GOODBYE TO 2016-HELLO TO CANADA'S 150TH BIRTHDAY 2017

2016 is in its last legs. 2017 will be the 150th anniversary birthday year  of Canada. As one way to celebrate the year I will be trying to find 150 ways to share why I am proud to be Canadian. The Canadian government has #Canada150 to talk about their role in celebrating. Communities all across this great nation will find their own way to celebrate. So Barb's Relective150 will begin tomorrow. Along of course with my other blog themes and whimsical ideas will continue to prevail. I continue to enjoy blogging, photography, family times, genealogy, crafting! Too bad work gets in the way! A blessing is to be here, able bodied to share with everyone. They always talk about the celebrities that have died. In our family group, Adolph's second cousin died at age 49 in September- Laura will be missed by all. I am sure her family continues to be saddened missing her this holiday season. So how are you going to celebrate the New Year? Are you missing anyone? So goodbye 2016! It was a good year!

DECEMBER-THE FESTIVE MONTH

As Christmas winds down with leftovers finished and the house starting to be undecorated, the excitement for New Year's celebrations gears up. For many finding the perfect party and dress, for others a quiet dinner at home with friends and family or for some grandparents babysitting a couple of grandchildren. Reflecting on the year and all its ups and downs bring gratitude and blessings. Some of my posts reflect my feelings or those of others around me. My work brings all the good, bad and ugly of humankind. Being able to support those individuals in their time of need makes the job meaningful but also stressful. Being on my game and putting on my game face means there must be down times. Times when I can have quiet meaningful activities. So a festive season like Christmas brings all the fun and enjoyment to create a balanced life. Christmas is my favourite time of year then comes summer as second. So how to embrace all the months in between is the way to go. The hoopla of the Christmas season keeps everyone busy with a common goal and of course lots of eating. So new projects in the New Year and finishing old projects. Connecting with family and our genealogical roots. Writing, photography, exercise-slow no marathons! How was your December? Are you sad it is over? Are you looking forward to the New Year?

                                                            Start with a favourite punch!

I AM STILL STANDING-LIFE WON'T GET ME DOWN

There are days where everyone feels that their burdens are just too difficult to take. A little trick is to stand up and look at your feet. Then stand tall- hard for me as a short person- but stand tall. Look around you! Then simply say- I am still standing. Then have the courage to put one foot in front of the other and start your day. No matter how small the goal for the day- do something. Empty the dishwasher, go for a walk, read the newspaper, clear your email box- do something. Remember you were given this day so do something with it. If you are really down and feeling depressed, call a friend and get some help. But remember to say- I am still standing!

2016 CANADIAN CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS

Well Canada had its white Christmas and some places a blizzard. It is more than just a day but a season. With the lights decorating streets from late November to the heightened buzz then frenzy of Christmas preparations. Just look at the statistics for the $billions spent on December 23rd-the busiest shopping day. Of course my fresh produce was bought December 22 early in the morning at one of those 24 hour stores. The shopping, the wrapping, the parcels sent, the presents under the tree. Christmas is a time of celebrating the birth of Jesus- the religious part and celebrating family.  Being together on several occasions made my Christmas season. A parade, a tea, a Santa Christmas party, dinner out with colleagues, watching favourite Christmas movies, listening to beloved songs and carols and simply stopping to enjoy the season- those quiet reflective moments by my Christmas tree.. Of course the Christmas cards and newsletters with the wonderful messages and hearing what everyone has done the last year. Phoning a Dad!  Enjoying the coziness of my home. Making Christmas dinner for my children, sons-in-laws and grandchildren was the pinnacle of Christmas. Lots of work but a good tired afterwards. Boxing Day was a day of rest and slow puttering. The blessing of Christmas makes me remember all the good memories. Sad that some people are no longer with us. However, they were with us at some time and that can not be taken away from any of us not even me! My generosity was taught to me by my parents especially my mother. She grew up in the Depression in Toronto. She never forgot how it was to have very little so she made Christmas happy and special for us. I did the same for my family. The torch has been passed to my girls who make Christmas special and real for the their families. Being Canadian it is never taken for granted with the love and peace we have in our nation. The stories of caring and sharing at Christmas are never ending. The dinners for the homeless, the toy drives, the welcoming of strangers to homes. Even those Tim Horton's ads of #WarmWishes reflect the Canadian spirit. Knowing that First Responders, Armed Forces members are protecting us and need to thanked too. Christmas a time to reflect about all that is good in my life. Since Adolph's name means Noble Wolf- I even found him a special cushion with a Wolf on it to keep his head comfortable! How was your Canadian Christmas?

PHOTOS CAN BE USED IN THERAPY

Some therapists use photos in therapy with couples, families or individuals. Think about how quickly a picture is composed. Who sits with who! Who leans in or who remains aloof! Couples reveal alot about themselves in photos. A natural pose rather than a pretend contrived one is revealing. Which person does not want to be in a picture and why? Often in family groups, one person especially a little grandchild may refuse to be in the family shot! Annoying but revealing! Could be the child is shy or just wanting some extra attention! Actually getting all grandchildren in a picture can be like herding cats. If possible individual ones may work better! Group shots are interesting to analyse! With social media with everyone trying to look like every event like a dinner is so amazing or larger than life reveals something about the group! It's dinner! We all have dinners every day!
 Photograpy is an interest of mine. But I prefer things and places sometimes to people. A nice static image that can symbolize a theme. What things interest each photographer does reveal something about the photographer! Photos are wonderful to have but can bind us together or reveal our flaws. So some people shots at events to capture the time. But lots of images that abound around us catch my interest! Yes all those pictures posted are fodder to be assessed! If you read my blog regularly are you really catching the symbolism presented.

Just a bunch of Christmas bulbs. But look closely and the photographer was captured several times. Not intentional but sometimes pictures reveal something else!

THERE MAY BE TWO SIDES TO A STORY BUT ONE MAY BE RIGHT

In any conflict, some people will say there are two sides to the story. Yes there are always versions of the story. But remember some people are born liars and can make anyone look bad even when they know they are wrong. Know the people in a story. Listen for flaws and conflicting stories from the same person. Honest people do not need to remember what they told you. Liars do. Honest people do not try to con others. Psychopaths or sociopaths do. If you are honest and your truth was questioned by anyone believing the other person, then it definitely time to dump that person. Remember there are audiences that love a good drama and conflict. Oh the glory of gossip! Some people thrive on gossip! Try not to entertain others with your truth. If asked about something personal that you do not wish to share then simply do not share. If you have disowned someone, there is no real need to explain to anyone about it nor defend yourself publicly. Getting rid of toxic people in your life is cleansing. Share your energy, love and time for those that are honestly good to be around. Better to have a few honest real friends then the pretend 500 you may have on Facebook!

CHRISTMAS EVE 2016

A time to reflect on Christmas past. Time as a child. A teen. A young adult. A new parent and being able to be Santa. Time getting a stocking filled with little treats and especially a large delicious apple and a big orange. My Mom lived through the Depression, what can I tell you. Remembering when people were with us. Then the first Christmas when they were not! 1997 was the last Christmas Mamma was with us- my mother-in-law. I did a special every day for a week video with her so we would have lots of memories! My folks would spend some Christmases with us. It was fun to have a full house of people. Thus the reason I still have 3 pull out couches and a guest room! Christmas- a time for family and fun. Christmas Eve for children is a time of joyful anticipation! Wondering if Santa would bring their special request. Even NORAD gets in the mix and tracks Santa's journey around the world. For this Nana thinking of my wonderful grandchildren-hoping they will like the presents! I know Clothes- but your Mom made me do it! Trying to decide which Christmas movie to watch tonight as my husband sleeps on the couch1 I am just feeling blessed that I can have another Christmas with everyone. Reading all the messages on the Christmas Cards makes me feel closer to all those family and friends. So Enjoy tonight! Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good life! Yes let there be peace on earth!

THE CANADIAN WINTER SOLSTICE

The Winter Solstice is always an exciting day. The shortest day of the year means tomorrow the sun starts coming back to us. Winter has officially arrived! Although it has felt like winter for the last month with the hats, boots, mitts and winter coats. 

Snow on trees is pretty! Walking and playing in it- fun! 

                                                           Making snow angels!

                                                                       Driving not so much. 

Some theories say Christmas is celebrated this time of year to bring some light to the darkness! Since Jesus was born in a warmer climate it is a mute point! Some of our Christmas traditions go back to earlier times and the symbols surrounding the Winter Solstice. It just sounds cool and so important. 

For our family it has had a dark side for several years. December 21, 2001 we lost a dear friend-Larry! So in celebrating the new season we remember him and the joy he brought to our lives. A dark day nevertheless in many ways!

Embracing winter helps us get through it. There are many people who may experience seasonal depression due to the low light, so remember to reach out to them. The most wonderful thing about this time of year is Christmas and all the hoopla that goes with it. So no matter how dark, turn on those Christmas lights or light some candles or the fireplace. Bring your own light to the darkness.

                               Oh Winter Solstice-we could write a song about you!

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO BERLIN GERMANY

Always difficult to experience an useless act. Berlin has had its day in the past and now the present. Shoppers at a beautiful Christmas market mowed down. To the the families and friends of all the victims- condolences. To those recovering, surround yourself with love and medical expertise. From Canada with love!

THE CANADIAN CHRISTMAS TREE

The Christmas treee is the centre of any home, town square or large city event.Or even hotel lobbies. Tree lighting occurs across the country. A tradition brought to North America from Germany centuries ago is such a wonderful one. There are Christmas tree farms where a family can go and cut their own tree. Precut ones are available in many locations. Or if you don't like needles on the floor- a prelit artificial one! Little trees and big trees.

Each house puts their own decorations. Mine is mostly purple bulbs. There are boxes of other themes in the cupboards. Possible to decorate 5 trees.

The trre can have personal items like pictures of those no longer with us.

Putting presents under the tree.

But sometimes the best tree is one that grows in the garden and can be decorated with outdoor lights.
Oh Christmas tree! Oh Christmas tree! Sing along with me!

A COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS-WEEK 2

Work chugs along and so does December. The snow arrived with a bang so staying home at night and shovelling snow is part of the Christmas season.Lots of shovelling over the weekend too.

Two grandchild slept over last weekend to give the parents a break. I took them to the Cervaro Club Christmas party meeting up with my other daughter and 3 children. A fun Children's group entertained us. There were lots of goodies to eat. Of course a visit by Santa. Gifts are all wrapped. The paper carrier- a hard working new Canadian was given his Christmas money bonus along with a box of chocolates, candy canes and a candle. Corners of the house continue to be tidied for the season and the big day. Last night two other grandsons slept over. Dinner, popcorn and ice cream were provided. We all watched some of the Maple Leaf game then decided to try to find a Christmas movie. The Christmas Carol version with George C. Scott was picked. They were more excited about staying up late.
The children all love Nana and Granpa's tree and decorations in the house. Especially the musical boxes and those wonderful toys from Hallmark that sing and dance. Lots of candies, cookies and candy canes in the house.
The lights in the house make it so cozy.
The Christmas presents are mostly delivered. Both girls have their bags of stuff. I am still waiting for a couple of online items to come. I can always give them to the kids at another time. Adolph took the gift basket to our friends at our bank. Dad's gift basket should arrive in West Kelowna tomorrow.
My Christmas parcels to my family in the west all arrived the week of December 5.
Christmas cards and email newsletters are trickling in. Love to hear the news from family and friends. Christmas always gives that opportunity to keep in touch.
Playing my Christmas CDs on my BOSE system. Those that only download miss the opportunity to listen to favourite ones like Rita McNeil and Kenny Rogers. My favourite song continues to be - Oh Come All Ye Faithful. One week to go.
Work will be a short week. I am taking 2 days off to give an extra long weekend. Lots of time to prepare for the big day but mostly to enjoy the season. Being in my home, connecting with family, watching lame Christmas movies while I sit in my family room by my Christmas tree knitting or crocheting or reading the paper is very simple but so peaceful. How is your Canadian Christmas coming along?

A CHILD DOES NOT NEED TO BE CHRISTIAN TO GET A TOY AT CHRISTMAS

The Christmas toy drives by so many organizations in so many locations throughout Canada have one goal. Each needy child at Christmas are included in any toy drive. Families of many faith groups can receive a food hamper and help from the community. Large cities have registries where community agencies can put family names to ensure the distribution reaches as many people. The Christian way is to include all people at Christmas. Many families invite people of other faiths to their Christmas dinner. Work places have holiday parties and pot lucks and social events that let everyone celebrate.Toys! Inclusion by letting all children know they can get a toy. They can visit Santa and ask! One local church outlines where their special collections go. Helping those in need! Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord gives an opportunity to remember anyone less fortunate and include! So food to the food bank. Toys to a toy drive. Clothes to those collecting for the community! Christians! Jesus is the reason for the season and he would be proud!

NANA SAYS SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE WANTS FROM SANTA

Children has many Christmas requests. They have their list for Santa and sometimes do forget what they want from Mom and Dad. One little granddaughter of mine just wants dresses- she's three and easy to please. The older children have some electronics on their lists. So one grandson asked what do you want Nana from Santa. I thought for a moment and basically told him just to be with my family and all my precious grandchildren is what I want. The smile on his face said it all. Children need to hear how much they are loved. How much being a part of a family is important. Creating those happy moments and messages can come many opportunities for good mental and emotional health for all. I want to be remembered as the grandparent who let not only my grandchildren but my children and friends know they are loved. So have you told someone today you love them? Santa would be happy!

WHO NEEDS A GYM WHEN THERE IS SNOW SHOVELLING

For those of us with just small snow blowers, shovelling is good exercise. Going at it with a consistent pace. No heroics! A good push shovel that entails little lifting does the trick. A summer shovel to break up the ice and again little lifting. Salt helps to melt the spots that are hard to shovel. Voila! Good exercise and a job well done. Then go inside for a favourite beverage- cold weather may mean hot chocolate or a hot tea!

DECEMBER FUN HAS JUST BEGUN-SNOW

Weekends are so packed full of stuff and activities and family that the work days often get in the way. Starting the week with a good tired has become the norm. Then with the snow everywhere in Canada, having to shovel out of the driveway is an added job. But good tired or bad tired, being tired is hard on the body. So finding time to chill- not hard with the cold weather and to relax or do relaxing activities helps with balanced health. Although wrapping presents is a busy activity, it is not a stressful one so gather all the stuff at a table and sit- less strain on the neck when wrapping. For the heavy duty activity, shovelling snow is there. But as we age must be aware of the strain on the heart, so paying for snow clearing, using the teenagers in the home or a good snow blower- come in all sizes..December can be fun after all the work so find the time to sit and have fun. Party with the view in mind to stay healthy. Two weeks to Christmas. Lots of time to get the important stuff done.

A COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS-WEEK 3

The best part of Christmas is being able to enjoy it.
I had the opportunity to go downtown to The Windsor Arms Hotel for their tea last Sunday. Getting a ride to Finch then taking the subway to Bloor and Yonge.

Along with a nice group of ladies from the Amici Club, I enjoyed the little sandwiches and petit fours.

Scones and other delights.
Right off Bloor Street West, it is a Toronto landmark.
The stroll back to the subway brought an opportunity to see the store windows.

Ashley's window was so pretty.

We bought the Christmas tree on Monday and I decorated it on Tuesday night. I was not in the mood but preserved and now it is done.
We had our Social Work Holiday lunch at our meeting Thursday. A smaller group this year- we ordered some food and everyone pitched in to pay for the meal. I brought some festive plates, napkins and candy canes to make it more fun. One colleague made little gift bags for everyone!
Saturday was a day of finishing wrapping and cleaning more clutter corners of the house. Now only one messy room. We had two grandchildren sleep over so their stuff needed to be wrapped.
My favourite part of Christmas is sitting by the tree and knitting or reading or watching a Christmas movie. So with the 2 grandchildren  watched The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Of course, ice cream and popcorn were on the menu. They enjoyed the little candy canes throughout the evening.
There is a feeling of panic in the air for some people. Rushing from store to store. I was out during the week to buy a couple of things and could feel it.
 I did manage to order a couple more items online. Relaxed by the computer. Shopping early is good but sometimes it is hard to stop shopping! No scrooge here!

GO TORONTO FC

For the first time in their history the Toronto FC soccer club has made it to finals. Winner take all today in Toronto. Playing against Seattle. Go FC Go! Toronto needs a champion. Although your efforts already make the team a champion in Canadian eyes!!

CANADIAN CHRISTMAS SOCIAL SEASON

Family events or Christmas parties with Santa or work events make the season festive and busy. Bringing food and eating are important to it. Pacing oneself so too much extra calories do not abound is very, very difficult. So rolling with the fun and food can be part of the enjoyment.

Looking at all the pretty things around. Finding people who need to be included. And include them in your festive events. Oh December with all its fun and busyness.

BE A LIGHT IN SOMEONE'S LIFE

Christmas lights come in all shapes and sizes. A walk on a city street reveals the fun of the season.

Even some wildlife can be seen. The light of the season can be interpreted in many ways. Jesus the reason for the season is often seen as the light. So as we light our trees, homes or candles for the dinner tables, think about how you can be a light in someone's life. Reflect on the meaning of life at this time of year. Those thoughts can prevail throughout the year. The hope, the generosity, the connection with family and friends does not begin and end with Christmas. Be the light!

NANA SAYS EMBRACE THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

Okay parents make the magic. Being Santa and making sure the children have their favourite request from the big guy is the magic. Having some fun ideas to show Santa came to the house can be creative. One person I knew put a boot print in her fireplace! One of my magical Christmases was the year my oldest was 4 and wanted a bride doll! When she saw it Christmas morning with a smile ear to ear, I recaptured some of the magic. As a grandparent, the magic is one step removed. Without little children in the home all the time, Christmas is enjoyed differently. Although we grandparents offer to be more involved it is often difficult for parents to include us in everything. Babysitting is always good during the season to allow for shopping and wrapping. Going to the Christmas concerts or Holiday events is always fun. Making the big dinner helps so the mess is at the Grandparents' house. Helping children to enjoy the simple moments. Walk around the neighbourhood to look at the Christmas lights. The proverbial picture with Santa is always a favourite. The year my mother-in-law died I took my adult girls for a picture with Santa to break the mood of grief. Love that picture. Parents could include the extended family as desired. Not every family system is functional so sometimes excluding the downers works too. But in our family everything is good so events with us all involved are enjoyable. Noisy but enjoyable. So some magic of Christmas is just children being a little wild and over excited. Finding ways to help them burn that energy may need a magic wand!

PERFECTiONISM DOES NOT BELONG AT CHRISTMAS

For the perfectionists, Christmas adds more stress. There is no perfect gift or cookie or way to wrap a present. Children will not act perfectly. Nor will the adults. Making memories and having a good time means to go with the flow. A perfectly decorated house is nice for homes where children will not visit but if they do, they want to touch your stuff. So does one be a tyrant and the children can not move or does one make the home child friendly! December 25th arrives for everyone. Some of us start way ahead of the game with shopping and wrapping and sending cards. No need to tell others you have not found the perfect gifts nor the perfect time to do everything. Let go of being perfect! For example, my lights on my staircase are not perfectly done but at night they look pretty. No award winning decorations but a lovely cozy home. I like to try to make something different at  special meals but realize the people all have their favourites so why not do the same old? If the meal is eaten, then it will be a job well done. Perfectionist people really suffer from anxiety. The pressure they put on theselves only creates more anxiety. So help those around you that suffer and sing the amazing song from Frozen- Let it Go! And really try to have some fun! But not perfectly!!

Or the unexpected happens and one is captured in the picture!

SNOW BRINGS ON THE SEASON

Snow greeting us this morning makes outdoor fun seem available. Time to build that snowman for the front lawn! One year we made a big snowman on the back porch. Our first granddaughter loved it. One of my favourite pictures of Sophia captures her hugging the big snowman! She needed to touch it! In1973 when Adolph's cousin Gabriella was visiting from Italy with her mother, we all built a huge snowman in my mother-in-law's front lawn. Pictures taken! A long time memory and treasure for her. When we visited Italy in 1991, she hauled out those pictures! Snowmen! Fun! That's why the movie Frosty the Snowman is such a favourite at this time of year.

                                                                 A WINTER ROSE!

A COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS-WEEK 4

More wrapping of course. But hauled out the internal Christmas decorations to start to make the house festive. Instead of all my Santas in the living room, I put some on the mantle in the family room. Large Christmas stockings fill spaces.
Last Tuesday night was a office party dinner at Frankie Tomatoes in Markham. A buffet style meal with many food stations- pasta, meat, seafood, salads, desserts- the all you can eat! Noisy and fun but boy is it tacky! Especially the outside with the over the top Italian motifs! We did a Secret Santa! Of course, I got another travel coffee mug that I did not need! I liked the purple gift bag though.
At work people are starting to bring Christmas thank you treats to staff. A happier time of year for many! Some Nursing stations are very festive while others are dull!
More houses are starting to put up lights. The stores are busy, busy. Luckily I shortlisted my Christmas spending and almost finished. A couple more things to even out the grandchildren, maybe some gift cards and of course the Christmas lottery tickets to be bought.
This week we will get our real Christmas tree. Adolph always tries to find the cheapest one. I would like to go to a lot that sells them instead of a supermarket but he takes over.
Adolph bought the frozen Butterball turkey for Christmas dinner. He does not like to buy a big turkey so extra turkey thighs will be bought to add some more dark meat to the meal. We always argue about leftovers. Canadians enjoy leftovers. I am tempted to go out and buy a bigger turkey.

The Elf in the house is starting to find places to hide. Heh wake up Elf! Listening to Christmas music when I can and using all those hocky Christmas movies on TV as a backdrop when I wrap.

Memories of Christmas past. A fun night at our daughter's home in 2014. Time to make 2016 Christmas memories with family and friends. I am trying to finish a blanket project for one grandchild. If not finished by Christmas will give a rain check to my daughter! Fa la la la la la la la! Oh Christmas!

SUNRISE BEGINS THE NEW DAY

The sky this morning is amazing. Gives the feeling that much can be done in the day. Sunrise- the time to reflect and contemplate! The new day, a new chance to start over and accomplish your goals for the day!

A sunrise from another day! Looking through the trees to see the glory God has given us! Sunrise- what are your thoughts for the day!

DECEMBER ARRIVES-CONSERVE ENERGY

Rain and more rain. Not sure if I prefer the snow for December. It makes the brown dull look pretty. Some activities are done so time to decorate the house. The season reves up from now until Christmas. Conserving energy is vital. Pacing oneself with all that needs to be done. Eating healthy along with the little goodies of the season. Staying active to burn those extra calories. The Christmas lights everywhere are pretty. However my street has few houses with any lights. So to find the streets loaded with displays is an activity. Did you go with your folks as a child to find the best displays? I remember going down University Avenue in Toronto to see the lights. The store windows of Simpsons and Eatons would have lovely displays. Sounds dated but they were beautiful. Finding new memories to behold along with keeping some family traditions. So high ho, high ho to work we go! I do feel like a dwarf in Sleeping Beauty sometimes! Hum!