SUPPORTING THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING THIS CHRISTMAS

Some years are better than other years.

When it is the first Christmas without a loved one, it can be difficult and challenging.

I remember the first Christmas after my mother-in-law died.

Adolph would sit and watch all the sappy Christmas movies and often with tears in his eyes.

This year will be the first Christmas without my sister Marilee. She died in February unexpectedly.

So remembering my nephews and her grand-daughter will be important. I miss her but I know they will miss her more.

So how to support someone who is grieving? Simple show up. Make a phone call. Send a card. Be available if needed. Talk about their loved one.

Who are you missing this year? Or do you just think about all the people who are no longer here?

#missingsomeoneatChristmas#sadnesscanprevailatChristmas#firstChristmaswithoutmysister#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

 

EMBRACING THE PEOPLE WE MISS THE MOST AT CHRISTMAS

 Christmas can be special for so many reasons.

But missing those who live far away, are serving in the Armed Forces, or who have passed away bring up so many memories.

I remember the first years that my sister and parents had moved away. My Christmas table was so much smaller. So phone calls, cards and letters prevailed. Remember the days before snapchat and other social media ways to keep in touch.

So how to keep the memories alive. 

I have a Christmas photo ornament of Adolph I can see from where I sit in the Family Room.

I have written about many of those memories in the family stories.

So finding ways to remember without being too sad. Finding the joy in those memories is so important.

Giving a toast on Christmas day to all your loved ones here and missing.

What are some ways you have found to embrace your loved ones?

#rememberingthoseweloveatChristmas#honouringthosenolongerwithus#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

HARD TO GET EXCITED WITH CHRISTMAS DECORATING-BIG ITEMS TO USE

 sometimes decorating can be cumbersome.

So find 5 big items in your stash and start there.

The Christmas Tree always takes up lots of room and with lights can be a great start.

I put large Christmas stockings on my fireplace area and adds so much colour and makes the room cozy.

A display of poinsettias always make a room festive.

Garland with lights in a significant place.

Christmas table cloths on all tables make a room colourful.

I so many Santa items. I used to put them all out. Now just 4 large Santas that fills spaces on tables throughout the house..

I do have 2 Christmas trees. One in the family room and one in the living room so with lights makes the house festive.

Some Christmas teddy bears on the couch with red/green/white afghan blankets give the room a fun look.

I just do not have the energy to do hours of decorating anymore. The house is festive enough.

How is your house decorating going?

#fiveitemstomakeyourhomefestive#fastwaysforfestivefun#decoratingthehomewithfestiveitems#poinsettias#christmasstockingsonafireplace#christmastrees

CHRISTMAS PREPARATION

 November is always the start of Christmas preparations.

After Remembrance Day, I begin decorating and putting up the Christmas lights. Now just a small display in my front window on a timer so little work for me. It became too much to put them outside and then having to unplug every night. Now easy peasy.

No Christmas parcels to be sent. Years ago I would have 6 family parcels. Now just cards.

Love a Christmas arrangement on the table.

With the death of my sister, no gift basket to send either.

With the postal strike, I will remain hopeful and do some Christmas cards anyway. If not for Christmas arrival, sometime in the New Year.

I have a stricter budget this year. Some home repairs expenses played into my spending so need to tighten the belt a little but not that much.

How are your preparations going?

#christmaspreparations#tighterbudget#somechristmaslightsareup#christmascards#christmaspresents#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

TORONTO ARGONAUTS-GO TEAM

 Toronto won the Grey Cup and the celebrations were good for all.

A rally in Maple Leaf Square.

Nick Arsenault was so sweet with his two daughters in his arms.

It gives hope that maybe other Toronto teams can win as well.

Go Argos Go.

I remember them winning in 1993 when Adolph and I lived in Thornhill. We got up and hugged after they won.

Memories of time gone by. 

#torontoargonauts#torontohasawinner#torontothegood#funtobeawinner#reflectivethoughsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

TORONTO AND TAYLOR SWIFT-A FUN MOMENT IN TIME

She came. She sang. She conquered

 Not a real Swiftie. But I like many songs

What I liked about the 6 concerts in Toronto was the vibes and the fun atmosphere.

With all the doom and gloom in the world and the recent results of the American election, it was such a nice change in the news.

People were happy. Exchanging friendship bracelets.

Mothers and daughters. Dads and daughters,. Friends.

People came from all over Canada and America and other places.

The large bracelet outside the Rogers Centre for selfies was so much fun for so many.

Streets with Taylor Swift way signs that will be auctioned off to raise money for the Food Bank.

The Toronto Police Horses with a big Swiftie Friendship bracelet around their necks. 

Announcers were being given bracelets by random people in the crowds around the Centre.

I watched from afar as Toronto livened up for one and all. I smiled at my TV a lot. I smiled at the joy.

And the business community sure benefitted from it all.

Yes there were some ticket scammers but all in all it was quite joyous and peaceful for all who came to Toronto.

Come again anytime Taylor. The joy you brought gave all of us a bit boost.

#taylorswift#friendshipbracelets#rogerscentrewithabigtaylorswiftbracelt#torontopolicehorseswithabigfriendshipbracelet#lotsofjoyandfunforfans#torontodidwellwiththe6concersts#taylorswifthadfansfromallovercanada#fanscamefromafar#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

REMEBRANCE DAY 2024-WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO REMEMBER?

 I always attend the Service in Richmond Hill. It is held on the Sunday before Remembrance Day.

So Sunday November 10, 2024 at the Cenotaph.

My program is a little wrinkled from the rain that started midway through the service.

The front design was from a Scout troop. Very pretty design.

What are you doing for Remembrance Day?

#remembranceday2024#attendingaservice#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

REFLECTIVETHOUGHTSBYBARBARA NOW HAS DONE 4000 POSTS

 Hard to fathom that I have done 4000 posts on this blog.

Some whimsical, some thoughtful, some photos ones and several themes.

I try to post every day but sometimes it just does not happen.

I still rarely post a pic of me. On Adolph's blog Granpalovestocook it had many photos of him as I wanted to show him cooking or at a market to keep it authentic.

I don't know that I will change very much of what I say or do. 

Sometimes I have reposted a former post or used similar ideas again.

It is hard to be original. I do have some basic values and themes I like to share.

So I will continue to write as long as I am able to write. And photograph. And see symbolism in the world.

Are there any ideas you would want me to share? Let me know.

#reflectivethoughtsbybarbarareaches4000posts#writingonablog#barbaradimambro#themesformyblog#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS LOVE ATTENDING THOSE GRANDCHILDREN'S GAMES

 Love being at the rink early.

So while waiting a couple of kids from Ty's team came out.

One player after filling his water bottle, turned and saw a family member.

He said Hi Granma and walked over to give her a hug. Such a sweet moment.

My grandsons always give me a hug too. Doesn't matter who is watching.

So watching them play is one thing. Getting that hug is priceless.

#grandsonshockeygames#goingtowatchthekidsplayhockey#gettingahugfromagrandchildispriceless#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro