WHAT RESULTS WOULD YOUR RIPPLES BRING?

We all can throw a rock in the water and watch the ring of ripples.The bigger the rock, the bigger the splash! Or speed in a boat and the wash from it can move out and make waves! Ever been in a canoe when a speed boat goes by and get rocked! The smart canoeist knows to steer into the wave. But do you think about you as the rock or the wave and the impact you may make in life or in other people's lives! What would your ripples in the water make? The teacher may have a student return and thank for the knowledge imparted or to tell you were the worst teacher ever! The child may love the parent who raised him or her or want to flee because of the bad parenting! Friends may stop calling because your ripples are toxic or there are lifelong friends that wish they could see you more. If I thought about my ripples, I do have several answers. My children tell me I am a good mother and my grandchildren seem to like me! There have been patients or clients or families I have encountered years later that approach with fondness.  But I do think of things I have done and wish I had done differently- should I worry about those ripples! A harsh word! Actions untaken! Avoiding a conflict! Walking away from an opportunity! Life's ripples come with consequences! We all accept the consequences of our actions- no matter how well intended! So do we jump in the water and continue to make ripples or do we stand safely on the shore afraid to act! What the hell! Life is too short, I think I will jump in and make some more ripples! What are you going to do?

NANA SAYS CHILDREN LOVE EASTER AND PASSOVER

Both religious holidays fall at the same time this year. Children can learn about the wisdom of the lessons we celebrate. For Christians, the story of Jesus and his love for us. For Jews, the wisdom of God through Moses and the celebrations at the Seder dinners. It is a time to teach our children, regardless of the strength of our faith and conviction the positive aspects of the stories celebrated. There are Easter books for young children. Reading from the Bible or the Torah directly are good activities too. May the blessings of the season find you! For those from other faiths come and learn and share your wisdom!

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE PRESERVER?

As we look at the picture, what images do you see about safety? As we go about our day, we all have safety nets. Seat belts in cars. Life preservers in boats. Obeying traffic laws. The lure of the water but to go safely!

ROAD TRIP FEVER

As the weather is becoming consistently warmer, I have the urge to plan some road trips for the next few months. Here in Ontario there are many quaint and interesting communities to explore for a few hours, have a lunch and come home. Of course, take lots of photographs to use in my blog!! Lately with everything that has been happening, I feel a little "boxed in". The call of the road, a little adventure, to see something new. Really I would love to see Paris in the springtime- on my bucket list- but can not afford a big trip anywhere so the road trips- a day jaunt or an overnight to spend in a hotel, are my priority right now. I should just take a map and draw a circle of places within an hour or two from home. And go! There are still some country roads near home that are easy to drive but I can do that anytime. There are other interesting roads to explore with rock formations making the drive picturesque.  If you are the passenger and with a high speed setting on your camera you can take picutres as you "fly" along the road! Do you have the urge to travel? Do you have favourite places to visit close to home? Pack a picnic lunch or visit your usual cafe!

SPRING IN THE CITY

Nothing brightens up a city street like trees and flowers. The beautiful green against brick is a contrast of nature and man made buildings. Most Canadian cities have a mandate to plant trees to help keep greenspaces. Do you have a favourite city park you enjoy? Do you have a favourite street you like to walk?

HAVING FAITH IN THE PROCESS

Love, hope and faith but the greatest of these is love! So we are told. Faith takes courage. It takes believing in the process. Believing in something outside ourselves. Faith to take the steps needed to move forward. Faith that there will be a better day after the dark days. Faith in each other- how a relationship works. Faith in God. Faith in your friends. But most of all faith in yourself. If you believe in yourself, then others can believe in you too. Not over the top extraordinary, just ordinary. Faith to get through each day with the courage to do the best you can. Some days it will be minimal effort while others will give you the strength of an army. Faith can be your ally in troubled times. Do you have faith? If you are dealing with a troubled time, will it help you get through to the next step? Do you have any stories about a time faith pulled you through?

A POSTCARD FROM BELGUIM

My folks received many postcards from friends over the years. I found this one postmarked from Belguim but is actually from the Moulin Rouge- a painting by Jean-Denis Malcles.

It was dated Feb. 5, 1999- Oostkamp, Belguim. " Dear Mae &Elli: Well here it is Feb. and we are still in Europe. Have been to many beautiful cities. Paris & Vienna being 2 of our favorites. We have spent a lot of our time in Belguim, everyone here has been so kind & generous. We have been taken is like we where family, not the 2 complete strangers that we where when we arrived on the doorstep of the cousin of Ava who is looking after the practice at home. We have seen the Louve and Mona Lisa amongest other masterpieces and Vatican City in Rome were I think God must live. So many good people, good food, good wine. We are both well as we hope this finds you. Love Linda * P.S. how was the cruise, did you see my friend the waiter?"

Don't postcards give a little snapshot of a person's life? 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.