2019 WAS A GOOD YEAR

One of the greatest blessings of 2019 was having my family around me.

Making it through another year of being home with my husband.

Enduring all that life has given me. Doing my activities  with a happy heart and soul.

Making the most of less is more.

Embracing the moments more. Doing in the moments.

Wondering what 2020 will bring.

How about you? How was your 2019?
#2019#enduringallthatlifebringsus#lessismore#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF EVEN AT THE FAMILY LEVEL

Why does history repeat itself?

As a history buff, there are so many comparisons between past events and modern times.

It is the norm of the world.

We must be careful not to repeat the past sins in our lives and culture and country.

It can be seen in the smaller unit. Family. As a family historian, there are trends.

Well people are raised by people. If those people were ethical, then the children may be. But if those people were pathological then does the acorn fall very far from the tree??
I think not.

So as a history buff, I am very aware to know this about people. I watch my back.

#historyrepeatsitself#historybuff#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WHAT WAS MOST IMPORTANT IN 2019

Well anyone who knows me well will know what it is!!

Yes having everyone I love in my life. Short and sweet!

#meaningfulthingsinlife#havingmylovedoneswithme#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

DO I MAKE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS? NOPE

I am like many people who used to make resolutions. Hard to keep past the middle of January.

I plan for activities and fun.

I continue with my ongoing projects.

I review my exercise, diet and other healthy choices- renew, revise, reinvent.

But no resolutions.

I look at my life and what I want to continue to be in it. I look at ways I can be in control.

Life throw us curve balls so being at home plate with a good bat does help.

What about you? Any resolutions?
#newyearresolutions#continuedchoices#healthyeatingandliving#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#doingongoingprojects#beingreadyforwhatlifethrowsatyou

CANADIAN IMAGES OF 2019

A Birthday celebration.

Winter!

Finding images everywhere!

Quilts and Quilt shows.

Spring flowers!!

Tulips everywhere!!

 A day in a vineyard in Niagara on the Lake.

Buttertarts.

Summer fruit! 

 Butterflies.

Summer reading.

A day at the EX.

Heirloom doilies!!

 Tulips for the spring to celebrate the Liberation of Holland.

 Fall in its glory.

Banners remembering our local Veterans.

Buying those stashes of wool.

No wild travel just images close to home with activities that bring meaning to me.

What were your favourite images of 2019?

#imagesof2019#quilts#buttertarts#wool#rememberingourveterans#fallcolours#springflowers#tulips#adayatthewineries#birthdaycakes#constructionimages#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#adayattheEX#summerfruit#summerbutterflies#summerreading#TorontoMapleLeafs#winterimages

MY WORD FOR 2020-PEACE

It started last year when my daughter had her word for the year.

So I was thinking what would be my word. Not much came to mind.

The word that came to mind was peace. Mental calm. Serenity.

I am at peace with what is happening in my life. I have found a way to accept it.

I want peace in the family. I want peace in the world.

Mostly I want peace in my soul.

I want to be around people who help me find this peace and I will reciprocate and give them peace back.

I want to avoid people and activities that are not peaceful. Don't call me put it in writing will be my mantra.

I want to write peacefully.

Peace.
#peace#peacefor2020#aroundpeoplethatbringpeace#mentalcalm#serenity#peaceinlife#peaceintheworld#peaceinthefamily#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

2019 WINDING DOWN

With Christmas over and another sleepover with grandchildren, time to clean up some Christmas stuff, get rid of the leftovers not eaten, laundry and some planning.

Lots of research was accomplished in 2019 so time to incorporate those gems in the family history stories.

It was a good year to be with hubby and family. Quality time well spent.

Small projects finished. Reading and writing.

As one decade is ending, what will the new one bring.
#2019#2019ending#plansforthefuture#researchaccomplished#reflectivethoughtsybarbara#barbaradimambro

BOXING DAY-TIME TO BREATHE AND EAT LEFTOVERS

Many people are already dressed and headed to the Malls for those Boxing Day bargains. Actually they have been happening for over a couple of weeks.

For me after all the cleaning and cooking for Christmas Day dinner, I will be doing some cleanup- slowly. No hurry. No rush.

Time to savour the luxury of being home with my husband.

Maybe a little winter walk. Or an afternoon nap.

Reflecting on Christmas. Noisy. Table discussion a little heated. Everyone ate enough.

Pictures taken with Adolph. Group shot at the table.

Remembering how Adolph proposed to me on Christmas Eve.

A blessing to have us all together.

What about your Boxing Day? What are your plans?
#boxingday#timetobreathe#timetocleanupthedishes#timetorelaxandenjoyquietreflection#familytimetogether#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS TWO MORE SLEEPS THEN CHRISTMAS

Being without children in this empty nester's home, I do not have to deal with the hyper energy children have about Christmas day.
Keeping your sanity and good energy to make Christmas fun can take effort.
Use all the parental skills and just try to go with the flow. any chores, tasks, duties- get the children involved. They can mop a floor, dust a table, fold their laundry. Mrs. Claus should not do it all!!
Not too many activities as they will be needed after the big day until everyone goes back to school and work.
So some family traditions or making new ones.
Find the favourite movies to watch again.
Of course during the Boxing Day week grandparents can share some of the fun and activities.
#twomoresleepsuntilChristmas#hyperchildren'senergy#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#gettingchildrentohelpwithchores

THE WINTER SOLSTICE

The Winter solstice is here today. Although it has felt like winter for over a month, it really is winter today.

The shortest day and the longest night.

The good news is tomorrow the sun starts to return again.

Some say Christmas is this time of year due to the lack of light. It gave hope for the dark winter months.

With the joy of Christmas there is something positive at this time of year.

So with the shortest day, time to snuggle up with a good book, watch a Christmas movie, wine and dine with family and friends or something that brings fun to life.
#wintersolstice#shortestdayoftheyear#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CHERISH THOSE HERE NOW AND REMEMBER OTHERS

I see so many people writing and talking about those who are no longer with us. The sadness of missing people. Yes it is part of life.

What about the people who are here now? By focusing on those who passed away, those present may get a bum deal.

Invite those in your family and friend circle to share the Christmas season and spirit.

There can be remembrances of those no longer here. Those family traditions.

I buy vermouth at Christmas and have a drink with lemon as I did this with the girls' Nonna.

I add a pinch of ginger to my bread stuffing because my Mom did it.

I buy Adolph many of his Italian items at Christmas- like torrone and Italian sausage at Christmas dinner.

 

My Christmas dinner is a traditional Canadian dinner as I had a child. The stockings for the girls when they were little and some of the items in the house keep reminders of Christmas past. The Christmas crackers at dinner.

Adding pictures of Christmas past to the decor. One daughter adds an ornament of a Mom no longer here.

But it is important to make new family traditions. Have the new people in your life help to create some new ones.

For me each Christmas sharing with those I love is the treasure. Dealing with life's issues- it is a blessing to have people with us.

So the choice to lament about those no longer here or rejoice with those who are??
#rememberingthosewhoarenolongerwithus#honouringthosewhoarehere#celebratingChristmaswithfamilyandfriends#addingtraditions#reflectivethoughsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#enjoyingthepeoplewithus#spendingtimewiththepeopleinourlives

MY FIRST DEATH AND DYING CASE-RENE

As a Social Work student studying for my Masters at the University of Toronto in 1974, my placement was at St. Michael's Hospital. I was interested in grief work and dealing with dying patients. As a family we had dealt with the death of my father-n-law from ALS the month previously.

I was assigned 3 patients that I carried for several months in my placement.

One of the patients was a wonderful woman named Rene. French-Canadian from Northern Ontario. The day I met her she had said good-bye to her daughter who had to go back home for school. Her husband had MS and was in a care facility up north. Family caring for her daughter.Yes sad.

An incurable cancer.

She was one of the sweetest person I can ever remember.

We had many chats and I did my counselling thing with her.

One day I was in her room and the snow was gently falling. The big flakes. From her hospital bed, she and I watched the flakes. She said how much she loved the snow and to watch it fall. Yes it was pretty from her room. It made me stop to realize the simplest things in life can be the best. She found something in that dismal environment to bring her some joy. I know she taught me so much about the dying process.

Over the years that notice of snow falling has reminded me of her. I wonder how her daughter has done. Rene was so proud of her.

Today as I looked out the family room doors, the snow was gently falling. Yes Rene came to my mind. The lesson taught to appreciate what is in your immediate world.

Gently falling snow is pretty!! Thank you Rene!!
#gentlyfallingsnow#gentlyfallingsnowispretty#rememberingpatients#socialworkershavefondmemories#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS TOO MUCH CHRISTMAS IS HARD ON CHILDREN

There is so much around the Christmas season that not only parents but children can become exhausted with the excitement.

So how to rein it in with some quiet and simple moments.

My daughter Sonya has written a wonderful blog post on that theme.
House of Kerrs

As a Nana who just had a 5 grandchildren sleepover and the 6th who stayed for dinner and the evening, I will tell you what works.

Active play. The boys went off to the basement and played floor hockey and shot baskets.

The two little ones went to the craft room and painted and did pictures. Also one room is full of Christmas items- books, musical boxes, empty pretty boxes to stack and a Christmas tree for the kids with ornaments they can touch. I also have a nativity station they can touch and read the Christmas story.

Yes the house was noisy.

Feeding children works healthy along with treats.

The board games work. They like Rummy O as well as Nana likes to play with the children.

Watching children's shows and good old fashioned Christmas movies.

Being home. A walk in the snow. Helping parents shovel the driveway. The old build a snowman is a good activity. Snow angels. If a hill, slide down it.

For parents, a sleepover at the grandparents works for some nights. Gives a break for party time and the need for couples to regroup.

I love the Christmas season. So spreading out the activities helps to slow things down.
How about you? How do you slow Christmas down for children?
#nanasaysslowdownchristmas#childrengetexcitedatchristmas#activitiesforchildren#readhouseofkerrsforideas#agrandchildrensleepover#havingactivitiesforchildren#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#childrenmakethehousenoisy

CHRISTMAS IMAGES OF PAST YEARS

My sign by the door to welcome everyone.

Outdoor lights at night.

Adolph's favourite prickly pear and pomegranate.

 Years of Christmas mittens by the Bay to raise money for the athletes.

Tims with a different cup each year for Christmas.

Hiding an elf.

Pretty poinsettias.

Toronto's Christmas Market- always lots of lights and good food.
So what images will I find this year.
#Christmasimagespastyears#lotsofChristmasimages#lightsatChristmas#lotstocelebrateatChristmas#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MUSIC SOOTHES THE SOUL- ESPECIALLY CHRISTMAS MUSIC

I love Christmas carols! My favourite is Come all ye Faithful!

This year I like other songs too.

The one that is touching me and my soul is- All I want for Christmas is You.

There are many versions. So it does not matter which one.
What is your favourite?
#christmasmusic#christmascarols#allIwantforChristmasisyou#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CHRISTMAS IS A TIME TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY

Christmas has so many opportunities to give to the community.

Toy drives. Food Bank donations. Giving to major charities at home and abroad.

There can be an awareness of how much some people have and others have not.

What I love about the toy drives is the fact that every child who needs and wants one can have a gift from Santa. Not just Christian children but all children.

Even some of the food baskets  go to families of other faiths. It is the spirit of Christmas.

So after donating to the Police toy and new clothes drive, Metroland adopt a family, goodies for the food bank and some monetary donations to my usual charities, I think I am done.

I have to stop. I tell myself- Barb you can not save the world alone.

But if everyone just picks something or someone at Christmas, the giving does make the world a better place.

My mother used to invite someone each Christmas that did not have a place to go. So including someone alone or facing grief or a family struggling to the festive event is an easy thing to do.

Why? Because most of us cook for an army, not just a family! Always way too much food!!

Or the usual family members and make the dinners special.

Okay so the next time I am asked by a clerk do you want to donate to our company charity, will I say no. Probably not!! Usually-put me down for $5.00. Maybe I still have that need to try to save the world.
#christmasisatimeforgiving#reachingouttoothersinourcommunity#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#caringaboutthecommunity#beingpartofthelargercommunity#

NANA SAYS CHILDREN'S CONCERTS ARE FUN

I went to the Winter Wonderland concert at my grandchildren's school last night. To be politically correct words were changed in some songs to leave out Christmas. Although there was a song for Kwanzaa.

However the music playing before the event was Christmas carols. Hum.

For me it was such a reminder of my time in school performing in the event. Then my children and their concerts. Happy memories.

To be there seeing 3 of my sweet grandchildren perform with their classmates was very endearing.

To keep with modern times there was an area with a winter scene and props to do selfies or take regular pictures. So of course this Nana had a pic with my granddaughter.

What I love is each child feels like a star for their time on stage! Healthy good feelings. Important for self-esteem and growth.

Nothing changed as the noise level in the gym was loud. As usual it was not the children talking but the adults!

Being part of children's lives is such a privilege.
#christmasconcerts#childrenperforminginplaysandsongs#beingpartofachild'slife#feelinglikeastaronstage#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#beingthereforgrandchildren

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS-CARRIE READ'S DOILIES

I was fortunate when getting married ( 1971) to belong to the Carville United Church. The ladies made some beautiful quilts to raise money for the church. Many of the members were quite prolific in other hand work.

The leader of the Woman's group was Carrie ( Caroline) Read.

She was born Caroline E. Baker to William Baker and Rose A. Miller. Born 1898 and died 1978. She is buried in Carville Cemetery in Vaughan. Her husband Adam John Read is buried beside her.( 1894-1957) The families can be found in the 1911 Canadian Census for Vaughan.

I have a wonderful collection of doilies that she made for shower and wedding gifts to me.

They are such beautiful works of art.

I contacted the local Heritage Centre to determine if they would want them for their collection. An acknowledgement but no response. So it could mean they are not interested.

I have tried to find some descendants of Mrs. Read in case family would want her handiwork.

The Baker family from Vaughan is part of the area's rich history.
#carrieread#adamjohnread#bakerfamily#millerfamily#carvilleunitedchurch#doilies#handiwork#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro