AN INTERFAITH SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE

I always liked ecumenical services. As a child, Good Friday was shared by the different church groups in Thornhill and I attended many.  When my children were in Brownies and Guides, there was a service on Thinking Day in February each year with all the faith groups in Thornhill participating. So watching the service on TV in Newtown Connecticut, Sunday December 16, 2012, it was fitting that all faiths in the community came together to honour and mourn the losses. In times of great tragedy the love of a greater being- God does bring comfort. The politicians take the same seat as the community. Together was the message. When we reach out together, we can get through many things. Families together, community together supporting each other. As we continue to enjoy the Christmas season, let us come together and be there for each other- especially our children!

A POSTCARD FROM SANTA'S WORKSHOP

Bracebridge, Ontario has a year round Santa's Workshop. It helped the town survive when a new highway diverted traffic from the town.

Santa gets some help from the local White Tailed Deer. Real Reindeer live further north. Of course, Santa must return to the North Pole after his summer vacation in Bracebridge, Ontario. No postcard from the North Pole so this one has to do!

GIVE A HUG TO CONNECTICUT

There are no words to describe the terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School- Friday December 14, 2012. Like President Obama said- Our hearts are broken! To all in that community, we send our love and prayers!

A CHRISTMAS BLANKET

Christmas time allows us to bring out all our festive things. Christmas colours-red, green and white- add to any room. My crocheted Christmas blanket hides the blue of the couch and even is good a coverup for an afternoon nap. It was fun to make allowing a different crochet stitch on each row. Different shades of green show the variety. Mexico and Italy have similar colours in their flags so if needed can be used for their occasions!!!! I just like it as it gives a change to the room and is practical at the same time! Perhaps it is time to start another one while I sit by the Christmas tree. What do you think?

HOW TO MAINTAIN PRIVACY IN A MODERN WORLD!

With all the social media, allowing credit card companies to know our financial business and sharing our lives, it is difficult to maintain real privacy. Some people allow their lives to be open books to everyone while others only try to share only with certain friends and family. Trusting that your confidence will not be broken is very important. Loose lips sink ships is my motto! If I do not share what someone has told me with anyone, then I can not be part of a gossip circle. If asked a question, simple answer- don't know! There is power with knowledge! Don't you love it when new information comes out- " I knew that all along" will come from those in your life who like to know everything about everyone. Well who cares! Eventually, new news becomes old news. As a social worker, confidentialiy is paramount. So work colleagues and friends will share concerns and information in a safe way! So are you a trusted friend? Do you like to maintain your own privacy about certain aspects of your life? Do you like to be an open book for all to see? Privacy, private thoughts and confidentiality are interesting concepts in this modern world!

NANA SAYS HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN STRIKE ACTION TO YOUR CHILD?

As the teachers' rotating one day strike arrives in York Region- the area above Toronto- Thursday Day 13, the dilemma is explaining to a child that the teachers will not be working. Little children may only see the teachers are angry with them. Parents who have been scrambling to find day care or needing to take a cherished vacation day to stay home to be with their children can not help but be annoyed. Children feel the annoyance and want to love Mommy and Daddy and like their teacher. There is really little sympathy for the strike from the community of parents! Will teachers with their own children need to take them on the picket line? Strike action of any kind always leaves bad feelings for time to come. Having lived through TTC strikes in Toronto, especially the summer of 1974- 3 weeks- ridership was down. The working to rule has stopped many needed activities at the schools. High School students needing sports' activities to be scouted by college and universities may miss out on much needed scholarships. So what to tell our children! How to keep the conversation fair is not easy! Parents have a tough job in explaining! Honestly, I do not have any answers. Grandparents throughout the region are available tomorrow to help their working children!

A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS CENTERPIECE

With all the wonderful ideas for Christmas decor, simple can be just as pretty. Always conscious of safety and wanting to use candles at an upcoming dinner party, this simple centerpiece was created. Using my resources at hand, I think it turned out rather well! What do you think? Have you created projects for the festive season? Recycling old Christmas decorations, ribbons and other odds n ends can make your home cozy and warm!