THE AWARDS SEASON IS OVER

Finally. I will miss all the glam. Love the dresses. Great to see fabulous looking people. Gives some ideas for any major social events and what dress to want. Now for the real awards. Who will have the best looking front Garden? What child will come first at the dance competition? What university will your senior obtain final acceptance? Will there be a scholarship? Awards are interesting. Some people are lucky to do one body of work and get royalties and awards over and over. For the majority, you do the work once and there is no continual awards coming. The reward is just a job well done! So back to trying to see the movies that were nominated and at least the winner- Spotlight!  Back to awards- the talent is there but it is the opportunities, the people around you that allow the sun to shine on your parade. Hug your family! Tell your people how special they are to you! Everyone deserves an award for something! The last day of February- yeah an award for getting through winter!!

LIFE IS LIKE A TRAIN TRACK

Sometimes we are stopped in our tracks with events. Happy, sad, mad or glad- they come and go. Life's journey takes us in many directions. We might ride the train or prefer to get off at the next station. Moving forward may be frightening so we pause and stop for a while. The train could be derailed. Or put on a direct track unexpectedly! Riding along and making the best of the journey takes courage and often perseverance! Are you on the right track?

FEBRUARY HEART AND STROKE MONTH ENDING

February usually is the month to think about heart and stroke issues as well as to try to donate to the cause. Trying to eat heart healthy, keep a good weight and exercise are the mantras. Those with diabetes to control their condition and life can prevail. However the longer one lives of course, the more likely health issues will catch up to us all! So what's my point- you have today, enjoy it as much as you can. Some days are better than others! As February ends think about ways to keep well that work for you. Taking up marathon running may not be your thing but mall walking might! Dancing with your partner can be fun and healthy. Actually that is mine. Since my husband's knee is healing, I keep asking when can we go dancing! So February the short winter month, gets us in the mood for Spring which is getting closer. How has your February been?

WINTER AND ITS BLUES

Winter keeps on ticking and so does the winter blues. Although an easier winter here in the GTA, most people are counting the days until Spring. So rather than waste the days, try continuing activities that bring pleasure. It will help everyone see the light of day. Look for for those photo opportunities. Take lots of pictures of children in outdoor activities. Get outside and breath the fresh air.

NANA SAYS IT'S ANTI BULLYING DAY-WEAR PINK

February 24th has been designated as anti bullying day. Well every day should be anti bullying. Most people have been bullied or have been the person bullying! Being sensitive to others. Respecting feelings takes learning and awareness. Teaching our children positive values and concepts takes a lifetime. Name calling. Threatening have always been around. Part of the human condition. Modern times has brought social media where bullying has brought a scary place to bully. Parents monitor your children's devices. Talk about bullying. Ask your children to bring all their concerns to you the adult and you will decide what to do with the information Teach your children not to bully. In families it can be the norm that the children especially the younger ones are teased which is a form of bullying. Parents don't be sarcastic with family members or others. A form of bullying. Remember when one hears you're too soft I was just joking, well a small form of bullying. Meanwhile wear pink today. Think about the whole reason for the day.

CANADIANS LOVE THEIR HOCKEY

Hockey is a love of most Canadians- new and old. Children-boys and girls play the sport. Cold arenas with hot coffee for parents become the norm. Friendships are made. Tournaments are attended in various communities around one's province. House league and rep hockey are the words of the home. Many mothers use the time knitting, reading, doing their grocery lists or just talking on their cell phones to help pass the time. Fathers talk with each other or help as volunteer coaches to make sure the games happen. Across the country everyone has their favourite team- Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens. In the playoffs always rooting for a Canadian team, although this year there may not be one for the Stanley Cup as the American teams are prevailing!! Shinny hockey played on the road. Little nets in basements to practice the infamous slap shot. Oh hockey! Oh Canada!

SOCIAL MEDIA CREATED RUDE BEHAVIOUR

Lately observations in public places reveals more and more people with blue tooth or plug in ear phones walk around talking to that mysterious person in cyber space. Not quiet conversations trying to be away from people but in the middle of a group or on a bus or wherever! Oblivious to others! What do you think? Is it rude behaviour? To infringe on others with loud talking is it rude? Yes there could be people talking loudly with others around them, again not caring about the invasion of personal space nor ackonwledging other people. Constantly checking one's phone then texting in meetings by the majority of people present! The minute there is a pause in discussion, there goes the checking and texting! Or are unnecessary emails being deleted! But the person can look important! Is it rude behaviour? There are occasions that workers need to keep in touch to do their jobs. I carry a pager. I must go to a company phone and call the person. Some managers carry hand held phones to be available to staff. Grocery shopping with someone calling home to ask if 1 or 2 tomatoes are needed! Social situations where one could be lost in one's own thoughts or perusing to be invaded by others! Have you ever thought the person was speaking to you then noticed the ear plug! A dirty look is passed your way for even thinking the person even noticed you were there! Is there a fear to be disconnected from others? Thus the obsession with constant handling of the gadget! Perhaps a retirement project with funding from some source could let me study the modern social media craze! Perhaps finding some meaning! Meanwhile my gadget is checked a couple of times daily. It remains in my purse at work. It is really not very professional to carry it when doing my job. Not to be distracted, it remains in my purse when walking! I like the project idea then I can find my own meaning and go viral! Do you ever notice how many ordinary things like the dancing dog or baby or someone singing off key goes viral? Project number 2- what makes something go viral? Observing and listening to the world around us can bring some meaning too. Often on my walk to and from work, ideas are created, thoughts thought, and observations of life made. A man walking his dog every day. The cars going along the road. The planes from the west flying overhead going to Pearson Airport. The clouds. The wind. The weather. The moment in front! Sometimes quiet prayer too! Social media is a good thing but is it uncontrollable now? What are your thoughts? Quite frankly I find the modern phenomenon to be rather rude and boring most of the time! What is wrong with engaging with the people around you? Oh yeah, maybe I am just old fashioned! What about you? Do you have an idea for project number three?