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…

In My Path!

Everyone in our neighbourhood received a letter last fall informing us that fibre optic cable for high-speed internet would be installed sometime in the future. We had to give consent before our lawns would be dug up for its installation. Of course, I agreed but I added to my reply email, “Please don’t dig up…

Moving Adventures!

“That’s what people used to do…move in the middle of the night to avoid paying rent.” My Mom said this after I mentioned my neighbour asked  if there was a moving truck in front of our house in the middle of the night…or was she dreaming? Yes, it’s quite a story how we moved my…

Their Shoes #30

I met Ken as he reached for the chocolate chip croissants at the shelter. Enthralled by his conversation, I forgot to ask where he received his shoes, as in posts #1-29. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “It’s seeing that anyone else who is struggling with poverty is okay. I…

A Tractor Tale

If it sounds too good to be true, well, maybe, one should hesitate a bit? I got scammed recently. Well, sort of…I think the man’s intentions were fine in the beginning but then, heck, I don’t know what happened. When I walked from my parked car to the homeless shelter where I volunteer weekly, I noticed…

Their Shoes #27

Virginia has been a steady volunteer at the shelter for eight years. She performs a variety of duties, from organizing the donated clothing and finding proper boots and winter coats for the clients, to cooking, serving food and doing clerical work. Her shoes are from the shelter. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on…

Their Shoes- #24

  Heather is fairly new to the shelter. She’s a striking, beautiful woman. However, she walks very stiffly due to pain. She received her shoes from the shelter. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “It used to be shelter. I was staying at the shelter for women on Bridge Street.…

Their Shoes #20

Dave recently learned about the shelter through his cousin, Chris. For two years now, Chris has served food and washed dishes at the shelter. Dave enjoys working alongside his cousin to serve food to the homeless. “It feels good to be able to help others.” Dave’s running shoes were donated to him by the shelter.…

Their Shoes #18

In 2009, Michelle started coming to the shelter with her boyfriend. The boyfriend’s now an “ex” but the shelter’s remained a constant in Michelle’s life.  She’s a familiar face to all as she helps sort donations and serve food. Michelle’s shoes were given to her by the shelter. What is your biggest struggle with poverty…