NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

A daughter, a granddaughter, a brother- all have birthdays in November.

It is a preChristmas time to celebrate with good food and of course cake.

There is a joy in celebrating birthdays at any time of the year.

But the winter of the year- okay still fall but feels like winter, has such meaning in life. It means that all seasons of life can be enjoyed.

The month of November reminds us the year is starting to come to an end.

Endings can be celebrated with love and joy.
#november#novembercelebrations#endingsshouldbecelebrated#eatcake#cakesforallcelebrations#winterofourlives#wintercanbringlotsofjoy#barbaradimambro#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara

TALKING TO AN EXPERT OR AN ONLINE SEARCH

Recently my daughter was in the market for a new camera. Asked friends for advice. But eventually went to the store where they sold cameras.

A wonderful experience. They talked needs, what lenses to use etc. Stayed in her budget. She found someone who could give her more advice about her needs. She also has a real human contact she can go back to consult about other photographic needs.

It brings me to a point. When I was an active health care professional, now a retired one, I became so dismayed with the people who would consult Dr. Google for everything..

Dr. Google said this. Dr. Google said that.

I would then suggest to talk with the real doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dietitian or other health care professional standing in front of them. Look at your real blood work, diagnostic images or other results.

The internet is great. But it is not without glitches. Speak with real people who actually trained in the field.

Speak with real people who carry the knowledge in their heads. Who have experience! If needed will help you get a second opinion.

It is never harmful to learn about your situation. But be careful with just an internet search.

Consult the group or agency dealing with your condition. For example, Parkinson's, consult with the Parkinson's Society.

Everyone is not an expert on everything because you can use the internet or social media. There is much more to knowledge.

Read, learn, listen. Those virtues do not go out of fashion.

#talkwitharealpersonnotjustDr.Google#realprofessionalsaremorehelpfulthanDr.Google#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#healthcareprofessionalsknowtheirfields#foranewcameratalktosomeonewhoknowscameras#readlearnlisten#seekingotherswhoknowtheirfield

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- USING ONTARIO COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

news.ironware.ca

Although it can be tedious research, I have found some wonderful little stories and antedotes about some of my ancestors.

Searching the papers in Lindsay area also revealed information on other communities nearby.

So researching one family group let's me find information on others.

I have found some gold nuggets. I will share these stories in the particular family ancestor to enrich that person's story.

Genealogy research for BMD is important. But adding to the life of the person is so endearing.

One example was the blurb on one grandmother's wedding day. What dress she wore, her honeymoon outfit and where the couple would live.

So I will continue to dig deeper.

More stories to come at another date.
#ontariocommunitynewspapers#barb'sgenealogytidbits#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#writingupthoseendearingstories

CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS MOVE ALONG

Two trees decorated. Other items in the house. Stockings on the fireplace.

I did not put out all my Christmas things this year. Not in the mood.

So mostly big items to fill the spaces.

Things for the grandchildren to touch and play their little games.

One social event finished. The Christmas Tea at Maple Downs that was a fund raiser for the Hospital.

I won the Christmas Cactus at my table.

An enjoyable afternoon with my family and as a helper at the event.

Looking forward to more Christmas social times.
#Christmaspreparations#Christmascactus#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#Christmasteaisfun

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN

For those of us that love the Sound of Music, Climb Every Mountain was such a pivotal song in the movie.

The words have deep meaning for all of us.

To Climb every Mountain. To Ford every stream.

What does it really mean?

Basically to face the challenges that present themselves. Get to it. Get going.

#challenges#fordeverystream#climbeverymountain#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#Thesoundofmusic

CHRISTMAS TIME CAN BRING FAMILY STRESS

If all is well within a family then Christmas can be fun.

However those year long conflicts can come to a head at Christmas time.

Do we need to spend so much time together could be a question for everyone to ask.

Rather than one person entertaining, go out to a restaurant for a good meal.

Spend more time with just your nuclear family.

Who does the Christmas dinner!

How much time!!

If there are little children, focus on them. Let the cousins have fun together. Watch them and stay away from conflicted conversations.

Take pictures and everyone try to smile.

I have many memories of Christmas being spoiled by someone bringing up issues at the Christmas dinner table.

Not pleasant. Not fair to the person preparing everything and trying to make it a good time.

So everyone be like Santa and say Ho, Ho, Ho.

#familystressatChristmas#stayingpositiveatChristmas#spendtimewithyournuclearfamily#makeitfunforlittlechildren#stayingawayfromcontentiousissues#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#tryingtostaypositive#enjoythefamily#Christmasdinnerandallthetrimmings

HOW TO GET RID OF TOXIC PEOPLE AND THINGS IN YOUR LIFE

Unfortunately there are too many situations where toxicity exists.

But confronting the demons and getting away from toxic people is important for sanity.

Cleansing your home of old reports, reminders or even weeding a photo album of people that are no longer important in one's life.

Letting those toxic people know why!!

Then breathe and move on. Accept the criticism from others. But let it roll off your back like a duck does with water.

Sometimes it can be as simple as a family member that cheated and abused. Your community may say but it is family. Doesn't matter. It is none of anybody's business why there is a severance with those people.

Are you dealing with toxicity in your life? Get away from it as much as possible. You deserve a life.
#toxicpeople#toxicenvironments#toxicvents#gettingawayfromtoxicpeopleandevents#movingoninlifewithoutthosetoxicpeople#don'tletothersinfluenceyourdecisions#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MANAGING STRESS IN THE FESTIVE SEASON 2019

Breathe and slow down.

Schedule everything. Maybe not washroom breaks but know your schedule.

For school age children there are family and school events. Can you make them all?

Forget about the magazine images of the perfectly decorated home with children. Make it fun and include their art and creations.

Less is more. So put out the big decorations if there is little time or energy to put everything out.

Baking is great. But if little time for it, do the favourites and buy the rest.

Have a simple baking session with the children. Maybe their favourite cookie.

Yes remember to breathe.

Starting early is always better. But stuck for gifts. The wonderful modern gift cards or just plain money.

Find moments to sit by your Christmas tree. Listen to music. Watch a favourite movie with the family or alone.

For social events. Who does what? The Christmas Eve dinner. The Christmas dinner. The Boxing day dinner. Then go backwards to the end of November, beginning of December. Are there smaller get togethers that include friends and acquaintances. So there is not one big one with too much work.

Eating well. Watching alcohol intake. Exercise like walks in the snow or other outdoor winter activities.

Again that schedule. Once you know what's up then you can lay back and enjoy.

Shopping at stores or online can be managed well.

Have the parcels and cards ready to go early. Then mail on your scheduled times.

List of phone calls. Don't need to call on Christmas day. There are many days before and after to have a good chat.

Watch your mood. Christmas can remind us of those no longer with us. So is there a memory item to include in the home. For us it is red carnations. Remember it is okay to miss people and think about them.

Is there someone you can include in your activities? Is someone alone this Christmas?

If it is a festive season then go to festive things like the local parade, church, see the store windows and make your own family traditions. Bring some from childhood too.

Lastly, know what works for you. What do you need to stay happy and bright?

For me Christmas lights, poinsettas and watching children delight in the simple things of the season.
How about you? What keeps you festive?
#christmasseason#christmaslights#festiveactivities#scheduleeverything#includingothersinyouractivities#remembertostopandenjoythefestiveseason#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#watchingyourmoodduringthefestiveseason#lotsofchristmasactivities#cardsandparcelssentontime

FIVE WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS- HOW ARE OUR PREPARATIONS

Everyone has their own schedule about Christmas preparation. Mine is on track.
Parcels ready to be mailed end of November.
Letters to the troops sent day after Remembrance Day.
Misc. gift baskets and bags done.
Some items for immediate family.
I have to wait to see what the grandchildren want and need before finishing.
Easy to wrap those gifts.
Hauled my outdoor stuff out today. My display will be smaller this year. Just the little trees by the door, my lit candy canes and a  couple of string of lights. And I use a power bar for on and off.

Buying less goodies but there will be enough.

Lots of love and decorations. Maybe a trip to the Christmas Market again in Toronto.
How are your Christmas preparations going??
#christmaspreparations#gettingorganizedforChristmas#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#buyingforfamilyandfriends#beingorganizedatChristmas#familyislove#buyingforgranchildren

NOVEMEBER CELEBRATIONS

Remembering our veterans and those serving today in far away places is an important part of November celebrations.
In our family birthdays so there is lots of good eating and cake.
November with shortened days and longer nights. Starting to feel tired earlier.
But time to begin the joyful celebrations of the festive season.
So November can be festive too.
Reaching out to family in distant places and friends.

Time to be outdoors.
#Novembercelebrations#familybirthdaysareforcelebrating#joyfulcelebrations#familyandfriends#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#festiveseasonisuponus

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2019

Poppies. Speeches. Moments of Silence. Just remembering.
It is the least we can do.
Lest We Forget.

We lay wreaths. Children make paper ones. We gather together.
Remembrance.
#lestweforget#remembranceday2019#layingwreaths#poppies#momentofsilence#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#rememberingthefallen#rememberingallwhoserved

THE LOVE OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS HELPS DURING TOUGH TIMES

Family members that give love and true support are your real gems of life.

Friends that reach out and are there in thick and thin.

Simple caring acts. Like a phone call. A bowl of soup. A bag of black licorice. Coming for a short visit.

Unconditional love and support is often what is needed.

Privacy respected and maintained. No judgments if having an emotional day.

Tough times find everyone. The support can be what helps everyone get through it.

Are you experiencing a tough time? Who do you turn to for help?
#toughtimesneedthesupportandloveoffamilyandfriends#reachingouttofamilyandfriends#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#simpleactsofkindness#unconditionallove

REMEMBERING THE SUMMER OF 2019- FAVOURITE IMAGES

The summer of 2019 was spent close to home. My garden was my solace.

Purple onion flowers.

Irises.

White is always welcome against the green

 Red poppies around Canada Day.

 The peonies.

A community event with a colourful Native Dance.

Oh the summer fruit.

My butterfly visitor in the garden

 Hollyhocks are always welcome.

A visit to the cemetery to clean up the graves of our family.

 

Visit to Black Creek Pioneer Village for Quilts by the Creek.

My little porch vegetable garden.

My Sunflower welcomed my butterfly.

Buying Ciamella!!

Books read during the summer heat.

Oh a trip downtown and to the Canadian National Exhibition.

Some late day Asters found their way to the garden.
So what are your summer images?
#summerimages#rememberingthesummerof2019#lotsofflowers#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#CanadianNationalExhibition#flowersinthegarden#butterfliesinthegardent

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- SHARING WITH GRANDCHILDREN

I learnt from my children that too much genealogical talk made their eyes glaze over.
So sharing with grandchildren must be interesting. Or their eyes with glaze over too.

They like to use my computer and work area when they visit or sleep over at Nana and Grandpa's house.
So on a little picture rack I have some photos of ancestors.

I also have a simple draft working family tree.
What works is the visual?

For example, here is a picture of your gggrandfather Ernie who fought in World War One. Will you be having Remembrance Day services at school? Would you like me to copy a picture for you?
Simple.

I showed them the tree and see how many people they belong to??
Simple.

Short conversations. Not too much information at any given time.

The longer stories that are being written pieces at a time are full of pictures and documents. Less writing and more visual. But all the facts with cited sources.
Those stories will go into their memory boxes- 6 copies for my 6!!

One of my main goals is help to develop an interest in history!! That is a harder sell!!
#sharingwithgrandchildrenaboutfamilyhistory#usingvisualstosharestories#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#barb'sgenealogytidbits#familytree#worldwarone#writingupthefamilystories

CONTAINERS HELP US CONTAIN OUR LIVES

With some Christmas preparation, just putting the items in gift bags unwrapped and labelled brought a sense of getting on top of the task.

We can contain ourselves in other ways too.

My daughter just did a kitchen cupboard do over. Containers labelled and organized shelves.

For me having a working day planner where I write what I want to do and what I have done. Feel it is a easy way to note activities and can see them. Also gives a sense of accomplishment of tasks.

However, life can get carried away. It can seems that we all going in too many directions. How to contain it?

There are too many resources about organizing our lives. Lots of books over the years have given suggestions. Pick one that may apply to you.
But keep it simple and doable. Back to the old adage- Less is More!!

Use 5 simple ideas rather than 25.

For example- real folders or digital with ideas, plans, etc.

Everything in its place. For example- kitchen drawers with each one having a designated theme. They can be messy. No need for obsessive organization. Goal we know where to find the item.

Containing our lives is more than just organizing a house. It is a way to have present moments, calm the energy, doable tasks for the day, meaningful tasks for the day, happy thoughts.

We can have our own invisible containers that help us get through the day. Ways to reduce our stress when life seems to fly away.

I make little boxes in my planner. It helps me see the ideas better. I think I make little boxes in my life too. For some it may seem like the idea of being grounded. Two feet on the floor.

For example, just having a quiet spot to drink a coffee, think, hug a child, hold hands with a spouse, work on a craft, read a book or magazine, pray.

Containment can bring contentment!
How do you contain your life? What strategies do you use?
#containment#containershelpusgetorganized#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#strategiesforgettingorganized#lessismoreadage#gettingontopoflife#life

NOVEMBER- THE BUSY MONTH BEFORE THE BUSIEST MONTH

November with Remembrance Day. wearing your poppy, shopping, planning and getting ready for the Christmas season.
Social events fill up quickly.
For those trying to acknowledge Prostate Cancer awareness it is also time to grow a moustache. Good thing it does apply to women. After menopause hair grows in unusual places.
For me time for two family member birthdays. Yeah cake.
So what interesting topics can I cook up this month.
#november#funthingstodo#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro