Life is Lumpy!

  My daughter, Giselle, was once asked, “Why is your mother baking muffins at midnight?” Giselle shrugged her shoulders, and answered, “I dunno. She just always bakes at that time.” Maybe it’s because I worked midnights for decades that I still get a burst of energy at that time. Or maybe I’m simply craving muffins!…

Most Loved Photo of 2020!

Have you ever experienced a feeling of anxiety so intense you felt it in the pit of your stomach? This happened to me the other day when I realized I did something not too bright at all! And feared there may be serious repercussions. I was about to run an errand for my daughter. This…

Through a Daughter’s Eyes

Let me tell you about my mother. If you could peek inside her room in the retirement home, you may see a senior, who looks much younger than her stated 93 years. You might feel sorry for her as she’s been in isolation for weeks because of the pandemic. She’s only recently been allowed out…

Thousand Word Thursdays #172

My front yard. Discover the beauty in your own gardens! Stay home, stay safe! © Rita Jacques 2020.    

On Turning Sixty!

Today is the last day I’ll spend in my fifties. It’s been an excellent decade. I crammed so much living into the last ten years that my head’s still spinning. Disaster-relief nursing, volunteering at a homeless shelter, the marriage of one daughter, and becoming a grandmother. Plus working as a nurse until my recent retirement…

Inspiration in Unexpected Places!

While walking with my daughter through a medical office building, I spotted something bright pink, about two inches tall, near the entrance. Was it a piece of litter? Nope! It was a painted rock with a funny face with Bear Hugs written on it. It brought a smile to my face instantly. It reminded me…

Just Take the Plunge!

I had my doubts. Was I out of my depth? Was my story interesting? Was it worth spending $25 apiece on a dream? I decided to take the plunge. Swim with the big fish and enter the CBC Nonfiction Contest. I chose to polish up not one, but two stories from years ago. Isn’t it…

Priorities!

It’s funny how a random scene from the past can be cemented in one’s mind. I remember when my oldest daughter struggled with a challenging sewing project involving a pastel green dress. (A pic of the finished dress is below.) We were to meet a high school teacher for assistance at her home on a…

Gardening Goals!

Gardeners display a rare optimism. Despite factors beyond their control—such as extreme weather conditions and Japanese beetles to name just two—gardeners continue to plant each year and hope for the best. And, the amazing thing is that plants usually turn out well. I am no different than the average gardener. At my previous home, the…

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…