IN THESE TROUBLED TIMES LET'S BE KIND TO ALL OUR FELLOW CANADIANS

 Like many Canadians I am very angry at all the foolishness coming from America.

The hurt to our workers, families and communities.

For what. Tell me. There is no reason really. 

So America wants to be a fascist state now. Not a democracy.

But to try to bring Canada down. Bring Mexico down. Both nations are stronger than that.

Leave Greenland and Panama alone. They are strong as well.

Ukraine is showing the world the way. We must support them as much as we can.

So with anger comes my need to remember to be kinder. To be kind to everyone I encounter.

Kindness is not weakness. It just brings hope. It brings communities together.

We must carry on. We are strong and free. It may hurt a lot. For four years, maybe. Hopefully not.

We do live in hope that Americans will wake up to the tyranny in their land. And Russia as their ally now.

Kindness to my family. My community. My country.

And to do whatever I can in my corner of the world.

Sending love to everyone.

#ukraine#mexico#greenland#panama#bekindtoeveryone#kindnessisnotweakness#beingangrydoesnotgetusanywhere#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#bestrongandcarryone

MARCH AND ALL THAT IT WILL BRING-CAME IN LIKE A LION, WILL IT GO OUT AS A LAMB

 I think Zelensky is one of the bravest men we will ever know. He stood up to the tyranny in America by confronting the fat guy in the White House.

Canada loves him and want Ukraine to have a fair end to their war.

So with the trade tariffs starting last night at midnight Canada has tighten our seatbelt and we are ready for the rough ride.

March came in like a lion but we are hopeful it will go out like a lamb.

We will be the true north strong and free.

I hope my fellow Canadians and allies around the world, be very strong about the new order that has happened in the world.

America deserting Ukraine and just wanting their minerals is despicable.

I stand for Canada. I stand for Ukraine. I stand for love and freedom.

But if I must fight I will.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. So we are going to make it through all of this hard times.

How about you? How are you feeling about the world and all its calamities right now? If worried be with a loved one?

GASLIGHTING ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE-IMAGINE ACCUSING THE INVADED COUNTRY OF STARTING A WAR

Gas lighting  was seen front and center last Friday in Washington.

Well guys. The world was watching and has called you out.

To gaslight a President for working so hard to protect his country and people.

Wear a suit. You are on a propaganda tour. You didn't say thank you to America.

Well we all saw it and I know I felt so disgusted with the interaction.

Of course the minions in the government thought their guy was great and the one- Velensky was the bad guy.

Disgusting and embarrassing for all that saw it.

Ukraine must be supported at all costs. They are the gateway to Europe.

So call gas lighting out wherever it occurs.

#ukraineneedsourloveandsupport#zelenskyisahero#gaslightingdoesnotwork#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

FEBRUARY 2025 IS A GAME CHANGER FOR THE WORLD

 There is so much uncertainty in the world right now.

Trying to monitor how much social media I watch. It can be so depressing.

Tariffs coming.

Buy Canadian.

What can I do for my grandchildren to help keep the world a safe place for everyone?

Politics has taken over the world. Maybe it always did.

Pray for peace. Love, Compassion. We need all the positive vibes right now.

#februaryanduncertainityinthisworld#needforloveandcompassionandpeace#mustkeeppositivevibesforallmyfamily#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

THREATS MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY-INTERNATIONAL LAW PREVAILS-UNITED NATIONS CHART

 All the talk about Canada's sovereignty has become more than a joke.

So are threats a breech of law.

If I were to threaten someone I could be charged under our laws. 

So a leader threatening another country needs to be charged as well.

I looked up International Law.

"Annexing another country's land without its permission is a violation of the the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the primary source documents of modern International Law."

To stop reacting emotionally, research and learn the laws, the facts. Speak and address issues with intelligence. 

Pick one issue to advocate.

Canada strong and free.

#internationallaw#unitednationscharer#universaldeclaratonofhumanrights#canadastrongandfree#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

FLAG DAY CELEBRATIONS FEBRUARY 15, 2025-CANADIANS CELEBRATING WITH THIER FLAGS EVERYWHERE

 Flag day. February 15, 2025.

It was so cold, even our flag wanted to stay indoors.

#flagdayincanadafebruary15,2025#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#winterincanada#socanadatimetostayindoors

WITH THE SHOCK AND AWE APPROACH-DIVIDE AND CONQUER PICKING AN ISSUE TO ATTACK WILL DEFEAT THAT APPROACH

 With all the current presidential orders and chaos management, it might keep some people looking in every directions.

America has made us aware we are no longer your friend.

There are more of us than them.

So pick an issue. Attack that issue.

For example, the unions can go after the issues in the Auto sector.

Canadians can refuse to buy American but buy from our friendly trading partners like Mexico, Australia, many European countries, South America, well you get the picture. I like some South African wines so Africa is good too.

Go after the laws. Like International Law that says a country can not annex another country. As a member of NATO, United Nations and other alliances, Canada can advocate for its own security and safety.

By the larger community picking off one issue at a time by that group has more power than just sitting and fretting.

Our Canadian leaders are using diplomacy. But we can be bad asses too. So if it tough approaches that are needed than bring them on.

As a Canadian widow, mother, Nana- I have my family to protect. If I protect my family then I am protecting everyone else as well.

We are a polite people. Sorry but we warned you.

#canadastrongandfree#reflectivethoughtsbyaproudCanadian#Americaisnolongerourfriend#stickingupforourrightsincanada#protectingourfamilieshereincanada#wewillnotgiveupourdemocracy

CANADIAN FLAG DAY FEBRUARY 15TH

 February 15 1965 Canada changed their flag to the current red maple leaf.

2016 holding the flag in front of the house.

Attending a Canada day celebration.

Canada Strong and Free as represented in our flag.

#celebratingourflage#canadaday#canadastrongandfree#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BUYING CANADIAN BUT SUPPORTING OUR TRADING PARTNERS LIKE FRIENDLY MEXICO

 I avoided buying sweet potatoes yesterday because they were from the USA,

I found many products from Mexico. Small eggplants from Spain. Bananas are a no brainer as they do not grow in the Cult.

Baked goods and bread are made here.

I went to the liquor store. Canadian, Australian, German and Italian wine. Of course Vermouth from Italy.

I will support local business. I found some new pita chips made by a couple in Southern Ontario.

There are cultist movie stars like Stalon, Gibson and Voight that will not have me as a viewer again.

Even our own Wayne Gretsky is out of my favour as well.

Buying local, buying Canadian and supporting our friendly trading partners. 

How about you? What are you doing?

#buyinglocal#mexicoisafriendlytradingpartner#buyingcanadian#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE, BUT YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER

 America used to be our friend.

I see it as an enemy now. But to keep abreast of all things political we must keep our enemies closer.

Protect your back Canadians. Face south to keep yourselves aware of all the political jargon.

One mad man as we know from many times in history can do great harm.

The world is watching. He needs to be stopped not just reined in. 

#keepyourfriendsclose#keepyourenemiescloser#canadaiswatchingandtakingaction#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

IS ADVOCATING TO ANNEX CANADA A BREACH OF INTERNATIONAL LAW- CAN WE HAVE AMERICA CHARGED

 Blatantly repeating he wants Canada as 51st state and we would be better off.

Horse shit.

Is he breaching International Law as advocating a hostile takeover?

Sounds like war to me.

Can we have him charged on the International stage?

It is not a fight we wanted but most Canadians do not want to be American.

As a member of NATO is America breaching NATO conditions?

We are proud of the true north strong and free.

#nota51ststate#tellthepresidentnothanksinboldletters#doeshebreachinterantionallaw#ifitiswarbringiton#notafightweaskedfor#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#buycanadian

WELL TODAY- THE START TO BUCKLE DOWN AND SUPPORT ALL THINGS CANADIAN

 The trade war has started with the USA. 

So time to be very Canadian and support all things Canadian as well as our other trading partners.

There are many sites popping up to help us know what is truly Canadian, partly made in Canada.

We also need to think about a product that was sourced and made by our Canadian workers.

However, we have some good trading partners like Mexico so blueberries from Mexico would be okay to buy as well.

It may be hard to change a brand for Health or allergy or other reasons.

But if all of us just change maybe 5 products each it would be helping in the short run as well as the long run.

We did not ask for this fight but we are all in.

#buycanadian#boycottamericanproducts#stillhonourourgoodtradingpartnerslikemexico#theworldiswatching#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NOT A RADICAL LEFTIST-BUT I RECOGNIZE A NAZI SALUTE

 I am not a radical leftist but I do recognize hand and sign gestures.

I recognize the significance of them.

The world has seen too much hate. It is not a time to have history repeat itself.

The good in the world needs to prevail.

The far right does not need to overtake the sensibilities of being a moderate thinker.

To respect everyone's rights and needs.

So salute and hand gesture and whatever you think will incite the masses. Remember the masses are not that gullible.

I am also always confused with the name calling of the radical left and woke and whatever derogatory term is given.

It is okay to be very conservative but not okay to be very liberal. Both can exist in the world as long as respect is given.

Just saying.

#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#notaradicalleftist#moderatethinker#notanextremerightisteither#respectingtheopinionsandviewsofothersbutnotbeingapushovereither#wokeisanoverusedword

MEXICO AND CANADA ARE GOOD NEIGHBOURS AND GOOD ALLIES FOR THE WORLD

 So world watch us shine.

Canada and Mexico are not for sale.

We are allies in North America and always have been.

One of my favourite places is Cancun Mexico. And there are so many other places to visit in that beautiful country.

With all the nonsense coming from the USA, it has only made us stronger in our convictions to continue to be good neighbours.

Threats are just that. Play my way or you will not be my friend.

History teaches us to watch our backs and also to see what is coming.

#mexico#canada#alliesfortheworldtosee#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

TOUGH TALK, SHOCK AND AWE-CANADA IS NOT FOOLED MR. PRESIDENT-WE ARE NOT FOR SALE

 Bring on your tariff threats. Bring it on.

Canadians are resilient and strong.

We have survived a lot. We are respected on the International scene.

Well even liked.

We are not folding or cracking nor do we ever want to be Americans.

We like most Americans as friends and allies. 

Even have family members. 

Why make a good thing into a bad thing? We are your neighbours to the North. Mexico to the South.

North America. So much we can do together peacefully. 

So take your Right wing Conservative rhetoric and your Oligarchs and just chill.

And listen to the words of Bishop Budde. Important words.

Canada- Strong and Free!

#STFU#notimpressedMr.President#canadastrongandfree#donotwanttobeamericanever#lovebeingcanadaian#likethingsthewaytheyare#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#canadaisnotforsale

TURNING 75- ALL THE BLESSINGS THAT COMES WITH IT

 75 Blessings and more

 A High School Sweetheart

Being Prom Queen. 

A wedding day to remember.

 A honeymoon to Hawaii

 My BA

 My MSW

 My first job

 Natasha comes along

 Sonya comes along.

Girls get married.

Six grandchildren.

My last job for 16 years in Hospital Social Work.

My travels to Italy, Mexico, USA, England, Israel and across parts of Canada.

Healthy. 

Home.

Lots to eat.

Family and friends.

Being able to write and craft and participate in community events and organizations.

Just being alive. Enjoying life as Adolph would have wanted me to do.

There are just so many blessings to write about. But I think it is better that I just decide to get on living and doing.

#blessingsoflife#somanythingstobegrateful#rememberingthegoodlifethatIhavehad#travelsaregood#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

DEATH IN AMERICA-DOES ANYONE ELSE FEEL THIS WAY?

 Winning by a 50% margin does not mean everyone in America supports the new regime.

Harsh far right thinking is scary. I prefer the middle of the road when both sides can respect the views and opinions of others that do no harm.

Now in America there is a world of do harm.

Basically if someone does not agree with the regime, then harm can be done.

What happened the Right to Free Speech that is embedded in the American Constitution?

I hope and yes pray that advocates for all will continue to have a voice.

I really commend Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde for her sermon on January 21, 2025. It was not liked by the current dictator but it needed to be said.

For me I think she had real balls.

For religious people, Christ taught us to love the weakest amongst us. To do no harm.

In our Canadian Constitution, the rights of all are protected as well.

I feel there will be dark days ahead. But as an optimist it is time to buckle down. Grin and bear it. Do what will bring peace and love to the world while not taking any crap from south of the border.

But I do feel I need to grieve the current situation like a death before moving forward.

Just saying!!

#deathinAmerica#freedomofspeech#americanconstitutionrespectsfreespeech#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#bishopmariannedgarbudde#episcopalianchurch#Christtaughtustolovetheweakestamongstus#canadianconstitutionrespectstherightsofall#gettingreadyforthedarkdaysahead

BE LIKE GHANDI-BOYCOTT THE THINGS YOU DO NOT LIKE

 I did not watch any of the Inauguration January 20th. Martin Luther King Day was more important.

I did not watch any live coverage.

Unfortunately there are always recaps the next day, like today.

I think he is a disaster for the world.

Europe is already buckling down.

Canada is ready to retaliate in a trade war if necessary. 

So not needed.

The conflict in Israel is winding down and hostages are coming home.

 I pray for peace and for God to correct this evil upon us.

#boycottevil#lookforthegoodintheworld#wedonotneedatradewar#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

JANUARY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

 A month of birthday celebrations.

It was Adolph's special day on the 7th.

Both Domi and I celebrate on the 22nd.

Some fun stuff from my birthday celebration for 75 years.

The family also put together a video with extended family sending some good toughts and fun wishes.

And I got to eat some good cake.

#birthdaycelebrations#75yearsyoung#enjoyingmyspecialday#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WHAT TO DO TO HELP SOMEONE IN A CRISIS- SHOW UP!

 What do you need to do to help someone in a crisis?

Show up is often the answer so what does it mean.

Go and see the person. 

Make a phone call. Text. Email.

Bring food.

If it is a natural disaster. Well donate. Money. Clothes. Hygiene products.

Donations to main stream charities are often the easiest as they are the boots on the ground.

If a person needs shelter, offer shelter at your home.

Being with the person or family is often the way to show you really care.

Listen. Don't be an advice giver.

Remember you are showing up to be there for the person, family or situation. It is not about you.

So it there someone who needs you to be in their corner, go ahead show up!

#showupinacrisis#showuptoshowyoursupport#donateinacrisis#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

OH CANADA-STRONG AND FREE

 Oh Canada- strong and free.

America. Not interested. We have many allies worldwide. Part of the British Commonwealth of Nations. GFY.

#canada#strongandfree#canadawithmanygoodandhappycanadians#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#canadiansforastrongerandfreecanada

ON TO BE ON A BEACH IN CANCUN MEXICO

 

Love the place. Love the people.

First trip to Mexico in January 1985. 

Always a wonderful ally of Canada as part of North America.

We are the bread between the meatball in the middle.

#cancunmexico#mexico#northamerica#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaramaydimambro

CRAFTS ON THE GO

 TV watching in my cozy family room is a good time to work on one of my many crafts.

I always have a knitted item, something to crochet and an afghan stitch crochet item.

I have two and a half bins of finished items that I stock pile.

I use them as gifts.

What crafts do you have on the go?

#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#craftsonthego#knitting#crocheting#barbaradimambro

WHY I LIKE TO READ THE PRINTED WORK AND HOLD THAT BOOK IN MY HANDS

 Reading a book has always been part of my consciousness.

With audible books, ereaders some people prefer that way to hear the words.

I like to hold a book in my hands. I can find a favourite place to read. Sometimes the chair in the kitchen by the window for good light. Curled up on the couch in the living room with a warm blanket.

I like the feel of a book. I like to see the printed word.

I discovered years ago I am a visual learner so seeing and not just hearing helps me to remember more.

Perhaps on a road trip, listening to a book would be okay though.

So what is your favourite way to attack a book? Visually or auditory?

#readingabook#listeningtoabook#auditoryisgoodforsomepeople#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WATCHING CBC NEW YEAR'S COVERAGE SHOWED HOW UNITED OUR COUNTRY CANADA REALLY IS

 What does a senior do celebrating New Year's Eve alone.

Well the coverage on CBC that visited Canadian communities coast to coast to coast.

Adrienne Arseneault and Jann Arden in Toronto while Ian Hanomansing and Ali Hassan were in Vancouver.

Canadians proud to be Canadian.

Visitors from the USA and other parts of the world visiting family.

Seeing Newfoundland ring in the New Year. The Maritimes and then Ontario.

The fireworks in Yellowknife. 

The discrepancy in the temperatures. 

No mention of discontent. No divisive talk. 

We really are an united nation. A democracy. We can have our differences but also our similarities.

So 2025 we will show the world how strong we really are.

Happy New Year! And thank you CBC for a wonderful evening of celebration.

#cbc#newyear'scoverage#canadianspiritisaliveandwell#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro