ORANGE SHIRT DAY-MAKE IT COUNT

Every Child Matters.

It is the saying.

Refers to lost Indigenous children.

But it should refer to all children everywhere.

However today, I wear my orange shirt to reflect on Truth and Reconciliation.

To support.

To honour.

To learn from the history to move forward and heal.

#orangeshirtday#wearyoureverychildmatters#reflectionhelpstoheal#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS TO RELATE TO MODERN CHILDREN GET INTO THEIR WORLD

 I love being around my grandchildren.

I love talking with them.

However with their attention to their cellphones and other devices are they really listening?

So I find to relate to them I get into their world!

One example!!

I text them as much as possible. 

Little hellos. 

I know I would rather have a real conversation but during the week or times when we do not see each other a quick text works. They do not want to talk on the phone. 

Of course, liking what they put on Instagram helps as well.

Trying to relate to their music. Who do they like? What are their favourite songs?

Staying in their world.  Then they know Nana loves them.

Then as often as I can I talk about history. They know I love history.

So to one who went to the Leafs game where they were celebrating the 1972 Summit I asked how he liked it. See history does not have to be so dull!!

Relationships are built on sharing and well relating. It does not pay to talk about the good old days. It pays to talk about the now days!! Of course, Nanas are smart about sneaking in some good old days too!

#nanasayshowtorelatetomodernchildren#childrenandcellphones#devicesandnotalking#textingyourgrandhchildren#relatingtoyourgrandchildren#talkingaboutnowandnotalwaysthegoodolddays#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

DOES ANYONE ELSE FIND THE NEWS TOO SAD TO WATCH?

 Hurricane Fiona was so devastating! Made several donations to the region to help the people there.

Iran and the loss of life of a 22 year old for not wearing clothes the way the regime wanted.

The continued war in Ukraine. 

All heartbreaking.

As an empath I find it hard to take it all in.

So I am reducing how much news I want to watch.

I can only feel so sad. 

I try to reach out to people that may have loved ones in stricken areas to see if I can help. 

How about you? Do you find it difficult to watch the news? Does it make you feel sad? Mad? Helpless?

#sadnewsishardtowatch#limitingmynewswatchingfornow#tryingtostaypositivewithallthesadnews#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

FALL TRANSITIONS CAN BRING TRANSITIONS IN MOOD

 Being busy in September can bring lots of fun but also a bit of exhaustion for many people.

Especially parents.

School.

Activities.

For adults all the groups and clubs and dinner planning commences.

But the mood of the Fall and what it brings can also bring heightened anxiety and perhaps depression for some. Fall transitions can bring transitions in mood.

If life is slow, seeing others active and busy may bring to light one's life is well slower.

Not feeling happy about life.

So what to do. Reach out to others.

Be part of some social activities. Even going to a coffee shop for a coffee and spending some time may be a start.

Not everyone wants to be part of a group or clubs but it does help.

Not with Covid restrictions reducing there are more face to face events starting to happen.

If dealing with the loss of a loved one it can make it harder to see others happy. So own it. It is okay not to feel good about it. 

Talk.

Write.

Reflect.

Reach out.

So much sadness in the news does not help either.

How are you feeling this Fall? Do you have enough activities in your life? Why not share some thoughts and we can dialogue?

#falltransitionscanbehard#falltransitions#activitiesdonotalwayschangethemood#moodchangesingtheFall#missingalovedone#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SEPTEMBER ACTIVITIES WITH A FLURRY- ARTS AT THE PLAZA

 A Zoom online meeting.

An in person Historical Society meeting. It was so good to meet with people again and have a conversation.

An art event that the Arts Council sponsored and only supported a table. Not much work involved for the day.

Just friendly chatter and greeting people.

It was the lull before the storm. It was a good crowd.

#richmondhillartscouncil#artwalkrichmondhill#artattheplaza#richmondhillcentrefortheperformingarts#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

FALL FOOD KEEPS GIVES US COMFORT-PAPA'S STEW

 

                                                                    (Photo by Sonya Kerr)

                                                               (Photo by Sonya Kerr)

On the Granpa Loves to Cook blog there is a post on Italian stew by Adolph.

The photo on it was not very good. My food pictures have improved! 

Sonya made the stew and provided me with better photos.

You can follow her on House of Kerrs.

House of Kerrs

I love that Sonya has taken up the torch of her Dad's cooking and using many of his recipes along with her variety and diverse meal plans.

Adolph's post can be found on the March 25, 2012 post entitled Spezzatino Di Manzo

Granpa Loves to Cook

#papa'sstew#italianstew#sonyaandgranpalovetocook#usingAdolph'srecipes#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

HELLO FALL-MY OLD FRIEND

 Okay. 

I hate to see the end of summer.

Mine this year was not special. I did not do a lot so it makes for more sadness.

Fall arriving does seem like a slap in the face.

However, with weather being warm enough. And sunny most days it has been tolerable.

So Fall can be embraced.

Pumpkins. Squash. Apples. Some of the delights of the season.

Maybe a farm trip or two with family for a half day outing.

Or I might grab my camera and take copious pictures. Or not. When I look at my photo files how many pictures of pumpkins do I need??? LOL

But I am trying to stay positive. Some days it is a stretch. I guess I did tell you I hate this widow thing.

I miss Adolph every day.

So making my life matter and enjoying the life God has given me takes energy and perseverance. 

So I have decided yes Fall will be my friend until Winter will become my friend too.

Taking each season and embracing what it has to offer.

Doing it for the team!!

How about you? Do you like Fall?

#fallismyfriend#enjoyingandembracingfall#pumpkins#squash#apples#afarmtriportwo#takingfallphotos#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BOOMER BARBARA ROCKS RETIREMENT-DOING ACTIVITIES IN MANAGEABLE STAGES

 I know. 

We see older people doing amazing feats. Marathons. Biking kilometers. Weight lifting.

Living in their homes until they are 105 years old.

Well you get the picture.

However for many the energy level is not the same as in our youth. Not a tragedy but often just a fact.

So all my skills of breaking tasks into manageable parts have served me well as I age. 

For example, preparing for a large holiday dinner, I begin the preparations further in advance. I try to make sure all the ingredients are in the house. 

For Thanksgiving it coincides with some Fall cleaning. Actually an excuse to clean after enjoying the summer months. But slowly and methodically. 

The transition between summer and fall. One leaf at a time.

Also taking the time to enjoy the last colours of the summer season during that transition.

I find I do not want to be running around the days before any big event so I do a walk so to speak.

The list is made in advance and the items added as I go along.

Decluttering the corners where the dinner will occur start slowly too. If I am cleaning and sorting I want it to have several functions- getting ready for the dinner and cleaning the house.

I also believe I do not need to impress anyone. My family are happy to be able to join together and celebrate.

So going at activities with a consistent pace but not strenuous gets the workload done.

And of course that outside work is always staring me in the face.

Do you find as you age that many activities are just boring? And the boredom factor kicks in!!

So I am not always sure if it is the energy level or the boredom factor!!

What do you think?

#boomerbarbararockretirement#doingactivitiesinmanageableparts#conservingmyenergylevel#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

A WEEK OF CONDOLENCE BOOKS

 A condolence book for the Queen at the City Centre in Richmond Hill.

Two Police Officers killed in the GTA days apart. 

So a little walk to the Police Station to sign two condolence books for the officers.

Feeling a little sad about it all.

#sadforfallenofficers#booksofcondolencesforqueenandfallenofficers#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS THE OLDEST CHILD ENTITLEMENT SYNDROME-DOES IT STILL EXIST

 If your are royalty then the oldest prevails.

In many families most children are all considered equal.

However there are a few that still believe, " I am the oldest so I am entitled!

But entitled to what??

Having that mentality has destroyed families!

I know in my family system it has been problematic.

Whether a girl or a boy, all children need to be valued!!

So does the syndrome still exist? What do you think>

#oldestchildsyndrome#everychildhasvalue#isanyonereallyentitledtomorethanasibling#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CONDOLENCES, PHOTOS OF FLAGS AND THOUGHTS, LOTS OF THEM FOR THE QUEEN

 Watching the throngs of people throughout Britain celebrating the Queen it is overwhelming.

I watched the Service of Thanksgiving from Scotlan.

Over the last few days, wrote 3 online condolences.

Flags at half mask in front of Richmond Hill Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Flags at half mask in front of the Library.

Flags at half mask at the Police Station on Major Mackenzie near Yonge Street.

Flags at half mask in front of the Fire Station on Major Mackenzie across the street from the Police Station.

Flags at half mask in front of the Municipal building on East Beaver Creek Richmond Hill.

The Book of Condolence in the front lobby of the Municipal Building.

Just my little gestures to honour the Death of Queen Elizabeth II. 

#flagsathalfmask#honouringtheQueen#onlinecondolences#condolencebookattheMunicipalOfficeoneastbeavercreek#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11TH-21 YEARS LATER

 We all remember where we were when we started to see the events of September 11th unfold.

Tash and I were on the phone all day.

Adolph was in Italy with Sonya settling her in University in Milan on her student exchange.

Glued to the TV for several days.

Seeing the hurt and tears.

Seeing the care and compassion of the community.

Feeling for New Yorkers.

Watching the Tribute show on TV on the Friday night.

Still raw for some who lost family members.

Seeing the historical events that unfolded in the aftermath.

So where were you?

What are your memories and reflections?

#septemeber11th#911#rememberingthathorribleday#feelingfornewyorkers#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

THE LAST PHOTO-WE ALL HAVE ONE OF A LOVED ONE

 A news event. The photographer who took the last photo of the Queen two days before her death.

She looked frail.

So how about you? 

What is your last photo of your loved one?

Mine of Adolph is when Allie-his youngest granddaughter visited and reached out her hand to him.

One day and a half before he died. It lets me see how frail he was too!!

A picture of the goodies his girls brought him for Father's Day!!

I have a picture of my mother-in-law holding the Italian flag in 1998 as it was World Cup time.

I take lots of photos as I do not know when it will be the last one of someone and even me.

Lots of birthdays and cake. Outings. Parks. Well the little activities of life.

I find those photos sustain me in life. 

Apparently go figure someone studied and found looking at pictures of loved ones or previous events are calming.

Really there needed to be a study to talk about the impact of photos. 

Do you have some favourite photos of your loved ones?

#lastphotosoflovedones#lastphotoofthequeen#shelookedfrail#foodforfather'sday#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

QUEEN ELIZABETH II-THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOUR LIFE

 Many people will say many things about this remarkable woman.

May she rest in peace. May she be with her Phillip.

Thank you for your service.

Thank you for your life.

#queenelizabeth11#thequeendies#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SEPTEMBER IS MOVING ALONG-SCHOOL IS IN

 I watch the news with all the children returning to school.

Melts my heart.

Pictures of my grandchildren on first day of school.

I posted a memory picture of my girls in 1983 on the first day of school.

Meetings gearing up. Or should I say revving. 

There are some community events this week I hope to attend.

Birthdays coming up. Always love the idea of cake. Especially with family.

The garden has those end of season pollinator plants- golden rod, asters, black eyed susans.

So how is your September going?

#september2022#september#septemberandschool#schoolisin#septemberbirhdays#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

LABOUR DAY MONDAY-ISN'T EVERY DAY FULL OF LABOUR?

 Okay. I know it is about the Labour movement and solidarity for the workers.

For us here in Ontario and even Canada it is about a day off before the children go back to school.

After Covid shutdowns, the start to school is delayed by a couple of days. Starting the Thursday instead of the Tuesday.

For most workers it is a short week. I loved 4 day weeks. I always wished I could work longer hours and have regular 4 day weeks.

Now with retirement it doesn't make a difference!!

So workers of the country enjoy the day off or for most it is labour- preparing for the school year, preparing for September, working in the garden, well you know what labour is don't you?

#labourday#labourdaymonday#labourisjustwork#enjoyingadayoff#4dayworkweek#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS THE STRESS OF BACK TO SCHOOL- FROM THE LITTLE ONES TO THE BIG ONES IS DAUNTING

 Two of my grandsons are starting High School. They are apprehensive. The parents are apprehensive. And well the Nana too!!

Each child starting a new school year brings excitement and can be a little scary. Each child's experience is unique to that child.

For Special Needs children it means all the ts must be crossed and dot the i!!

For children that are now new adult like children going away to College or University can be daunting financially as well as emotionally for all concerned. For the students it is like having their own place. For the parents a new experience.

I can not speak for those experiencing back to school this Fall. I can speak to my experiences and the feelings entailed.

I had children transferred to two different schools when we moved to Richmond Hill from Thornhill.

Then the girls went to two separate High Schools. Hard to remember if it was hard. I know it was not easy.

Their friends were from two different groups of people. 

The hardest Fall was when Sonya went away to university. My mother-in-law had died late July of 1998.

So packing the university kid's stuff and racing down the 401 on Labour Day to check into Rez was daunting to say the least. When we returned home I went to her bedroom and looked at it. It felt like someone had died. It was such a depressing feeling. It was necessary for her to grow and change.

Yes back to school means different things to different people. Most parents are glad to have their children back in school

After Covid closures it means even more to everyone. Hope that activities and sports start up so children can feel they have a normal like life.

To stay in school. To like their teacher or professor. To make new friends.

My experience at university was hard. My boyfriend went away to another university. There were 10,000 students. It was a little scary. So the first class I sat down and introduced myself to the two girls sitting on either side of me. I had thought I don't know many people as only a few of my high school acquaintances were going to York. So new friends made. 

Yes it is the Fall of 2022. But feelings of fear, belonging, will I look geeky, will I make new friends still prevail.

For my grandchildren, they can always talk to their Nana if needed.

To all the children, young adults, parents and yes the support team- aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents all the best for the new school year!!

How are you feeling about back to school?

#backtoschool2022#stressofbacktoschooldauntingforparentsandchildren##childrenbacktoschoolthefallof2022#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

DANCING GURDEEP FROM THE YUKON

 Anyone else following Gurdeep and his dancing of joy.

He is in New Brunswick right now and dancing with locals.

What I love is the simple concept of dancing for joy and positivity!

Maybe he will pass through Richmond Hill. A selfie may be in the works.

Dance Gurdeep dance!!

#dancinggurdeep#dancingforjoy#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WHAT ARE 5 THINGS TO DO?SEPTEMBER GOALS 2022!

 September is the month of starting up.

Summer dog days are gone.

1.Meetings start up. Schedules begin to crowd the calendar.

One of my groups has a lot of reading to do before the meeting. Glad I finished my 10 books of summer reading.

2. Garden cleanup is slow and methodical. Depends on mood and weather. If garden wet then have to do another day.

3. Fall cleaning is the same. Slow and methodical. One drawer. One corner. One closet. Mood to declutter and sort is ongoing.

4. Writing. Have an article I want to submit for a competition. So working on the final touches.

5. Connecting with friends and acquaintances. Making dates. Sleepovers with grandchildren. 

Then the unplanned surprise goals. Will there be a farm visit?

A walk on a trail?

An unexpected tag along with my daughter on a sponsored event?

Phone calls. Emails to family.

And of course write that Christmas 2022 list and see what I have already to send to loved ones.

Goals are good. Gives me a chance to get things done that have meaning in my life.

#5thingstodoinseptember#gettinggoinginseptember#gardencleanup#fallcleaning#writingandmorewriting#socialconnectionsareimportant#communitygroupsandactivities#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WELCOME SEPTEMBER! THE MONTH OF BUSY!!

 With the number of meetings and activities posted for September, it feels busy already.

Lots of reading for one meeting.

Promoting another meeting.

Attending one in person again. Yay!!

Did some yard work of cutting back the jungle in the backyard.

So two birthdays to celebrate with family.

How about your plans for the Month of September?

Of course back to school is always stressful for parents and kids.

#Septemberwillbebusy#lotsofmeetings#busyseptember#familybirthdays#kidsbacktoschool#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro