A QUIET PLACE TO THINK

We all need to quiet our energy and our thoughts periodically so we can think. So we can touch our inner feelings. And if we are lucky connect with our soul.

Whether a single bench in a pretty garden or by the water sharing our space with some water fowl, thinking can bring thoughts, images and ideas. I always take a little notebook or paper and pen. If artistic, sketching what you see can bring images. Camera in hand can record those images as well.

Even a long leisurely drive on our favourite country roads can inspire us. I like driving by the farmer's fields too.

If wanting to pray, of course, we can do it anywhere! Where do you go to quiet your energy? A church? A corner of your garden? On a drive? By the water? On top of your favourite hill?

JULY 2012 IMAGES

As July 2012 is winding down, I feel good. Many people say the summer is going too fast. I feel differently as I embraced the month- heat and all deciding to pack in as much as possible. Canada Day celebrations, some babysitting of the grandchildren, some fun day trips and an overnight to Kingston. I have photographed many images- some pictures better than others. I realize other than Canada Day ones- not of my grandchildren- hum! Perhaps August with family functions coming, it will be a month of family photos or maybe a combination of both. When Natasha took my memory cards to download to her computer, she asked me if I take pictures of everything! Pretty much! What is life without lots of photos! I have included many of my images in this blog as well as Adolph's blog- http://granpalovestocook.blogspot.com/ Maybe I need a new blog for me- Nana loves to take pictures! If you have time, my cousin Roy puts some amazing photos on Flickr photos website- pictures of nature as well as wonderful images in and around Winnipeg, Manitoba. Words are great but photos do speak loudly to us! Do you like to take pictures? Great memories are made.

A POSTCARD FROM A CANADIAN CHIPMUNK AND SQUIRREL

In reviewing my postcards from Ontario, it struck me how many depict the animals of the province. Each area of Canada has a wealth of wildlife that make their way to postcards and other souvenir memorabilia.
In 1963, when my sister, Marilee, had a summer job in her teens in Severn Falls, Ontario, she sent me a postcard with two squirrels that looked like they were talking to each other.

1963 Marilee wrote, " Dear, Barb; Have you spent your J.B. dollar yet? I'll bet you have it framed and upon your wall, eh? I have souvenirs from boys too so don't let them tease you. Someday I'll show you my collection of match boxes and tickets- junk but I still keep them anyway. It's fun. By the end of the summer I'll have loads of stuff to tell you. Not enough room here. As I told Rob, hope to see you next Friday. Write me soon, Lot's of Love, Mare."

Chipmunks and squirrels are in the wild as well as any city street. I have lots of squirrels in my backyard. The local chipmunks seem to be in the public parks nearby.

I wonder if the chipmunk knows how cute he is! Great now I have ideas to include other animals from across Canada.
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.

EARLY MORNING- A TIME TO REFLECT!

I love to arise before 6 a.m. every day. On weekends and vacation days, I go for my power walk early. The quiet on the street and few people and cars make it very enjoyable. There are even no people walking their dogs. On a recent trip to Kingston Ontario, our hotel was right on the water by the 1000 Island Cruise boats. On the second day, arising early, I took my camera and coffee in hand and was able to  photograph the clear, calm water capturing  some reflections.

Early morning is a good time to think. The reflections in the water reminded me of the many reflections I can make about aspects of my life.

Some of the reflections are clouded, some calm and some a little wavy like the ones in the photographs. When you reflect about your life how would you describe the reflections? Is morning the best time for you or are you a night owl liking the late night and dark to think?

LONDON'S OLYMPIC FEVER-GOOD LUCK FROM CANADA

As the London Olympics-2012 are about to begin today, we Canadians are reminded of our three times as hosts. Montreal-1976, Calgary-1988 and Vancouver-2010. The aftermath of hosting such an event can have such ripple effects for years to come. Like the Calgary ski hill that is used as a park and a training grounds for ski jumping and other sports. Those of us that could not attend the events can still visit after the fact as tourists.

So as memories are created over the next two weeks- here's to all our athletes, athletes of the world and London- have a blast!

END OF LIFE ISSUES

Once a month I present to the new group of nurses hired at the hospital- End of Life Issues. I give a clinical Social Work perspective along with the need to be part of the team who cares for our patients and supports our families. Looking at clinical strategies, needs, feelings, instrumental tasks (example-is there a will) and support of the team are a few of the areas I focus in my discussion. Case examples that are relative to the areas where the nurses may be working. If in the Woman and Child Program, a case or two involving a baby death. If ER, maybe a case I handled while covering for my colleague when she is on vacation or away. It is a tough presentation as it can trigger issues with the audience as well as being the last talk of the day. There are always one or two people fighting sleep who hear the whole presentation with their eyes shut and nodding. I use my photos to illustrate some points as my wholistic approach to treatment is presented as well. It is interesting too that I really do not use my own personal experiences as clinically I feel they do not belong there. It was one of the first tasks I had when returning from the week out west at my own mother's funeral. For me, there is always a case or two that I am supporting on one of the floors where a person or family is facing this dilemma. Along with realism, the need for hope is always allowed.

Why do you think I use a picture with a Monarch butterfly in my talk?

Or a picture with raindrops?

I always use this picture to end my talk. Sometimes the group will have comments and ideas but often just look with no participation. Lately I have been taking some photos that perhaps could be incorporated into the presentation. It is a tough area to present. It can trigger feelings. Any thoughts or ideas? Did it trigger anything with you and your loved ones?

NANA SAYS CHILDREN SAY SOME CUTE THINGS

Well as we all know, teenagers say things that are not so cute- swear, scarcasm, etc. When they were little, they did say some cute things. As I was pulling my two grandsons in the little wagon yesterday, I recalled the time I was pulling my granddaughter years ago. Around and around the garden! I was getting tired! Finally, I said, "Sophia, Nana sure is your Donkey! "She said, " No Nana, you are my Horsie!" We find our youngest grandson calling Adolph- Papa instead of Granpa very endearing! Like another Papa in the family who probably finds it warms his heart to be called the name! Even the speech development- our little grandson used a four word sentence-  I don't want to! Could have been five if he said do not! Listening to children and what they have to say, the questions they ask and what they remember means stopping and paying attention to them. We all know that is why it is important not to swear, do not talk about anyone or say something we do not want repeated! Do the children and grandchildren in your lives say some sweet things?