LABYRINTHS-FROM ANCIENT TO MODERN TIMES

Sometimes a day trip for one reason allows an unique discovery. In June during an adventure to Cambridge, Ontario to visit the farmer's market for a photo journal story for Adolph's blog, I discovered this garden. Initially I thought it to be a maze.

With a little internet research about the garden in Cambridge, I discovered it was a labyrinth. Known in history from the palace of King Nestor in Pylos in southern Greece from c. 1200 BCE. they are known to us.  Even Pompeii had some fragments of a labyrinth. Found in many places in the world and even among the Hopi and Pima peoples they have been around for centuries. Sometimes associated with the journey of the soul or a metaphor for an individual's journey through life they are therapeutic. A labyrinth has a winding path that leads to the centre and will take you back out. A maze tries to confuse the person and he/she must solve the puzzle to reach the centre and get out again.

What is interesting is there is a whole network of labyrinths throughout Ontario- some private, some public, some by invitation. In downtown Toronto, there is one behind the Eaton Centre accessed by Bay Street and open 24/7. Why a resurgence? Self-awareness and spiritual growth said the author of the site I read. Some have 7 paths which is the classical or cretan and some have 11 paths like the Chartres Cathedral in France. 

Do you have labyrinths where you live? Churches can have them now. Some hospitals use them to aid in rehabilitation. Meditation, reflection and exercise can be achieved. I stopped to take a picture of this beautiful Anglican church. Sometimes a journey for one thing does reveal another wonderful discovery. So when I jump in and out of the car snapping pictures wherever I go, I find possibilities for growth. Or do they find me?

A QUIET PLACE TO THINK

We all need to quiet our energy and our thoughts periodically so we can think. So we can touch our inner feelings. And if we are lucky connect with our soul.

Whether a single bench in a pretty garden or by the water sharing our space with some water fowl, thinking can bring thoughts, images and ideas. I always take a little notebook or paper and pen. If artistic, sketching what you see can bring images. Camera in hand can record those images as well.

Even a long leisurely drive on our favourite country roads can inspire us. I like driving by the farmer's fields too.

If wanting to pray, of course, we can do it anywhere! Where do you go to quiet your energy? A church? A corner of your garden? On a drive? By the water? On top of your favourite hill?

A WEEKEND OF COOKING

Easter brought its share of cooking and eating. Families together for various meals. Church, egg hunts, and lots of dessert. Rebirth, renewel and review are some of the concepts that come to light for many. For some it is just a weekend off from work. For many family cooks it is a busy time making ham, lamb or turkey depending on your own family traditions. My husband Adolph decided to make some traditional Ciociaria foods. One food he made was Canascione- an Easter treat from that region in Italy. You can read about it at http://granpalovestocook.blogspot.com/ How was your weekend of celebrating. Was it eventful?
Our Easter treat has cheese, egg noodle and sausage in some.

It was baked then cut into pieces and served as an appetizer. As the cook's assistant I cleaned the kitchen afterwards. Do you have a favourite recipe to share with Adolph?

#canascione#eastertreatfromciociaria#reglectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#adolphlovedcanscione#adolphmadecanscione#granpalovestocook#sausagecheeseinthecanascione

A POSTCARD FROM BARCELONA SPAIN

While tidying my folks' home with other family members,  I discovered many cards, letters and of course- postcards. What a delight to have a whole new supply and messages to share with readers. Mom and Dad attended many churches over the years and were friends with pastors and missionaries. This card from the beautiful city of Barcelona reflects one such friendship.

" June 23/99
Our thoughts were with you even as we enjoy Spain. Spent 5 days in Madrid seeing much of the city. Gordon took sick to his stomach and unable to eat on Friday night, Saturday &, Sunday. He was supposed to speak at the church on Sunday. However, Dick prepared a message on Saturday &, spoke on Sunday with an interpreter! We left Madrid on Tuesday and we are in Barcelona. It's a beautiful city and a very old city with lovely buildings, cathedrals, great sea-shore and many interesting things to see. Hope you're feeling much better Maisie & your back is healing. Love to you both. Dick & Doris"

Spain with its rich history and culture is sure a wonderful place to see. Sonya was in Spain at the end of her High School years with a group of friends. It was home to the Olympics years ago.

If you want a postcard featured here, email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you my address so you can send me a postcard.

GRAFITTI- LOVE IT OR HATE IT!

I happen to like grafitti- if it is tastefully done. No swear words, no racial slurs, no provocative pictures.There is a debate locally to fine those who do grafitti. If I had a building- which I do not- I would invite local artists to compete and allow the best drawing in my mind to be done. It makes dull brick walls interesting and does draw people to your location. It started with cave paintings- perhaps they were just grafitti too! What do you think- art or nuisance? Have you ever painted a rock near a highway? The side of a building? A sandwalk? Of course, not a church, synagogue or any religious place or in a cemetery. Even grafitti artists should have class and manners! And respect!

MORE OLD WITH THE NEW

Outside the National Gallery in Ottawa is this spider sculpture. Fun to see, walk under and take pictures. I love this shot because it dwarfs the church in the background. Blending old buildings with new ideas is like life. We use the experiences we have to take on the new aspects of our life.Is life imitating art? Or is art imitating life?