THERE'S BEAUTY IN DARK PLACES

Do you ever walk through a forest and find beauty in the darkest corners? In the ocean's depths there are interesting creatures. Caves have their life forms. We need light but some do survive in darkness. There will be dark times in our lives but nature tells us to keep going and find our way!

#there'sbeautyindarkspots#fernshidemanybeautifulitemsofnature#reflectivethoughtsbybybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS SEPTEMBER BRINGS STRESS TO PARENTS

No matter how organized about preparation for the day and coordinating the lessons, September is a time to readjust to new grades, new schedules at work, lessons for the children and family obligations. Giving yourself time to adjust takes patience that often is difficult with the daily demands and whines of children! Slow down when you can! Make dinner a time to ask everyone how their day went! Or you can make it on the run like everything else and keep the pressure going! Have a midweek treat! Rely on the support team like the grandparents! Take it like everything else, one day at a time! The morning rush when children can be annoying with fighting and forgetting things or needing to pee at the last moment is painful! Try and Nana knows it is difficult to have patience. Even starting the routine leaving 15 minutes earlier than needed can give a breathing period if things get bogged down! Forgive yourself for not being a perfect parent! Yes, other parents may look as if they are managing better than you but stop looking at them and know you are doing the best job possible. Every time you think there has been a negative moment, hugs, I love you and we'll have time together later can help ease the moment! Some one said parenting is one of the toughest jobs so know your choice to have a family and raise those children was an honourable one! You will get through the day and the week, finding the positive, loving moments to enjoy! Like bedtime when the little ones are asleep and do look angelic!

A DAY TO REMEMBER-SEPTEMBER 11

As the news stations show clips of that day, we all have our memories and stories of what we were doing, where we were and the fears for those we loved. Some of us saw the Towers coming down live while others caught it on other news clips. Through the years there have been documentaries on the other stories that happened that day like the boats and ferries that evacuated people from New York City. The Principal that walked her students to safey. And even a movie or two about some of the background stories. Now we are thinking about those who have suffered lung disease, PTSD and cancer from being first responders. The ramifications of the conflicts that followed and continue to affect us are the legacy. As we all reflect on that day, may we continue to live in hope of a peaceful world!

LOOKING ACROSS THE LAKE

The shore invites us to stand and look across to the other side. Who lives there? What stories can be told from this location? Checking out the vegetation! What fish or other little creatures abound in the water? Do you sit by a shoreline in your location and reflect on the images presented? Do you photograph? Write a poem? Do your grocery list? Sometimes just listening to the noises can be very reflective! The sound of the water! The sound the wind makes through the trees! Look closely at the photograph and tell me what do you see, hear and think!

#lakescugog#ballpoint#mariposatownship#ballpointmariposatownshipkawarthalakes#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

THE SUMMER OF 2012 IS ENDING

And Fall is coming. While walking this morning, the crisp, cool air was a reminder of the last days of summer. Although almost two weeks to go, most people have summer finished already. For some reason, I am not minding the change. Usually a summer groupie, I can feel depressed with its conclusion! Not this year! Perhaps it is the planning to complete some projects, clean the messy parts of my house and prepare for an October guest! Or knowing like all the other seasons, it will roll around again! I am also trying to embrace whatever month it is as well as doing activities with meaning! I am dragging my husband to various locations so we can research ideas for his blog and mine. Plus lots of photographs! With the cooler temperatures, I found myself kniting yesterday trying to finish a simple vest for the cold days ahead! I even made some Grape jam for Adolph- his favourite! I am learning to stop and really take in what is around me in a peculiar way! I am also thinking about people who have left this world this year! How to honour the memories! And of course, have added the blankets back on the bed that were sidelined with the hot weather. Really it is just a month-September! But it brings that transition to the busy lives we all lead! Like the motors at the race track- rev your engines, it is time to start!

A POSTCARD FROM PARIS FRANCE

Paris- the city of love! I found some postcards in my collection from this beautiful city.

Although many people I have known have travelled to this city. I only found one postcard from an old work colleague who went on a trip there in the 1990s.
"My dear Mukibaumers! I miss you all! Sending my best wishes from this interesting city. I have seen all that stuff on the care and more! Going to south of France tomorrow to relax-Take good care-see you soon> P.S. To my groupx XOXOXOXOXOXXX Margaret"

Although I have enjoyed my summer trips to various locations in Ontario, Paris is still high on my bucket list to visit. Eh bien- perhaps in the Springtime.
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.

STEERING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Do you ever get off course? Do you ever need some help steering in the right direction for you? Sometimes we need to stop and see where we are going. Review our manifest! Set new goals! Decide are we going into shark infested waters or staying close to shore! Everyone needs their own steering wheel! Do you have one?