BLANKETS-AN UNIVERSAL MEANING

A blanket can be soft or rough. Handmade or from a factory. Blankets keep us warm, shade us from the sun and can make a tent in the dining room with chairs. A baby is wrapped in a blanket shortly after birth. We make love under blankets or on top!

Any colour and a variety of textures. Crocheting, knitting, sewing- by hand or machine!

Trips to the yarn and quilt store are opportunities to add supplies to a stash.

Christmas blankets or the colours of the Italian flag!

Of course quilts from across Canada or the United States can be reflective of the culture or background of a region. Pictured is  a log cabin quilt- my favourite design. This one seems a little rustic, doesn't it! Quilts can go on a bed or be hung on the wall as art!

For all of us, what is more loving or meaningful then a loved one covering us with a blanket. To keep us warm, to keep us safe! It is such a symbolic gesture- here let me cover you up, let's get those feet under wraps. A blanket is such a symbol of love and family. How many of us have one or two passed down from another generation?

#blankets#quilts#afghans#homemadeblankets#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#yarntomakeblankets#babyblanketsmadewithlove#blanketskeepuswarm

WHEN YOU HAVE LITTLE IN COMMON

Do you ever find yourself at an event or work or social gathering and realized that you have little in common or interest with those around you? Always important to be polite and friendly but do you ever feel really bored inside! Craving for some conversation with some common ground. Being  a good listener- which I am really helps!! Those who are talking rarely know that the subject has little interest for me.  The things and subjects I love usually bore the crap out of people so I  rarely share what I am doing, writing or reading. Do you know how often I am compared to some one's mother or grandmother or even great-uncle as if what I am doing is so out there and old fashioned? And so boring to them!! As if I do not know how to use a computer, apps, upload and download and talk the geek language of modern times! Heh, what's up? So I prefer not to share! And just continue doing what I have been doing for years! Different strokes for different folks is a good English expression! Last week being Social Work week it was a great time to hang out with my fellow Social Workers which I have lots in common. Being a secondary profession in the hospital it is hard for others to relate to our discipline. Some agencies are all Social Workers so no problem there. Not having to explain why I am thinking or doing what I am doing is so refreshing. Usually I just like to say- I charted my involvement so whoever cares to read my notes can! I have had so many tough cases in my career that I don't need to toot my own horn!! When meeting someone new, I like the person to share what he or she wants to share. I am not an interrogator as some people can be with new people. The old trick of trying to put them in their place. Behind me in life. We all have a place!! One could say it is an age thing! Not really. As a child, I hated gossip and talking about other people with the criticism that comes with it. It got me in trouble as I would point out it was not nice! As an adult , I try to stay away from those kind of people as much as possible. If I know some juicy gossip, well I just keep it to myself. Knowledge is power but being mean and nosey is just being mean and nosey. So you probably can understand why many people can be boring to me. Talk about a book you read, a movie you saw, a novel idea, a craft you are making, something whimsical or fun but please not how much you weigh or that in your culture you have no wrinkles or criticizing every one's food or bad habits. Yes share the photos you take anywhere and everywhere. I love my grandchildren but I do not need to compare with others as every one's grandchild is special.  If someone is sick do they deserve to be sick due to their bad habits? Show some care and compassion! The marathon runner who is so healthy can die at the end of the race! So then who would you blame!! Getting along with people of all ages is my speciality! However, lately I find myself wanting to be with others who have more things in common with me. For example,  Adolph and I have found that interest in food. His blog on food, day trips about food, recipes researched and of course I get to take pictures has added some spice to our lives and of course fun and good eating. When lucky I can find some historical interests out there as the same time as we are having a  food outing. Family time with the children, spouses and grandchildren are always fun- lots in common there! No real competition with us all- just quality family time! Writing- one major project finished with volume 2 and 3 progressing and another subject totally different still in the works. Short genealogical articles are in progress too! Almost finished reading another Giller prize finalist. Two books on how the Celts created Canada to be read very soon- been perused. Where to go for some new photos? Genealogical Conference to attend the beginning of June will be welcomed. Can't wait to be with people who really love, understand and have advanced skills in genealogical research. So anyone out there with common interests let me know. I am waiting for a lengthy conversation with you. A change is as good as a rest so they say but common interests are good too. So what to say and do when you have lots in common- then the sky is limit!

DAY LIGHT SAVINGS-SPRING AHEAD

Having more light at the end of the day is wonderful Having to awaken an hour earlier, not so much. The adjustment for everyone is considerable. I find it takes me more than a week to adjust adequately. March is rather early to change the clocks. It used to be mid-April but a few years ago someone thought it would help with electricity and farmers and whatever! Twice a year- we adjust! Perhaps it is an age thing! Just not as easy to change the internal clock! With the extra hour to get the activities of my day done, I was able to post a last minute item on my blog before heading off to bed to curl up in the book I am reading. Cell phone charging, laundry done, house vacuumed- ready for the week!

SOCIAL WORK ON THE CUTTING EDGE

With all the modern technology, feelings and needs do not change. If anything with cyber bullying, and other difficulties the Internet has brought, the increase in people problems means the skills and knowledge of social workers helping others in social situations will not end. Understanding the profession and what it entails is considerable. If you want more information, simply visit the College in your province. In Ontario, it is the College of Registered Social Workers and Social Service Workers. In order to call oneself a Social Worker by law, one must be registered with the College. The public is protected meaning that the values, standards and expertise must meet the requirements of the College. It has been a great Social Work Week. An honest time to celebrate one of the many valuable professions in Health and Social Services that serve the public. At the very least, acknowledge your friendly Social Worker!

SNOWDROPS-THE REAL SIGN OF SPRING

A date on a calendar tells us when spring officially arrives. But a little tour in one's garden can reveal that the first spring bulbs are peaking their little heads out of the dirt. Snowdrops- yes there is a more scientific name- are the true sign that spring is really around the corner.

                                                        What's in your garden?

SOCIAL WORK- COUNSELLING IS THE PROCESS

The difference between Social Work and other disciplines is the skill and knowledge to go with the process. Yes tasks must be accomplished but listening to the deeper message that a person or family presents makes progress in a case manageable. It is the client's or family's progress that is important not the worker. The process as it unfolds! So being able to ebb and flow with this process takes expertise. Working with other disciplines is often challenging. Their mandate is very different. Respecting those areas of expertise is a must too. Knowing when to advocate and when to listen takes skill again! The setting where the Social Work is practised makes a difference also! In the Social Work field for over 40 years has given me many challenges!

SOCIAL WORK WEEK 2016 IN CANADA

A profession that has been around for over 100 years and even the concept for 100s of years. Champlain hosted such an event of inclusion. Early 1800s in places like York, now called Toronto offered support to new immigrants. My education at the University of Toronto, where Social Work education is now over 100 years old since I celebrated with the Faculty in October 2014 to celebrate the 100th anniversary. Social Work can be found in Child Welfare, Hospitals, Child and Youth Clinics, Family Therapy, many Social Service Agencies that deal with a variety of issues and of course many government services. Health, Mental Heath, Child Abuse, Elder Abuse, Domestic Violence, Families, Individuals, Communities, are just a few of the many areas where Social Workers can be found. Private Practice has become another wonderful opportunity for many. A variety of therapy modalities can be used. My favourite as many know is Narrative Therapy. With children, play, art and music can be conducted by a skilled and knowledgeable Social Worker. Each province in Canada has legislation on how to practice. Social Workers are accountable to the Public. In Ontario, we report to the College of Registered Social Workers and Social Services Workers. Those with a university degree and continued competency activities can use the designation RSW. So this writer can use MSW, RSW after her name. And with pride. It is a good profession, often misunderstood by many- no I do no have a bucket of money under my desk nor am I trying to change the world. Just doing a skilled and knowledgeable job one  patient, one family, one issue at at time with care and compassion!  Here's to my fellow Social Workers coast to coast! Enjoy your week!