My Own Calcutta: A Year of Living Generously

Yay! I did it! After years of pushing my manuscript to the backburner, I took the plunge and moved forward. My first book, My Own Calcutta, was recently published on Amazon. Let me share with you the storyline… It’s November 2013. As Rita Jacques hears that a typhoon has devastated the Philippines, she’s once again…

🎶(Staying) Home for the Holidays!🎶😷

I didn’t feel like decorating for Christmas this year. Usually, I’m gung-ho about it and have our home festive by early December to fully enjoy the season. But this year it just seemed like too much effort. Too much hassle for no visitors to enjoy. The premier of Ontario told us to stick to our…

Sanity Saved by Irises!

While photographing the irises in my garden, I often thought of van Gogh. The great artist painted flowers—including irises—while in isolation at a monastery/asylum. He referred to painting as the lightning rod for his illness. And, likewise, photography and gardening have kept me grounded during this pandemic. Have you found your own lightning rod? Let…

Keep Hope Alive!

It’s funny how a simple remark can lead you to reflect on your life. Last week, my brother-in-law stopped by to visit. As we stood in the driveway, he pointed to a large bed of Cosmos flowers still standing on the first day of November. “I see you’re one of those gardeners who lets their…

Choose Happiness over Anxiety!

My hubby, Guy, explained how to tackle worry and anxiety. “First of all, set aside fifteen minutes twice a day to worry.” That sounded pretty easy. I could do that, no problem! “For the first five minutes, you can worry about whatever is bothering you. Then, for the next ten minutes, you flood your brain…

Smile Cookies!

I stood in line at Tim Horton’s in Chatham. In front of me was a couple in their forties. In front of them, and being served was an older gentleman. He was furious! He repeated his order to the young girl working at the cash register. A mature employee was working alongside her. The senior…

Driveway Flowers!

Caught between a rock and a hard place? In a tough situation? Don’t give up! You’re stronger than you think. Push on through the hard times and your resilience will be a beautiful thing indeed. Don’t believe me? Just look at how these morning glory flowers pushed through the pavement.  Who would suspect a delicate…

Are You Listening?

My priest told this joke during his sermon — A man asked his wife what she’d like for her birthday. She told him she’d like to be six again. He thought it over and came up with a wonderful fun-filled day for a six-year-old. He brought his beloved to an amusement park where they went…

Stress Busters!!

Stress. I’ve become an unwilling expert on this topic lately due to unfortunate circumstances. Let me share a few of the life lessons I’ve picked up. I’m learning to let go of things I cannot change. Just like the wisdom of the Serenity Prayer: Easier said than done. Make a tight fist. Feel the power…

Their Shoes #55

It’s a few days late for Mental Health Mondays but what can I say? It’s been a busy week! Marcie bought her shoes at Mark’s Work Warehouse. What is your biggest mental health struggle? Consistency! It’s not easy to have consistency in habits and in keeping a job. Mental illness affects me differently from day…