LEAP YEAR

Leap year always brings interesting possibilities. One more day before the first of the month bills are due. Special birthdays for leap year babies. Adding another day until Christmas. Astronomically correcting real times the earth rotates in a year! Or whatever the real scientists have to say! How did the name Leap Year originate? What not call it- add another day to the calendar? What are your thoughts? What would you call it, if we were going to change the name? Anyway, enjoy the day!

NANA SAYS WELCOME TO ALL THE LEAP YEAR BABIES

Some people think it is really cool to have a leap year baby while others find it disheartening for their little one. It is what it is- another joyous day to be born. I know several adults that would like to have been born on February 29th- then they would not have to lie about their age!! Hum!! I do not know anybody born on this date. Do you? How do they feel about it? Anyway Nana says a welcome baby born any day- even leap year is a wonderful addtion to the human race.

WRITING YOUR FEELINGS DOWN

In my youth I wrote poetry to express my feelings. I look at some of those poems now finding them lame!
The other day I found myself writing this poem

SLOW DOWN AND GRIEVE, IT'S OKAY
TO THINK ABOUT HER TODAY.

THE LAST FEW MONTHS OF PAIN
ARE OVER BUT THE FEELINGS REMAIN.

WHY THE SUFFERING, WHY THE DECLINE?
THE THOUGHTS AND FEARS WERE MORE THAN MINE.

SHE CHOSE THE MOMENT TO LEAVE
LETTING SOME DOUBTERS NOW BELIEVE.

HER LIFE WAS A NORMAL ONE
UPS AND DOWNS THEN SOME FUN.

GOODBYE FOR NOW SWEET MAY
WE WILL SEE YOU AGAIN SOMEDAY.

It helped in the moment and amazed me it just came from nowhere. Putting thoughts to paper, or drawing a picture or playing, writing a tune are some of the ways to process our feelings. I guess it does not matter if my poem is lame, it worked helping me get through a day. Have you processed your thoughts and feelings through writing or creating a functional item? Letting your true feelings emerge helps with any situation you are trying to muddle through! Tell me your stories!

DID YOU WIN AN AWARD DURING THE AWARDS' SEASON?

Now with the awards' season over, it is time to reflect on awards generally. Although we saw our fill of stars dressed in fabulous dresses, only a handful really won any big prizes. I just find it fun to watch until I need to turn off the TV to go to sleep. I have not made it to the end of any show yet this season!! In your life if you could give out awards, what would the award be and to whom would you give it? The best Mom, the best Dad, the best boss, well you understand what I am saying. Do you think you deserve an award for the best effort in any project or endeavor you are undertaking? Or do you think some of the awards are over rated? I like the Nobel Peace Prize as the ultimate prize. What are your thoughts? To award or not to award, that is the question?

A POSTCARD FROM VENICE-VENEZIA ITALY

A few years ago, Sonya and Andrew toured several European countries. At each stop, they sent postcards to family members.

While in Venice, they sent this card to Sonya's Nana and Grandpa Park.

Dated 06/07/07- July 7, 2007. It reads- " Ciao Nana and Grandpa! We had a wonderful 2 day stay in beautiful Venice- one of our favourite cities so far. Visited San Marco Square, did some shopping then ended the day with a Gondola Ride through the canals. We have lots of pictures to share! Hope all is well. Lots of love from Italy. Sonya and Andrew"

Grandparents always appreciate hearing from their grandchildren. A postcard is an easy quick way to keep in touch!

A good friend of mine was born near Venice and often describes the beauty of the area. I guess I have another place to see on my bucket list!

If you want a postcard featured here, email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you my address so you can send me a postcard.

A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

Is an expression that brings hope to those during a dark or stressful time. Keeping focussed that life will get better allows us to cope and to keep going. Sometimes it actually is not a real light but could be a person, an idea, a solution to the problem. In your dark moments, keep looking for the light as it could present itself in so many different ways. Perhaps you could be the light in someone's life. Helping a friend through a hard time. Offering hands on assistance. Just being there!

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

Is one of those English expressions that can have many meanings. We are expecting snow in a big way today so looking outside now it is clear and calm! The snow is coming! Metaphorically, it can mean the calm before a crisis- the storm. Sometimes in our lives when everything feels too good, there can be an ominous feeling something bad will happen or is going to happen. Or there is a ongoing problem that needs resolving! Does it happen from self-fulling prophecy or was it on the way? But no one mentions the calm after the storm. The crisis has passed and the leftover feelings find a place. The heightened energy starts to recede. Is it calm or just relief? Or exhausion? Storms are part of our weather patterns. Storms are part of our lives. The courage to bear with them and see our way through them brings strength of character. Are you facing a storm in your life? Have you just been through a personal storm? Are you picking up the pieces in your life? Remember as each storm rages, it too shall pass and the sun will shine again.