MORE OLD WITH THE NEW

Outside the National Gallery in Ottawa is this spider sculpture. Fun to see, walk under and take pictures. I love this shot because it dwarfs the church in the background. Blending old buildings with new ideas is like life. We use the experiences we have to take on the new aspects of our life.Is life imitating art? Or is art imitating life?

HOW YOU LOOK VERSUS HOW YOU FEEL

Aging at whatever age takes a toll us. First grey hair, first wrinkle, first time you realize that after 30 you really can not keep the weight off as you once did. Do we need botox to feel young? Is it so terrible to have laugh lines? It really means that laughter is part of our lives. Then the view that some cultures do not wrinkle and others do. So if you have no wrinkles at 80 what does it mean. Eating well, exercising helps us all to live well. Keeping the weight down but not straving to be thin is good for us. In Health care, people with good plastic surgery can look wrinkle free but it does not guarantee a good bill of health. A hip fracture after a fall does not have a better outcome due to non-puffy eyelids. By all means do what you want for yourself. I colour my hair- not ready to look totally grey! But I know I disappoint many of my younger colleagues because I feel good about me. Walk to work! Energy to chase my grandchildren! Eat the right foods but do have a weekly cheat day! Life is too short not to eat sweets, cake or drink a little wine. I stretch my face sometimes to see how I might look if I had some work done. Then I say who is that person! I faced a strong reality long ago- I will never be 25 again and guess what I do not care. I like how I feel- so far no medication for any health issues. Perhaps I look my age- eh, so what. I smile alot and try to laugh alot- good heavens laugh lines! I feel blessed I was able to reach this age. Like many people in life, how many friends and relatives died younger than we did and did not have the luxury to reach our age. What is more important to you? How you look? How you feel? The secret for me is I feel good therefore I like the way I look. Sometimes with evening makeup and a colourful outfit can even improve both. What do you think? Or does it really matter at all?

SITTING ON A BENCH

I love the creativity of some artists. Along Wellington street in Ottawa is this sculpture-simply a couple sitting on a bench. Cities always have interesting sites but it is the small features that often bring a smile. What do you think of the artist's work?

NANA SAYS SHE DID SOMETHING SHE THOUGHT SHE WOULD NEVER DO

While babysitting my grandchildren last night, their behaviour and defiance was becoming a little unruly after several hours. As we all know threatening with "I'll tell your mother", yelling, and no I did not spank the children -as I really do not believe hitting teaches anything- do not work. I was really not enjoying myself. After bath time, again they were becoming just too excited and did not want a story but wanted to pile all the books to the ceiling. Well you get the picture! I saw my opportunity with a Sesame Street Game- Felt board with little characters and objects. I resorted to therapist mode and used a Play Therapy technique. I needed to gain some control of the situation and enjoy them. "Hey kids, I have an idea. " We took turns at telling a story together on the felt board with all the characters. For the second and third story the grandkiddies taking turns wanted to tell the story themselves. Calming, creative and engaging! I was able to sit back, engaged with them but able to enjoy their process. They liked it. Hugs and kisses and one child put to bed while the older one stayed up with Nana a little longer. Children can be relentless in pushing our buttons- especially if we are tired to start. As grandparents, we want to be supportive of the parents who need a break to go out as a couple. We know it is good for their marriage. The little ones are with a trusted person who loves them. Do you have moments with your children or grandchildren where the behaviour is pushing you over the top? Do you just want to enjoy them but find it is difficult? What have you tried to capture the moment lovingly and creatively? Do you have any difficult situations you want to discuss? Perhaps we can review and find some creative solutions together!

POLITICS IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES

Do you know people that say I don't like politics. I avoid it! Whether you like it or not politics is everywhere. Political parties- who do you vote for? Sexual politics- male versus female. Office politics. Club politics. Group politics. City versus country politics. Provincial politics- my province is better than your province!!! Youth versus old age politics. Hospital politics. Family politics. The politics of conversation! University politics. It is important to protect your back by understanding politics. A dictionary definition tells us it is the art and science of government; or an organizational process or principle affecting authority, status. We all could give our own definition and what it means to us. How you tried to avoid politics in your life? Have there been times it has hurt you? Have you ever been caught off guard then enmeshed in political areas of your life? Tell my what you think!

THE OLD AND THE NEW

It is interesting in life how buildings side by side can transform our thoughts to history and the connections made to modern times. A church steeple was often the highest point in a community, serving as a vantage point for villagers. Now cities with their glass towers create their own landmarks for all to see. Do we ever question why we build higher and higher? Why do places throughout the world want the biggest and tallest? Of course in large cities where the price of real estate is costly more people and businesses can be crammed into a small property. Buildings of all ages have their own beauty. When clustered together in a row make an interesting landscape and can define the uniqueness of that particular city. Can anyone identify the buildings in Montreal? The picture was taken as we were trying to find our hotel on our recent trip. Even the reflections in the glass are interesting to me. Do you have similar photos of a city's downtown? Do you even like cities? Or do you prefer the country? Or just a combination of both depending on your mood?

NOT ALL ROADS ARE DIFFICULT

Too often in life we can concentrate on the
negative, the problems in any situation. Positive,
optimistic people try to see the silver lining even when
there are many dark clouds. If we actually kept a list
of all the events in our lives, we may discover there are
many neutral events- neither good nor bad, just life!
My recent trip is a case in point. Try to prepare and think of all the possible crisises. Guess what- a good trip with some highlights- like the torrential storm on a part of the drive- of course it was my turn driving! Otherwise, went away safely and returned safely- and the house was still standing and the basement dry! All family members were just fine!
Sometimes the old memories of difficult times resurface and the anxiety plays tricks on us. Preparation is good but letting life happen is better. Can you even tell from the picture it was rainy day in Ottawa? Of course, I was juggling my camera with one hand while I held the umbrella with the other one. Can be positive and prepared at the same time, eh?