THE UNFRIENDLY VISITOR
Grief came knocking
at my door today
I wanted it to go away.
But tears in my eyes
Couldn't hid the lies.
That I am not okay
Not today.
I am well enough.
June 16, 2023
#poembybarbara#griefvisitedtoday#theunfriendlyvisitor#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambor
It seems we hit May, warmer weather.
June is end of school.
July summer is really here.
What half way through the month already.
July that time to mellow. I like mellow. It is good for the soul.
So need to get out and enjoy.
Morning walks have been good. Some sorting and reviewing my stuff.
Down memory lane.
Community activities are good and easy to attend. Little driving.
So a Shania Twain concert in Toronto. A day with friends in St. Jacobs.
Granddaughter Grad.
Music at the theatre.
Lavender to have around me is good too!
But quite lazy with my life.
Oh July. Stick around a bit longer.
#july#mellowsummerdays#somefamilyactivities#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#lavender
A summer outing in 2020 with friends Mary and Rose.
The Van Gogh Immersive at One Yonge Street on lake Ontario.
Seeing art as an immersive visual was so neat.
Memories of a fun day with friends.
#vangoghimmersivetoronto2020#vangogh#vangoghartallaroundus#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro
In all stages of our lives we find people who become our friends.
Colleagues.
Acquaintances.
Family members.
Some of our childhood friends remain in our lives. But many do not.
We have circles of different friends.
I have our Langstaff ladies. A group of us from Langtsaff Secondary School that try to meet annually. Covid got in the way but we are back.
Some of us keep in touch between lunches.
Two close friends from university. 50 years and more and going strong.
Colleagues that became friends over the years.
People in social groups that can be fun to be around or not.
All shapes and sizes and can be colourful too.
Male and female friends. People with common interests. Groups like the Historical Society. We all love history.
Some friends from my professional life are lasting too.
Being social and engaged is so vital for our mental health. But good engagement. Not conflictual or the feeling of wishing you stayed home.
So friends to contact when needed or just for a time out makes life meaningful.
#friendsinourlives#lifetimefriends#stayingsocialwithfriends#lifelongfriends#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#langstaffsecondaryschool#acolourfullifewithfriends
Going through old letters and cards brings so many memories.
But it is time to let go of so much of one's life.
I keep in mind my kids do not want my stuff.
They will not want letters and stuff from High School and University friends.
So to the recycling bin they go.
Letters from family members are finding some new homes I hope
#oldletters#oldcards#lettersfindingnewhomes#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro
I loved Farmers Markets in the warmer weather.
Adolph and I attended many of them together.
So not wandering too far from home I go to the local market at Hillcrest Mall in the southwest parking lot every Sunday.
Eating freshly grown local veggies and fruit is so enjoyable during the Summer season.
So I try to eat as much as possible not to waste any of this nutritional food.
Or sharing with family is okay too.
Adolph always wanted to do a Canada Day barbecue for the family.
We have had some barbecues when he could no longer cook for us.
Memories of other Canada Day celebrations were posted on my facebook page.
On my walk this morning I thought about the day. The quiet as traffic was diminished. Greeting and surprising people that tried to avoid me with Happy Canada Day!! By Grandpa's park and placed a kiss on Adolph's plaque on the bench. I know it is corny but I do it anywary.
So I made pancakes and bacon with lots of maple syrup for my breakfast. A Canadian tradition.
Ate outside in my quiet place by the front door that is barely visible from the street.
There will be a barbecue at a daughter's house with grandchildren present. Another great tradition- barbecue steak.
So everyone will celebrate in their own way. Some with crowds and others simply with family at home.
Celebrations are important. To celebrate Canada. Acknowledging all who came before us. Who was on the land. And anticipating the hope of making Canada great by honouring the people, the achievements, the forests, the workers, the farmers, and everyone that cares to study our history and make it right for all who live here.
Happy Canada Day!
#canadaday2023#makingcanadaagreatplace#thankyoualltheworkers#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro
