THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IS HERE

Parents and children everywhere in Canada are excited about the first day of school. The start of another school year is more stressful than any other time. Lots of children want to see their friends again. The routine helps to organize everyone. The cost of summer camps is over. September has that busy quality to it. In a couple of weeks everyone will be back into their Fall routine. Meanwhile children with their new back to school outfits. First day of school pictures! Grandparents really look forward to them.

PUTTERING-WHAT IS IT?

A little of this and a little of that. That's what puttering around the house and garden means. Lots of little tasks get done. Breaks to read or check the phone. No schedule, just seeing where the day heads and flows. Organizing some pictures, ordering online and minimal garden cleanup- even picked some beans from the last vine that just kept on growing. Puttering gets a lot accomplished because there is no pressure to get anything accomplished. Whatever turns your crank and well you do it! So putter away and see where it takes you!!

LABOUR DAY WEEKEND

Summer is coming to an end with the Labour Day Weekend. One last blast before a return to school, even though the college and university students have been moving into their dorms for the past week! For most people, a wonderful long weekend. A time to relax or work your butt off with house and cottage organization! School children getting excited or nervous about school starting! For this worker, just glad to have one more day at home to do stuff or not!! I'll see how the time unfolds for me!

LEARNING FROM CONTRADICTIONS? ARE CONTRADICTIONS GOOD FOR RELATIONSHIPS?

The dictionary tells us a contradiction is a statement of the opposite or a denial. Sometimes a contradiction can come from left field. Even a good morning can be met with- what's good about it! A private discussion with a person and agreement on an issue can be met publicly with the person contradicting to stay on good terms with others in the room. Almost- two faced! Can we learn from contradictions? You bet. Often who your real friends can be! So it is important to be aware of the contradictory people and what the motives might be! Contradictions can teach us who really does not like us or respect us! Yes there are some oppositional people who like to argue about everything! Known many in my life. Really try to stay away from them. Can public contradictions hurt! Well yes sometimes! Parenting children involves lots of contradictions. Especially teenagers who like to contradict for the sake of it! How to listen and not react is the life's lesson! Why in that moment does someone need to contradict? What is the issue? Is there another way of looking at the subject? Does the contradictory person actually have a point? However if the same person is always being contradictory with you, is there an issue in the relationship? Sometimes, the person does not like you! So learning to spend less time with that person will help! Friends and family can agree to disagree. It does help the relationship. But hurtful, spiteful contradictions often in public places with an audience are not fair to anyone! Contradictory people have good defences. Often turning the tables on you- " you are just too sensitive!" Contradictions can be real "put downs!" They can be disguised as just stating my opinion. Being aware of how to have a discussion and state your own views with respect is life long learning. Blurting out whatever comes to your mind is not okay! Being oppositional for the sake of it can be very tiring and stressful for social activities and workplaces. Having varying points of views is okay but again with respect and as long as there is no harm involved. So in opposition to or conflict with are other words the dictionary tells us! So why is there is a conflict? What can you learn about the situation? Your reaction can be just not reacting but absorbing the contradiction and sorting out your own thoughts and feelings! So are you going to contradict me?

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OLD THINGS HAVE CHARACTER

Visiting any city can bring a reflection of new and old. Larger skyscrapers are okay but older buildings and monuments bring lots of character. Windows and doors intrigue me. Victoria style homes with the brickwork and little hearts in the corners. So why do many often not see the character in old people? Why are worn faces with history often just seen as wrinkled people? Is there not an awareness that every wrinkle may have a story? Blending old and new can bring an enriched character to any location. The Royal Ontario Museum kept the old original wall in the modern entrance. Union Station in Toronto has incorporated some of its initial features too. Like a family event with the babies, the children, the middle agers and the seniors- brings lots of character!

FALL FLOWERS

My graden is a sea of yellow. Pretty and hides the weeds! Can enjoy the colour before it is time to do the garden cleanup.

Cone flowers are still blooming too.

The fountain at the Exhibiton has lots of colour for the visitors to enjoy.

Harvesting continues as the farmers are busy.

Opportunities for lots of pictures.

SEPTEMBER-THE BUSY MONTH WITH LOTS OF HOPE

Even though January is the beginning of the new year, September often feels like the month with hope and prospects. A new school year! Getting back to the projects put on hold over the summer! Buying those farm fresh vegetable and waiting for the fall ones to be on board. Lessons gear up! Work meetings reconvene! Holding on to 3 more weeks of summer! Hoping the weather will be warm enough to continue those outdoor activities. Enjoying the last remnants of the summer garden before the cleanup begins. Wearing the summer whites a week longer as Labour Day occurs later in the month- even though I have been told the white rule doesn't exist anymore! Waiting awhile before going through the closet for fall and winter clothes. But I do use some tops year round as I love to wear colours. Never really liked the black, black and black thing that gets worn year round! Black does not really make one look slimmer!! September can bring renewel depending on how August and July flowed! A birthday and the wait for a new family member! Hope and love for good times ahead! What are your plans for September? How do you see it unfolding?