THIRTY DAYS HATH SEPTEMBER

September- the short month, one of 4 short months. It seems with one day less not as much gets done but it actually does. A month of new beginnings, finishing summer projects, and preparing for the months ahead. Even that notorious celebration of Christmas- thinking about it and starting some shopping. Yes I know there are people out there that are finished. However, waiting to see what the grandchildren need and what they might want is the reason to wait. Of course October brings two wonderful celebrations- Thanksgiving and Halloween! Septmeber has been an eventful month- joy, some sadness, some celebrations. Well an usual month. Don't they all start to sound the same?  The biggest joy is just to keep on trekking! Plugging along! Finding meaning in each day! Just finishing what gets started! Life is good, isn't it?

CANADIAN FALL IMAGES ABOUND AROUND US

Fall brings the foods and smells and events that are fun. Cranberries at the markets. Apple picking is one at the local farms.

Some farms will have fun events for children too.

Old barn wood fences.

Maple Leaf picture potential. Try a drive in the country for the changing of the colours. Even in downtown Toronto there are Fall images.

Gather some pine cones for a decorative basket by the door or for a festive fall table. Fall brings many fun opportunities. And the driving is easy!

NANA SAYS GRIEF IS A DIFFICULT ONE FOR CHILDREN

When someone in a family dies, there is always a dilemma on how much to involve children. Age and the degree of relationship to the person are factors. Someone very close may mean the child needs to be part of the funeral process. Distant relative or friend, the child may be told but not need to be involved. Parents struggle with this. Viewing a body in a casket can be traumatizing for childrren. Does a child need to see the person? There are differing views on the subject. Unfortunately there is no right or wrong answer. Having a child draw a picture, write a poem or story can be a way to be involved. Part of the post funeral wake and meal is easier. Talking about feelings. It is sad. We will miss the person. Maybe a trip to the cemetery at a later date will bring some discussion. Letting feelings be real and raw can be frightening for children too. Seeing a parent cry may be hard. But it is real and part of life. There are many resources and story books on various deaths. I have one when Granma Dies. So a theme workbook or book may be a way to include the child. Parents can ask others for guidance on what to do. However, a parent knows their own child best. What works for one child may not work for your child.

AFTER DEATH COMES THE GRIEF

Living with someone facing the end of his/her life is such a painful journey. After death the grief work continues in a different way. There are many services and helps out there. But sometimes a good book giving solace is warranted. In my End of Life talk for Nursing Mentorship, I suggest C.S. Lewis- A Grief Observed. It was his grief journey after the death of his wife. I often give a copy to family or friends going through a grief process. It is one small way a person can be comforted.

LIFE IS LIKE A DAY WITH QUILTS

One of the highlights of my summer of 2016 was an amazing quilt show at Black Creek Pioneer Village. The variety and colour of the quilts was wonderful.

Order, patterns, design- neatly constructed and put together.

Even a traditional pattern like the Log Cabin modernized. Did each quilt give an insight to its creator? Why that design? Why those colours? How long did it take?
Like life there can be variety! Taking an interest and visiting a show, a fair, an exhibit in a museum brings a connection with the art and the artist. Are quilts an art form? Fabric art at its best. Yes they can hang on a wall or in a museum but mostly they can go on a bed and keep us warm!

Oh the selection! Which one would you pick for a cuddle or snuggle?

THE BUSYNESS OF FALL-ARE YOU BUSY WITH FALL CLEANUP

There's a hustle and bustle in the air. School in full swing. Thinking about the next events like Thanksgiving. Turkeys are on sale. The Fall vegetables. Trees trying colour. Time for some photo opts! Of course, garden cleanup. Four bags to the curbs. Adolph needs to tie the branch bundles. A year to chop and cut back a very over grown and messy garden. Not fair to ask the snow to cover it up! It will still be there in the Spring. There is something about garden work. It clears the head. Chopping and bagging, no other thoughts, just slow methodical work. After a stressful and sad week, good for the soul. So busy to slow needed work. Slowly each week the garden is surrounding to Barb's efforts! Also slow efforts. No longer about to spend a whole day, now more like less than 2 hours and sometimes only 1! But like most valiant workers, every effort counts! Just doing something helps with the overall appearance. Like most tasks in life, getting started, doing and stopping when tired. Just to start over another day!

Fall#fallisabusytime#hustleandbustleofschool#lotsofeventslikethanksgiving#gardencleanup#fallcolours#rakingleavesinthefallishardwork#slowatthefallwork

CELEBRATE LIFE

Sometimes we all need a reminder to live our lives well. Some say to the fullest but some days are harder than others. Celebrate all the small journerys. Laugh, cry, yell but live. Take the opportunities of every day to find a silver lining! It is good for the soul!