2012 OUT WITH THE OLD

As 2012 winds down and New Years' parties are well under way, one seems to reflect on the year. Trials and tribulations; joyful moments; travels; and family times seem to come to mind. There is always a hope that the new year will bring good times. Like the saying out with the old to make room for the new carries the mood. What are you hoping to discard as the year closes? Any thoughts?

CANADIAN SNOW IN DECEMBER

Canada has its share of snow coast to coast. Ontario was lucky to miss those horrific snowstorms in November. A light dusting prior to Christmas then a snowstorm that left several inches but hit the east coast with a vengence! Embracing the winter by walking to work and playing with my little grandchildren in the snow helps me to accept that winter takes a good four months of our lives. A backyard ice rink will help the sweeties to work on their skating skills! How do you embrace winter? Skiing! Indoor activities? Or do you just look forward to Spring?

DON'T LOOK TOO FAR DOWN THE ROAD

Planning is good. But when faced with critical illness, one of the statements I use with patients is- don't look too far down the road. Often the question can be- how long do I have? Suggestions- put your affairs in order, follow the treatment plan, do the things you want to do! Actually for all of us to live each day to its fullest! Take care of the little things and the big things take care of themselves! Pushing ourselves to get things done! Some procrastination can be okay but letting too many areas of our lives lag can often bring anxiety! Daily simple goals- pay the bill, clean the closet, fold the laundry, hug our loved ones, finish that book- can keep us going! Of course, our routines help all of us to stay focussed and think about everything that must be done! So are you looking too far down the road! Do you need to stop and enjoy today?

2012 MY FAVOURITE IMAGES

As the year is winding to a close, it is a reminder of the ups and downs it brought. I took many photographs of many events and adventures. Some of my favourite images helped to reflect on the year.

Spring at the local library.

Some flowers in my garden-love purple!

A view of Kingston Ontario from Fort Henry! A hot, hot summer day!

The Gooderham Building on Front Street from our trip to the St. Lawrence Market. A reminder  of walking through the market and enjoying the street scene.

A pile of cherries at the St. Jacobs Market- oh for the summer fruit to return! And perhaps another trip to that amazing market! Might become an annual event!

Finding those Fall country images close to home- the Vaughan-King road.

A winter rose- a look toward the New Year and Spring!

Where would your photos take you? Do you have favourites from the year? Of course, some of my very favourite are my grandchildren. There would not be enough room here to print them all!!

DIFFERENT LIGHT DIFFERENT VIEWS

Lights can bring a new look to any place. Christmas lights outside give a house a festive feel. Candlelight on a table can be romantic as well as make older people look younger. "I am the Light" comes from the Bible.
Lighting in a home can help with mood. Natural light from spacious windows brings in sunshine and allows for artificial lights to be minimal. The amount of light can cause seasonal mood disorders. Just think about the rate of depression in February! Photographers have fun with light!  Many interesting pictues can be found in simple places.

For example, sitting on my couch and seeing a moment when the late day sun found its way through the sliding doors making shadows on the fireplace! Songs about light- You light up my Life by Debby Boone- hung around for some time. It is darkest before the dawn- light will bring new possibilities. Or when parents yell at their kids- turn off your light and go to sleep! Since it is December 28, the days are starting to get longer again! So more Light! What does the word light conjure for you? Do you look to the light for inspiration? Do you want your load lightened?

THAT LULL BETWEEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

As the house slowly returns to a different normal, there is a certain quiet that begins to prevail. The lists are gone; the good dishes back in the cupboard; the wrapping paper and tags stored neatly until needed; and the Christmas presents are finding a home. There is always a sense of letdown! It is over! Christmas came with a bang and left with lots of calories, giggles and photos. Time to regroup and work on those winter projects. Over the years I have learnt to use this feeling to reflect, review and reward all that is important in my life! At the end it is the time spent with family that brings the greatest meaning to me. The reconnecting with them as well as friends through cards, phone calls and facebook notes makes it special. Heading back to work today after a small winter storm- not too much damage was done, just some shovelling- puts my life back in perspective! Work and home! Home and work! Not too shabby! Knowing the energy, skill and knowledge take me to new adventures keeps me moving forward! What do you find to be most meaningful in your life? Do you use this time to reflect? Or are you one of many running to those sales? Taking some quiet time to listen to your inner voice can bring some interesting results! Are you listening?

NANA SAYS SPENDING TIME WITH CHILDREN AT CHRISTMAS MAKES IT SPECIAL

Yes Christmas with all the preparation and hype can be stressful with little children. However, no Christmas day is the same without them around. After the days before Christmas with the excited expecation of Santa bringing something special, dreams have been fulfilled! They bring back the magic of the season! Adults are allowed to sit on the floor and act like little children for a while! Assembling or playing with the new gadgets is such an important part of the day too! Saying an appropriate grace at the dinner table as a reminder of the religious aspect of the day to help little ones learn about the true meaning of the celebration! There is something to be said about Boxing Day! Quiet is good too! Hope you enjoyed your day with little people at this very special time of the year!