“Grandchildren complete life’s circle of love.” – Anonymous. It is a special joy and privilege to be a grandparent. Grandchildren provide us with love, laughter, and loads of fun. We get a license to be “silly” again. Young grandchildren laugh easily at our antics, and they don’t judge our singing ability (or lack thereof)! I have […]
“Languishing is a sense of stagnation and emptiness. It feels as if you’re muddling through your days, looking at your life through a foggy windshield.” – Adam Grant. Do too many of your days seem to lack meaning or purpose, characterized by feelings of dissatisfaction, apathy, and a lack of desire to make progress? There’s a […]
I was quite delighted when our new stationary bike arrived recently. Our gym closed over a year ago, and though it opened for a short time over the summer, we didn’t feel comfortable returning. Like many others, we eventually opted to purchase an exercise bike to use indoors when the weather was too cold and […]
“The call to simplicity and freedom is a reminder that our worth comes not from the amount of our involvements, achievements, or possessions, but from the depth and care which we bring to each moment, place and person in our lives.” – Richard A. Bower Winter is a challenging time for maintaining motivation in the northern […]
I have loved landscapes and flowers for as long as I can remember. I think my love of alpine landscapes was born during a mountain hike with my father, in Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada. I was probably about 11 years old. I remember the pleasing feeling of crossing loose shale, enjoying sinking and sliding […]
It’s two years now since I retired, leaving my scientific and planning careers in other capable hands. Having enjoyed my varied career immensely, I surprised myself when I decided to pursue artistic activities in retirement. On reflection, I have realized that creativity was always an important part of my work life. I was always happiest […]
“The real voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust. Maybe it was the long winter and the slow spring, with COVID confinement as the proverbial “icing on the cake”… that all worked together to make spring completely intoxicating this year! More walks took the place […]
I recently read a book by Richard Wagamese, entitled “For Joshua”. Richard is an Ojibway author who was cut off from his native roots at a young age and who struggled to find his identity and to understand his self-worth. He became a celebrated author but still wrestled with addictions and lost touch with his […]
The Butchart Gardens is a group of floral gardens near Victoria, Canada. These spectacular display gardens welcome over a million visitors each year and were designated a National Historic Site in 2004. Robert Butchart was a pioneer in the cement industry. He was attracted to Vancouver Island by the rich limestone deposits necessary for cement […]
“Babbling brooks fill our hearts with their merry song, tinkling like child’s laughter.” – Heather Sinton Taking time to reflect by the side of a beautiful mountain stream is medicine for the soul. I love listening to the sound of trickling water and we will soon hear that lovely sound again as spring arrives. Swaddled in […]
