WEARING ORANGE IN SOLIDARITY TODAY

 #everychildmatters

There is not much I can say or pontificate or render feelings.

Today is not about me. It is about remembering the lost souls of the 215.

Yes other residential schools should be investigated too.

But be aware there are mass graves at Mental Institutions, orphanages and other facilities that existed throughout our history.

It is always important to have a record of who died and is buried.

Honouring all people so families know where they were laid to rest.

We all must be careful of how we relate to people who have experienced trauma. 

Those survivors of the residential school system must be treated with dignity around this news.

For me, wearing orange. Put my teddy bear outside my door on the porch. I am ready to listen to the stories and not have my opinion.

The story does not belong to me. 

#everychildmatters#wearingorangeinsolidarity#listeningtothestories#beingrespectfulofthetraumastories#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

KAMLOOPS SITUATION BREAKS THE HEART

 Hearing about 215 souls discovered at a previous residential school in Kamloops is initially shocking.

Then it tugs at the heart and soul.

For those that survived the school there are no words that could rely how Canadians feel about it. One does not want to give a trite response.

I feel sad.

But I feel ashamed that anyone needed to experience what the students experienced.

I want to say something profound. There are no words.

I want to send some message of condolence to the people who survived.

I want to send hope to families of those sweet souls that maybe they will know finally what happened and where their little ones remains are resting.

Not my children or families but children and families of us all. One lost child is everyone's lost child.

So reaching out with love, support and the question- what can I do? How can I help?

Acknowledging it is Canada's legacy and history to make sure it never happens again.

Will reaching out to those in the First Nations Communities be a start?

Hopefully there will be a proper marker with names if possible. A place to visit and remember those children. A permanent reminder for all to see and remember.

#kamloopsresidentialschool#remembering215lostsouls#childrenwhodiedatresidentialschools#aproperburialplaceforthosechilldren#reachingouttothefirstnationscommunities#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BARB'S GENEALOGYY TIDBITS-NEXT WEEK IS GENEALOGY WEEK FOR ME

 As May ends, June will begin with a bang of genealogy events.

Several branches where I have a membership have meetings in the evening via ZOOM of course.

Ontario Ancestors  ( Ontario Genealogical Society) Annual Conference is being held June 5 and 6th.

June 4th is Ancestry Day with discussions about what they have to offer. I chose to buy a subscription to FIND MY PAST so could consider if Ancestry would help my research.

I signed up for the Conference the beginning of April. Anyone interested can still sign up for the Virtual Conference.

I have only attended one live Conference when it was in Toronto in 2016. It was so amazing to be with others so interested in Family History.

Last year due to COVID it was Virtual. I would not have attended in person so the virtual conference was so conducive to my needs.

ZOOM has allowed for so many people to continue to function and have meetings in the genealogy world. 

So anticipating that I will learn something new as well as find online sites for further research. 

However as most of you who know me, know that my main focus has been writing up those family stories with photos for family. The stories have too many personal details so are not posted to online sites.

Some can be rewritten in shorter versions with the basic facts connected to them. I have been informed that people like reading my Genealogy Tidbits.

Organizing my desktop with the many meetings is my goal over the weekend so next week can be clear sailing.

Hopefully there will be lots of fodder for further genealogy posts to my readers.

#genealogytidbits#barb'sgenealogytidbits#genealogyconferenceonline#attendinggenealogymeetingsonline#virtualisokaybutIlookforwardtoinpersonmeetingsagain#findmypast#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MAY COMING TO AN END WITH HEAT THEN SNOW FLURRIES

 We live in Canada.

Our weather can change at any time.

During the beginning of the week it was hot and humid. Today cooler with rain then some snow flurries.

Crazy weather.

At least it gives us something to talk about besides COVID!!

#maycomingtoanend#crazyweather#hotandhumid#snowflurries#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SPRING AND ITS COLOURFUL GLORY

 I have photographed so many flowering trees and flowers over the years.

Here are some from 2016.

So reviewing my photo files, I tried to find some different ones.

I see these flowers annually so did not photograph again.

Flowers attract butterflies.

2019

2020

2021- What would Canada be like without dandelions? No spraying so they grow prolifically everywhere now! 

What does your area look like? What colour lights up your world?

#springandcolour#tulips#springtrees#pinktreesinthespring#wildflowersinthespring#gardensfullofcolour#lovingthespringcolours#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#lovingtheoutdoors

WALKING IS HELPING TO SLIM THE BODY

 Not a great believer in radical diets, I turn to exercise.

Especially walking.

So I am finding my clothes are fitting better with the increase in my daily walks.

One long one and two short ones.

I feel it in my legs too.

So when some day trips are planned with walking I will be ready.

#walking#walkingslimsthebody#exerciseisgoodforthesoul#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SILENCE LETS THE SOUNDS OF LIFE COME ALIVE

 No radio.

No TV.

The morning chirping of flocks of birds. What are they saying?

Listening for a plane to go over. Since COVID the red eyes and late afternoon planes have been minimal. I miss the planes. I like watching planes go over. There is a story for each passenger. Are they returning home or coming for a visit?

Less Orange Ambulance going over. For a few weeks the transfer of COVID patients and other traumas were plentiful. Orange is quiet too.

The train to the east in the early morning.

The traffic on Yonge Street.

My thoughts can be quiet. Trying to be positive with the changes coming.

COVID diminishing if we are careful, the world will open up again. 

The street traffic and foot traffic has changed over the last year with the properties beside me closing off to trespassers. So less noise morning, noon and night.

Silence and no talking helps with the mood. 

What about you? Do you like the quiet of the morning?

Do you try to be silent with your thoughts?

Do you miss the hustle and bustle sometimes of people?

What do you think?

#silenceletsthethoughtsquietthesoul#orangeambulance#covidwillgoawayeventually#listeiningtothechirpingofthebirds#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

THE MORNING QUIET-THE BEST TIME OF THE DAY

 I love the quiet of early morning. 

Sunday is a good day to keep the radio off and no early morning TV shows.

Listening to the birds. The traffic.

My walk was at 730am. Not many people around or even cars.

When travelling Adolph and I would always head out early.

A beach walk uncrowded was so enjoyable.

To be lost in thoughts or just paying attention to the environment. No ear plugs with music blasting on my walk.

Being outside with nature alone is very peaceful.

I miss being socially connected but now in the morning quiet.

#morningquiet#earlymorningwalk#beingonewithmyself#learningtobestillandconnectwithself#noneedtohavenoiseallaroundme#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

APRIL SHOWERS BROUGHT MAY TULIPS

 I love tulips. 

All colours.

Especially my purple.

The red and white for the 150th of Canada. 2017.

Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands tulips 2020.

Tulip Festival in Ottawa 2011. On my Bucket List to go there again someday. Maybe with the grandchildren.

Okay I could find dozens more of these beautiful spring flowers. 

How about you? Do you take pictures of tulips?

#tulips#tulipfestivalinottawa#liberationtulips#150tulips#growingtulipsinyourgarden#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MAY REFLECTIONS ON EVERYTHING

 We are getting there with the COVID vaccine rollout. Even my grandchildren are booked.

I get that everyone has had enough of this pandemic. But let's not trip before we reach the end.

Wave 3 is flattening a little. And no one wants a Wave 4. 

I see people saying if so and so can do that like golf then I can do this or that. No follow the rules.

I am finding being outside has given me some new energy. Just being outside helps.

There is a major construction in the filed beside me so I can also watch the trucks come and go.

And clean tons of dust from outside tables and my car. LOL

I am starting to look at some short little day trips somewhere safe and with the rules.

I have a stack of books for summer reading. Another stack of magazines. 

I keep pen and paper handy for ideas, reflections and thoughts. 

For me it is so hard to believe that Adolph has been gone almost a year. I miss him every day.

So many memories have surfaced.

My grief is going to a different level. He would want me to live. He would want me to enjoy my life. He was thankful for my love and support. 

So I can live and do things and miss him every day. I can be happy and sad. I am still looking for the happy. He would want it for me.

Maybe I can readjust my bucket list!

#mayreflections#livingthroughgrief#missingAdolpheveryday#learningtolivewithouthim#continuingtotrytofindhappy#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WALKING AWAY THOSE COVID POUNDS

 I decided the easiest or perhaps not so easy way to work off COVID pounds is to walk as much as possible.

So starting last Monday I have been doing two short walks and one long walk daily.

Easy exercise to do as everyone walks.

But the extra mileage sure is felt by this aging body.

Now to add some daily stretches and weight lifting. 

Well maybe next week.

It is a long weekend and time for some fun.

#walkingcovidpoundsaway#walkingisaneasyexercise#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

HAWAII- VINTAGE PICTURES

The Kuhio Beach at end of Waikii where we swam may 1971- over 50 years ago. Diamond Head in the background. It was our honeymoon.
 

Diamond Head circa 1910.

Waikii Beach circa 1910.

On my bucket list to return to Hawaii one day. Maybe on route to Australia!!

#hawaii#hawaiivintagepictures#honeymooninhawaii#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS A CHILD'S POEM WARMS THE HEART

 My grandson had an assignment for school. Grade 7. They had to write a poem about their pandemic experiences. So this is what he wrote.

GOODBYE GRANDPA

Was in my basement one day

Watching my friends play

Heard a scream from upstairs

Kinda got jump scared

Did not know what to do

Felt like I had the flu

Knew something was wrong

So I went up the stairs 

Heard my Nana on the phone

Did not feel true

But I knew

My heart stopped

I loved him so much 

It was his time

My sweet old Grandpa

The last thing I could do

Was say goodbye to you

Damiano- May 9, 2021

Copyright 2021

#a child's poem#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS HAPPY FOR VACCINE ROLLOUT ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN

 Now that pfizer is okay for the age 12 and older it makes my heart sing.

Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic.

Having children vaccinated will ensure the future.

Our children, youth and young people have suffered mental health issues throughout all of this.

Hope with the vaccine gives them something that is tangible and they can do. They can feel part of a global movement, national movement and now local.

I just hope they will get them before the start of the next school year. We may still need to sacrifice some summer endeavors by continued limitations but hoping for a better Fall will help all of us to stay focused positively.

What do you think!!

#childrencangetavaccine#hopeforthefuturewithvaccinesforchildren#hopetheygetthevaccinebeforeschoolreturns#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

GARDENING THROUGH MAY

 Finally with some warmer days I have the desire to be in the garden.

Edged my front garden that needed it. It will be easier to cut the grass plus it actually looks good.

The tulips are in full bloom. I love tulips.

I remember the Tulip Festival in Ottawa Adolph and I visited in 2011. Maybe I can put it on my bucket list and visit again someday.

Meanwhile staying home and cleaning up the place. Being outside does help with the mood. Fresh air, sunshine and an afternoon sitting in the sun. 

So maybe I will take my camera again and peruse the neighbourhood for more flower pics or not. Sitting on my back porch with a book is enticing too!

What about you! How are you enjoying May!!

#maygardening#mayprojects#tulips#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MAY-A MONTH TO FINISH PROJECTS

 So I finally finished my Native Studies online course from the University of Alberta.

Craft projects finished.

Working on the backyard jungle a little at a time. And believe me it is a jungle. And it is work. Not much pleasure from it.

Spring seems to put a spring in my step. Some renewed energy to get things done.

Working on writing my memories of events and travels. 

Of course  a pile of books waiting for nicer warm weather so I can sit outside and read them. For some reason down energy induces outdoor reading. Get some sunshine in the back or sit in my quiet corner in the shade in the front.

It seems the COVID lockdown will continue so a good thing to concentrate on the home front.

How about you? What puts a spring in your step?

#mayprojectstofinish#craftprojects#outdoorwork#waitingtoreadoutsidetogetsomesunshine#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

A COLOURFUL WALK AROUND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

 I like to walk.

I like to take photographs.

So rather than a power walk, I took my camera and did a slow walk to capture some spring pictures.

Starting with my garden.

Fences and trees.

The dandelion always makes it way into gardens.

A cluster of daffodils.

If course I always find purple flowers.

Always fields of dandelions.

White, white and more white.

Wood and purple flowers.

By the Wave Pool.

Apparently we should leave the dandelions as they help the bees. With no pesticides on fields or roads anymore we have lots of dandelions.

Not bad for a little jaunt around my hood, eh?

#takingphotos#flowersinthespring#tulips#dandelions#whitefloweringtrees#findinginterestingphotosinthehood#takingtimetoseetheflowers#what'sinyourneighbourghood#reflectiviethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CRAFTING THROUGH COVID- BUSY HANDS HELP THE MIND

 Anyone who knows me well knows I love to craft.

Knitting.

Crocheting.

Interesting collages.

Of course photography.

So during the last few months I have been using up misc wool and made several projects.

I usually like to finish in rough then sew ends and complete in one pile. Yesterday the pile was completed.

3 afghans

1 white baby carriage blanket

10 hats

5 scarves

3 completed hat and scarf sets from the above

Busy hands help the mind. Rather than sitting and just looking out the window or watching TV.

What have you been doing to keep your mind sane?

#kintting#crocheting#craftshelpthesoul#whattodotokeepthemindwell#makinghats#makingscarves#makingblankets#afghanblankets#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro