Can the events in our lives be connected in some ways, and if so, is it possible to notice the patterns that can emerge based on these connections? Absolutely! Although, some connections are evident and direct, others may be more subtle or complex. Patterns, in this context, refer to recurring themes, trends, or regularities in…
I admit to having squawked loudly in frustration in my younger days that whoever chose December to celebrate Christmas did not have to get to Christmas parties trudging through snowbanks in fancy Christmas attire. True, it is only half the world that has to deal with snow and cold as part of Christmas and I…
More than three weeks have passed since I started this Advent Calendar blog, faithfully delivering a post each day to follow through on my promise. It has been a very interesting experience, and I confess that I had not considered all the challenges an Advent Calendar blog could present when I came up with the…
Did you know I am an ailurophile? I will say that my husband is as well, and others in my family. This is the term used to describe a cat lover, derived from the Greek word “ailouros” which means cat and the suffix “phile“, meaning lover. While I don’t discriminate against dogs, I must confess…
“Hey Google, Play Jewel 98.5” And just like that, our favourite radio station is pulled in from the airwaves, and begins to fill the room with music, and we go about our business, having never even moved from our seat to turn on the radio. For the millennials reading this article, it used to be…
The best part of my day, is watching a sunrise. The cover pic is a photo I took earlier this year from my east facing hotel room as the sun rose over Miami. You would be surprised how quickly it happens, from the moment the pinkish red glow appears on the horizon to the time…
Canadians love going to the cottage. If you are in Alberta you go to the cabin and if you live in BC you call it a chalet. In northern Ontario, you go to camp! Whatever you call it, its a great place to get away from the city hustle and bustle to commune with nature,…
December always brings forward so many beautiful memories of time spent as a family. I was thinking today of all the school recitals and concerts we attended while our children were growing up. We have only one daughter, but we were very fortunate to raise her in a small community where two of my cousins…
Is it just me, or has life become simpler and yet more complicated with Pinterest? How did we ever live our life before having access to an unlimited compendium of recipes, decor suggestions, fashion hints, life hacks, funny quotes and so much more? Ten years ago, my social media apps consisted primarily of Facebook, and…
I recently offered to review a friend’s resume with the offer of feedback, to help maximize the impact of her amazing skills and experience. My friend accepted my offer, but asked me to be mindful of her “sensitive underbelly”, admitting that she often had difficulty with some of my comments. To say I was stunned…
Raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens Brown paper packages tied up with strings These are a few of my favorite things I have fallen behind on delivering one fresh post every day in December as part of my Advent Calendar series, and to catch up today, I…
Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” – Fred Rogers I retired from my career two years ago without a long-term plan. I had very clear ideas about what I would be doing for the first year, but beyond that, plans were still fuzzy. It…
If you have ever been spent time in Canada’s Capital as a visitor or a resident, then you likely know of the Rideau Canal. The narrow channel weaves through Ottawa landmarks and neighbourhoods along an 8km stretch, connecting the metropolitan’s two universities while delivering the most picturesque scenery a city can provide. Many of us…
Yes, you read that title correctly and it was not a typo. Traditions have always been big in my family, thanks mostly to my husband who was a big fan of repeating events and activities that our daughter enjoyed while growing up. Camping out in the backyard to mark the last day of school, ending…
Every once in a while, I am reminded of the power of my subconscious thoughts and the dramatic influence they can have on my day, and my life. It’s hard to be aware of these thoughts let alone hear them, but if you slow down enough, and if you still and quiet your mind, you…
