LIFE KEEPS YOU BUSY

Sometimes there are not just enough hours in the day to complete all the things we think we want to do. My work and family commitments fill so much time that I often wish there was more time to do my special projects which include two major writing ones. Then I realize those commitments are my life. Would I trade them for more leisure time? No way. Life keeps me busy! What a wonderful life it is! How about you? What in your life brings meaning? Does life keep you busy?

I'LL GET AROUND TO IT

Can be the motto for many people. Usually these are the activities avoided for whatever reasons a person can define. Lately, I have been tackling some projects with a renewed sense of accomplishment. Personally, "there is no time like the present " has been my motto most of my life. Are you a doer or a dreamer? Dreams come true when the tasks at hand are done. It does not mean the road to a dream comes with little work or perseverance. Dreams start with the first step!

ANOTHER WINTER WONDERLAND

Occurred last night. Before I began the day, I could not resist the urge to take some last minute winter photos before Spring arrives in a few weeks. Although we are all getting tired of winter, it is a season with its own beauty and outdoor activities. Do we stop enough in our lives to enjoy the simple moments presented to us?

My angel chime in the plum tree, had a small dusting of snow. It was this image that enticed me to grab the camera. Do you see moments in your life that are a photo opt? Do you take advantage or let the moment slip away?

BOOTS

Are footwear used for many different occasions. Construction boots, ski boots, riding boots, snowboard boots, winter boots, spring rain boots, a big long boot called a wader for fishermen to name a few. Attractive legs look great in fashionable boots with heels! Many expressions include boot. Someone gives you the boot- you're fired! Any Western can have a character that "dies with his boots on." Am I scared?- " I'm shaking in my boots!" If you are not behaving- I'll get a big boot and give you a swift kick in the butt! We boot our computers. While training for the Armed Forces, we go to Boot Camp. In England, the boot is the trunk of the car as well as BOOTS is an UK pharmacy chain! Cowboy boots can be popular periodically. My mother had a red pair that received several second looks when she wore them locally! Nancy Sinatra's "These boots are made for Walking" was a hit song. Some creative gardeners have taken old boots, filled them with dirt and planted some flowers as outdoor decoration planters! Personally, I bought the best winter boots that have been perfect for my winter walks to and from work. Do you have a boot tale to tell? What aboot this blog appeals to you as I speak in a Scottish accent? I guess my boots are going walking!

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MANY FLOWERS MAKE A BOUQUET

That most brides have at their weddings. Flowers bring joy. Interestingly one flower can not make a flower arrangement. A single rose can be a sign of love and often greeted with the same enthusiasm as a dozen by the intended. A bouquet can represent the mood of the night- multi-coloured or one! Families are like bouquets- individuals- unique and sometimes colourful! If placed in the right water with a little sugar can last a long time. Eventually the flowers will die. The memory will last! Is your famiy like a bouquet? Do you think about the faded flowers? Many people press a special flower and keep it as a keepsake. Do you have some in a book?

ALL SHAPES AND SIZES

Can be the way to describe our multi-culture world. By understanding others, we often find a way to define ourselves. Being Canadian, can mean different things to different people. As a multi-generation one, here since the 1820's in some family branches and only 1878 in one great-grandfather branch, brings a different sense of belonging than others like my husband Adolph who came to Canada at age 9 from Italy. My children have a different definition to mine. How do you define yourself?

OUR FAMILY ROOTS

Family Day was celebrated in several provinces of Canada on Monday, February 21. It is a much needed winter break- another stat holiday and time off from work. Family can be a positive force in our lives, knowing where we belong. It can also have detrimental effects if there are unresolved family conflicts. As the family genealogist it is always interesting how there are themes throughout the generations that prevail. The number of children, baby losses, divorce, commitment to parents and the urge for change can transcend the years. Regardless of what our roots reveal, knowing about our own history is very grounding allowing us to know in this generation how our ancestors shaped us. My love of books, curiosity about history, crafts, and the need to complete my education were part of my family roots. What did you learn from your ancestors? Even connecting with cousins and second cousins can reveal the themes. For example, my cousin Roy and I seem to love photography. Was there a common ancestor that shaped this love for us?