GARDENS ARE MORE THAN PRETTY FLOWERS-SOMETIMES MEMORIALS

 When I worked at CNIB-Canadian National Institute for the Blind- years ago, there was a beautiful garden that was called The Fragrance Garden. It helped people with visual challenges to enjoy the garden area.

Famous gardens world wide attract so many people.

Toronto is devising a Healing Garden for Indigenous people. Of course others can go to the garden. It will be completed by 2023. As the project evolves I will post more information here.

I am really writing this post as there was an endearing segment on Your Morning June 11, 2021.

A 91 year old widower of 4 years created a memory garden in honour of his late wife of 66 years.

They loved the Wizard of Oz so his garden was a tribute to the story. Complete with painted gold coloured bricks. And all the other characters. I will try to find a picture.

It just seemed so sweet. So when he is in the garden, he feels close to his wife. 

I know I planted some pink roses after my mother died in 2012. 

Many people plant trees or flowers or put tributes in their garden to those they have lost.

How about you? Have you planted something in someone's honour? Have you been to a memorial garden?

#memorialgardens#healinggardenproposedinToronto#wizardofozinagardenforhiswife#lovingsomeoneinagardenway#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

A RAINY COOL JULY DAY GOOD FOR PAPERWORK

 So I finished the minutes for a group to which I belong.

Did a post on Granpalovestocook on soccer and Adolph's Italian flag.

Have to take a grandchild to an appointment later today.

Slowly getting things organized in my computer area. My little piles of research and notes need addressing.

I prefer the warm summer days outside to sit and read. But with the rain falling and cool air, change of plans.

#coolsummerdays#changeofplanstobeingoutside#gettingresearchdone#organizingmyresearchnotes#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

I MISS THE QUILT SHOWS

 A summer favourite day trip was the Quilts by the Creek at the Toronto Black Creek Pioneer Village.

Covid made for cancellations two years in a row.

So memories and lots of photos are what I have.

Like life the pieces will come together.

Purple! That healing colour.

The pioneer buildings with quilts everywhere.

And orange! For healing too!

A time when real people could attend an event! Looking for that day again!

Hopefully there will quilt shows in the future. For now my photos! My years of quilt photos! Can not tell you how many!! So put some to good use here!!

#quiltshows#quiltsbythecreekquiltshowinjuly#blackcreekpioneervillage#goingtoaquiltshowisfun#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SUMMER TIME AND THE LIVING IS EASY

 But hot.

So time to enjoy life in a slower way.

So back to my mission to read 10 books over the summer.

It makes me go to a cool spot outside. In my case my little corner on my front porch with my little table and chairs.

When I read, I feel I am doing something constructive. 

This way I enjoy the summer days.

I would sit in the sun to read but I prefer just to sit in the sun for about 10 minutes daily.

I walk so do get some sun on my face.

Although the garden needs lots of work, I prefer to ignore it in the hot, hot summer days.

So how is your summer going? Are you finding ways to enjoy it?

#summertimeandthelivingiseasy#summerreading#rememberingtoslowdownandenjoythesummer#10booksin10weeks#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

HANDYWOMAN IN THE GARDEN

 So I figured out how to fix my side gate. 

Screwed the hinge again. Anchored it with a long nail and iron rod so it would sit in place.

Lots of pruning branches. Pulled several weeds and growth from my path by the gate.

After an hour I had enough.

Since I have until October to clean up my gardens I will not kill myself.

The more work I do in my garden the more I realize it is time for a smaller property.

Veggie and flowers on the porch work. Easy and attractive.

Maybe it is time to enjoy other people's gardens. The it is no work for me.

#gardeningiswork#veggiesinpots#flowersinpots#fixingthingsinthegarden#fedupwiththework#justwantmygardentobeenjoyedandlesswork#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

JULY- THE SUMMER MONTH FOR OUTDOORS AND DAY TRIPS

 Trying to organize some simple day or 1/2 day trips with family especially grandchildren.

I can see them in small groups. 

The older ones. The younger ones

Picnics.

Trails.

The parks for fun.

There are some local museums like the car museum in Oshawa that may be fun if open.

How about you? What are you planning for July?

#july#daytrips#outingswithgrandchildren#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CANADA DAY 2021- CELEBRATION AND REFLECTION

 Canada Day 2021 is a different day this year.

Some wanted it cancelled due to unmarked graves found at Residential Schools.

For those of us that knew Canadian history it is not a new thought to know about the injustice of those schools. The knowledge from survivors that spoke for years about the abuse suffered by them.

So to get on a band wagon now and accuse and point fingers does not mean we can not celebrate our country's rich history that includes all people.

We can acknowledge, reflect and honour those that are survivors.

We can not throw out the baby with the bath water.

So supporting the Indigenous communities across Canada is important for today.

But the hurt does not go away.

We need to continue to learn about the truth about residential schools.

We need to help with the identification of those little ones buried. But it will take time and money.

The communities need continued supports. They need fresh water. They need Mental Health Services. They need inclusion in society while retaining culture and language. 

We can celebrate all that is good about Canada. We are nice and say sorry. We are sorry for the hurt and injustice.

But sorry is not enough according to the leaders in Indigenous communities. So listening and learning what is needed of all Canadians. To continue from this day forward to work on Truth and Reconciliation is a given.

Otherwise stay on the band wagon. Stay caring.

What are you doing today? Are you celebrating along with reflection? What are your thoughts?

#canadaday2021#quietreflection#honouringthosesurvivors#rememberingtheharmfromresidentialschools#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro