Thousand Word Thursdays #213

Hopeful: a blossom appearing on a strawberry plant in mid-November! Copyright © 2021 Rita Jacques

Hiding in the Hydrangeas

This is an updated re-blog on my neighbour, Rocco, who passed away last week from a heart attack. I admit it. When I’m overtired, I want be left alone in my garden. I’ve pretended not to notice Rocco (my elderly Italian neighbour) nearby when I’m busy weeding. He gave me several hydrangea plants two summers…

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…

Wisdom

I’ve kept track. I’m good at math, after all. So far I’ve survived 100% of my worst days. As my dear old Dad would say,”This too shall pass.” Dad wouldn’t boost me up, telling me that I was strong and could survive anything. Nope. He just gave me hope things would change. Circumstances may look…

Kazuko: Japanese for “Harmony”-#2

  After graduating from the ESL (English as a Second Language) program, Kazuko was informed she could attend school two years further to obtain her high school diploma. Two more years! She was almost 36 years old at the time! Kazuko thought back to what her life would’ve been like if she’d never come to…

“Kazuko”: Japanese for “Harmony”-#1

My text to hubby: “The new pool has free wifi!” Hubby’s text to me: “U do know ur phone isn’t waterproof, right?” It was my first time swimming laps at the new pool in town. I loved it except for the cramped changing quarters. I glanced up from texting to see an older Asian woman.…

Thousand Word Thursdays #5

Graffiti on a garage door by an alley in Windsor, Ontario. © Rita Jacques 2016

Crisis Averted Times Two

I paused from serving hot dogs to observe a distraught woman, maybe in her late 30’s.  My dishwasher partner, Chris, spoke to her softly,” Go see Sarah-Lynn. She’ll set you up. Don’t worry.” I gave my buddy a quizzical look. He told me the woman was just kicked out of her apartment by her boyfriend…

World Class Dreams

Dreams can come true. Even a dream you’ve had for over twenty years. Let me tell you about my dear friend, Jane. In one word: resilient! I met Jane when I was dating my boyfriend-to-be-husband, Guy. Jane was the girlfriend of Mike, Guy’s best friend.  Jane had previously fled an abusive marriage, taking her two…

Passion for Petunias

Easy Wave Pink Passion Petunias. Who would have known a bunny fancied them? In late spring, my sister planted these particular petunias at my Dad’s request in my parents’ garden. At that time, the petunias were surrounded by a spreading white flower called Snow in Summer. The Snow in Summer died down later leaving several…