AN EVENTFUL JUNE QUIET JULY

As June ends with all the hoopla that occurred, looking forward to a quieter July at work and home. Some of the committees take a break for the summer, the ORs are reduced and garden beckons with quiet reading and quiet "weeding". Some fun day trips to markets and quiet walks on country lanes! Maybe! It is what I want, not necessarily what will happen!! Life will present itself! And be what it will be! How about you? What are your hopes and dreams.?

TIGER LILIES ARE EVERYWHERE!

Water lilies can be found at the water edges and are so pretty.

But the tiger lilies at the side of the road are everywhere. Easily transplanted into a garden.

Pockets in the front and the side of my house have these summer delights right now. What lilies do you have in your area? Oh those summer flowers!

PINK ROSES TO REMEMBER

Different items in our lives allow us to remember people we have lost over the years. For me pink roses have some symbolism! Do you have something that keeps the memory of a person in your life?
#pinkrosesforamemory#pinkrosesinthegarden#plantingsomepinkroses#pinkroseskeepamemoryalive

RAINY WEEKENDS IN JUNE

Rain, rain go away, come again another day! A cute rhyme from my childhood! It fits this weekend. The weeds will just keep growing when there is no break to go out in the garden to work on them. Cool rainy summer days are not what we all wanted! Luckily no summer barbecue was planned. Why do rainy days make us all sleepy? Being inside should energize to get the indoor work done. Actually has the opposite effect! Trying to feel motivated to work on something! Or do rainy days allow us to curl up with a blanket and read the novel that needs finishing! Sleep beckons!

But then raindrops on flowers make beautiful pictures.

ARE YOU READY FOR SUMMER FUN

School is out. Sort of a long weekend. Although our stat holiday is a Wednesday. Some people taking next Monday and Tuesday as vacation days and some people taking Thursday and Friday. The beginning of the lazy hazy days of summer. Time to chill and lay back! Time to enjoy the fun of life. Travel and touring and fun stuff. The beginning of the summer fun! Love it! How about you? Are you ready for summer fun?

BREAK FROM WORK RE-ENERGIZES

Okay you can love your job! You can love your family!  But everyone needs a change and a break from everything to gain some new perspective. To rest! To re-energize! Just changes things up a little can bring some relief to feeling trapped in the same routine! With summer vacations starting for school kids,  many adults have vacations too. Away from work, your colleagues cover your job and when they are away you cover their job! Everyone gets a needed break!

If nothing else, just time to stop and smell the roses! Now that the roses are blooming, easier to do!

NANA SAYS SCHOOL IS OUT-BRACE YOURSELF

Camps and summer trips organized ages ago, parents are bracing for the summer months with children home. Little ones are easier to manage as day care continues or camps are there. Teenagers between those camp years and summer jobs are harder to manage. What to do to fill the days? Volunteer experiences! Helping in the family business! Cottages or camping help for weeks at a time but for those working parents sometimes taking separate vacation weeks to accommodate children at home can be the norm. It is never easy to plan everything. Children can still get sick in the summer so there may be days away from work for parents. Who stays home and who goes to work! Lots of books, craft supplies and maybe activity books to work on next year's subjects. But summer should be fun with moments of boredom too. Children must learn to fill their time with their own meaningful activities. Boredom often teaches all of us at all ages to find things to do to fill our time! Closets get cleaned. Long walks occur! A book gets finished because we may be bored. A new hobby may be found! Let children and especially teenagers organize themselves too. Put away the gadgets and explore the environment. Exercise. Okay kid- ride that expensive bike. Clean your room. Give the teen a list of household chores to help the family system. Teach everyone there are no free rides in life! Little ones can help in the garden, give them a little section to be their own. The lazy hazy days of summer do not last long enough and childhood goes too quickly. Remember what you liked to do as a  child and reintroduce it to the children in your lives. What is old can be new again? Can't it? Maybe even have a retro theme for summer events. A day- if you did not have a cellphone or smart phone, how would you talk to your friends, for example. Oh well- brace yourself and discover what the summer vacation can bring! For those going on long trips to exotic places, enjoy. For those staying around town, enjoy your staycation! For this Nana, I know there will be days helping with my grandchildren and I know I want to make it fun for them!! And me too! I am still a kid at heart!

LIFE IS LIKE A STORM

Sometimes there are warnings of bad weather coming. Sometimes we are in the midst of it without warning. A storm can wake us up at night.  Wind, rain or hail can do damage. Assessing the area after a storm reveals what has happened. Sometimes unscathed, sometimes not. Standing on two feet and living to tell the tale and go on. Life's storms happen to all of us. How we weather them speaks to our courage and ability to carry on! Watching a storm from a safe place can be interesting. But not from a tent!

PEONIE-THAT PRETTY JUNE FLOWER

Spring bulbs fade away, the lovely peonie joins the summer garden. The ants have done their work because without them they would not grow. When the flowers fade the green leaves keep some colour in the yard. Do you have peonies?

TWENTY THINGS I LOVE ABOUT A CANADIAN SUMMER

June 21st. The Summer Solstice!  Spring and Fall are okay times but most Canadians love their summers. So what better way to start the summer season than reminisce about what I love about a Canadian summer. Those lazy, hazy days of summer- just love them.

1. No snow. Sure there are some northern regions with glaciers and tops of mountains but just enjoying no snow in most places is good enough.

2. The local produce from our farmers. Tasty, available and a chance to eat more veggies and fruit. Those trips to the farms or farmers' markets are prolific across the country. Buy fresh or pick your own! A great 1/2 day trip to places like St. Jacob's market is a must in the GTA.

3. Camping at your favourite campground or park. Try a tent, a trailer or sleep in your car. Nature at its best. Going to the cottage, renting a cottage or being invited to a friend's cottage. Day trips, weekends or weeks- great to get away.

4. Your local town or city has lots of festivals, sites to see. So mingle with the tourists and brag about being Canadian. Zoos, museums, art galleries-big and small. The beer gardens, the jazz festivals, the lobster festivals, rib fests, church socials with amazing baking by Canadian women especially the pies.. The Canadian National Exhibition in August in Toronto.  Outdoor summer patios at just about every food establishment. Nice way to take in a part of a town, city or country location.

5. The drive across the country. Everyone has done it at least once. Time to meet Canadians coast to coast asking about the places they live. It is not unusual to meet people that are from your home town on the road. Keeping track of all the license plates from the other provinces and American states.

6. Gardens. Working in one. Admiring other people's gardens. Visiting Public gardens. Pots of flowers everywhere. Sitting in the garden listening to the birds and watching the many butterflies like our famous Monarch Butterfly.

7. Summer clothes. No coats. No boots. No hats unless a sun hat. No scarves. The variety of colours. Try not to wear black as there are so many happy summer colours. Shorts, tank tops, summer dresses. easy clothes for men and boys. Summer sandals and flip flops in an amazing selection!

8. Time to sit and read in shade on those hot days. That's why the days are lazy. Catching up on our reading is a must.

9. Leisurely drives in the country. Finding a favourite picnic area for a breakfast, lunch or dinner.

10. The Canadian beaches. Wasaga Beach in Collingwood area. Tofino Beach on Vancouver Island said to be one of the best in the world. New Brunswick has great beaches. Nova Scotia too. Little beaches on lakes and rivers can be found across the country. Campgrounds and parks often have beaches. Time to practice the swimming or just wade in the water.

11. Backyard barbecues- BBQ- with lots of burgers, hot dogs, steaks, sausages. Grill the vegetables. Corn in a husk can be put on the BBQ and husked afterwards.  Skewers can be fun. Marinate the tough cuts for a good taste later.

12. Walking. To the store. Power walks. Leisurely walks. Tourist walks. Walks on beaches.

13. Pools. Backyard. Public. Splash pads. Or just get a little pool for the kids. Fun to cool off. Time to flaunt that new bathing suit. Everyone has a collection of them. Love the Tankinis that are so popular if you are not comfortable in a bikini anymore. They mix and match so increases the variety of beach wear.

14. The photo opportunities are endless. People, buildings, scenery, events well you get it- endless. Time to make memories for years to come.

15. Ice cream. The parlours. Sitting outside eating a cone. Buying cones for home ice cream. Edible waffle bowls for sundaes. The Dairy Queen, Baskin Robbins, Kawartha Ice Cream or do you have a favourite spot where you live.

16. Trips abroad to Europe and those tours. Trips south to those wonderful American states with a variety of tourist attractions. If you have American and European tourists in your area, be a friendly Canadian willing to help.

17. Longer days so the evenings can enjoyed.

18. The summer sports. Baseball, Lacrosse, Football and this year the Pan Am Games in Toronto and GTA. Welcoming people from 41 countries to the event.

19. The Canadian call of the Loon. Just try to hear it sometime and you will not forget.

20. The Summer stat holidays. July 1- a time to celebrate pride in our country. At least one trip to Ottawa, our wonderful capital to celebrate in one's lifetime. The Civic holiday in August brings another long weekend. Labour day.

Oh the summer! Maybe my list could be longer, I have to think about it. How long would your list be!
#twentythingsIloveaboutaCanadiansummer#backyardbarbecues#photoopportunities#tripsabroadorathome#icecream#thesummersports#lifeinCanadaisgreat#thecalloftheLoon#summerstatholidays#walkingandlotsofexercise#icecreamisgreatinthesummertime#theCanadianbeaches#walkingonabeach#camping#warmweatherandnosnow#

AS SPRING ENDS

 As we come into the summer months, there is a renewed energy in the air. People are talking about their summer plans. Where they are going! What they are doing!  Stores have beautiful outdoor furniture and dishes and colourful napkins! Happy colours! Fun is in the air! For me one of my plans is the Pan Am game events. Hopefully to spend some time downtown on my July week off enjoying the ambiance of the city. Probably go alone to some things as I can take my time snapping pictures and well just enjoying. The garden invites me too but the rain has made my weeding efforts be useless. As fast as I weed, the little shoots become big ones again. Another trip to the store for some spray weed killer is a must!! Oh summer, never really long enough is it?

Oh the wilderness or a favourite lake does call! Can you hear the sound of the Loon?

TAKE YOUR WORRIES OUT OF YOUR HEAD

Sometimes Worrying about anything can make our heads spin. So putting it out there on paper, in an activity or consulting with a friend or family member can bring it out of your head! Many headaches can be caused by too much worrying or negative thinking! Worries draw our attention to things or events in our lives that have meaning. They can make us take care of areas of our lives that need attention. But constant worry about everything is not healthy. Those with anxiety disorders can make life very unpleasant for others around them. Containing the troubling thoughts can allow for a pleasant day to occur. However if one has gone through a traumatic event, it can be difficult not to worry if current events trigger those old thoughts. Knowing oneself and what makes us worry can help to give us insight. Accepting ourselves with what makes us tick or needless to say worry allows for self growth. Everyone worries about something sometimes. Just don't let it consume our lives so enjoyable living can occur!

EVERYONE NEEDS A LIFT

Everyone needs a lift sometimes. Someone to take us from one adverse event to something positive. Faith can help. Positive family or friends can keep us grounded. Sometimes we need the support and sometimes we give the support to someone else. Getting a hand up when down is encouraging! Like Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory- make tea! Do you need a lift today? Where would you turn?

NANA SAYS HEALTHY CHILDREN ARE NOISY

Quiet only happens when a child sleeps or is really absorbed in an activity. Usually if there are children around, there is a certain noise level. Happy play is tolerable and well happy. Fighting and teasing is just annoying. For most adults there can be a limit to our patience. Keeping children apart so they do not injure each other can be difficult. The divide and conquer of separate activities with each parent can be one way to appreciate each child. Family activities can be challenging especially if several generations are present. Lots of room for children to play and areas for the adults to watch or engage too. Adults can be noisy too. So before scolding children, reflect back on what the adults are doing at any event too. Noisy means healthy! It is what we wanted when we wanted children isn't it?

JUNE MONDAY REFLECTIONS

A time for change. Life has many opportunities that give us new challenges.

We look for the fountain of youth with modern techniques like botox for some. Aging gracefully for others.

Like the sunflower we may turn with the sun. Aware of the shadows we cast.

Time can fly and we find ourselves moving forward too quickly.

Trying to do all the things on our bucket list that look like dozens of petals on a flower.

Like the spokes in a wheel, have our center point but branch out in all directions to events that bring meaning.

With healthy eating and exercise, life can be enjoyed. Oh Mondays time for reflection and beginning of a new work week and adventures. How will your Monday reflections go??

TIME TO PLAN FOR SUMMER

With the school year winding down, it is time to plan for summer. The short trips, the long trips, domestic or out of the country, lots to do and see. Camps for kids. Helping the kids. Checking out new locals! Eating outside. Going for mini picnics to favourite parks. Gearing up for the Pan Am games in Toronto and GTA1 Oh the summer and all it has to offer! What are you planning? Close to home or faraway adventures?

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Do you open the door? Life can be funny and occurrences happen beyond our control. But sometimes there are opportunities. There is an offer that can not be refused. Has it happened to you? What did you do about it?

REWARDED FOR YOUR EFFORTS

Pay day is always a reward for me. Just knowing that  work done gets paid. Interest, even small in a bank account is good. Awards and birthday presents help with the feeling of being appreciated.  A thank you from a boss or colleague or friend. Why do we need appreciation? Some people if important get rewarded for no effort. They just show up! To appreciate everyone is so important. Every one on the team or in the family or at an event is important too. Not just the ones who crave to be the centre of attention constantly. Rewarding others brings joy back to oneself! A compliment goes a long way! Praise! Sometimes just a morning hug from a grandchild is a great start to the day. Rewarding in so many ways! No words to describe it are necessary! How have you been rewarded lately? Do you try to reward other?

YOU'RE NUMBER ONE!



NANA SAYS WARMER WEATHER BRINGS SEASONAL FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

Parents always struggle with trying to have children and teenagers eat healthy. There never is a problem with sweets and snacks. But a variety of protein food along with fruit and vegetables can be a challenge. With the Canadian growing season in full swing, look locally for those homegrown produce items. If time, a trip to the farm so children can see where food is grown and maybe picking an item or two. Local strawberries are more tasty than imported. Even in our garden our grandchildren love picking the fresh raspberries. As long as children like 2 or 3 vegetables and several fruit they are on a good road to healthy eating. Just keep presenting platters with a variety of food choices and eventually if hungry the food will be eaten. Let's face it- we all have our favourite foods so children are no different. Sometimes fresh with a sauce to dip is a good way to start the vegetable journey. Hard veggies like carrots may be easier for little ones if cooked! Oh picky eaters in children, but I know many adults who are picky eaters too! Then there are those teenagers that can't stop eating! Oh feast or famine- eating is such a controversial topic! Think I will go and have some breakfast now! Healthy of course!

LOVE THAT DAISY

The lovely daisy is blooming everywhere now. She loves me, she loves me not is a favourite saying as each petal is pulled. I like to think it is a happy flower. With the many varieties, it is a welcome addition to the garden.

Makes for fun photos too!

Sometimes just jammed between other flowers in the bed! Do you like daisies?
#daisies#daisiesinthegarden#gardensneedtheloveofdaisies#shelovesmeshelovesmenot#thehappyflower#weneedmoredaisiesinourlives#doyoulikedaisies

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH!

When the going gets tough, the tough get going! This is a good saying with lots of thought or consideration. It implies that tough people get the job done. I like to think that life presents issues or problems that must be resolved. Whether you are tough or not, action is needed. Sometimes just putting one foot in front of the other let's us proceed. Even weak minded people get the job done. Why? Because they have to do it!!

LIFE IS LIKE A PATH

Where do life's paths lead? We all have our own journey. Sometime we are together. Sometimes alone with our thoughts.

We can be blocked from opportunities.

Even if it one way, it could be the right way. Being part of the crowd can be good too. Enjoying a common activity like a fast game of something like baseball or soccer of hockey. Watching a race or being in one. Life can take us on many different paths. Do you have a path of life? Do you find new ones or take a familiar one?

FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Birthdays and special occasions are times for families to come together. Pictures with different family groups are those lasting shots that fill photo albums or cellphone files or little frames on the wall. Generations in one shot are moments in time. Retirements or weddings or just a backyard barbecue are times to be together to celebrate as a family. The celebration can be quiet- just a time to be together. Share a meal. Share a laugh. Catch up on all the news! Try to stay away from any controversial conversations! Unless of course there can be friendly- agree to disagree without any hard feelings! After the coming together then back to all our corners! Or homes! To live to see another time to get together!

DO WE REALLY LEARN FROM OUR WORST CRITIC?

Do you ever have a day or time where you are just enjoying life? Then someone or something in a critical way changes it. A comment! A look! Talking and no one is listening, so you stop or just walk away! Critics in our lives point out our flaws in large print. We do know we have flaws- but oh well! Not perfect. Sometimes letting things slide to make the moment more enjoyable, only to have it thrown in our face! Professionally and personally I have learned to hold my tongue! Listen to what is being said or implied! In a marriage, often having a partner criticized! But is a spouse responsible for the other one's behaviour? Well not really! It is easy to be a critic in life. Finding others' faults or disliking a manager's style or the way someone does something to be wrong is easy! Considering everyone has feelings so suggesting a change rather than a criticism with more understanding is more rewarding! But remember when any of us are pointing a finger at someone else, 3 fingers are pointing back at us!
#ourworstcritic#criticspointoutourflaws#learningnottobesocritical#beingacriticinlife#beingawareofother'sfeelingsbeforecriticizing#suggestachangeanddon'tbecritical#understandingismorerewarding

D DAY- 71 YEARS LATER

Today is a day to remember the day in history that lead to the liberation of Europe from the Nazi. with the current conflicts in the world it is important to know that freedom and peace do come with a prize. If you know a Veteran, give a hug an a thank you! If in France visit Juno Beach where the Canadians landed.

WEATHERING LIFE'S STORMS

Life can have many storms. While in one, it seems so intense there will be no end. But there is an end to life's problems and coming out the other side of the storm so to speak brings calmer weather. Weathering those storms take perseverance. And courage to keep going. Like the saying when the going gets tough, the tough get going! So have you weathered any storms lately? If you are lucky you will get a rainbow at the end!

NANA SAYS THE MORNING HOME RUSH HOUR IS INTENSE

Organizing the previous night helps with the rush in the morning. No matter how organized, however, children are children. They often let their needs get into the mix. A pee just before leaving. Not liking the clothes laid out. Wanting something else for breakfast. Departures are stressful! Trying to keep calm and leave happier takes a lot of energy and patience. Busy working parents have a schedule and need to be on the road at a certain time. Just look at the 10 minutes at schools when arrivals are happening. Busy, busy! Parents need to be respectful of other parents and drivers. Don't do a drop off right at the stop sign tying up traffic! The end of the day is not a rush! So try to have a different pace when coming home. Of course the night of lessons does bring lots of comings and goings too! Balancing those busy rushed times with moments of quiet and slower activities helps the whole family-especially the parents!

JUNE BRINGS ON THE WHITE

June the month for weddings previously. Although people get married all through the year now. The beginning of wearing white as it goes with every colour like black does in the colder months. White on green in the garden is pleasurable. Bushes with flowers if only for a short time are great photo opportunities. Crisp white linen shirts and cotton pants. Great for hot sunny days while touring anywhere. Cools one down!! What white images do you have? Are there snowball bushes in your garden? Are there white flowers amidst the colours? June that wonderful month of warm awakening!