A POSTCARD FROM SABLE ISLAND

Actually there will be no postcards from the latest protected National Park of Canada. 1 and a half hours by plane off the coast of Nova Scotia lies this majestic beauty. 90 km of shoreline it is really a large sand dune. Home to over 500 wild horses who may have landed there after a ship wreck or two which occurred over the centuries off the shore of Sable Island. Seals make their home there too. The only visitors allowed must be invited like scientists. A wonderful clip last night on CTV-W5- November 15, 2014 showed a wonderful glimpse of this island. Due to the oil in the Atlantic, there are several oil rigs that can be seen which may be the greatest threat to the island. No one swims in the water due to the abundance of sharks surrounding it. To have such a beautiful place that belongs to Canada makes one proud. So no postcards but wouldn't one be nice to see the documentary. Go online to CTV news and follow the links. Worth watching- what of Canada's treasures.

SMALL PLEASURES MAKE A WONDERFUL LIFE

The small pleasures in life make it a wonderful life. Bigger isn't better, it is just bigger. A slice of life can be very wonderful or in the form of a cupcake. A birthday party, a walk in the park, coffee by a window or whatever pleasure you find in your day, do you feel you have a meaningful life?

A COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS-6 WEEKS TO GO

As soon as Halloween is over, the stores put out all their Christmas stuff. Pretty and even one store has its Christmas music playing. The store, mall and street decorations are beginning to emerge.  For most Canadians used to "the hussle and bussel" of Christmas, the women at least have made lists and have preparation well under way. Work parties, a family get together and other social events will be starting in a few weeks. So at week six to Christmas, what has been started- a list, letters to troops sent out on November 11th, a "Santa workshop" corner in a room to wrap gradually, 2 out of town boxes with presents wrapped and addressed to be sent the end of November to arrive mid-December, online gift baskets ordered to arrive December 19th, Christmas newsletter drafted to be revised, and the routine of putting up the outdoor Christmas lights mid-November-hoping to put them up November 16th.
By doing the tasks slowly and having a methodical plan that has been useful for decades, the season can be enjoyed without going crazy. Yes doing all this preparation, support and help to my working daughters will occur. I can have the kids while they shop or do other Christmas preparation or go to work functions.

Shopping and more shopping will begin to accelerate over the next few weeks. Shopping at stores, ordering on line or just buying gift cards are options. Gift cards are a last resort for that person who is difficult or you are too exhausted to try to come up with an original idea. For the home crafters, knitters, sewers and crocheters, 6 weeks still gives time to make some wonderful items or unique decorations for the home. If no time, go to the many craft sales big and small- we have one in the GTA early December with crafters from across the province and country- the ONE OF A KIND CRAFT SHOW AND SALE- or most local Churches have a Christmas event often renting tables to local crafters. For those beautiful handmade items, support that local crafter. I know my sister-in-law Edna makes beautiful knitted Christmas stockings year round in her area in New Brunswick as a small cottage industry. So at week 6, make a list, have a plan, get out the calendar and mark the events, have targets of getting things done- slowly and methodically, assess what has been happening in your life this year- if it has been tough, less is more- , reduce the expectations to make everything "perfect", nice and ordinary is just fine. Remember the loved ones around you will enjoy the moments rather than the expense. 6 weeks is a lot of time- so approach the season well rested and deciding what is important in your life. Have you begun to prepare yet?

LIFE IS LIKE A PLATTER OF FRUIT

Fruit comes in all shapes and sizes. From sweet to sour, the taste can vary. From grapes to pineapple to a seasonal watermelon, there are so many choices. Even ethnic centric with mangoes and kiwi from different parts of the globe. Canadians love apples of all kinds. Grapes reach us from California  and Chile. Winter fruit of tangerines and oranges can come from Florida and Israel. Learning about the origins can be a geography and history lesson rapped up in one bite. Don't forget bananas- they rarely make it to a platter but are a mini meal with a wrapper from our Central America friends. Fruit is good for us. A quick fix for a low blood sugar! An afternoon snack! Adds colour to any platter whether cheese with a few decorative grapes or cold cuts with slices of cantaloupe. Variety- the spice of life! What would be on your fruit platter of life?

NANA SAYS CELEBRATING LIFE'S MOMENTS WTIH CHILDREN BRING BLESSINGS

Finishing my sleepover with 3 of my grandchildren last Saturday made me think. To give relief and a night out for a married couple, is what family can be. After putting the baby to bed and then reading to the two little boys- they picked the books was a life moment. Short, simple but enjoyable. Hugs and kisses then they went to sleep in their own beds. Nana could retire to her bed and read before turning off the light. Grandparents spending time with their grandchildren establishing bonds that will last a lifetime. Children grow emotionally when many adults in their lives love them. Parents come first but extended family of aunts, uncles, grandparents and family friends give children a foundation. Caring and sharing those precious moments add a brick at a time.

REMEMBRANCE DAY-TWO MINUTES OF SILENCE

It does not seem like much but two minutes of silence gives time to think. I often wonder what others may be thinking about. I usually think of my family and how lucky we are to live in a country like Canada. Then I think about the families who have lost loved ones and those who have people serving today. Two minutes does go by rather quickly. What are your thoughts? What do you think about? What are you remembering? You do not have to share as the two minutes are really your private moments.

AND THE 2014 GILLER PRIZE WINNER IS

I watched the awards for the Giller Prize finalists last night. To hear clips from books I have yet to read. The range of ages of the authors as well as gender was refreshing. The story lines intriguing as many have a backdrop of an historical event. Celebrating Canadian literature, how Canadian! On yes the winner is Sean Michaels- US Conductors. What is the story? Well come on you will have to check it out yourself- at the bookstore, at the library or online! I won't make it that easy for you!!