. As the fall leaves continue to trickle down making a mess, there continues to be work. They make a bed on the gardens protecting the bulbs underneath. Cleaning up the outside, emptying the garage for the cars, and cleaning the furnance-replacing the air filter keeps the house cleaner- are some of the many tasks we continue to do. Perhaps we do not mind the first snowfall afterall as it means we are ready! However, lately the weather has been good so fall can hang around for as long as it wants. Still prefer to wear my running shoes when walking! Fall keeps us busy-no wonder most of us feel so tired!

HANDLING LIFE'S GLITCHES!

How do you handle the little "glitches" in life? I was trying to have an philosophical discussion with a couple of colleagues about how an event can still be great even with a few "glitches". The response received-well my event was perfectly organized and planned and there were no glitches at all! Hum! As the mother of the bride on two wonderful occasions, all the planning and organizing did not account for a couple of little glitches-mostly with someone at the wrong table at the hall and people not showing up that had said they would come! All manageable and the bride did not know! The point I was trying to make was life can be great with glitches! I am not someone who needs perfect nor am I a perfectionist! A perfectionist actually is one of the anxiety disorder types and very annoying to others around him or her! Often in life our critics will always point out our little imperfections anyway! So with aging and maturity I have learnt not to take it personally nor get defensive! There will always be people who like to criticize or find your glitches! I remember when Natasha and I were planning her wedding. One of the event planners at one of the halls told us a story about the wedding cake of one bride. When she called the cake business a few hours before the reception was to begin and she was told the bride and groom had looked at a cake and had picked one tentatively. The groom was supposed to get back to the store to confirm the order but had not! Wow- a huge glitch for the bride-great planning but a glitch! So the hall made a deal with the store. A frozen slab of cake was hauled out of their freezer and the decorator did her thing- 3 hours later the cake arrived at the hall. The bride of course said her wedding was "perfect" unaware of any glitches! Life can have people around you that run interference for you! Oh yes, anyone that knows me is always impressed by my organizational skills and abilities. Thinking, planning and doing-many things get accomplished in my life! The other organizational skill I have is to let it go when the event happens. Whether it is a dinner party or a trip- sit back and let the process happen! Of course you know what I am going to say- no event in my life needs to be perfect to be fun, wonderful and memorable! Try to anticipate the "glitches" but if unpreventable you can either cry, yell or laugh! Well we all know laughter is good for the soul!  

NANA SAYS MAKES FAMILY MEAL TIME A PRIORITY!

Our lives can become too busy where we lose focus on our priorities. Children need stability! Slowing down and making time for family time is important. Thanksgiving dinner was such an event! On special occasions the family all sits at one table at the same time. Children are expected to finish their meal before running off to play. Actually the family dinner table can be used on a regular basis to get everyone together, no matter how briefly. Sometimes each parent may arrive home at a different time so it can be tricky to accomplish. One of my grandchildren eats then wants to sit with his Daddy to eat again with him. Is the little guy telling us something that is important? The old custom of breaking bread together goes back to the dawn of time. 15-30 minutes would be all it would take in a busy day to try to eat together. Parents role modelling eating healthy food-go figure what a concept! Every generation has had its share of busy! Modern parents are no different than other generations. There are more time saving gadgets and the proverbial cell phone can alert the parent on the way home to pick up some additional food items! Actually should be time savers! The slow cooker has evolved into a wonderful way to have dinner ready on arrival home. I still have one and had used my original one for many meals when the children were small! The breakfast and dinner table meals are a wonderful way to halt the race allowing for some time to be a family. Remember-was one of your priorities to be a family and share family time together! On a daily basis, it can be a simple small answer-the family meal together!

IS ORDINARY GROSSLY UNDERRATED?

There is an ad on the TV that had me thinking. It claims that people do not celebrate or talk about or show pictures of ordinary moments or things. It goes on to show a family having the most amazing vacation-running on the beach because people deserve more than ordinary. Let's face it-most of us have daily ordinary moments. Work can be ordinary. Weekends can be ordinary and predicable. For me the ordinary thing is to be home-puttering, writing, cleaning and enjoying some down time. Maybe the grandchildren will come over! The whole idea if life is not amazing or over the top with excitement then what? Perhaps ordinary can be promoted as life. The constant hunt for razzle dazzle can make life exhausting! Back to the ad-the family running on the beach looked like every other family enjoying a vacation! Quite ordinary to me! So do these ordinary moments add up to a wonderful life! I believe it! By stopping and relishing what is in front of us rather than seeking more and more, life can be good. No problem with wanting to take items off the old bucket list! No problem with wanting to do something special and different-sure helps in the romance world! No problem with changing a routine to include new adventures or activities! Ordinary activities, however, can keep us grounded and allow many tasks to be completed. Garbage day, for example, is very ordinary but necessary. Pictures of family events like birthdays are ordinary but help to fill an album or cell phone file or wherever your picture are store. Group shots make interesting photos! Competition exists to discover who is doing more! The proverbial-how was your weekend! No matter what I do there are others who want to claim their weekend was better, busier or more exciting! So what is my usual answer- my ordinary answer- "busy just like everyone else!" It keeps those competitors at bay! There can be a put down of ordinary! For example, if TV is an activity there are many people that say-I don't have time to watch TV! No time to read a book or write a letter/email or do much because their life is too exciting! Think of the ordinary moments that bring pleasure! Reading a book to a child before sleeping! The first cup of coffee in the morning! If you go to a funeral, look at the picture board-it has those ordinary pictures like everyone else has taken- family activities, school, childhood and favourite activities! A wonderful life can consist of many ordinary moments strung together! Some events are not ordinary like waiting for the new grandchild to arrive, seeing your granddaughter at her recital or hearing your spouse excited about his weight loss! So can ordinary be okay! Can a family have an ordinary vacation and have a great time? Can your ordinary day bring you joy? What do you think? 

A POSTCARD FROM CARMAN MANITOBA-THE HEARTLAND OF CANADA

My cousin Roy sent me this postcard from Carman, Manitoba. He lived there for several years as it was an ideal location for his private business. Located just south of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the joys of being in a small town but near a large city he could benefit from the advantages of both. I decided to do a little research on this quaint town. Actually there is a 36 page booklet that highlights the town's year round activities- the link is www.carmanmanitoba.ca
Some of the features are the speciality shops, the Hall of Fame that features NHL players born there-Eddie "the eagle" Balfour and Jim McFadden, historical buildings such as the Boyne Regional Library and Memorial Hall constructed in 1919, and of course the people- all 2,900 of them! Small town Canada has so much to offer. As many of you know that read my blog, Adolph and I take little jaunts to communities in and around the GTA as well as overnight trips. Too far for one of our short trips, Carman, Manitoba would make a wonderful day trip for those living in Winnipeg. However, for anyone planning one of those across Canada trips one day, why not detour to this friendly little town. For Americans coming to Canada, it is only 60 miles north of North Dakota. The town has so many of those Canadian features that Canadians coast to coast offer. I like that the local United Church has a Fall supper on October 13, 2013. It is a reminder of my youth. Our local church-  Carville United Church that is now part of Hope United always had a Turkey dinner in October!
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!

CANADIAN THANKSGIVING 2013

Each year on the second Monday of October, there is a celebration of thanksgiving. In Canada, it is actually called the Thanksgiving weekend. Most people have a turkey dinner feast on one of the days of the weekend. We have our dinner on the Sunday as it allows for the Monday to be a day of rest and eating leftovers. How did Thanksgiving in Canada start? It is different than the American Thanksgiving and around the same time as the Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot. First Nations people have had many celebrations honouring the harvest. There were harvest celebrations in European history too!
A little historical research reveals the  English explorer Martin Forbisher actually celebrated a safe passage in Newfoundland in 1578. The French explorer Samuel de Champlain held regular fall feasts as a celebration of thanks. Halifax Nova Scotia held a special Thanksgiving after the Seven Year's war ended in 1763. Loyalists to the British did bring some of the American features of Thanksgiving to Canada in the 1790s.
Actually since 1879, Thanksgiving has been celebrated in Canada on different days and months. At one time in November but it conflicted with Armistice Day later to be Remembrance Day. So by 1957, the Canadian government through Parliament declared the second Monday of October as the set day. More than just eating, it was as a blessing to God to be thankful for our bountiful harvest.
I remember as a child learning about the pilgrims later to discover they had nothing to do with Canada. Our church services would have a cornucopia of fall bounty such as corn, apples, squash and leaves!
In our modern times, the churches have services of thanksgiving and celebration. Newcomers to the country are often perplexed about the whole Thanksgiving thing! So Canadians get out there and educate them! Brag about our customs and history.
Even the traditional meal with turkey, bread stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberries, squash, sweet potoato, turnip and whatever other bevy of veggies you want to add! As a child, my Mom would make corn kernels and carrots. Harvest veggies! We add some peas, broccoli, brussel sprouts, mushrooms and ainise to give an Italian flair. Of course some Italian sausages are cooked and the juice added for more flavour to the gravy. The dessert table can be whatever you want! However, pumpkin and apple pies abound. Don't forget some ice cream or whipping cream to go on top of the pumpkin pie!
I like this holiday because it is really Canadian! The area where I live Richmond Hill Ontario in York Region was once inhabitated by the Huron- the Neutral and Tobacco tribes lived in parts of Ontario too. Many of the veggies in our dinner like the squash, some people still have corn, were staples from them. Cranberries come from First Nation people too. Bread stuffing is more an English tradition. Turkeys are now farmed but were once wild in many parts of North America. Pumpkins and apples grow here- thus the pumpkin and apple themes in the desserts! Canadians coast to coast connect with family to say- Happy Thanksgiving!
At work the other day, one of my colleagues was asking people what makes them thankful? Do you know how people said just to have life? Thankful to be alive!
In Canada there is a new tradition starting. A small group has set up a tradition to find Canadians who will welcome a new immigrant family to their Thanksgiving dinner to teach them about the event and share a meal. I heard about it very late but perhaps there is always next year.
It was featured on CTV news a few days ago. The announcer was very sweet and said- how Canadian! Yes how Canadian! The First Nations people helped the first explorers survive the first years in Canada, the first settlers helped the next group survive and today we can welcome new immigrants and help them to learn and celebrate long standing Canadian traditions.
So have a great and Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! Yes, try not to be more stuffed than the Turkey!

 

BRING POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION INTO AWARENESS

Postpartum depression is not discussed nor identified as much as it can be. Having a baby is an exciting time for new parents and family. Sure most mothers have some baby blues. This is not what needs to considered. The statistics vary but in Canada it is stated about 30% of new mothers can have depression while a very small percentage may evolve into psychosis. Do we need more high profile cases such as the recent incident in Washington where the young mother tried to ram a barrier and was killed? So what can the average family member do? Be aware! Be supportive! If you think a loved one may have depression, the first line of defense is to go to the family doctor for an assessment. Not everyone may need a psychiatrist. Medication may be needed. More importantly support is needed. The change in the hormones, the lack of sleep and the demands of breastfeeding do make for the possibility of depression. However, remember it is physiological and not the fault of the Mommy! Too often new Mommies can be blamed for not being tough enough! If that attitude prevails the new Mom may decide not to tell anyone how she is feeling. Talk to other women! Years later many women may admit they had depression but could not tell anyone! Hospital Social Workers dealing with Mommies and Babies are aware to look for potential depression. Sometimes it is identified! But most Moms go home after 24 hours and it is hard to assess everyone. Mommies in the NICU give staff more time to get to know them and can talk about it in the first conversations! Statements like- postpartum depression can occur so if you are feeling lethargic, trouble sleeping and can not do your normal activities, let us know. Breast feeding is more difficult for the NICU Moms and a sign can be that it is not attempted whole heartedly! Might not be lack of motivation but depression!  Why target Mommies in the NICU? The literature tells us they are at higher risk of depression. So if we put it out there and simply normalize it then it makes it easier to be discussed and treated. Could there still be a stigma attached to depression? You bet! Let's take the stigma away and assist people with depression that is a disease like any other disease!  Remember all new Mommies need love and support whether it is a first or fifth baby! Where are the Daddies in all of this debate? Dads should be encouraged to keep a close eye on their wives. Yes, the stress of a new baby in the family is huge. However, Dads can be the ones to make sure the Moms get all the support they need. Other supportive women in the family can assist too! Not the know it all ones who try to belittle a Mommy that may be struggling with depression! There are cases over the years that have made headlines! Let's work really hard to give women the support they need! Remember if we take care of Mommy, Mommy can take care of baby!

NANA SAYS CHILDREN NEED PARENTAL FIGURES

Children need parental figures in their lives. Often it is very simple a married mother and father. Each contribute to the well being of the children. In cases of divorce or death when a parent may be missing some of the time, it becomes trickier. Currently, many couples have joint custody so spend equal amounts of time with each parent but not at the same time. So there is room to play one parent against the other more readily than in an intact family. We all know children always try to get something from the other parent that may have been denied. In the case of death, the parent who remains is the parent. A single Dad with 3 little children may be struggling to regroup and be both Mom and Dad. So parental figures- grandparents, siblings, nieces and nephews can come to the rescue. Even friends that can give the other gender perspective. If the Mom is absent, children need a "Mommy" figure. If the struggling parent is able to welcome assistance from others, then the job becomes easier but not easy! Sometimes two mother figures- a Mom and a grandmother can be very effective- look at a sitting President of a major country! Children benefit emotionally from many adults in their lives that love them and provide stability! Just watch the faces of the children in your lives when significant people arrive at family functions! Especially birthdays and Christmas when presents are involved! Knowing there is a family/friend system is there has a deeper meaning! Many new immigrants gravitate to the friend system as a family substitute when their families are in the home country and unavailable! I often feel badly for young parents without grandparents or other suitable family members around them. Adolph and I are backup to my girls and families. With the odd day care pickup, a day with us or sleepovers, relief is there as needed. The parents know the children are in safe loving hands. The little ones think it is special!

FALL LEAVES

The leaves turn so many shades of colour. As they fall from the trees, it becomes a chore just to rake them. For the gardener they are gold. Bagging some, but putting most on the flower beds to have a layered cushion to keep the spring bulbs hibernating in the soil warm so they can bloom in the spring. Little children like to collect the leaves. Do you remember trying to have a variety? Then your mother would get the wax paper letting you put them between two layers and pressing with an iron so the leaves would be waxy so you could save them. Have you ever picked up a dictionary or big book to have those leaves fall out? It is a reminder of a fun activity!

FALL IS A MIDDLE AGE REFLECTION

The Fall can metaphorically refer to the Fall of our lives- that stage between youth and old age. Middle age. I often wonder when middle age really ends and old age begins. I have met 85 year olds that think they are middle aged because people in their families live to 105! Does middle age start at 40 as I thought when I turned 40! Fall has many symbols- the harvest home! The results of the hard work over the Spring and Summer bring the Fall's bounty! The trees are beautiful before losing their leaves! It is a time to take in the wonders of nature. Of course the coniferous trees stay green to add a colourful backdrop. A tree is very symbolic. It reaches to the sky as well as establishing roots. The part seen is a small part of the overall presence. People have roots too- family, work, investments, interests, hobbies! So Fall with its squash and apples and time for celebration with a Canadian Thanksgiving is a time for reflection! A time for memories! So are you in the Fall of your life? Is it a positive time for you? Are you remembering other Falls and what they brought to you? Or are you just dreading that after Fall comes Winter? Being in our 40s, 50s and 60s can still bring new adventures and life!

#middleage#thefalloflife#thinkingaboutlife#fallbeforewinter#harvesthome#beinghappytocelebratefall#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION!

