IS CHANGE AS GOOD AS A REST?

There is that saying- change is as good as a rest! But anyone going through a change may not feel that way. The planning, the doing, the going forward are always a wee bit stressful! The end of the change when one can rest may be okay. The process however is not very restful but actually stressful. So dig in, get through it then find a chair for the rest or the rest of it. Are you going through any changes lately?

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE THE MORE THEY REMAIN THE SAME

The French version is- Plus ca change, plus ca la meme chose! or something like that. I learnt this phrase in my youth. It really makes sense now. A new manager and all the changes that over time look like the same old. Amending old principles! History teaches us that history repeats itself- it's just human nature. So why this phrase today- family in Alberta are upset at a NDP majority! They feel life as they know it will be over! Even though it was a democratic vote! There are many systems in place that can not be changed over night or even changed. When we had a NDP majority in Ontario in the early 1990s, there were more cuts to services because it was needed. There was an economic downturn, remember! Not like our current provincial government that tried to spend its way out of trouble. Sometimes we just vote one way for some sort of change. Or to have a majority government so work can be done.  World wide oil issues affected this country and that province. Hold tight life will correct itself again. Life will unfold for Alberta. A strong economic province for the country. Sure there will be change so to speak, but believe me it will look like the same old after a while. New players, same old game. At the end of the day, people were able to vote in a safe election and elected the people and party they wanted. Those that did not like it get to moan and groan without any provocation. Some are happy while others are upset. Oh well, it is the Canadian way. We talk about weather and politics! But we do it with respect and allowing many opinions to emerge. We agree to disagree. So life is quite beautiful, eh! So any thoughts on the current outcome?

NANA SAYS NOT LISTENING IS AN UNIVERSAL PROBLEM

How many times do we use the phrase? Are you listening to me? Children and adults alike do not listen. Or we have selective listening. Just ask any parent when he/she whispers something to someone the child's ears perk up. Learning to tune out happens at a young age. If not interested, just don't care. Now with the gadgets in a hand there is someone or something else that takes our interest. So how to counteract the not listening. Maybe say it once and let the child suffer the consequences. My trick to colleagues who seem disinterested in what I need to tell them clinically-I email and copy the manager. Then there is proof it was done. In all fairness, yes some people just talk a lot but often there is information that needs to be shared. Parents need to communicate with children, spouses and caregivers. Writing it down is good. Calendars with information. But paying attention and respecting another person when talking is important too. How often in a middle of a conversation does someone interrupt? Well too often. Remember if you want someone to listen to you, you must learn to listen back. Giving your full attention to a little child is important. Look at the child. Make eye contact. Get down to their level. Listening is one thing. Teenagers will tell us things in the middle of something else. Paying attention takes real effort.  Then the next deeper issue of actually hearing at all levels what the person has said. A good therapist knows how to listen and to hear. Unfortunately the average person can have trouble with both! So are you listening?

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH THE TOUGH GET GOING

It is easier said than done. Some events in our lives just hit us in the gut. It is hard to keep up a  strong face. Knowing what can be done and leaving the rest for a another day is one strategy. Looking to family and friends for love and support is a given. Managing the workable parts. No one is invincible, even the tough ones. Oh yes, sometimes a good cry helps to cleanse the soul! Some say, it is not getting knocked down, it how fast we get back on our feet. But not rushing as it can lead to accidents. Take time to do things slowly and methodically. Life teaches us many lessons. To persevere is one of them. Just keep going and do whatever you can then the clouds will lift again. It is darkest before the dawn!  But some nights are just too damn long!! Aren't they?

CANADIANS HELP THE NETHERLANDS CELEBRATE THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIBERATION

Watching some of the remembrance service live from the Netherlands at the Holten War Cemetery, a time of reflection and remembrance is needed. Watching young and old honour this day spoken in Dutch, English and French. The Dutch people really survived a terrible time. When the Allied Forces came to them especially the Canadians it was time to end the war in the Netherlands which was leading to the end of World War Two. Our Prime Minister was there today laying the wreath for all Canadians as well as members of our own Armed Forces. We remember to honour those who served. The Dutch people are thankful, As everyone knows we receive tulip bulbs every year for our Tulip Festival in Ottawa for housing the Dutch princesses during the war. There will always be a connection between our two nations. Many Dutch people immigrated to Canada after the war. As a young girl, two neighbours on the street were from Holland. Many of the Veterans visiting there have said it will be their last time- just old or realizing they are nearing the end of their lives. So getting ready for work as I remember too of the sacrifices of all during that terrible conflict. Trying to learn history's lessons so to try to eliminate future conflicts. Take a moment to remember today.

A REAL PRINCESS IS BORN

With the arrival of Kate and William's little girl, a real Princess is born. But isn't  it interesting that all parents call their little girls a Princess! There is something about a baby girl in every family. In this day and age the shoes are so adorable and prolific. Do you have a little princess in your family? Adorable isn't she?

MAY-THE MONTH OF TRUE AWAKENING OF NATURE

April is a tease with some flowers and green occurring but May is the month when nature bursts with colour. We anticipate warmer weather. If the outdoors furniture is not out yet it will be soon. People getting ready to open their cottages after the winter hiatus. The tulip and daffodil leaves are green with the flowers following shortly. Brown replaced by colour in the garden. Garden centres springing up across the country. Of course, the weeds and grass in the pathways starts to happen. The work does call us. The song birds are singing. New babies being born- little animals and birdies! The winter woollies are put away! Some are even wearing summer whites although the rule if one follows fashion rules is no white until after the Victoria Day weekend. The plants grown indoors for the garden are nearly ready for planting. But again we are supposed to wait for that notorious weekend! For me, well if you know me well, May is my favourite month of the year. I love it. The budding nature, my anniversary and this year a special High School Reunion. Eating and being outdoors is just so pleasurable. Making plans for road trips and farmer's markets starts to happen! I eye the books left for reading and make a pile as sitting in a quiet outdoor spot and reading over the next few months is an absolute must.  The grandchildren can play outside so the noise level gets dispersed to the wind! Easier to handle. A little bit of dirt does not hurt anyone! With a new vacuum on the way since my central vac decided to die, easy to clean. Some small home repairs planned too. Already have a new kitchen tap, 3 toilets, plans to paint a room or two, a new fan to install in the kitchen and fix the back wall along the back concrete porch. Fixing with the intent to downsize in a year or two! Maybe- could be sooner or later! Canada comes alive in May. The far west- BC with its early spring, Alberta with its dinosaur history,the Maritimes with a thaw that hopefully does not cause flooding, the Prairies-the food basket of Canada, Ontario with its bounty of agriculture too, Quebec with the Maple Syrup and more, the North with its culture and adventures- well Canada comes alive. Preparing coast to coast for an influx of travellers from near and far. May is a good time to travel with less people on the road. There is so much to see in this land, Wine regions, fishing, beaches, lots of cities with so much to see- oh May a time to dream about the coming months and fun to be had! How about you- what are your plans?

Oh go through the opening and enjoy what is ahead! Can anyone identify where this is? From a previous road trip!!