THE AWARDS SEASON IS OVER

Finally. I will miss all the glam. Love the dresses. Great to see fabulous looking people. Gives some ideas for any major social events and what dress to want. Now for the real awards. Who will have the best looking front Garden? What child will come first at the dance competition? What university will your senior obtain final acceptance? Will there be a scholarship? Awards are interesting. Some people are lucky to do one body of work and get royalties and awards over and over. For the majority, you do the work once and there is no continual awards coming. The reward is just a job well done! So back to trying to see the movies that were nominated and at least the winner- Spotlight!  Back to awards- the talent is there but it is the opportunities, the people around you that allow the sun to shine on your parade. Hug your family! Tell your people how special they are to you! Everyone deserves an award for something! The last day of February- yeah an award for getting through winter!!

LIFE IS LIKE A TRAIN TRACK

Sometimes we are stopped in our tracks with events. Happy, sad, mad or glad- they come and go. Life's journey takes us in many directions. We might ride the train or prefer to get off at the next station. Moving forward may be frightening so we pause and stop for a while. The train could be derailed. Or put on a direct track unexpectedly! Riding along and making the best of the journey takes courage and often perseverance! Are you on the right track?

FEBRUARY HEART AND STROKE MONTH ENDING

February usually is the month to think about heart and stroke issues as well as to try to donate to the cause. Trying to eat heart healthy, keep a good weight and exercise are the mantras. Those with diabetes to control their condition and life can prevail. However the longer one lives of course, the more likely health issues will catch up to us all! So what's my point- you have today, enjoy it as much as you can. Some days are better than others! As February ends think about ways to keep well that work for you. Taking up marathon running may not be your thing but mall walking might! Dancing with your partner can be fun and healthy. Actually that is mine. Since my husband's knee is healing, I keep asking when can we go dancing! So February the short winter month, gets us in the mood for Spring which is getting closer. How has your February been?

WINTER AND ITS BLUES

Winter keeps on ticking and so does the winter blues. Although an easier winter here in the GTA, most people are counting the days until Spring. So rather than waste the days, try continuing activities that bring pleasure. It will help everyone see the light of day. Look for for those photo opportunities. Take lots of pictures of children in outdoor activities. Get outside and breath the fresh air.

NANA SAYS IT'S ANTI BULLYING DAY-WEAR PINK

February 24th has been designated as anti bullying day. Well every day should be anti bullying. Most people have been bullied or have been the person bullying! Being sensitive to others. Respecting feelings takes learning and awareness. Teaching our children positive values and concepts takes a lifetime. Name calling. Threatening have always been around. Part of the human condition. Modern times has brought social media where bullying has brought a scary place to bully. Parents monitor your children's devices. Talk about bullying. Ask your children to bring all their concerns to you the adult and you will decide what to do with the information Teach your children not to bully. In families it can be the norm that the children especially the younger ones are teased which is a form of bullying. Parents don't be sarcastic with family members or others. A form of bullying. Remember when one hears you're too soft I was just joking, well a small form of bullying. Meanwhile wear pink today. Think about the whole reason for the day.

CANADIANS LOVE THEIR HOCKEY

Hockey is a love of most Canadians- new and old. Children-boys and girls play the sport. Cold arenas with hot coffee for parents become the norm. Friendships are made. Tournaments are attended in various communities around one's province. House league and rep hockey are the words of the home. Many mothers use the time knitting, reading, doing their grocery lists or just talking on their cell phones to help pass the time. Fathers talk with each other or help as volunteer coaches to make sure the games happen. Across the country everyone has their favourite team- Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens. In the playoffs always rooting for a Canadian team, although this year there may not be one for the Stanley Cup as the American teams are prevailing!! Shinny hockey played on the road. Little nets in basements to practice the infamous slap shot. Oh hockey! Oh Canada!

SOCIAL MEDIA CREATED RUDE BEHAVIOUR

Lately observations in public places reveals more and more people with blue tooth or plug in ear phones walk around talking to that mysterious person in cyber space. Not quiet conversations trying to be away from people but in the middle of a group or on a bus or wherever! Oblivious to others! What do you think? Is it rude behaviour? To infringe on others with loud talking is it rude? Yes there could be people talking loudly with others around them, again not caring about the invasion of personal space nor ackonwledging other people. Constantly checking one's phone then texting in meetings by the majority of people present! The minute there is a pause in discussion, there goes the checking and texting! Or are unnecessary emails being deleted! But the person can look important! Is it rude behaviour? There are occasions that workers need to keep in touch to do their jobs. I carry a pager. I must go to a company phone and call the person. Some managers carry hand held phones to be available to staff. Grocery shopping with someone calling home to ask if 1 or 2 tomatoes are needed! Social situations where one could be lost in one's own thoughts or perusing to be invaded by others! Have you ever thought the person was speaking to you then noticed the ear plug! A dirty look is passed your way for even thinking the person even noticed you were there! Is there a fear to be disconnected from others? Thus the obsession with constant handling of the gadget! Perhaps a retirement project with funding from some source could let me study the modern social media craze! Perhaps finding some meaning! Meanwhile my gadget is checked a couple of times daily. It remains in my purse at work. It is really not very professional to carry it when doing my job. Not to be distracted, it remains in my purse when walking! I like the project idea then I can find my own meaning and go viral! Do you ever notice how many ordinary things like the dancing dog or baby or someone singing off key goes viral? Project number 2- what makes something go viral? Observing and listening to the world around us can bring some meaning too. Often on my walk to and from work, ideas are created, thoughts thought, and observations of life made. A man walking his dog every day. The cars going along the road. The planes from the west flying overhead going to Pearson Airport. The clouds. The wind. The weather. The moment in front! Sometimes quiet prayer too! Social media is a good thing but is it uncontrollable now? What are your thoughts? Quite frankly I find the modern phenomenon to be rather rude and boring most of the time! What is wrong with engaging with the people around you? Oh yeah, maybe I am just old fashioned! What about you? Do you have an idea for project number three?

SNOW SHOVELLING IS GOOD EXERCISE

Shovelling snow is a Canadian past time. Some use a snow blower too! Getting outside to clear a walk or a driveway is a great way to burn off some calories. But go at it at a good pace as many people can end up in hospital with cardiac issues if not fit! Works the arms and legs. Then a quiet rest inside with a hot beverage is the reward! Of course some regions of Canada would be saying- Bah humbug as they have had too much snow to clear. How about you? What has your winter brought so far? Are you fed up with snow?

A CANADIAN WINTER IMAGE

A country lane is so inviting. This is one of my favourite pictures of winters. Taken on a country highway just south of Orillia Ontario a couple of winters ago.The images are plenty.
Which way did the car go? Into the property or out? The old wheel by the fence- how long has it been there? Do flowers grow around it in the Spring? When you look at the picture, what story would you tell? I would like to say I composed this one well. However, we had stopped the car to wipe ice and snow off the windshield wipers so I quickly grabbed my camera and took this picture! Sometimes a seasoned amateur photographer just sees an opportunity for a good capture!

NANA SAYS SOCIAL MEDIA CHANGES PRIVACY

Talking with one of my daughters about giving children space and privacy, it has changed from their childhood. With gadgets that allow face time, chat rooms, and connecting with who knows on the Internet it is a different world. When children used to phone each other, now they can be texting and saying whatever. So parents have the responsibility to check who their children text and to whom they connect. Online bullying and sexting are the new options. In other generations a name was called. Now 100s of people can read your stuff. Putting parental controls are a must. Checking what children are perusing is a must. Get to know their friends! Being on top of their world is the way to keep some semblance of order. Parents are actually protecting their children! Children are not mini adults so do not understand all the emotional consequences of their actions or the actions of others. Be a parent. Be tough. Check those bloody gadgets often, try to make it daily! Have clear family rules! Your children will thank you! Well not until they are older because you may need to deal with lots of complaints and whining until then.

SORTING ONE'S LIFE

Slowly, methodically going through a house and discovering hidden treasures gathering dust is an emotional journey. Things are saved for a reason. Bringing up memories of the children's childhood. Items from a parent. Handwritten cards and letters. High school clothes or memorabilia. What to keep and what to give away. The final goal is to do it and not leave the sorting to other family members at the end of one's life. 29 years in a house is a long time! Finding new homes for the usable stuff! It must be an age thing too. Coming to terms with the fact that there is less life ahead than behind! Deciding on what is important. How to live one's life to the fullest without injuring anything! Grabbing onto the ares of enjoyment and sorting out the "things" no longer bringing any satisfaction. Stuff can connect to the deeper feelings of one's soul! Have you gone through such a process? Did you find it difficult? What helped in your journey?

SNOW FUN

As long as one is not driving in the snow, it can be fun. Well, for children anyway. Blizzards are not enjoyable. Cause havoc and airline delays. Snow forts and snowmen or snow-women are outdoor activities enjoyed by all. Years ago my husband's cousin was visiting from Italy. Making a large snowman with all the trimmings is a memorable picture she cherishes to this day. The farmers love some snow as it melts and helps with the spring and summer crops. The water goes deep into the ground. It helps the trees for the same reason. Snow is part of winter- like it or lump it! Or just clump it into shapes and sizes!!

LIFE IS LIKE A BEDROOM DRESSER!

We all have one. A dresser. It houses our clothes and perhaps other stuff. We can compartmentalize our things. Each drawer has a theme. The sock drawer. The underwear drawer. And so on! Keeps us organized. We can even find stuff in the dark because we know what drawer to check.We can put knickknacks  on top or keep it clean. It can match a bedroom set or be a solo item. Although this one is wood, different materials can be used. Contained! Has a place in the house! Close to the bed where we re-energize! Life as a dresser!

HONESTY-THE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH

Honesty is one major way not to get caught in a lie. It pays to tell the truth the majority of your life. So yes most people have told a little white lie but is it worth it. Accept responsibility if a mistake is made. My fault, sorry! Don't blame others because honestly it will catch up with you. Honest people are refreshing. Okay, it is important that your whole life does not need to be shared. You can politely tell someone you do not want to share some information as it is private. So you can be private and honest. I was told once by some dishonest people- you are too honest about everything. I told them I am honest but not stupid. So a conversation with my husband recently made me think about this topic. Since I am honest, believe it or not I trust few people. Others must prove their honesty to me before I trust them. I often believe that few people are really honest. Fake people exist! Showy! When I find the honest ones, they are the keepers. Of course, I am nice and friendly with everyone! Beware of those that say- what you don't trust me. Be honest and answer no I don't! Remember some people's truth will not be yours. Memory can do that! Tell your stories the same way each time. It bores the crap out of family but at least no details are embellished! Teach children to be honest! But also teach them that not all people are honest so if they need to double check a story it is okay! Again if asked what you don't believe me, be honest and say no I don't! If you catch someone in a lie, if not a family member or someone for whom you care, let it go! Remember honest people are not the honest police! Keep yourself honest! It is a lifetime chore! Honestly!

FAMILY DAY WEEKEND 2016

A weekend of fun and rest. With an extra day off work and Valentines Day on Sunday it is a nice break for families and couples to stop and not smell the roses but perhaps to eat some cake. How many people will go out for dinner? Red roses is the main item most husbands, boyfriends and lovers buy their sweetie! Chocolates are a hit for many people too! The most important aspect is a much needed long weekend in February. Every month should have a long weekend! It just helps to break up the monotony of a long work week or month. If the truth be known, it would probably help with those "mental health" sick days workers take often. Knowing there is an extra day to be home or do one's own stuff encourages better attendance at work. Back to the food- some of us may just purchase some extra goodies at our favourite supermarket for those good snacks and good meals eaten at our favourite spot at home. Of course, the beverage of choice- mine is fermented grape juice! Putter and clean and entertain the grandchildren if they come by! Of courses for the grandparents they are our sweeties and little valentines! What is your weekend look like? Do you have a special event planned or are you just going to mellow?

ARE YOU A FOSSIL?

Finding interesting fossils in rocks keeps us humble. Realizing how old the earth is, gives value to our lives. Meaning to enjoy the day before we become an old fossil.

Weapons that were used by others. Like this quart arrowhead, primitive but I am sure it did the job in its time. Keeping items from other times can give meaning to the present. Do you have items in your possession from older times? Interesting aren't they?

NANA SAYS WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR FAMILY DAY

In Ontario and other parts of Canada, next Monday is Family Day. It actually coincides with the anniversary of the Canadian Flag. I digress. It is an opportunity to do something with the children and grandchildren. The stores are really closed to allow clerks and owners a much needed day off. Hopefully there will be some snow and cold for sledding and skating. Outdoors is always inviting and tires everyone so a good night's sleep will occur. A long weekend in the middle of winter is good for all families and especially exhausted full time working parents. So what are your plans? A piece of advice- make them simple. Less is more when lives are already so busy! An afternoon movie, a walk in the snow, crafts-makes things for Valentines Day, visit family, let the grandchildren have a sleepover with the grandparents, well parents you get the picture. Your life is already full and cramped with stuff. Taking a break is good for the soul. Think small rather than big. It is just a weekend- 3 days! So rather than packing more into it, think less. Maybe even have a PJ day where everyone has their bath, brush their teeth then put their jammies back on and lounges around!

A SOMBRE WALK TO WORK

My Monday walk was different yesterday. Along my usual route were police cars, police tape around a house and 4 media trucks filming. Quieting going on the road to go around the scene, I continued to work. I found out later bylooking up the details online that an elderly gentleman had been murdered. Later in the day, his son was charged. It is a house I go by most days. I did not know the family but it begs the question- why? Who was this family? What brought a son to kill his father? Less activity on my walk home- just one police car and the tape around the property. No matter where we live there are family struggles and issues. If you are aware of anyone needing a helping hand then lend one if you can! However, often there is no awareness of what be happening with a neighbour.

SHOVE TUESDAY OR EAT SOME PANCAKES

40 days before Easter. Sh rove Tuesday. The tradition of eating pancakes is here. Even the local Sunrise restaurant is offering $1.00 per pancake today. Lent begins tomorrow. So for those who fast or give up something for Lent, pancakes are a way to eat your heart out! Personally, I do not give up anything as it is more of a Catholic tradition. Being Protestant and from the United Church of Canada, it is not a must in my faith. However, the cook may be asked to make this blogger some pancakes for breakfast with some Canadian back bacon to boot. That is more of my tradition. Those that are lucky today and are in New Orleans, Louisiana can enjoy the Mardi Gras parade and celebrations. Maybe that should be on my bucket list. A shove Tuesday in New Orleans. There may be a chance to view some of the parade on TV. What are you eating on this day? Do you fast or give up something for Lent? What are your traditions?

REMEMBERING A MOM

Four years since my mother passed away. Sometimes the memories come to light. Like homemade fudge and pies. Painting things gold in our childhood home when gold was a fad. Camping and canned beans. Love of family. Eccentricities and interesting views of life- like the children of Mu phase. Hosting everyone in the home in Westbank- when moving west told everyone to come and visit us- which of course hoards of people did for years and years. Learning to drive at a later age so she could get out of the house to shop! Mom is Mom!

A PARTY WEEKEND

So Super Bowl Sunday is finally over. A week of hype! What a show! Of course it is said that many people really just like the half time show! Was there a football game. The Americans know how to go over the top! The amount of food eaten and beer drunk, makes for good revenue for many. This blogger decided to make the ribs, wings, fries and veggies and dip for my football fan. With a cake to top it off, our own little eat fest at home. Good aroma in the house with slow cooker cooking the ribs all day! Actually most of the weekend was not a party but the usual indoor stuff and sorting and planning. Back to work. Why are weekends so short and the work week so long?

A WALK IN THE MALL-A NEW CANADIAN TRADITION

Jokingly I told my husband I am going to write a sequel to the movie- A walk in the Woods. He has now become a Mall walker! People who go to the local malls before they are open and walk. Safe, supervised, well lit and no ice or snow! Since his surgery, he has realized that walking is a good and safe exercise! Hum! Many of you know that I have used walking as my primary exercise for years. When ambitious I do some weights and stretching, dancing, yoga moves to strengthen my muscles. Right now I need to be more ambitious. Some people walk their dogs. So the third sequel could be- A walk in the Park or walking the dogs! Or was that a song long ago! Walking is safe and easy.It does not need to be competitive. Although Adolph finds that many walkers walk faster than he does! He feels slow.Your own pace is the rule- no competition! Afterwards meeting with a group of guys to have a coffee and talk! Exercise and social! Good for the soul! For many elderly folks it is a true blessing. When Spring comes, the goal is to walk part of the way to work with me. Maybe he will have to pick up the pace! We'll see!

DON'T LOOK TOO FAR DOWN THE ROAD

One suggestion I often use when someone is facing a life threatening disease or occurrence-deal with the present. Don't look too far down the road! Someone may want to know how much time they have! If there is treatment and a program, then do what needs to be done. Put activities in one's life that have meaning! Yes there will be a new normal. Life has changed. But there still is life! So go with it! On that road of life, relish every moment!

FEBRUARY DEPRESSION

February is a tough month for those who have clinical depression. The long winter months catch up with the person. So if you are having symptoms of depression- poor sleep, poor or overactive appetite, poor concentration, not interested in normal activities, suicidal thoughts, disconnecting from your social circle, seek some help! Families with loved ones with depression, keep an eye on them too. Offering hope and another tomorrow is so important for clinical depression sufferers! Remember the person does not chose to be depressed, it is psychological! It is an illness like every other illness! Reach out and help someone! You will be glad you did!
#depression#clinicaldepression#winterblues#recognizingsignsofdepression#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#offeringhopetodepressedpeople

GROUND HOG DAY IN CANADA 2016

Every February 2, the tradition of the ground hog seeing his shadow or not means how quickly Spring will be coming.

In Ontario, up on the Bruce Peninsula is the town of Wiarton where the friendly groundhog is Willie.

Other places across Canada- Nova Scotia has Shubenacadie, Manitoba has Winnipeg Willow or Manitoba Merv and Alberta has Balzak Bill. The tradition says if cloudy there will be no shadow for the groundhog and an early Spring. If very sunny and he sees his shadow then 6 more weeks of winter. Of course the big event in the US is in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania where our Willie competes with Punxsutawney Phil. Some think it is a silly tradition where the referee dresses in formal wear to help the groundhog with the prediction. I just think it is fun and another excuse to fight the winter doldrums. I have written other posts each year on this special event. So if I see my shadow does it mean anything?

CHANGE IS GOOD AS A REST

So they say. Trying new things and having change forced on a person are two different things. Dealing with changes, new ideas and restructuring in a workplace sound easy. Everyone has to get on board. Embrace the excitement of the changes. Working long enough many of the new ideas look like recycled old ones. Once told that life is like a circle. By the time one gets to the other side of the circle have to learn again what is on the other side. New clothes are fun. A new car-nice change! Throw out an old couch and get a new one. Try a new restaurant. Some changes can be okay and actually fun. Hey it is a new month.February- Heart and Stroke month. Valentine's Day. Family Day- a Monday off from work. A short month so closer to the change that Spring brings. As long as in the change, one can wear the favourite cardigan for warmth. Or have one's coffee just right! Then- the more things change the more they remain the same!

All we are saying is to give a change a chance! Or is that peace according to John Lennon! Have a good start to the month and week!