Do you ever notice that everyone has an opinion about something? Some people let you know theirs all the time. Others are quiet until there is something significant to say. There are differences of opinion. I am right and you are wrong! Opposites attract so do people with varying opinions! Too left wing and too right wing! There is a middle ground. Have you ever encountered someone that thinks the exact opposite of you? Do you try to understand why? Opinions can be hurtful! I don't like your hair! Opinions can be validating! You did the right thing! You made the right decision! Are there times opinions should be kept private? It helps to be a good mother-in-law if my opinion is on the down low! So what is your opinion of this post! Hum, I thought so!

A TRIP TO A LOCAL FARM IN VAUGHAN ONTARIO

I had fun going to a local farm very close to home. Buying apples and squash for next week's Thanksgiving dinner was fun. The Fall brings more fresh produce like the pumpkins pictured.

This little market is surviving amongst growing subdivisions. Nearby there is a wonderful pumpkin field. I wanted to venture more but the early morning was rainy and foggy so a long drive on a country was not inviting. A few photos taken, I returned home.

Being outdoors and buying fresh local produce will end too soon. This farm stays open until Halloween when it is hoped the pumpkins will be sold out!

A DOOR LEADS TO A NEW BEGINNING

Doors are in walls and lead to an inner space. They can be decorative or plain. They can be inviting or exclusive. We put up doors in our lives. Some people may be invited into our social circle and others not. A group named The Doors! A song- The doorway to Heaven! Life opens and shuts doors for us. When someone knocks or rings the bell we can answer the door or not! Doors can be wonders of architectural design.. No matter where we go there are always doors to photograph. Some even have numbers. When God closes a door, he opens a window! So perhaps windows are next!

NANA SAYS DIFFERENCES IN CHILDREN CREATE CHALLENGES

Each child in a family can be unique. Same parents but different personalities. Having a sane household with trying to honour each child takes patience, skill and sometimes creativity. If one child enjoys quiet activities and the other likes to be on the move, it can create a conumdrum if only one parent is available! Trying to engage children in similar tasks but allowing the different interests can be done. A craft activity can have one child quietly working while the other can tear or cut paper giving some motor pleasure! Going for a walk, especially in the fall to find leaves, pinecones or even little sticks to use in the craft. A simple game of catch where some energy can be burned. Creating a safe environment like a basement play area or fenced in yard gives freedom and peace of mind to parents! As children are older organized sports and lessons assist with the differences. Sometimes if the active child is allowed to run, jump, bounce, play, he or she may just have that wonderful Saturday afternoon nap due to exhaustion! It is important to reflect on each parent's energy level since children may be similar to the over active parent! If you are a parent that nevers stops, the little acorn does not fall far from the tree!

LIFE-WORTH LIVING

Building a life one step at a time is a wonderful concept. Living brings many layers to our psyche! Childhood memories! Youth! Years of adult issues and accomplishments! Disappointments! Surviving! Just plain living! Sometimes at the top of our game and other times feeling like we are at the bottom! There are days that take energy to get anything done. Then other days where so much gets done! Happy days! Sad days! Family times! Solitary times! Life!

BABY BLANKETS-USING THE AFGHAN STITCH

It is always exciting to be expecting a new baby into the family. So the last few months creating some little and big blankets for the new one kept my hands busy during any down time. Using the crochet afghan stitch takes much longer than a simple quick crochet stitch. It is tighter and probable warmer for the baby. The yellow/green blanket in the background used some wool left over from my mother so the little one will have something from the great-grandmother. The blanket in the foreground shows some of the detail-an embroidered flower in pink and purple- a little abstract and imperfect for a reason! One corner of the blanket has 5 little butterflies- 3 blue and 2 pink to represent the family. Another corner has two pink stars!  Of course some simple little hats for the little ones's head! The smaller blankets can be used in the stroller or in the car. All are easy to wash! There is something earthy about making blankets for me. Blankets represent warmth! My grandchildren have all used the items made over the years. If they wear them out then I can make more for them. My house has homemade knitted and crocheted blankets everywhere. There are also material quilted ones. Recently I made a pretty blue and white crocheted blanket for a friend of my daughter! A handmade item gives permanence to life! Crafts connect us with other generations!