OUR PRESENCE HELPS FILL THE ROOM

Adolph and I went to our bank's grand opening last night. They had moved the branch to a bigger location. Ate some munchies, listened to some speeches and congratulated the team on the event. We try to attend as many social events- large and small- well to help fill the room. Too often it is easy to say, no time to go or the event is not that important. It is important to the person hosting the event. I have given parties where the excuses for not attending are always interesting. Even the girls' weddings had some last minute cancellations or people who just forgot to respond to the wedding invitation. We went to a funeral home visitation of an elderly person recently. For the family, it meant so much to be able to say how many people attended in honour of the loved one. For me, there is an honour to be on someone's list of invitees. When others have been there for me, it is kind to be there for someone else. Do you attend social events? Do you try to fill the room? Have you been disappointed when hosting an event with the excuses from those who did not come?

DIED TOO YOUNG TO BE BORED

I read about a young athlete who died at 23. My first thoughts were she died too young to be bored with life. One of the blessings of living a long life is to enjoy the life. We all have moments that are ordinary and think we are missing out on something. What the something may be is personal to the individual. We may think someone leads a more exciting life than our life. In honour of those who were denied the opportunity to marry, have children, work at a job for years, retire, travel- let us stop and really love what we have. I have known people who died and did not get to see their grandchildren, for example. Have few regrets. Frank Sinatra's song- Regrets I've had a few- could be a good mantra! Boredom is a great motivator to do the things you want to do. Are you bored today? Do you have activities in your life that seem boring? Can you turn the boredom into a moment of self revelation? Can it spur you to do the activity with some joy or to do a different activity? We all have to do many daily tasks that are routine. Can we make those routine tasks part of happy living? What do you think?

THE DAFFODIL

Is the April symbol for cancer and hope. It actually grows in the garden closer to May. Daffodils are just one of many Spring bulbs that are anticpated with joy every year after a long winter. Laying dormant under the snow, they come alive at the same time every year. We take so much for granted in our lives. Nature sure does have a way of keeping us humble. Bulbs pop through the ground when they are ready. Birds arrive from the south on cue. Butterflies flock back to us. The cycle of life that comes alive in the Spring. How is your garden growing? Are you watching for the arrival of the Spring growth? Do you ever marvel at the rhythm of nature?

NANA SAYS BABYSITTING CAN BE FUN

What better way is there to experience the grandchildren! Babysitting and helping the moms and dads with a break. Spent Saturday with one twosome at my house in the morning with some outdoor time and Saturday night with the other twosome at their house. Loved the moments of cuddling a baby to sleep. The 3 year old wanted story time sitting on Nana's lap. Grandparents are the backup teams in so many families. Children benefit from the unconditional love that is provided. Do you have grandparents in your life? Do the little ones relish the time spent with them?

FAMILY BIRTHDAYS

Are an excuse to get together and celebrate with food and fun. Catch up on recent events, have a laugh, eat and have the proverbial birthday cake with pictures. Hug the kids and grandkids! The precious moments that make a life. Here's to birthdays and other celebrations! Are you or someone you know celebrating today? Take lots of pictures and enjoy!

THE SOUNDS OF SPRING

Start with the return of the Song Birds. When I was walking to work this week, I started to notice the chirping in the trees again. It is lovely to hear the songs of birds in Ontario. Some species include the Robin, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, Sparrows of several varieties, Yellow Goldfinch, Cardinal, Chickadee, Baltimore Oriole and of course the Red Winged Black Bird. Blackbirds and Grackles are prolific too. There is something in the Song Birds morning greeting that reassures Spring is really here even if the weather stays cool. Welcome back my little friends! Do you have birds that bring some joy to your day?

WELCOME TO APRIL

And April Fools' Day. It is also time to buy that daffodil in memory of those you loved who died from cancer. We can also help the Canadian Cancer Society that provides many services to people living with cancer.