UKRIANE GAVE A NEW MEANING TO FREEDOM

 Is anyone else noticed the Truck Convoy Freedom protests have subsided?

With rallies for Ukraine's situation, the whole idea of freedom has a new meaning.

Really masks and vaccine mandates as a breach of freedom seems somewhat trite right now.

Ukrainians fighting for their homeland is a real rally call for freedom.

To see 100,000 in the streets in Berlin for the Ukraine.

To see the big rally in Toronto for Ukraine was heartwarming.

Freedom is earned. 

Loss of life. Loss of a home. Seeing one's life turned upside down. 

Freedom to Ukraine. Freedom to their people. Love and support to our Canadian Ukrainans.

#freedom#goodbyetoTruckConvoys#Ukraineneedsourloveandsupport#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MUFFINS AND WINGS FOR WINTER EATING

 Winter eating.

Chocolate chip muffins.

Homemade pizza and chicken wings.

The muffins for breakfast.

The pizza and wings for dinner.

Takes the edge off cold weather.

How about you? What is your winter goodies?

#wintereating#chocolatechipmuffins#wingsandpizza#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

A POSTCARD FROM VICTORIA

 Good friends moved to Victoria.

They sent me this delightful postcard for my birthday.

A lovely addition to my postcard collection

#victoria#victoriabritshcolumbia#downtownvictoria#barbaradimambro#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara

SUNFLOWERS- FLOWERS OF SUPPORT

 

Sunflowers turn to the sun. In Italian they are called " gira al sole" for that reason.

I think they are a happy flower.

And the seeds provide food for humans and birds.

Fields of sunflowers are like the army of support today!

#sunflowersforsupport#sunflower#giraalsole#seeds#foodforbirdsandhumans#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

END OF FEBRUARY-2022

 Being a short month, it always seems that I do not accomplish everything I wanted to do in the month.

There is also an urgency because once the warmer weather arrives there is always outdoor work.

However, the more I have to do the more I actually do.

Being retired is good in some ways. Bad in other ways. There is no real schedule. No need to get things done.

Bills- yes. Some by cheque in the mail, some by etransfer and some at the bank. Organizing what to pay when and keeping the desk neat.

Community groups- some more work than others. But done.

Crochet and knit projects that used misc balls of wool to help reduce my stash.

Two book read. Some pieces of writing done but not completed.

Variety of social connections. Phone. Emails. Texts. Some family social functions.

I want to get back to outdoor walking. I do my indoor walking but it is not the same. Good for the body but not the soul. Yes, yes I do my 400 m walk to the mailbox and back but it is just a tease.

The sunlight returning gives incentive to do more at night too. 

Trying to stay focused with all the worldly events. Just staying the course to get through the Pandemic to the Endemic and learning to live with covid for the rest of our lives.

So the rush is on to finish some things or just put them on the To Do list for March.

How about you? Did you get activities done? Projects? 

#februaryprojectsdone#februaryprojectsnotdone#knitting#crocheting#reading#mundanetasks#communitygroups#outdoorwalking#indoorwalking#connectingwithfriends#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CANADA STRONG AND FREE-STANDS WITH UKRAINE

 Despite some recent claims by one or two misguided Americans, Canada is a free country.

Democratic. 

Three levels of government- Federal, Provincial, Municipal.

10 provinces and 3 territories. 

Diverse. French, English, Indigenous and so many other cultures.- Italian, Chinese, South Asian, European, Caribbean, African, South American the list goes. Some first generation and others multigenerational Canadians. Yes we have one of the largest population of people with Ukrainian roots.

Close allies with our neighbours- United States and Mexico.

So one Trucker Convoy did not speak for many of us. A small group who protested masks, vaccines and hid a white supremacist agenda.

If anyone cares to learn, I can suggest some historical resources that give the history of this country from a variety of perspectives.

A beautiful country coast to coast to coast!!

What do you want to say about our Canada? Your Canada!

#canadaisfreee#diversepopulation#strongandfree#whitesupremacistsdonotbelonghere#readahistorybook#masksandvaccinesdonottakeawayourfreedoms#standwithUkraine#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BUTTERFLY- A SYMBOL OF HOPE

 Hope is what the world needs right now. 

Hope the pandemic will subside.

Hope there will be a peaceful resolution in the Ukraine.

Hope tomorrow will be a better day.

Hope. 

#hope#butterfliesforhope#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

FINDING CALM WITH THE WORLD EVENTS

 As if trying to get through this pandemic was not enough.

Then the Mickie Mouse Truck Convoy protest over masks and vaccine mandates.

But this war of aggression in the Ukraine has broken the world's heart.

People everywhere and even in Russia are protesting. No one is supporting Russia. Even China and North Korea are a little quiet.

Pray.

Making a donation.

Talking with others and sharing feelings.

Finding people from Ukrainian background to offer support.

Orange a healing colour!

Purple more healing!

A flower seen with tears in one's eyes.

It is so hard to stay calm and not feel anxious! Worries about a World War on the horizon!

What are you doing to clam your own fears and worries?

#calmduringtheUkrainecrisis#stayinpositiveduringtryingtimes#purpleandorangearehealingcolours#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WITH REPORTERS ON THE GROUND IN UKRAINE WILL THE MSM OPPONENTS DISBELIEVE

 Okay. I do have some disbelievers in my family group.

Luckily most of my family knows how to think, assess, read, has a multitude of life experiences and determine what they believe.

What I find amusing about the disbelievers is how gullible they are!!

What is happening in Ukraine is horrible! And real. Real bombs. Real troops. Real. Not fake.

Innocent people. Already dead.

What is the motive? Really. Ukraine wanted to join NATO,  Their wealthy resources for Europe. Putin's megamaniac personality??

So watching live news coverage on a variety of channels does give an overview of the events as they unfold.

There was one image that has stayed with me. An Ukrainian father saying goodbye to his daughter and wife as he puts them on a bus for safety. He was staying to fight for his country. They were crying huge love tears. One image. One video. One family. But it resonates as the story of so many families. I pray for his safe return to his family.

I am thankful for the brave reporters on the ground bringing us the news. Folks their lives are at risk too.

#Ukraine#reportersontheground#notfakenews#msndoesreporttruth#someimagesstaywithme#onefathersayinggoodbyetohisdaughterandwife#hugelovetears#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

HEARTS ARE HEAVY CONCERNING THE UKRAINE

 Here we go again.

Another country invaded by might.

People displaced. People killed.

What is Putin thinking?

What does he want?

My heart, prayers and thoughts to the Ukrainian people there and here.

Oh yes I will open my pocketbook too with a donation!

#ukraine#aggression#thinkingoftheUkrainianpeoplehereandthere#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

PINK-SYMBOL TO CONFRONT BULLYING

 Pink shirt day.

A day to recognize the need to confront bullying.

It allows us to remember bullying is never okay any day.

No pink Tshirts but lots of pink blossoms!

#pinkforantibullying#pinktrees#antibullyingshouldbeeveryday#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SUPPORTING BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2021

 It is always a good thing to try to get another perspective on any issue.

As a history buff, I do have quite a bit of knowledge about all Canadians.

But wanting to further my knowledge of the Black experience during Black History Month so I have made some efforts in 2021.

I watched a repeat documentary on The Black Church in America by Dr. Louis Gates Jr. on PBS.

The March Canada's History magazine has a wonderful article on The Underground Railroad- featuring How Harriet Tubman helped dozens of slaves escape to Freedom in Canada.

On a talk show I happened to catch a Professor Dr. Imani Perry speak about her new book South to America. So with an Indigo Christmas gift card I bought it. Her thesis is about understanding the Black experience in America one must understand the South.

So it will take me more than the month to peruse the written sources but it should give more knowledge about the Black experience.

Of course learning, reading and listening to people's stories always helps to give a different or new perspective on human experiences.

#dr.imaniperry#southtoamerica#blackhistorymonth2021#Canada'shistory#theundergroundrailroad#ablackperspective#harriettubman#theblackchurchinamerica#dr.louisgatesjr#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

A PALINDROME DAY-22/02/2022

 Palindrome are fun.

So Twos Day is here!

Februrary 22, 2022.

Or 22/02/2022. 

22022022

Same from right to left and left to right.

I even has a 22 in lottery ticket for today.

If someone is celebrating a special day all the best to you!

#palindrome#22022022#february222022#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MAIN STREAM MEDIA- WHY SO MUCH CRITICISM?

 I have two family members who make a mockery of what they call Main Stream Media.

As a history buff, I read all types of Media.

One of my favourite activities is to buy the 4 local Toronto papers to get the various perspectives on an event. To read a variety of opinions. 

I watch several news stations when there is an event to get the variety of perspectives. Both Canadian, American, Italian-in Italian, PBS and any other one I can find.

So does it occur to those that criticize that perhaps there are many people like I am that read about events, watch the news and then have an informed perspective on many events from many different perspectives.

Why would anyone think I was gullible and could not have an informed point of view. I also listen to the words and observe the behaviours of speakers.

Also I love photography. I take copious pictures. Photos do speak a thousand words!!

So to see a reporter on one of Canada's news station being subject to verbal abuse and on some occasions physical from the recent event in Ottawa the perspective is very apparent. I hope people realize that spitting at someone is assault and grounds for charges. If someone were to spit at me, I could ask for charges to be laid.

When the participants in Ottawa were interviewed and the words came out of their mouths not hard to have a perspective. Not edited. Not filtered. For example, to see and hear a Convoy organizer threaten tow truck drivers speak unedited. He has an online following where anyone can see and hear his words. So can legal authorities. His words and behaviours unedited!!

The good thing about the event is how many people were filming on their own cellphones. So their social media will show what was happening. So if involved in unlawful activities they recorded it on their own devices.  A very good thing as the legal system can use their footage too.  And will.

Police were wearing webcams so every person could be photographed back. 

The amount of video coverage is huge. Of course Ottawa citizens were advised to record the honking and any visual footage of their own for their class action lawsuit that is coming.

Review photos and video coverage and get your own view of it. 

I have read far right articles and know the rhetoric. I keep myself abreast of a variety of thinking.

In a democracy people can have differences of political views. As long as no harm is done.

Bullying. Racist acts. Harm to others that do not support your point of view is not okay.

And accusing family members that do not have your point of view as being what- stupid!

In a democracy I guess you are entitled to name calling! I just hope that you know if you dish it out you should be prepared to take it!!

#mainstreammedia#criticismofmainstreammedia#rhetoricofspeakers#newsfrommanydifferentperspectives#phtosspeakathousandwords#bullyingnotokay#racismnotokay#harmtoothersnotokay#democracyallowsforavarietyofperspectives#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

A POSTCARD FROM OTTAWA-GLAD IT IS FREE AGAIN FOR ALL CANADIANS

 Ottawa strong and free. 

Anyone who has visited Ottawa loves it.

Our nation's capital.

Museums and art galleries and lovely Rideau Mall.

The canal for skating in the winter and viewing in the Summer.

The Tulip Festival. A reminder of our participation in sheltering the Royal Family from the Netherlands.

Photos from an Anniversary trip in 2011.

A place where students visits, where politicians from coast to coast to coast debate, laws are passed, the Supreme Court, people honeymoon and couples celebrate anniversaries.

For this Canadian to see the yahoos in an occupation? looking more like a Frat party.

What were children doing at the event?

What was a Confederate flag doing in Ottawa?

What was a Nazi flag doing in Ottawa?

Canadian flags, Provincial flags were visible.

Using honking as a torture technique. 

Harassing citizens. Making a mockery of all that is Canadian. Yet pretending with Canadians flags and telling reporters we are doing this for all Canadians.

Not this Canadian. Your efforts in Ottawa never represented me.

Gaslighting Canadians who wear masks, get vaccinated, trust the medical and scientific community worldwide that have been on the front line of this pandemic and every opinion that does not agree with a Far Right perspective. Some comments I made on Twitter were met by those individuals calling me many names and even equating my thinking to Nazi Germany. For wearing a mask and vaccination following Public Health Protocols. Oh Yeah. Whatever!!

Peaceful protests have been, are and will continue to be part of our democratic process. Both Toronto my provincial capital and Ottawa my nation's capital have hosted many protests over my lifetime. 

So Ottawa you are free again. My Nation's capital-  a beautiful city and a representative of Canadian democracy.

Maybe it is a time for another trip there!

#ottawa#nation'scaptial#democracyalwaysallowsforpeacefulprotests#anniversarytripin2011#honkingasatorturetechnique#don'tletfarrightgaslightpublichealthprotocols#wearmasks#getvaccinated#stopthegaslighting#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

HOT CHOCOLATE AND MARSHMELLOWS FOR A WINTER DAY

 

A winter day after shoveling the driveway for the second time in a day, warrants a reward.

Hot chocolate and marshmellows did the trick.

A wide cup to cuddle in the hands while contemplating life.

How about you? What do you do on a cold winter day after being outside?

#hotchocolateonawinterday#hotchocolateandmarshmellows#shovelingsnow#usingawidecupforhotchocolate#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

STILL FEEL VERY FREE UNDER EMERGENCIES ACT

 Action needs to be taken.

Unruly protests.

Disruption to people needing work.

Disruption to the Economy.

I understand Civil Liberty groups have to take some stand.

However when lawyers are supporting democratic moves I am not worried.

I lived through the War Measures Act. 

This is no military on the streets of Ottawa but Police Forces enforcing the law. And giving lots of notice to protesters.

People protest but trucks do not.

To live on and block city streets from civilians who live in Ottawa has been excruciating to too many citizens whose rights have been violated. What right you say? The right to walk freely in their own community.

So I was glad to see 66% of Canadians agree with the actions.

The childish behaviour for not wanting to wear a mask or be vaccinated.

We saw in the Couts border blockade guns and people who had larger intentions than just vaccine mandates.

What will we see in Ottawa? Probably more of the same. 

Freedom comes with a price. If you break the law, you suffer the consequences of your actions.

#emergenciesact#notwarmeasuresact#Idon'tfeelmycivillibertieshavebeenlost#Ottawacitizensneedtheircityback#timetogohomeforprotesters#enoughisenoughalready#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MAC N CHEESE-COMFORT FOOD!!

 I love all kinds of pasta.

But good old fashioned macaroni and cheese is a favourite too!

Many people see it as comfort food.

So easy to make with cheddar cheese. I now add some provolone to give it a little Italian flair.

Of course I like mine with ketchup. Another good old standby.

What is your comfort food?

#comfortfood#macaroniandcheese#cheddarcheese#provolone#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MID FEBRUARY BLUES

 Anyone else tired of COVID? 

Anyone else tired of Protesters?

Anyone else willing to go the distance until we are through it?

Winter cold keeps lots of home on any given winter.

With some easing of restrictions, anyone else think they may be too soon?

I never minded the Vaccine Certificate. When I knew everyone else was vaccinated, there was some relief that everyone was on the same page.

No trolls. No negative vibes in any setting.

I only witnessed one angry altercation about wearing a mask before Christmas in a store.

However innocent posts on Twitter has retorts of sending a Nazi picture and I am like a Nazi, called an Asshole, stupid, long winded how I am fearful, etc. Some did not like me calling the protesters Yahoos!1

Nasty!! My daughter tells me to stay off Twitter due to the hate and negative Trolls.

So I am trying to stay positive and away from Negative Nellies or anti Covid protocols people.

The real question what will the Trolls protest when it is an endemic?

#negativenellies#yahoos#protestors#februaryblues#wintercold#followingcovidprotocols#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

VALENTINE'S DAY REMINDS WHY IT IS GOOD TO HAVE WRITTEN WORDS FROM YOUR LOVED ONE

 I know we text, we email and maybe phone.

Fast pace.

But having a collection of letters from my dating years with Adolph are so precious. He was quite a romantic.

If I went away or he did alone without each other, I always wrote- maybe a short note, a postcard and sometimes a letter. Moments in time.

So write messages to your loved one- on the celebratory cards, a note in a lunch, love notes. And keep them.

In moments of grief or sad times they can be a life line!

I do not share private items. But rest assured my letters from Adolph and mine to him mean so much now.

So in the winter of your life the moments continue to be real.

#writtenword#lovelettersmeansomuch#adolphwasaromantic#amomentintime#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

 Happy Valentine's Day to everyone.

An excuse to celebrate and eat chocolate.

Red Roses in demand.

Kids bring cards to school. Little parties.

Wear Red. Wear Pink.

How are you celebrating today?

#valentine'sday#chocolate#redroses#childrenandcards#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- ADAM SHAVER AND MARY CARREL

 Adam Shaver and Mary Carrel were the parents of my ggg grandfather John Stinson Shaver.

Born in New Jersey where a generation of Shavers lived until moving to Ontario.

Adam's father was Frederick Shaver who came with his father in 1765 to America.

I have a book on all the descendants from this line. 

Frederick Shaver- 1747 Germany- Sussex County, New Jersey, 1823 And his descendants by Frederick Howell Shaver- 389-22nd Street S.E. Cedar Rapids, Iowa.It was written in the war period 1939 to 1943.

I will review John's life at another time.

For this post I just want to reflect on a cemetery visit of this couple.

I have pictures and a handwritten note.

June 4/94

I drove around the Pickering/Uxbridge area. It took me awhile to find this cemetery.

Finally I saw a sign. Altona 2km.

Buzzed my mileage and drove.

to visit your g.g.g.grandparents in this tranquil little cemetery was quite moving.

There they were, just waiting. Barb Di Mambro

Covered  with moss. I tried wiping some away. I hope others who visit keep it clean.

                                           

                                       

View across the cemetery.

Genealogy brings many quiet moments of positive reflection.

Sometimes a simple cemetery visit gives good information and a feeling of connection.

#shavercarrelgrandparents#visitingacemetery#altonacemetery#altonachamlet#picturesinacemetery#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WINTER IMAGES

 Snow is pretty if you do not have to drive on snowy roads.

Making a heart in the snow!

Snow on trees can be pretty.

A sunny winter day.

A fence gets snowed.

Evergreen trees with snow in the front yard.

Now to drive somewhere and get landscape type photos/

#winterimages#backyardsnowpictures#makingthemostofwinter#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimabro