NOVEMBER WITH CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS AND MUCH MORE

 Decorated the house with big items as all the little stuff stays in the closet.

I only decorated one Christmas tree this year.

I find that decorating has become more work than fun.

So I do less as needed. The house looks festive enough. 

My light display is in the front window so I can put it on a timer. My outside plug does not accommodate one. Sometimes the plug shorts and I need to go to my fuse box to restart it. So inside lights work.

Christmas shopping is slow as I have to wait for the grandchildren's wishes. Now it is usually money!

However I still buy a few small things to have presents under the tree.

The two little ones need that fun of Christmas. 

But the feeling of the empty chair and missing loved ones creeps in!!

I like outdoor Christmas displays. Maybe I need to go out and about to see the joy of the season.

How about you? How are your Christmas plans coming along?

#christmasprepareations#novemberisabusymonth#BuyingforChristmas#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

DOES ANYONE ELSE FEEL VERY SAD ABOUT THE STATE OF THE WORLD AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR OUR GRANDCHILDREN?

 I feel sad.

About Ukraine.

About Israel and the Middle East.

Sad about the anti hate for so many groups right now in North America.

What's the matter with people?

Why is history repeating itself?

I work hard at being caring and accepting and open minded. But not so open minded my brains would fall out.

People that are different than I am are allowed to be. As long as no harm is done to another human being.

Children, old people, the vulnerable are to be protected.

We can have differences in opinion.

We can have different beliefs.

As long as all of those things mean men and women are equal. And others that chose a different gender are equal as well.

Sad brings a sense of hopelessness but I am hopeful.

I am hopeful with action, tolerance, prayer and just supporting the right causes that respect all help in my own small way. 

I find myself listening more to everyone. Watching more than one news channel to get a different perspective. Except Fox. I actually don't get it so no problem. RAI the Italian news for two reasons. To listen to Italian and to see their perspective of it all.

Missing loved ones also makes me very sad. Especially as the Festive season is upon us.

What do you think about it all? The state of the world? The anti everything especially hate of any one group?

#sadaboutthestateoftheworld#tryingtostayhopeful#tryingtobeacceptingandtolerant#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#equalityforall#makingcanadaabetterplace

REMEMBRANCE DAY REFLECTIONS-RICHMOND HILL 2023

 I missed last year's Remembrance Day Service in Richmond Hill as I was with my grandchildren babysitting.

So taking my camera I parked at the Richmond Hill Library and walked to the Cenataph to get a seat.

The Service is always the same. Same hymns. Same poems. But being a Remembrance Day service that is okay.

I left my camera in my purse. I even did not want to take any photos on my phone.

I had pictures of the military banners on Yonge Street already.

Just a few of the many along the street.

One has more meaning.

Matthew Dinning was from Wingham but his grandparents live in Richmond Hill. Each year they place a wreath in his honour and for those that served in Afghanistan. He was 23.

I saw them after the service and stated always remembering your beautiful grandson. Then I simply said I have grandsons and couldn't imagine. A simple exchange between grandparents. 

Always remembering my family members that all came home from the wars they served for Canada.

So not a day for photos but just quiet reflection.

#remembranceday#quietreflection#alocalhero#grandparentsremembering#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

ARE COMMUNITY GROUPS WORTH THE EFFORT?

 In my bid to stay involved with community groups, I have found them to be less positive.

Cancelled meetings.

Not getting a response to messages sent for suggestions.

Having suggestions over turned by one Chair who likes to micro manage and is a bit of a control freak. Who needs it??

I do not.

I am involved in 4 such meetings and groups.

My online groups like Facebook groups, writing on my blog, Instagram are more fulfilling and yes enjoyable. Enjoyable is a good thing. 

I find attending events without any commitment to be satisfactory. I can take photos and enjoy the event.

Perhaps even meet some new people. Have a lively conversation and then go home.

No hassle. No conflicts. 

So will the New Year bring some resignations from some groups. Perhaps!!

Or less involvement!

I can go to the Library.

I can go to a movie.

I can try to meet with acquaintances and friends more often.

And my family. Still enjoy those grandchildren sleepovers.

I joined the other groups to be with people and meet new people which I have done.

For the power struggles and hassles, I had enough in my career.

I want to support my family with love and involvement. I do not mind their struggles, challenges and yes sometimes conflicts. But because I love those people it is doable and worth it.

In life, pick your battles.

Besides, I really do not need to impress anyone. Really I never did. So if someone does not like what I

 say or do. WHATEVER!!

How about you? Do you belong to groups that are not a happy time? Any suggestions on moving forward?

#nothappywithcommunitygroups#howtoenjoylifebetter#distancingfromtheconflictsofcommunitygroups#friendsandfamilybringsatisfactiona#beingwithothersforagoodtime

RAKING LEAVES DOES COUNT AS EXERCISE

 Is it just me or do leaves have a villainous side?

The lawn can be beautifully raked.

Some leaves bagged. Other strewn on the garden for the winter.

The next day more have blown on the yard and more raking is necessary.

When it appears all the leaves have fallen off my trees, surprise!

More were still to come. Or one day when raking the wind was blowing leaves from other yards down the street to mine.

Maple, Oak and sycamore leaves!

The good news is raking leaves does count as exercise.

#rakingleaves#leavesblowingeverywhere#baggingrakedleaves#workinghardatrakingleaves#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambr

POEMS BY BARBARA- THE MIDNIGHT WIND AND WELL ENOUGH

THE MIDNIGHT WIND

Raged in the Early Hours.

Branches bending as they scraped the roof.

Blew the lid off the Rain Barrel

Leaves strewn

Some leaves made neat piles

Easy to gather and bag!

Did it blow away the issues.

The Concerns.

Did it blow some new hope and joy my way?

November 4, 2023

WELL ENOUGH

The rustling of leaves under my feet as if each rustle and leaf contains a memory.

Some days are easier than others.

But Fall seems to be a reminder that its season brings certain melancholy.

Remembering is often joyful

Remembering is often painful.

Remembering is often numb.

No feeling.

The numbness is easier as I do not have to feel.

Sometimes I do not want to feel anything.

Numb is a good thing.

I like going through the motions of being busy.

It takes any pressure off.

To the outside world I am coping.

Surviving.

Living on.

Busy,

As if being busy is so purposeful.

A wonderful external defense.

Oh she looks good.

She looks happy.

Fake it until you make it.

Well faking has become my mantra for living.

Be chatty.

Be polite.

Be nice.

It's okay to be not over it.

It's okay to contain the grief.

It's okay to be not okay.

So rather than I'm okay as an answer to how are you?

Well enough.

Confusing to some.

Others get it.

Well enough!!

November 4, 2023

I have been finding trying to write poems has become an outlet for some reflective thoughts. I am tired of reading experts and influencers and opinionate people trying to tell us all how to do, be, feel and live. I do not want to become one of those people.

So poems by Barbara is another way to challenge myself in this blog.

Enjoy!

#poemsbybarbara#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#wellenough#midnightwind#fakeituntilyoumakeit#okaynottobeokay#barbaradimambro#poemshelpwithlife'sprocessing

NOVEMBER BRINGS LOTS OF WORK TO BE DONE

 November has two significant birthdays for me.

A daughter.

A granddaughter.

Remembrance day functions. I usually like to go to the Service.

And Christmas preparations. I am behind in my shopping.

The main reason is most of the family just want money.

However I like to buy some small items for the grandchildren anyway.

There are community people and functions I make some gift baskets as prizes.

So to get the party started and shopping for what I need. 

How about you? Is November a busy time or not?

#novemberpreparationforChristmas#shoppingforChristmas#enjoyingfamilybirthdaysandfun#maybemorefamilystuff#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro