Posts on Late Blooms

Protecting the Warrior Within: Jane Goodall’s Pillars of Active H.O.P.E.

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

How are you feeling these days? Are you hopeful about the future? In a world filled with wars and rumors of wars, where the news often feels weighty and uncertain, it’s easy to believe that hope is just a naive dream. You are not alone if you feel this way. I’ve had to cut back on watching the news daily. The truth is, many of us are experiencing a profound weariness, feeling that the very notion of ‘hope’ is a luxury we can no longer afford.

What I've Learned About the Soul at 76

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This post was published in the GGCN Magazine ~ January/2026. GGCN stands for Global Grandmothers Council Network. My gratitude to Kalina Bains, Grand Editor, for her editorial skill in putting together such a fine magazine, and especially making “What I’ve Learned About the Soul at 76” look so good. She’s also the Founder and Creative Director of Kalina Digital Median ~ “Digital Magic for Women Rebuilding their Lives.” (mailto:hello@kalinamedia.ca)

Jean Janki Samaroo Download

STRONG WOMEN MAKE HISTORY

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

StrongWomenMakeHistory-1 Download

WHAT IS CHRISTMAS ALL ABOUT? HOLIDAY REFLECTIONS

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Are you ready for Christmas and the New Year? As Christmas day approaches on December 25th, we all seem to get more and more anxious about all the preparations. I’d say this is truer for the ladies I know than for the men. I know that I often get into a frenzy when there are just a few days left before Christmas! We ladies worry about the decorations, the food, the gifts, the parties, the clothes we’re going to wear, and more. There are the school concerts, the pageant at the church, the cookie exchange at work and the package to be mailed to overseas relatives.
The Andy Williams song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Christmas is a wonderful time for sure. It’s the biggest birthday party in the world! For Christians, it’s the celebration of the birthday of Jesus. For everyone else who gets in on the celebration, it’s time for fun – food, music, parties, presents, decorations, Santa, and best of all sharing time with family and friends.
Looking back at the idyllic manger scene we see on Christmas cards at the first Christmas paints a very different picture to the way we celebrate Christmas today. There’s Mary, an unwed mother, who’s given birth to a baby boy. Joseph, the father of the child is there. Their abode for the night is a very humble stable with only the animals around. There were no doctors, nurses, mothers, fathers, doulas, or medical equipment in case of an emergency. I would say they were pretty much all alone.
Things change and our own Christmas celebrations have changed drastically. We have all the glitz and glitter of affluence all around us here in Toronto. As the Christmas songs says,
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style.
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile.
And on every street corner you hear
Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city.
Ring a ling, hear them ring.
Soon it'll be Christmas day.
In my mind though, all the excitement, glitz, and glitter is because the Christmas season is all about love. It’s a time when people show their love and appreciation for each other and oftentimes even those they don’t know. That’s the magic of Christmas and the spirit! Because Christmas is about love, even people who are of no religious persuasion do everything for Christmas just as if they were celebrating a big Birthday party. They get caught up in the excitement of the season and want to
Bring back that lovin' feelin'
Whoa, that lovin' feelin'
You probably remember the well-known Dr. Seuss story of someone who tried to steal Christmas. I fondly remember reading “How the Grinch stole Christmas!” to my own son a long time ago. Although the Grinch stole all the presents, decorations, and food from the town, he couldn’t really steal Christmas. He realized that Christmas didn’t come from a store when he heard the beautiful singing voices of the children and the community of Whoville.
How about in our own time? Can Christmas be stolen from children and whole countries in other ways? Many children live in countries that are at war this Christmas. For many children in the Ukraine and Russia, there will be no Christmas in the usual way. It’s 666 days now since that war started. The best Christmas present for them would be to have peace. No matter how loudly they sing, war will not cease.
What of the children and families in Palestine/Israel? Since October 7th, 2023, armed conflict began between Israel and Hamas-led factions in the Gaza area. This is a very complex situation that I must admit is very hard to understand and goes back a long time in history. It’s not hard to guess what the best Christmas present for everyone there might be.
If we could wave a magic wand and wars would cease, it would be the most wonderful thing in the world right now. However, since we don’t have a magic wand, there’s not a whole lot that any of us can do to make war cease in any part of the world right now. That’s not being complacent or uncaring. It’s the reality. Is there something we might be able to do for the future that could change the way we live now? Yes, and I would like to offer six suggestions for how each one of us might make it possible for wars to cease in the future.
1. We can start by examining our own inner landscape, our consciousness – how are we thinking about others? Do we see other children, adults, countries, people with other religious persuasions, skin colour, language differences, accents, as worthy of respect and love?
2. There’s a saying that “charity begins at home.” Before we go trying to put somebody else’s house in order, it’s a good idea to take care of those closest to us first. That includes caring for ourselves too. Self-care is the best care. You will have more to give when your own energy is high and your own needs have been taken care of.
3. On a more practical level, if you are out today and see someone around you who’s lonely, hungry, needs help carrying a heavy package or groceries, or in any other situation where you could offer a helping hand, that’s your opportunity to shine. Even a smile could be helpful today to someone who is lonely. Put yourself in the shoe of the other.
4. On a more international level, we need to rally for our leaders to go to war before they send the youth in our countries to fight. If the President/Prime Minister, and the Administration had to go to war, there would be no war. Oftentimes, young men and women who are conscripted don’t really understand what they’re getting into. Demand that there is explanation and transparency. Do you know any teenagers/youth who have the cognitive know-how or experience of life to understand war? War is not the answer when we want a peaceful world.
5. We need diplomacy and compassion in our relationships at both the individual, national, and international level. It has been said that peace is not just the absence of war. Our consciousness must change at the individual level before we can begin to make this world a peaceful one. I challenge myself and you to listen carefully to what the other person is saying to us starting today. Ask yourself the reason why they’re saying this and try to understand where they’re coming from. Try to communicate with kindness and be cooperative and understanding instead of being arrogant and rude. Deep down inside, we all want the same good things for ourselves as for others.
6. Last, but not least, is gratitude and generosity. They go hand in hand. It’s a grateful heart that wants to give and share out of love. Here in Canada, we have so much of everything. If you’re one of the fortunate ones who has more than you need, maybe you can find it in your heart and consciousness to start looking out for others you might share your blessings with. It could be right at home or even in another country – maybe even a country at war. Christmas is about sharing love through giving to others, even those we don’t know.
According to Buddhist monk, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso (1931-2022)
“Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible. We all wish for world peace, but world peace will never be achieved unless we first establish peace within our own minds. We can send so-called 'peacekeeping forces' into areas of conflict, but peace cannot be opposed from the outside with guns. Only by creating peace within our own mind and helping others to do the same can we hope to achieve peace in this world.”
Let’s get actively involved in raising our consciousness this Christmas and all the way into the New Year! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, or whatever you say in your own language. Happy New Year!

A Happier Life

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000

“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering ‘it will be happier’ ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson

A happier life for me started on January 2nd, 2023. A change of country, scenery, and environment brought with it new vistas and opportunities. It was something that I had dreamt and hoped to do for many years – wintering in a beautiful, warm place.

I had always dreamed of living by the sea and hearing the waves lapping the shore day and night. While I was dreaming, I thought that if there were also mountains, that would be a bonus. Since I saw the Sound of Music and Heidi when I was a little girl, mountains have always beckoned to me. My new locale has the sea, boats, and the Sierra Madre Mountains. Talk about luck!

Year of the Rabbit

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

by Leung Kit

It’s Lunar New Year time again. Tomorrow, January 22nd/2023 marks the beginning of this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations. If you want to use the proper greetings with your Chinese friends here is what you need to say: “Gong hei fat choy” (恭喜发财) (Cantonese) Gong xi fài (Mandarin). This 15 day long celebration will end on February 5th with the Lantern Festival.

Rocky Mountains - A Photographic Tour

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The mountains are calling and I must go. ~ John Muir

It wasn’t only John Muir who felt called by the mountains. I felt the call in September of 2021. Many people who like being with Nature are drawn to spend some time in the presence of these towering giants. My trip was a conducted tour which started in Calgary and lasted for five days. Talk about a true mountain-top experience!

New Year in Covid Time

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

As the New Year, 2022, is on the cusp of being born, it’s a good time to reflect and think about the year past. There have been challenges for all of us on the planet above and beyond the usual. This has, of course, been due to dealing with the Coronavirus at each and every stage since it first manifested itself. Are you anxious, afraid, hopeful, thankful, or in some other emotional state as 2022 begins?

DEATH

Sun, 22 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_4832” align=“alignleft” width=“1000”] “Mostly it is loss which teaches us about the worth of things.” ~ Arthur Schopenhauer[/caption]

Is death anyone’s favourite topic? Death has always been a heavy topic for me and most people I know shy away from any discussion around the topic whenever it comes up. It’s as though not talking about it will make it go away. I’m talking here about physical death - that of a loved one or beloved pet. There’s no impermanence about physical death. We never get to see our loved one again in this life.

72nd Birthday Reflections

Sun, 25 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_4817” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] “As I have walked through many lives, some of them my own, and I am not who I was, though some principle of being abides, from which I struggle not to stray." ~ Stanley Kunitz[/caption]

It’s hard to believe that so many years of my life have gone by and I’m at the ripe old age of seventy-two. When I was sixty-five, I remember thinking what a long life that was. Of course, when I turned seventy, that feeling was even more pronounced. What do I have to say at seventy-two?

Stanley Singh - The Smile Project

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

I’m a member of the Facebook group “Parents, Find Children’s Books and Authors Here.” As the author of a children’s book called “Making New Friends,” I like to see what both authors and parents are sharing in this group. Well, I have to tell you that I was fascinated to find this charming young boy by the name of Stanley Singh in the group. I listened to him read a children’s story and was captivated by his accent and how expressive he was in telling the story. I immediately wanted to find out more about him. So, here we go!

World Refugee Day

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

“A refugee is someone who survived and who can create the future.” ~ Amela Koluder

What are your thoughts on this World Refugee Day? Do you even know a single refugee personally? Are you comfortable/uncomfortable with your country, church, or school being accepting of refugees? If you were to be in a position to assist a single refugee or a refugee family, how would you go about doing that?

Indian Arrival Day - Showing Altruistic Love and Compassion

Tue, 04 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Internet Photo

Many of us are aware that May 5th is a public holiday in Guyana to commemorate the arrival of the first shiploads of East Indians to what was then British Guiana. There were many ships that followed after that fateful year of 1838 and continued to 1917. Can you picture your great-great-great-grandmother or grandfather disembarking from the Hesperus or Whitby? They have finally arrived at their destination with high hopes of employment - “light work,” housing, and a better life than the one they left behind. This was what they were promised.

International Women's Day 2022

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

A year ago, this was put-together to celebrate International Women’s Day. I felt that 2021 was a big year for women with the inauguration of America’s first female Vice-President. It’s an Amazon Kindle ebook. However, since many people don’t have Kindle readers, I’m sharing here. Happy International Women’s Day!

Edited by:

Jean Janki Samaroo

This ebook is for the personal enjoyment

of the reader. It is the copyrighted property

Psychological Richness?

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

I’m pleased to share this article I wrote and that was in Simply Woman which is an online magazine for women.

psychological richness?

By simply…woman! on January 18, 2021

By Jean Janki Samaroo

The saying that you’re never too old to learn is so true. I had never heard the term “psychological richness” used in relation to the good life until just recently. The concept of a happy life, a meaningful life, a fulfilled life, were all familiar to me as well as the terms themselves. After all, even at 71 those are still the things that I’m seeking daily in order to make my life count.

CLIMBING THE WALLS

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Where are we headed as a species - humans, I mean. What do we conclude when our baser nature shows itself? It’s customary to conclude we’re headed in a forward, upward moving direction when the best of our human nature comes out.. On the contrary, when there’s selfishness, greed, indifference, disrespect and our “lower” nature manifests itself, there is a great disconnect. This disconnect takes place within and without.

DANCING IN THE RAIN

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm is all about’ – Haruki Murakami

2020 will soon be over. We’ve just got a few hours left before we cross over into a brand new year. Many folks have voiced to me that they can’t wait for it to be over. It has been a year when our whole world was turned upside down due to COVID-19.

Greetings from Santa!

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Children:

Christmas will be here soon. I just want you to know that I will still be coming.

I know that the Coronavirus has been with us for a long time. You weren’t able to go to school or daycare for many months. You had to do your lessons on your computer. You missed your friends. I understand.

I’m sure your Mummy and Daddy have told you about the virus. Your teacher probably has too. We don’t see the virus but it’s around. Masks are a little bit uncomfortable but please wear yours.

Biden's Boldness

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Women worldwide love Joe Biden’s “audacious” choice of Kamala Harris as his running mate and now his Vice-President Elect. Joe Biden has his heart in the right place. He knows that in order to eradicate systemic racism in the US, it’s not enough to pay lip service to an ideal. “Actions speak louder than words.”

He’s not afraid of people – immigrants, single parents, people of colour, and the disenfranchised. Kamala’s parents divorced when she was seven years old and her mother raised her and her sister as a single parent. Her parents were from India and Jamaica respectively and were international students to the United States when they met. They later got immigrant status. President-elect Biden didn’t see her early status as a barrier. “Democrats believe in reigniting the American dream by removing barriers to success and building ladders of opportunity for all, so everyone can succeed. ~ Nancy Pelosi

YOU MATTER

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Two words that matter so much! We all want to feel that we are loved and cherished as we live our days here on this earth. It’s very important that we are able to feel and experience this from our nearest and dearest. But how about extending that beyond that small circle of loved ones.?

I was moved by an article that was shared on DailyGood.org called “TWO WORDS THAT CAN CHANGE A LIFE.” It resonated so much with me that I downloaded one of their cards and sent by e-mail to a few people who are near and dear to me. We really don’t know until we try what a difference we can make when we’re willing to move beyond our comfort zone. Cheryl Rice stepped up and stepped out that day.

National Seniors Day

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_4608” align=“aligncenter” width=“642”] “SENIOR CITIZENS COME FROM ALL WALKS AND TALKS OF LIFE.”
~ Jean Janki Samaroo[/caption]

On October 1st which is tomorrow, Seniors are being celebrated in Canada and internationally as well. In Canada, it’s called National Seniors Day. October 1st is also designated by the UN as the I_nternational Day of Older Persons_. I’m sure many Seniors don’t even know about it. Seniors tend to be seen as a “dying breed.” We all know what happened in long-term care homes during this COVID-19 time. Many Seniors succumbed to the virus. We older persons as a whole have to be very cautious and extra careful these days as the Coronavirus is still very much here.

Coronavirus Art and Poetry

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

SCARED

I’m scared of this “new” Coronavirus

I can’t see it, hear it, or feel it.

Sneaky thing – your droplets rest on

surfaces when a person coughs, sneezes,

or exhales. I can’t touch my own nose, eyes,

or mouth. You’ve made me afraid of people now!

I’m scared to stand close to anyone lest they breathe

on me. They feel scared to be close to me too. Breathing

71st Birthday Reflections

Sat, 25 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1635” align=“alignleft” width=“525”] To see a world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower Hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour. ~ William Blake[/caption]

It’s hard to believe that another year has gone by so quickly. It seems that it was just the other day that I turned 70. As the years go by, time seems to go faster. It was a very busy year for me. I decided to get a new kitty after my beloved Cali died. My new cat, Ali, was just 9 weeks old when we brought him home. He was very active and had a way of getting into everything. I was overjoyed to have him but I had to muster lots of energy and stamina to care for my new “baby.

Smell the Roses

Sat, 18 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_4501” align=“alignleft” width=“929”] You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way. ~ Walter Hagen[/caption]

As I walked over to the pharmacy yesterday, I couldn’t resist stopping to enjoy the flowers in our condo’s garden. I started to admire them long before I got really close to them. When I reached where they were, I stopped and took in all the colours - yellows. whites, and purples. They looked so beautiful, delicate, and sometimes even fragile, but I knew that they could stand up to a strong wind. I didn’t smell them though - but I did slow down.

My New Books

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

I’m happy to be able to share about my two new books with all of you. Turning seventy last July was momentous for me as I had never ever expected to live this long. To celebrate/mark this important milestone in my life, I undertook two projects. The first is a book for Seniors called “Late Blooms: Inspiration for Seniors.” The second is a children’s book called “Making New Friends.”

Uplifting Virus Quotes

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

If you’re at all like me, it’s difficult sometimes to take a break from the constant barrage of Coronavirus news, news of police brutality, widespread racism, Black Lives Matter, climate change, and other issues. Don’t get me wrong - these are realities that we have to face and confront and deal with, each in our own way and collectively as members of the human race.

The Coronavirus is deadly and so is the virus of hate. We aren’t talking “survival of the fittest” these days. We all want to survive, both the fit and unfit, the old and the young, the black and the white and those in-between. We want to survive with our bodies, minds, and spirits intact.

Lest We Forget

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_3312” align=“alignleft” width=“4320”] _Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must – at that moment – become the center of the universe. ~ Elie Wiese_l[/caption]

The United States has certainly become the place where it’s all happening these days. Apart from having the highest number of Coronavirus cases in the world, their other virus has once-again reared its ugly head in a horrendous way. The other virus that I’m talking about is Racism. The very people that are supposed to protect the citizenry are the perpetrators of hate, discrimination, and murder. The “men in uniform” this time were the police.

Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence

Sun, 31 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_3656” align=“alignleft” width=“2048”] ’Tis the perception of the beautiful, A fine extension of the faculties, Platonic, universal, wonderful, Drawn from the stars, and filtered through the skies, Without which life would be extremely dull.
~ Lord Byron[/caption]

I’m sure that there are many instances in life where we’re surprised by what we find out about ourselves. At the very beginning of an online course that I took through Coursera, we were assigned to go to the VIA Institute online and do a survey to find out what our character strengths were. I’d never heard of the Institute before but was curious to find out what my character strengths might be. I thought that maybe I had a few!

Coronavirus Oldies for Oldies

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_4465” align=“alignleft” width=“987”] “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” ― Confucius[/caption]

It’s Easter time once again and we’re all having to keep a safe distance from each other. For Christians who are usually immersed in the religious celebrations that mark Easter, this is a difficult time. For those of the secular population who just celebrate Easter as another holiday, it’s also hard to be away from family and friends. We have to keep ourselves and others safe though and maybe we can share this Easter in other ways with our loved ones and friends.

Coronavirus Poetry

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The Coronavirus is uppermost on people’s minds these days. We are moved to come to terms with the way it’s affecting us by responding in different ways. I felt like writing a poem yesterday and am pleased to share it with you below. It’s called “Corona Virus You Tire Us.” At the same time, I looked to see if there was any other relevant poetry from others that might be meaningful at this time. It’s also my pleasure to share these with you.

Coronavirus Cultural Offerings

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

I received some great ideas for things to do at home during the Coronavirus. Conscious Life News sent this to me today and I’m sharing with you. It’s wonderful to see how many cultural institutions are allowing us to enjoy their offerings. So, for you culture buffs, get to work! (See below)

TheMindUnleashed.com

(TMU) — Let’s face it: things are looking bad in the world, and if we haven’t already felt the heavy impact of the coronavirus outbreak, we soon will.

Happiness for All, Together

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

You might be wondering what there is to be happy about given the present world situation. Tomorrow is World Happiness Day and also the first day of Spring. Are you starting to feel happy yet?

[caption id=“attachment_2976” align=“alignleft” width=“960”] “Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on; ‘Twas not given for thee alone, Pass it on; Let it travel down the years, Let it wipe another’s tears, ‘Til in Heaven the deed appears - Pass it on.” (Henry Burton)[/caption]

COVID-19 Life Lessons

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_3629” align=“alignleft” width=“525”] “We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails.”
-Author Unknown[/caption]

Life has drastically changed these days for people all over the world since the Coronavirus appeared. Every conversation and move we make revolves around this outbreak. From the World Health Organization and other bodies responsible for health down to health authorities in individual communities, we’re well-informed about what to do.

This post is not in the least bit scientific or medical. Those details are best left to the experts. Any such information on the virus that you need to know is as near as your television or computer screen. You are probably already washing your hands regularly, keeping surfaces clean, and avoiding crowds.

Greater Self-Love

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

“How much we know and understand ourselves is critically important, but there is something that is even more essential to living a Wholehearted life: loving ourselves.” (Brene Brown)

We are self-conscious creatures from birth. Loving ourselves should be the most natural thing in the world one would think. It is sort of expected. Yet, it poses a big problem for most of us. We worry about how we look, how we dress, whether others like us, whether we’re too fat or too thin, whether we fit in, and a host of other things. As a member of the female species, I think that this is truer for women than for men. We just can’t seem to accept and love ourselves for who we are. “To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Right Path/Wrong Path?

Sat, 26 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

What path are you following? There are so many options and choices to be made in life with regard to the “right” path. Is there a right path, one might ask? My own life experience tells me that the path is wide open and there is no absolutely right one. There are different wisdom traditions and different schools of thought a person might pursue or follow in life. The “right” path is one that has meaning for the individual involved and leads that person to live a better life. What is the right path for you is certainly not the right path for me. Don’t compare your path with anybody’s else’s. Your path is unique to you. Whatever path you take, it’s God calling you. - Ram Dass

Ripened Experience: 70 Colorful Years

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_4351” align=“aligncenter” width=“956”] This should have read “Leave A Little Sparkle Behind Wherever You Go.”
However, I would have needed a larger canvas for that.[/caption]

Many people don’t live to see their 70th birthdays. I’m one of the lucky ones you might say. We do become more reflective as we age and this birthday finds me looking back over the years. You may ask what has living all these years brought my way? Surely, it’s brought what life brings to everyone of us - ups and downs, joys and sorrows, good and bad experiences, and so much more along the way.

Ten Best Parenting Quotes

Sat, 25 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Parenting is one of those jobs that most of us don’t have a clue about until we have our first child. Somehow we feel that we will know what to do “naturally.” In some ways this may be true, but in others, it is absolutely false. Some mothers, for example, take to breast feeding quite easily. Others have to be taught about getting the baby “latched on” the right way. Others yet just choose to bottle-feed.

The Tapestry of Life

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

To make anything of beauty, it takes time, effort, and work. When I was much younger, it was harder to see how interconnected life really was and derive all of what that meant. Somehow, individualism and independence caused me to shy away or misunderstand that every facet or thread in the weave of life matters. What I didn’t know is that it takes a whole lifetime for a tapestry of beauty to unfold where life is concerned. But I know now. “We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone… and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that create something.” ~ Sandra Day O’Connor

Left Behind

Sun, 27 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

My companion and friend departed this world yesterday. She was not a human - but a cat. Nothing in my life had ever prepared me for this kind of love or loss. I’m writing this as a tribute/memorial to her as much as to help myself to deal with my feelings around losing her.

[caption id=“attachment_30” align=“alignnone” width=“525”] ”Cats come into your house to teach you about affection, they leave to teach you about the loss.”~Jules Verne[/caption]

World Kindness Day

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

November 13th is World Kindness Day. I wasn’t aware of this until just recently when a friend mentioned it to me. She said she liked my last blog post and could she make a suggestion for another. I said what would that be and she said, “you could write one for World Kindness Day.” What a wonderful idea to have a day set aside to remind us about practicing kindness.

The Best Moments in Life

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Do you recall your “best moments” in life? Was it when you fell in love, your first kiss, the birth of your first child or that beautiful sunset that stirred something deep within your heart? It might have been that trip to Bali or some other exotic place that you wished would never end. How about that day when you walked across the stage and received your University degree?

Teachers - Qualified and Unqualified

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Today, October 5th, is World Teachers’ Day and the theme this year is: The right to education means the right to a qualified teacher. I’m thankful for all the qualified and unqualified teachers who have been my teachers. In the small, third-world country in which I grew up and was educated, primary school teachers were not “qualified.” There was a Teacher’s College but I’m not sure that many teachers went there. Yet, thankfully they taught us and we learned. They just knew how to teach.

The Aesthetics of Joy Blog Post

Sun, 30 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

There’s a new book out that I came across at a Chapters/Indigo bookstore this past week. It’s called “Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness.” The author is Ingrid Fetell Lee who is a designer. She has a design blog called “The Aesthetics of Joy.”

The concept of joy for me has always been that it’s something out of reach that I have to find - elusive and precious. But, Ingrid Fetell Lee dispels that idea of joy in her book by showing how we can find joy and create joy in the here and now. The author says " At the heart of this book lies the idea that joy isn’t just something we find. It’s also something we can make, for ourselves and for those around us."

Did You Say "Peace"?

Sun, 23 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

For those of you who aren’t aware of this, today, September 21st, is the International Day of Peace or known to some as World Peace Day. It’s a day designated by the United Nations for individuals and nations globally to pay attention to matters of peace. In his 100 day count-down message, this is what the Secretary-General had to say: “It is time all nations and all people live up to the words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human race. This year marks the 70th anniversary of that landmark document.”

Purpose Later On In Life

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

It may come as a surprise to some that people of all ages wonder about their purpose in life. At every stage of the life cycle, there is this quest for answers to life’s eternal questions. Very often I find myself with other seniors or middle-aged people who say I wonder why I’m here. What do I need to do now?

This happened the other day when I was with some women friends. Somehow in the course of conversing on many different topics, “purpose” came up. Two people said they weren’t sure what their purpose was which is fine. Others said that taking care of children, grandchildren, work, or volunteering, was their purpose in life now. Others yet were confused about how to find purpose.

A Helping Hand

Sat, 25 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0000

As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others. ~ Audrey Hepburn

As those lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer slowly draw to a close, I’ve begun thinking about Fall. It’s time to think about doing something useful with my time. This thinking resulted in my procuring an application form to volunteer in a “Leading to Reading Program” once a week. It’s held and sponsored by the Toronto Public Library. It’s a wonderful opportunity to help children having difficulty with reading improve their skills.

Celebrating Life - Birth Days & Death Days

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Birthdays are celebrations of life when you are present to celebrate and can be actively involved in the celebration. A “Celebration of Life” for you happens when you’re no longer around for the celebration - you’re dead. (Jean)

Thankfully, I’m around for this year’s celebration of my birthday today. I have been actively involved in expressing the way in which I want to spend this birthday. At times, my life’s journey has felt like being on a roller-coaster ride and other times like a cruise ship sailing smoothly along.

Calling Canada Home

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_3671” align=“alignnone” width=“525”] “Cakes are special. Every birthday, every celebration ends with something sweet, a cake, and people remember. It’s all about the memories.”
— Buddy Valastro[/caption]

Canada’s 151st Birthday! It’s a time for all Canadians to celebrate - indigenous people, immigrants, refugees, and those who consider themselves to be truly Canadian. Canada has come a long way since I first arrived here in 1968 and so have I. It’s hard to believe that this country I came to as an immigrant fifty years ago is home. But it is. Countries grow just as people grow and it’s been wonderful to experience some of the many changes over the last 50 years.

100,000 Reads for "Late Blooms"

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

I’d like to think of this blogging venture as the “little blog that grew” in its own time. I loved my brother’s blog and his posts. It was on a whim that I wrote my first blog post. This happened after a visit to Niagara Falls where I visited the Butterfly Conservatory. I took many photos and made up a post called “Metamorphosis.” I shared this post with my brother and told him to link the two - mine and his. Even then, I wasn’t really sure what I was asking him to do. He immediately hosted me on his blog under the name I had chosen - Late Blooms. The date was April 22, 2012. This was how it all began.

Alaskan Cruise - Ports of Call

Sun, 10 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

This post is about the ports our cruise ship stopped at on our Alaskan visit. My two earlier posts were also about this wonderful journey and some of my experiences there. We sailed on the MS Noordam on May 27th, 2018 and returned last Sunday, June 3rd. An amazing trip!

HAINES, ALASKA

[caption id=“attachment_4040” align=“alignnone” width=“525”] The population of Haines is small - about 2,400 people. I got the feeling that I had gone back in time and that this place was a quiet, peaceful place.[/caption]

Cruising in Glacier Bay, Alaska

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

“The mountains are calling and I must go.” ~ John Muir

Glacier Bay National Park was one of the highlights of our Alaska visit. It’s designated a World Heritage Site. We were able to see tidewater glaciers, get close up to inlets carved by the ice, and just bask in the silence and the peace of this wilderness experience. It’s easy to become camera-happy here and take the same or similar views over and over again.

Visiting Alaska

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_4000” align=“alignnone” width=“4320”] Our first view of Alaska as we approached Anchorage. Taken on the aircraft.[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_3998” align=“alignnone” width=“3648”] “You can fall in love at first sight with a place as with a person.” ― Alec Waugh[/caption]

As a first-time visitor to Alaska, I’m happy to say that it was love at first sight. I had seen pictures of Alaska that showed its natural, rugged beauty. Nothing had prepared me for how unspoilt it really is though. My husband and I began our Alaska adventure on May 27th travelling on Holland America’s " MS Noordam."

HIGH PARK'S CHERRY BLOSSOMS (SAKURA)

Sat, 12 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000

“It is spring time now! While the world looks for a new war to fight, you look for a cherry blossom to watch! Let the stupid seek the violence; you seek the elegance!” ~ Mehmet Murat Ildan

Many people flocked to High Park this last week to revel in the beauty of this year’s spectacle of cherry blossoms. I’m sure war or anything close to it was far away from the minds of these nature lovers. They were moved physically to get there and moved within themselves by the beauty they felt there. Nature’s beauty has the power to hold us captive by just being present to it. However, some weren’t happy to just see this beauty. Through the magic of photography, they wanted to take some of it away. I was one of those present.

Learning in Hard Places

Sat, 05 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Previously published in Medium on May 5/2018

“There are no mistakes, no coincidences, all events are blessings given to us to learn from.” ~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

I like what Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross has to say about mistakes, coincidences, and the events of our lives. As one who’s beat myself up over and over again with regard to the mistakes I’ve made, it’s very freeing. However, it’s a process. We don’t start out with the wisdom to view the mishaps, tragedies, and events we wish never happened, as blessings.

What about Meaning?

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

We don’t just fight for survival, we fight for meaning and self-worth. (Dan Pedersen)

I was struck by the above quote found in mail I received in my inbox today from Medium. The title of the post was “Why We Fight” and came from the Personal Growth area of Medium. As one who is constantly baffled and confused about the whole question of life’s meaning, this got me thinking. I believe I’ve changed my views and thinking around this topic many times during my life. Since I’m a learning, growing human being, I believe that’s perfectly alright.

Ubuntu Philosophy

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

I was reading an entry from “The Book of Awakening,” by Mark Nepo one morning recently and came across the word Ubuntu. It wasn’t one I had heard before and was fascinated to discover its meaning.

Ubunt_u-I am because you are , you are because I am…_ (A Deep African Way of Being)

In only the way that Mark Nepo can, his short entry on this topic moved me to want to find out more about this philosophy. Ubuntu has its origins in Africa. It comes from the Nguni Bantu phrase “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”, which roughly translated means “humanity towards others.” Most religions, cultures, countries and peoples throughout the ages have always advocated for oneness, brotherhood, interconnectedness, and respect among peoples - human decency.

Embracing Solitude

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

“A little while alone in your room will prove more valuable than anything else that could ever be given you.” ~ Rumi

There was a time in my life when I didn’t enjoy being alone. As a child, I always wanted to have playmates. Later on, as an adolescent, I wanted to have friends, go places, and be part of several activities that were going on. It seems that at every stage of my younger life I felt lonely if I wasn’t in the company of other people. It seemed as though I was afraid of alone time.

Hustlin' or Being?

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Image taken in Chapters/Indigo Bookstore, Toronto

It seems that everyone I meet is always “hustling.” I myself was part of this hustle and bustle for many years. Life hasn’t changed much. I had thought that with all the new technological advances, people would have more time to spend on other pursuits. But, much of what I read in books and see in the news and even stories on Medium are about goal setting, working harder and longer hours, productivity, and achieving success.

The Final Work of a Lifetime

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

I took this image in a Chapters/Indigo bookstore in Toronto, Canada

Normally we do not like to think about death. We would rather think about life. Why reflect on death? When you start preparing for death you soon realize that you must look into your life now… and come to face the truth of your self. Death is like a mirror in which the true meaning of life is reflected. ~ Sogyal Rinpoche

Are you Growing?

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Growth is the only evidence of life. John Henry Newman

I watched a Masterclass online for the first time last night. It was given by Robin Sharma who is an author, coach, motivational speaker, and leadership expert to many big companies. I clicked on Conscious Life News at around 6:30 p.m. in my mail and learned about this online class there. It was the last day to watch for free and I became interested because it said: “Robin Sharma says that the #1 purpose of life is to GROW!” I saw there were only two sessions left and I decided to watch the 9 p.m. which was the last one.

A Day for Women

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Women Friends Worldwide:

I hope you’re having a wonderful day pressing ahead with your activities and activism. This year’s campaign theme is “Press for Progress” and it’s just fantastic to be pressing ahead with gender parity and other issues that affect all women world-wide. In most countries, in areas like education and health, we are on par with men. However, in the world of work women continue to be underemployed and work for lower wages than a man doing the same job. We all know that economic equality is worth fighting for not only for ourselves but for our families and the economy of our countries as well.

Learning about Life through Death/Observing Grief

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

As 2018 began and all the good wishes abounded for a Happy New Year, I was filled with anticipation and joy for this new beginning. There’s something about a brand new start that brings a hopefulness to one’s soul and spirit. One never knows what’s in store but hopes it will be good. In fact, the collage below is usually the one I put on my Facebook page on New Year’s Eve. When one is in good or reasonably good health and can participate in their own life and the lives of those around them, the New Year is a time of hope. Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering ‘it will be happier’… ALFRED LORD TENNYSON

Missing Out/ (FOMO)

Sat, 10 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In my youthful days, I didn’t want to miss out on fun things that were happening if I didn’t have to. In those days though, everything was more word of mouth. It seems that today the younger folk learn what’s going on through social media. If you’re not “connected,” there something wrong with you. I am on Facebook so I too am aware of happenings with friends through this medium. It’s nice to see what one’s friends are up to. “Engage, Enlighten, Encourage and especially…just be yourself! Social media is a community effort, everyone is an asset. (Susan Cooper) Having said that, there’s an up side and a down side to social media.

Sunsets Galore

Sat, 20 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

One of life’s greatest treasures is seeing a beautiful sunset. Some of us have morning views of the sunrise and others of the going down of the sun at the end of the day. We are lucky to have a beautiful, almost clear, western exposure from our condo which gives us the privilege of seeing the most spectacular sunsets. As a nature-lover, I feel humbled and exhilarated by the gifts of Nature that are so abundant in this world of ours. The odd sunset was something I saw by and by, here and there. However, in this location, I see a sunset almost every evening. When the sun has set, no candle can replace it. (George R.R. Martin)

Simplifying Christmas - 5 Tips

Wed, 06 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000

We expect too much at Christmas. It’s got to be magical. It’s got to go right. Feasting. Fun. The perfect present. All that anticipation. Take it easy. Love’s the thing. The rest is tinsel. (Pam Brown)

All the preparations have started for the big day - December 25th. Christmas is one of those times that we imbue with special meaning and significance. We want everything to be just right, perhaps, even perfect. I was thinking about this and trying to understand how we got ourselves into this mode of thinking. More important, though, is how can we get ourselves out?

December's Here: Tis the Season to be Merry

Sat, 02 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000

I suddenly realized that today is the 1st of December. My thoughts, of course, turned to the reality of the fact that Christmas is coming soon and the need for getting ready. No matter what faith or tradition we are raised in, everyone seems to get caught up in the Season — even if it’s just being present at an office or school party. I felt like writing a Christmas acrostic to get me caught up in the language of Christmas. “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”― Hamilton Wright Mable

Is Happiness a Secret?

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000

“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” (Socrates)

For most of my life, I’ve had an insatiable craving for more and more and more of everything. I craved for more chocolate, more ice-cream, more shoes, more clothing - you name it and I wanted it. That was when I was a young girl and my needs and wants were at that level. These things made me feel good and, naturally, I wanted more of them. I equated the taste and feeling of having certain things with happiness. That was my meagre understanding of the word. Of course, this was a false belief. But, it took a lot more time, maturity, and experience to realize that nothing outside of myself would bring me happiness - at least not for long. “Happiness is never found in materialistic things; it exists in things that cannot be physically possessed. Therefore, happiness is priceless. It can never be purchased.” (Ellen J. Barrier)

Feeling Grateful

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000

I have lots to be grateful for each day. This post is a special one to express my gratitude to my brother, Ronald Janki, for updating Late Blooms for me. I received a text from him a few days ago saying that he had been doing some “big changes” on the site and for me to take a look. Well, I was pleasantly surprised. We hadn’t had any discussion about this which makes it especially meaningful to me. The changes are awesome! From the very beginning of my blogging adventure, he’s the one who has enabled, encouraged, and promoted this site. This adventure has brought much joy and meaning to my days and I am truly thankful. “God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say ’thank you?” (William Arthur Ward)My own experience of being grateful in life has taught me that the more grateful I am, the more good comes to me. I’ve noticed that people who do nice things for others are often genuinely caring and kind people whose hearts are in the right place. They are not seeking anything for themselves. Their own joy comes from making others happy and promoting their well-being. This is certainly the case with my brother. “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” (Albert Schweitzer)

The Pumpkin Princess - Ambassador of Safety

Sun, 29 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000

This story is for all the parents and grandparents out there with children and grandchildren young enough to be trick-or treating. It might be a fun way to remind them to have an enjoyable Halloween and a safe one too.

Tommy and Tara were becoming more and more excited as they got ready for Halloween. Tommy was getting dressed up as a pirate and Tara was going to be a ballet dancer. They had gone shopping with Daddy and Mummy in the mall and had found just the right costumes that they liked. As they left the mall, Tommy turned to Daddy and Mummy and said: “Thank you for buying this pirate costume for me. I always wanted to be a pirate.” Daddy and Mummy were happy that Tommy said “thank you.” Mummy said: You will look great in your costume, Tommy, and you will be a beautiful ballet dancer, Tara. Halloween will be lots of fun.

Quilt of Belonging

Sun, 10 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_3719” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Quilt of Belonging is a stunning, collaborative textile art project that shows there is a place for all in the fabric of society. This rich tapestry is 120 feet (36 metres) long and 10.5 (3.5 metres) high. Its 263 blocks portray the rich cultural legacies of all the First Peoples in Canada and every nation of the world.[/caption]

Beautiful quilts are a joy to behold. I’ve always admired those Mennonite Quilts in the Waterloo//St. Jacobs area on my visits there. My plan was to buy one and and wrap myself in its beauty and warmth during the winter. To take all these small, colourful pieces of fabric and stitch them together to make something big, complete, and useful is akin to putting the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle together. Imagine having that vision of the end product and working day by day until it’s completed. Each hand-made quilt is truly a labour of love. Quilting is on my “to do” list as something to learn.

Friendship

Sun, 06 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Do you know that International Friendship Day is August 6th? This is a wonderful time to reflect on the important role that friendship plays in our lives. We need our friends just as much as they need us. When I thank one of my dear friends for anything, and I voice how special her friendship is to me, she always says: “It’s a mutual fan club.” We both appreciate each other.

World Watercolor Month

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_3699” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Water supports all our endeavors, from the simple task of making paint flow, to sustaining life. It is the common denominator that all humanity shares. (Sharon Crosbie)[/caption]

July is World Watercolor Month. I read this in a magazine at Indigo sometime in June and it inspired me to buy some watercolours. At the very end of this post, I will give the History of World Watercolour Month as I found it on the internet. There was a secondary motivation coming into play to get down to this project of trying to watercolour. My friend and former neighbour of many years, who is an accomplished artist, invited me to go to Tuscany for a week in September to paint. She went last year with a group and is herself one of the organizers this year. While this was very appealing, it occured to me that I could have Tuscany right here in Toronto. Why wait for a week in Tuscany to paint?

Canada's 150th Birthday - An Immigrant Looks Back

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Canada’s 150 Birthday is on July 1st which is this Saturday. In this Sesquicentennial year for Canada, I find myself thinking back to the time in 1968 when I first arrived here. That was forty-nine years ago. I will be having a semicentennial year in 2018. Fifty years have flown - some years more swiftly and more pleasantly than others. Over the years, I have seen and experienced many changes in this great country and there have been changes taking place deep within me as well. I’m excited to be here to join in the celebrations for Canada’s 150th Birthday. Bring on the cake, champagne, and, of course, the fireworks. Let’s celebrate!

Resilience

Mon, 29 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000

“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.” (Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free)

Resilience is one of those words that I don’t quite understand, especially in relation to myself. When I’ve seen it in other people or heard other people describe resilience, it’s always been in the face of some terrible situation or happening that has taken place or is presently happening in a person’s life. The person speaking usually says of the person experiencing this event or situation that: “he/she is resilient and can get through this” or some similar cliche. Two phone calls I had this past week have given me reason to think about how resilient we are all called to be in this life.

Spring Blooms

Sun, 21 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_3607” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] “The lilac branches are bowed under the weight of the flowers: blooming is hard, and the most important thing is - to bloom. (“A Story About The Most Important Thing”)”
― Yevgeny Zamyatin[/caption]

Spring is that glorious time of year when every leaf, flower, shrub, and grass is a welcome sight. I like to think of it as the magic of spring. It doesn’t matter how beautiful and glorious last year’s spring and summer were, we relish the present year’s spring with abandon. “Every spring is the only spring — a perpetual astonishment.” - Ellis Peters.

Mother's Day Different Ways

Sat, 13 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000

A day just for mothers! The person who thought up this day did so the year her mother died. (1905) She campaigned for three years for this recognition of Mother’s Day and in 1908 it came into being in the United States. It’s usually celebrated the second Sunday in May. Here are the Wiki facts: “The modern holiday of Mother’s Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother at St Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. … Her campaign to make “Mother’s Day” a recognized holiday in the United States began in 1905, the year her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, died. Having this holiday helps families to bond and so I think it’s a great idea despite all the commercialism that surrounds the day.

Quilling Fun

Sat, 29 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

This post about Quilling is in response to a question I had on Facebook “What’s involved?” You need strips of paper in different colours, a quilling tool (with purple handle in photo below) and glue. A pair of scissors would be handy - although you could easily tear off the paper. My own experience with quilling is very new. In the condo where I live, we had a Sunday afternoon craft workshop recently and all of us in attendance were introduced to the art of paper quilling. Paper quilling has been around for a long time. “The art of quilling dates as far back as the 16th and 17th centuries when the French and Italian nuns and monks would decorate reliquaries, holy pictures, and frames with quilled pieces.” (Paper Quilling for the first Time) It’s very easy to do and fun. After that introduction to quilling, it was something that I wanted to explore. I found myself online looking for quilling supplies and ordered a beginner’s quilling supply kit. Since then I’ve been having lots of fun.

BE BOLD FOR CHANGE

Sun, 05 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Another International Women’s Day is upon us and I see signs all around me that women are becoming bolder these days about what they are willing to put up with - e.g. the big January 21st Women’s March in Washington and cities around the world to protest Donald Trump’s presidency. As The Globe and Mail’s Ian Brown writes, “the battle of the hats between red ‘Make America Great Again’ ball-caps, worn by Trump’s supporters, and the knitted pink so-called ‘pussyhats’ worn by protesters at women’s marches, is one of the most telling and unexpected sideshows to have emerged in the bitter political contest between Trump and women all over the world.” Don’t be fooled by those pink “pussyhats.”

Valentine Favourites

Tue, 14 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Who doesn’t remember the love songs of their youth? Those lyrics that reached right into the adolescent heart where the first flames of “forever” love and “happily ever after” love burned. Those songs were sung over and over again, played on the radio every day, danced to at every party - and it’s hard to forget them or that time in my life.

Some of you may also have fond remembrances of these songs and the romantic feelings that they engendered in youth. I should add that Valentine’s Day is very different for me at this stage of life. I feel the universality of being loving and being loved as fundamental to life and am glad that this day makes me think of others this way. “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

Year of the Rooster

Sat, 28 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

It’s exciting that another Lunar New Year is upon us. Toronto’s Dragon City Mall in Chinatown was very busy yesterday as people were buying their last minute decorations, food, and gifts. The holiday is being celebrated on January 28th and 29th. I took a few pictures which I will share with you throughout this post. According to the Chinese Zodiac, this is the Year of the Rooster. Red is the predominant colour for Chinese New Year as it is such an auspicious colour.

TRUMP SPEAK

Thu, 19 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

With the inauguration of Donald Trump just a day away, there is lots of talk on TV of a New World Order. My sincere prayer is that the Universe will turn his “gift of gaffe” into something that the world’s citizenry find itself easy to follow and understand. Words do matter and may this New World Order include words that matter. Other US leaders expressed themselves eloquently on the world stage and we expect no less of this new Commander-in-Chief. “I went to an Ivy League school. I’m very highly educated. I know words, I have the best words,” he said at a rally last December. Below are words that matter spoken by previous US Presidents and some of Donald’s own.

Youthful Aging (Interview)

Sat, 14 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

I’m pleased to introduce my good friend, Cynthia, who is seventy-eight years young. She has always been a very positive influence on me in her outlook on life and her youthful enthusiasm for living. I wanted to know what was her secret to “youthful aging.” What were the life lessons she learned along the way that might help me with my own aging process? For those of you who have followed my posts, you may have noticed that I like to highlight my friends. I have done posts on the skills, talents, and abilities, or whatever moved me about some of my friends - and this post is just another example.

"VIDEO - Healthy Vibes for 2017"

Sat, 31 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

We’re on the threshold of a brand New Year and as it approaches, we’re all offering good wishes to those we meet for a “Happy New Year.” One of the principal components of happy would include healthy. That’s certainly a priority for me and I’m sure for you. Good health certainly includes a healthy body but is so much more. It is this “so much more” that I’m pleased to share with you through Simply Spectacular Design’s video. I’m grateful that Ronald Janki of Simply Spectacular Designs has agreed to be my guest for this post. Nature, as we see it in this video presents us with opportunities to enjoy and to heal those deep places within us - our own sea of consciousness within. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often don’t take the time to nurture our souls and spirits.

Life Lessons of 2016

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This year has gone by very quickly. It feels like it was just the other day I was preparing for Christmas 2015. “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Well, to tell the truth, it wasn’t all fun. Life has its challenges and there are always valuable lessons to learn as we spend our days here on Earth. For anyone thinking that lessons stop when you leave school, I have news for you. They begin on the day you are born and continue until the day you take your last breath. I am 67 and learning many valuable lessons at this stage of my life. As the saying goes: “It ain’t over till it’s over.”

201st Blog Post

Sat, 03 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

It’s hard to believe that my memory is not what it used to be. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that my last post should have been “special” in some way to mark my 200th published post. For a while there, I was thinking what significant title or remarks should be made to mark this milestone. Then, would you believe it - this 67 year old brain completely forgot. Instead, there was the post “Santa’s Mailbox” which was my last one. I am making this 201st post “the one.” That’s the reason for the fireworks you see below.

Santa's Mailbox

Thu, 01 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Have you written your letter to Santa yet? You ought to be thinking about it. It’s already December 1st tomorrow and Santa’s a very busy soul. Santa came to town here in Toronto on November 20th and thousands of little and big people flocked to see him on his arrival.

Mark Twain, famed author of “Huckleberry Finn” and “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” wrote a letter to his three year old daughter, Susie, which I am sharing with you below. He was playing the part of Santa. It was written in 1875. Samuel Langhorne Clemens is Mark Twain’s real name and for your information, he was born on November 30th, 1835. Today is November 30th, 2016 - his date of birth. That’s just a synchronistic occurrence since I didn’t know this until I looked it up. I think you will enjoy reading this letter - coming from the pen of this famous author. I know I enjoyed reading it. It might just put you in the Christmas spirit as well.

Random Acts of Kindness

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2976” align=“aligncenter” width=“300”] “Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on; ‘Twas not given for thee alone, Pass it on; Let it travel down the years, Let it wipe another’s tears, ‘Til in Heaven the deed appears - Pass it on.” (Henry Burton)[/caption]

A Presidential Way of Speaking

Sun, 30 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0000

As this memorable presidential race in the U.S. is fast approaching its final outcome, I wondered what style of speaking former U.S. presidents used to bring their message to the people. How did they speak after they were elected? Were they representative of the larger culture? I ask these questions as a Canadian citizen who is removed from the voting process. However, I do have to say that the candidates for this election have caught my attention and the rhetoric used has confounded me. I thought, just perhaps, the rhetoric other U.S. Presidents used would serve to alleviate my concerns about the candidates in this election.

Forever Changed

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0000

But now, O LORD, thou [art] our father; we [are] the clay, and thou our potter; and we all [are] the work of thy hand. (Book of Isaiah)

On this 16th anniversary of my father’s death, one might think that the day could pass with just a slight remembering and a moving on - a kind of forgetting as the tasks of the day took over. Alas, that was not to be! From the beginning of this month, I started to think of this day approaching. Luckily for me, my Art class was this morning and I worked diligently at my clay creations. Vaguely, I remembered the Bible saying something about clay and decided to look it up. The above verse was one of the ones I found. My father was a “religious” man. He would approve of me looking things like this up.

International Day of Peace 2016

Wed, 21 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

At the top of my Facebook page today, there was a white dove flying on a red background and a heading “International Day of Peace.” With the state of the world the way it is right now, I was glad to be made aware of this “peace” day. Today is the day that the UN set aside since 1981 for nations and peoples world-wide to celebrate and be mindful of the importance of peace. In 1982, when the first International Day of Peace was observed, this is what UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: “Let us all work together to help all human beings achieve dignity and equality; to build a greener planet; and to make sure no one is left behind.”

Another Summer Passes

Sun, 04 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_3288” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] There is something deep within us that sobs at endings. Why, God, does everything have to end? Why does all nature grow old? Why do spring and summer have to go?" — Joe Wheeler[/caption]

Aga Khan Favourites

Sun, 07 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery size=“medium” columns=“2” ids=“3195,3194,3169,3088”]

Museums are interesting places and this is true of Toronto’s Aga Khan Museum. In an earlier post, I shared images of the buildings showing the architectural layout and the Aga Khan Park. This post showcases some of my favourites from the collection. Above are some of the Korans that were on display. The Koran is the “Holy Book” for people who are Islamic. The word “Islam” is derived from the word meaning “peace” in Arabic. Islam is a religion revealed to mankind with the intention of presenting a peaceful life where the infinite compassion and mercy of God manifests on earth. God calls all people to live by the moral values He sets so that compassion, mercy, peace and love can be experienced all over the world. (www.goodnewsnetwork.org)

Growing Older

Tue, 26 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000

It’s my 67th Birthday today. I haven’t blogged for a while because my computer was hacked. However, thankfully, it’s up and running now since my brother gave it a complete overhaul. What an age we live in! When I went to do a search on Google, there were all these images of cakes at the top of my screen. I wondered which well-known person was having a Birthday today. I moved over the image to see who it could be - lo and behold, it said: Happy Birthday Jean! For someone 67 years young, it was wonderful of Google to acknowledge my birthday in this way. I am fortunate to live in this digital age and to have this kind of experience. Growing older comes with wonderful surprises!

The Aga Khan Museum

Fri, 10 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Many of my friends have been to the Aga Khan Museum for concerts, lectures, and other events. They have also visited the collection there. All the reports I heard were good so I decided it was time for me to make the trek to Don Mills. I was curious to see what they were talking about. The location is out of Toronto’s city core but there would have been no space in the City for the concept to have been realized architecturally. It’s very impressive and I particularly like the Ismaili Centre which has the glass pyramid and I also like the beautiful, peaceful gardens around the site. The Ismaili Centre was not open for viewing the day I was there. I haven’t been doing collages very much lately but I am sharing some of the pictures I took there with you.

Existential Questions

Sat, 21 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000

We all at one time or the other have questions about life, the natural world we live in, our inner worlds, and about existence in general. How did everything come into existence, when did this happen, who was responsible, and what part do we play in this unfolding drama? There are all kinds of theories. As long as we are conscious of our existence, which we humans are, we ask these kinds of questions. The philosopher, Socrates, is said to have uttered the words “the unexamined life is not worth living.” I wonder whether he was referring to these questions we ask in our minds and hearts and the answers we are seeking. That calls for a lot of examination.

Learning about Herend

Sun, 01 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_3030” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”] She’s a millennial, K-Pop loving digital artist who just happens to be a rising star at Herend, the much celebrated, Hungarian porcelain manufacturer- founded in 1826. Anita Palkovics talked to us about the craft of painting luxury ceramics and life in small town Hungary ahead of her visit to William Ashley on April 30th.[/caption]

Lifelong Learning

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2989” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] It’s not the teaching, it’s the learning. ~ Sly Stone[/caption]

Opportunities abound everywhere and at every age to get involved in activities that involve learning. We don’t have to be in school to learn. In fact, most learning takes place outside the classroom. I had reason to reflect on the challenge of learning this past week as I set myself to the task of using a new program for making my collages. There was an element of fear within me. The fear was there because I didn’t know how they would turn out. I had got used to the old way of making collages. I decided to throw all caution to the wind. As Nehru says: “The policy of being too cautious is the greatest risk of all.”

Gratefulness

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2970” align=“aligncenter” width=“600”] In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.
Brother David Steindl-Rast[/caption]

From the time we are infants, along with Mummy and Daddy, Yes and No, we are taught to say “Thank You.” Whatever the language spoken, country of origin, religious or ethnic background, or other factors of birth, the human species knows about gratefulness. We may not have been born grateful but we are certainly taught to be grateful by our parents, caregivers, and the larger society. There are many virtues, all of which are important, but according to Cicero: “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” Cicero, ‘Pro Plancio,’ 54 B.C. Roman author, orator, & politician (106 BC - 43 BC) Whether we agree or disagree with Cicero, we know just how important gratitude is to oil the wheels of positive social relations. We stand a better chance at making ourselves happy and bringing happiness to other people if we are grateful.

Changing Notions of Consciousness

Mon, 04 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2958” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] From an evolutionary standpoint, human consciousness has not been around very long. A little light just went on after four and a half billion years. How often does that happen? Maybe it is quite rare.
Elon Musk[/caption]

Happy Easter!

Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2933” align=“aligncenter” width=“5256”] “The symbolic language of the crucifixion is the death of the old paradigm; resurrection is a leap into a whole new way of thinking.” – Deepak Chopra[/caption]

It’s time to celebrate Easter once again. Like Christmas, Easter is one of the big celebrations in the Christian calendar year. The crucifixion of Jesus took place on Good Friday and the resurrection followed three days later. On Good Friday, many people go to church but not quite as many as on Easter Sunday. Even people who don’t attend church the rest of the year sometimes go to church on Easter Sunday. I once heard a priest lament about the numbers that come out for Good Friday services. He said that people aren’t as much interested in the death of Jesus as in his resurrection. Below are some interesting statistics I found on the internet showing the percentages of persons of different faiths (age-of-the-sage.org). As you can see, there are many people for whom Easter is just a secular holiday.

World Poetry Day 2016

Tue, 22 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

I discovered quite by accident that today is World Poetry Day. It’s a day that UNESCO set aside in 1999 at its 30th Session held in Paris. This is what Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO has said about the day: “By paying tribute to the men and women whose only instrument is free speech, who imagine and act, UNESCO recognizes in poetry its value as a symbol of the human spirit’s creativity. By giving form and words to that which has none – such as the unfathomable beauty that surrounds us, the immense suffering and misery of the world – poetry contributes to the expansion of our common humanity, helping to increase its strength, solidarity and self-awareness.”

Serendipity or Happenstance?

Sun, 28 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2902” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] In general, serendipity is the act of finding something valuable or delightful when you are not looking for it. In information technology, serendipity often plays a part in the recognition of a new product need or in solving a design problem. Web surfing can be an occasion for serendipity since you sometimes come across a valuable or interesting site when you are looking for something else. (whatis.techtarget.com)[/caption]

Water Falls

Fri, 26 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2888” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] God is discovered entirely through creation - the brilliance of a sunset, the powerful roar of a waterfall, the symphony of sounds you hear in the heart of the forest, or the vastness of space and its countless stars. God is the mastermind behind all matter - every earth shattering scientific discovery and mystery that is yet to be unraveled was dreamed and enacted by God. (Benjamin F Sullivan)[/caption]

A Toronto Ice Festival

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

It was a beautiful winter’s day last Saturday in Toronto and “Expressions of Love” took place in the Village of Yorkville Park - “icefest” it was called. This is its 11th year and the first time I have attended. There were people everywhere and the atmosphere was truly festive. The ice sculptures were magnificent and everyone was trying to get photos with the sculptures or of the sculptures. Many fine restaurants had their fare out. I even saw a sign there indicating there was wine tasting. It was quite the affair.

Fresh-fallen Snow

Thu, 18 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2858” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] “Sunshine cannot bleach the snow, nor time unmake what poets know.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson[/caption]

It was very beautiful outside yesterday with the fresh-fallen snow. I couldn’t resist going around the building that I live in to capture some of all the white stuff. I’m used to snow now but remember vividly the first snow flurries that I saw and felt. Seeing snow for the first time was exciting! That was in 1968. Prior to that, the only snow I ever saw was on Christmas cards and in pictures. The only Christmas I had ever known was a green one. These days when there is a huge snowfall, as we have now, I’m happy to say that I relish the snow’s beauty.

Valentine Hearts Day

Sat, 13 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2848” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] In our deepest moments of struggle, frustration, fear, and confusion, we are being called upon to reach in and touch our hearts. Then, we will know what to do, what to say, how to be. What is right is always in our deepest heart of hearts. It is from the deepest part of our hearts that we are capable of reaching out and touching another human being. It is, after all, one heart touching another heart.
- Roberta Sage Hamilton[/caption]

Sari Elegance

Thu, 11 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

On a recent visit to the Gerrard Indian Bazaar area in Toronto, I was fascinated once again by all the beautiful clothing on display. There were beautiful sarees and lehengas in different fabrics, designs, and colours. All the images below were taken there. The word sari and saree are synonymous. I had the pleasure of wearing a sari just once in my life and felt good wearing it - lots of fabric and lots of elegance!

Leaving Slavery Behind

Tue, 09 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

“I am where I am because of the bridges that I crossed. Sojourner Truth was a bridge. Harriet Tubman was a bridge. Ida B. Wells was a bridge. Madame C. J. Walker was a bridge. Fannie Lou Hamer was a bridge.” - Oprah Winfrey

It’s the birthright of every human being to be free. Slavery is one of the darkest marks on human history and we have to be grateful for its abolition. Black History Month is a time to remember just how far from those days we are today and of the outstanding achievements made by the descendants of those slaves. There are still barriers today but many bridges have been successfully crossed by many people. Hurrah for Black History Month!

Corn Bread and Gospel Music

Sat, 30 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The best comfort food will always be greens, cornbread, and fried chicken. (Maya Angelou)

I find cornbread wonderful with afternoon tea. I have to try it with greens and fried chicken one day. Anyways, the recipe I have is ever so simple and can be made in the microwave. “Corn bread is a reminder of the Native American contribution to the southern American diet. Corn served an important role in Native American life and early settlers learned to adapt this versatile food into their own dishes when wheat was not available for bread making.” (tribal directory.com)

Simple Pleasures

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

I believe that the nicest and sweetest of days are not those which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string."

Anne of Green Gables

A new year has just truly begun and the above advertising poster, “New Year, Wellness 2016, New You” struck a chord in me the other day. This was in one of my favourite downtown Toronto bookstores. I particularly noted the word “Wellness” there. Of course, there’s a huge inventory of Wellness books and magazines carried in this store. Immediately, the thought came to me that I should plan to spend more time exercising in the gym, taking walks outdoors, making healthy “green” drinks and eating more fruits and vegetables. Maybe, I thought, I should even consider taking a yoga class. Yoga is good for the body and mind. After all, wellness is one of the most important things in life, if not the most important. Or, is it health?

Non-violent Ways

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

“At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

Yesterday was the federal holiday in the U.S. for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. As I looked at Facebook today, I realize that many of my friends had made note of this event and made their own personal observations and tributes. My post is my tribute to this great advocate for racial equality and civil rights - all done in a non-violent manner. In this present day and age where violence seems to be the order of the day, it’s good to reflect on this great man and the legacy he left.

Passionate about Blogging

Sun, 10 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Why would anyone want to blog? That’s a question I’ve been asking myself. A myriad of blog topics are at the disposal of everyone who’s on the internet. “There are actually more than 8 million blogs online, and what is more amazing is that a new blog is created every 8 seconds.” (quora.com) Some blogs are written for the purpose of business and cover more serious subjects and others are of a lighter nature and just for fun. Fun and games aside, some bloggers make money from blogging - but If there’s no monetary reward, why bother to blog?

Student Prince Live Performance

Mon, 04 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2762” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] An operetta is simply a small and gay opera.
(Gustav Mahler)[/caption]

Sigmund Romberg’s Student Prince at the St. Lawrence Centre was one the highlights of the holidays for me. It was put on by the Toronto Operetta Theatre and we enjoyed every moment of it. A live performance! This was our family’s New Year’s Eve outing. It was delightful with all the singing, dancing, acting, beautiful costumes, and sets. The next best thing to doing the dancing and singing yourself is to get caught up in the excitement and magic happening on stage through the voices and movements of the professionals there. Since the music in this production has always been very special to me, I want to share some of my favourite music from Student Prince with you. I have never done a post in which I shared a You Tube video - this is a first. Hope you enjoy!

Another Year Slipping By

Wed, 30 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

As we approach the end of 2015, thoughts about years past and particularly 2015 come to mind. My own experience of life after 66 years on the planet reveals that there are always many varieties of experience - some that bring untold happiness and some tinged with sadness and grief. This is true of any given day or year. My own personal review of this year finds me thinking about the massive job it was to downsize from the place we called home for 30 years. This job took up most of the year. There were challenges along the way but with wonderful teamwork and support, the job got done. It’s nice that this particular season of life is over and another has begun. “Every moment and every event of every man’s life on earth plants something in his soul.” (Thomas Merton) What was planted in my soul this year is the fact of impermanence - things change and we move with the changes. I thought at one time that I would live and die in that house but my feelings about ownership and possessions changed - all for the good.

Help From Father Christmas

Thu, 24 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Father Christmas:

I haven’t written to you since I was a little girl. I know that your specialty is children and specifically bringing toys for all the good boys and girls across the globe on Christmas Eve. You’re a jolly fellow and there’s even a popular song written about you called “Jolly Old St. Nicholas.” Since you are in the “happiness” business, it occurred to me that you might be someone to ask for help with the crises we face in the world today. When I wrote to you a long time ago, my needs were small but these days, they are big.

A Christmas Garden Show

Sat, 12 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

We’re so fortunate in Toronto that we have our own Christmas Garden Show. Allan Gardens had the opening of their Christmas Flower Show last Sunday. The gardeners there did a magnificent job decorating the entire greenhouse which houses many different kinds of poinsettias and other flowering plants. The theme this year is winter and you will be able to see the skaters and the tobogganer in the collages below - all beautiful topiary creations using plant material. There were horse and wagon rides for old and young alike, carollers, and a visit from Santa himself. The hot apple cider provided was a welcome treat but the cookies were gone by the time I got there. Apparently this show was recognized as the “Garden Event of the Year” at the 2015 Canadian Garden Tourism Awards. Hope you enjoy the collages!

Mehndi Memories

Sun, 06 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

I haven’t blogged for a while and began to feel the urge to blog today. I decided that I could blog about anything really - so here I am blogging about Mehndi. In my colouring book , “The Colours of Nature,” there was a page with intricate patterns on a hand. You can see the hand in the above collage and the colours that I used. When I was in India several years ago, I fondly remember having henna body art done on the palms of my hands. This was done by two young boys sitting on boxes under a tree. It was evening and the light in which they did this work was not very good. They were good artists though and it was very cheap. The art of applying henna to the hands and feet is known as Mehndi, and is traditionally used for celebrations and rites of passage. Every culture and region of the world uses henna tattoos in its own unique way. For Hindu weddings, henna is painted on the bride to symbolize joy, beauty, spiritual awakening and offering, while Moroccans often paint doors with henna to bring prosperity and chase away evil. Depending on where you get henna tattoos, they will look different. Indian tattoos feature fine lines and floral patterns, while Arabic henna designs tend to be larger in scale and African henna patterns are more bold and geometric. (huffingtonpost.com)

A Holly, Jolly Christmas!

Tue, 17 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2687” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] “Traditions have been replaced by lifestyles.”
– Lars Svendsen, A Philosophy of Boredom[/caption]

Christmas is just around the corner. I was trying to figure out what it was that impelled me to go over to the nearby Garden Centre on Friday and buy some evergreen branches. I did hear that Santa was coming to town in Toronto on Sunday and that the Santa Claus Parade was taking place. But was it that? “No!” I had begun to feel Christmassy. Christmas had begun in my heart. “It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.” (W T Ellis)

"Day of the Dead"

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2662” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die.
~Thomas Campbell, “Hallowed Ground”[/caption]

What a way to remember one’s dead! The Day of the Dead or Dia de Muertos celebrations took place here in Toronto yesterday at Harbourfront and is taking place again today. It’s a two day Festival which has its roots in Mexico. The atmosphere was festive rather than mournful - although all the paraphernalia surrounding death was visible there. “The Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, takes place over the first two days of November. Its origins are a mixture of Native American traditions and a set of Catholic holidays. While the holiday’s observances include spending time in cemeteries, making shrines to the dead, and displaying artistic representations of skulls and skeletons, the occasion is festive, rather than morbid. Death isn’t seen as the end of one’s life, but as a natural part of the life cycle; the dead continue to exist much as they did in their lives, and come back to visit the living every year.” (Factmonster.com) Would that we would all be like the Mexicans who are able to have joyful and celebratory feelings about death and dying. This is truly a blessing.

A Viola Concert

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2645” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.”
― Confucius, The Book of Rites[/caption]

When two gifted Curtis Institute graduates take to the stage and combine their talents, you know you’re in for a memorable musical treat. Teng Li, the Principal violist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Meng-Chieh Liu, an international concert pianist, gave a rare performance last Thursday at the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto. It was the first time I experienced the viola as a musical instrument in its own right.

United Nations Day

Sun, 25 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0000

United Nations Day celebrates the anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter which occurred on October 24, 1945. The United Nations is an international organization engaged in the diplomatic and peaceful communication between the countries of the world. The UN oversees issues like human rights, international security, political freedoms and democracy. Their end goal is the achievement of world peace. United Nations Day is observed on October 24th each year.

Remembering with Poetry

Wed, 21 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2625” align=“aligncenter” width=“480”] “The living owe it to those who no longer can speak to tell their story for them.”
― Czesław Miłosz, The Issa Valley[/caption]

Another colouring page finished! What good use could this be put to? This could be used for sharing poetry - my father’s. It’s no accident that this desire to share and remember should take place at this time. After all, we remembered five days ago that he’s been gone fifteen years. He would love his poetry on a page that I had coloured - he was that type of man! I remember when I started to learn to play the accordion shortly before he died - and he told me that he listened when I was practicing and how many pieces I could play - and there was a pride in his voice. I didn’t show my appreciation as much as I should have at the time. I understand now why it was important for him to say these things.

Colouring-in Fun

Sat, 10 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2601” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] Maybe we should develop a Crayola bomb as our next secret weapon. A happiness weapon. A beauty bomb. And every time a crisis developed, we would launch one. It would explode high in the air — explode softly — and send thousands, millions, of little parachutes into the air. Floating down to earth — boxes of Crayolas. And we wouldn’t go cheap, either — not little boxes of eight. Boxes of sixty-four, with the sharpener built right in. With silver and gold and copper, magenta and peach and lime, amber and umber and all the rest. And people would smile and get a little funny look on their faces and cover the world with imagination. ~Robert Fulghum[/caption]

Sunset Struck!

Sat, 26 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2569” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”] “When the sun has set, no candle can replace it.”
― George R.R. Martin[/caption]

It’s nice to discover new things about oneself. I didn’t know that I was so enraptured by sunsets until I moved recently. In my old home, I rarely saw the sunset. In my new home, watching the sunset has become a nightly ritual - something I don’t like to miss. It’s a spectacular light show watching the kaleidoscope of changing colours. I’ve had to run for my camera spontaneously on so many occasions with the feeling that I couldn’t let the moment pass uncaptured. I’m not sunstruck; I’m sunset struck! It’s such a wonderful joy to see the vast array of colours and all the changes taking place so quickly before my very eyes. Twilight time has become very important for me.

Mabuhay!

Mon, 14 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2540” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all.
- Anonymous[/caption]

It was “Mabuhay” time in Toronto at the end of August. The Philippine Independence Day Council’s Mabuhay Philippines Festival was held at David Pecaut Square. It was a very colourful and beautiful event which I enjoyed immensely. I didn’t know what the word mabuhay meant so I decided to find out. “This is our eternal greeting to everyone here and abroad, our salute to life as we raise our San Miguel beers. The word roughly can be translated to mean “to be alive, to live life!” It is a call to bring that sense of celebratory joy to everything about life…and that is why the resonance of the DOT slogan “ Its more fun in the Philippines! Mabuhay encompasses all the colorful fiestas of our country, where community seeks to come together to celebrate something. Even funeral wakes are a way to bring people together for poker and mah-jong!” (echonewspost.com)

Aloha!

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0000

“Hula is the art of Hawaiian dance, which expresses all we see, smell, taste, touch, feel, and experience. It is joy, sorrow, courage, and fear. ” – Robert Cazimero

Sometimes we don’t have to cross the ocean to have that “aloha” feeling. Last Saturday there was an amazing Hawaiian themed afternoon at the Grenadier right here in Toronto’s west end. It was a beautiful day and hula dancers graced the outdoor patio entertaining everyone with their gentle swaying movements. A professional hula dancer together with a vibrant, spirited musical accompanist, entertained in the social area upstairs as well. Two parties - both Hawaiian - taking place in the same building. The spirit of aloha abounded here. “The real meaning of Aloha in Hawaiian is that of Love, Peace, and Compassion. It’s the guidelines of how to live – a life of Aloha is one when the heart is so full it is overflowing with the ability to influence others around you with your spirit.” (Local’s Guide to Kauai) The staff at the Grenadier definitely created that Aloha spirit.

Dust If You Must

Thu, 20 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0000

The poem below is a new discovery for me. I came across it on Facebook a few days ago and was fascinated by the insights that the poet, Rose Milligan, was able to present in these four stanzas. I was curious to find out who she was but there wasn’t a plethora of information available on her.

Dust If You Must

Dust if you must. But wouldn’t it be better, To paint a picture, or write a letter,

In Pursuit of Art

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2487” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Ah! what pleasant visions haunt me
As I gaze upon the sea!
All the old romantic legends,
All my dreams, come back to me.
(Henry Wadford Longfellow)[/caption]

Beautiful pictures take us on journeys we might never pursue ourselves. Artistic expression comes out of the artist on to the canvas or computer and we decide for ourselves whether it has an emotional appeal for us or not. It’s not always a conscious decision but rather something that takes place within our hearts, souls, and spirits. Just as we choose that “Like” button so frequently on Facebook to express our approval of what we feel about a certain image, a “Like” happens within our hearts on viewing a beautiful image. The artist’s rendition resonates within us on a deep level within. “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” ~ Aristotle

Big to Small

Tue, 04 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2471” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] “Making a big life change is pretty scary. But know what’s even scarier? Regret.” (Zig Ziglar)[/caption]

Downsizing has been a big job. I’ve missed blogging during the time that this important life change has been taking place. It hasn’t been one life change really but several, each one hinging on the other.

Far Away Places

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2443” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you traveled.” – Mohammed[/caption]

Most of us are fortunate to be able to travel today to many parts of the world. It’s fascinating to meet people, both young and old, who have wonderful stories to share about places they have visited and adventures they have had. As one who likes to travel myself, I always tell anyone who says they’re off to some place to “take lots of pictures.” To have the experience of being in a different place is unsurpassed joy but we also need those images so that when we’re back home, we can relive those moments in a different way - hopefully with happy memories.

Poems for a New Year

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

My Gratefulness Newsletter arrived in my inbox this morning and there were reminders there that the year is still new and full of promise - which I had all but forgotten. It’s hard to believe that twenty-two days into the new year, I would have settled into old patterns and ways of thinking and being. A poem by Anne Hillman called “We Look with Uncertainty” was shared in this newsletter prefaced by these words: “At the beginning of the year, we stand before new doorways, and the vastness of yet unexplored passages stretching out before us, no matter how old or young we are. Beckoning us are all the moments and opportunities of our future lives in ever-unknown measure, and the only response is a wholehearted “yes.” In this spirit, how grateful we are to Anne Hillman for sharing this tender and inspiring vision through her poem:

Broken Pieces

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

“Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.” ― Rumi

I accidentally knocked over one of my favorite vases which has served me well for many years. As you can see in the above collage, it’s a very beautiful one. You can also see that it was broken into many pieces and beyond repair. I was disappointed but not devastated. Whether that has to do with the aging process and the “letting go” stage of life or some other process at work is not quite clear to me.

Buechner Quotes

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

There are always names we have heard of in connection with one thing or the other but never get to find out what they have said or done - until it seems, the time is right. I was familiar with the name “Frederick Buechner” but never read anything he said. Just today I was reading a blog post on the internet in which the blogger referenced a quote by Frederick Buechner that resonated with what I was feeling at that particular moment in time. As one who seems to have been groomed for the “rescuer” role, the quote resonated with me.

Winter Blahs!

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness. ~John Steinbeck

This is the time of year when it’s easy to feel “down” with the weather. Christmas is over and all the bright lights, Christmas trees, get-togethers, and festivities of the season have come to an end. The freezing winter temperatures have descended upon us and it’s only January. Winter is a challenging time for getting around especially for those of us who are Senior Citizens. We worry about slipping and falling, getting the flu, shovelling the snow, not to mention all those layers of clothing we have to put on to even go outside.

Top Ten Collages of 2014

Wed, 31 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden (Johann Wolfgang Van Goethe)

As another year comes to a close, it seems like a good time for me to look back on the year past and reflect for a short while on my journey through the course of 2014. It seems that it wasn’t so long ago when I began “Late Blooms” and wasn’t quite sure what I was doing. At the same time that I had the opportunity to make collages, I started writing, scrapbooking, and all the other elements you see displayed in my posts. I`m still learning and evolving as I go along and having fun at the same time. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that there would be 51,727 reads of my posts. It is very humbling and, at the same time, very encouraging. Thanks to all of you out there and especially to my brother of Simply Spectacular Designs who gave “Late Blooms” a totally new look just before Christmas and is hosting this blog.

Christmas Loneliness

Tue, 23 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

At Christmas-time, we tend to forget that many people are alone. This could be intentional or the result of circumstance - death, divorce, broken friendships, family far away, or an endless variety of reasons. For those who choose to spend the time in solitude meditating or with other plans, there’s joy in being alone. For those who would prefer to be with others but have no others, it can be a very hard and lonely time.

Christmas Tree Decorations

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

One of the first things that comes to my mind when I think of Christmas is decorating the tree. Perhaps you do too! All the collages in this post consist of Christmas tree ornaments. I took these images in a year-round Christmas store that I frequent whenever I go to Niagara Falls. It’s a fun place to visit. They have beautiful Christmas decor.

“The Christmas tree is a symbol of love, not money. There’s a kind of glory to them when they’re all lit up that exceeds anything all the money in the world could buy.” ― Andy Rooney

A Victorian Christmas at Allan Gardens

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Toronto’s Allan Gardens is worth a visit over the holidays. As you can see from the above collage, the theme this year is musical. There’s someone playing a piano and to the right, there’s another musician with a bass instrument. “During the Victorian Christmas Show, the conservatory is decorated and filled with thousands of flowering plants and over 40 different varieties of poinsettias. The opening on the first Sunday in December features Christmas carollers, horse and wagon rides, hot apple cider and freshly baked cookies. The show runs until the end of December and the conservatory is opened late on weekends and can be viewed by candlelight.” (Wikipedia)

Christmas in Toronto

Mon, 08 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Christmas renews our youth by stirring our wonder. The capacity for wonder has been called our most pregnant human faculty, for in it are born our art, our science, our religion. -Ralph Sockman

It’s wonderful to see the Christmas lights and decorations around Toronto as the big day approaches. Toronto’s City Hall Square is ablaze with lights and many skaters were on the rink the evening I was there. “Located in front of City Hall, Nathan Phillips Square is an events landmark in the centre of the city. During the summer, the square is in motion daily, with people watching concerts and dance performances, viewing art at outdoor exhibitions, shopping for fresh produce at the farmers’ market one afternoon a week, attending weekly children’s events or sitting mesmerized by the fountain, eating lunch. The Peace Garden is a small green haven in the square, ideal for quiet contemplation or reading. In the winter months, the reflecting pool becomes a skating rink, with skates available for rental. Ice skating during the winter months runs from mid-November to mid-March each year.”

A Sleeping Calico

Sat, 29 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2276” align=“alignnone” width=“584”] What greater gift than the love of a cat? ~Charles Dickens[/caption]

I had never expected to be as doting towards my cat as I am. Whether that is due to my never having had a cat before or to needing the companionship of a cat at my age, I don’t know. When I saw Cali comfortably sleeping in all these different poses, I had to grab my camera and take these images. I found a lovely poem on sleeping cats which I’m going to share with you below.

An Artist Friend and Neighbor

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2261” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] The artist is a receptacle for the emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider’s web. ~Pablo Picasso[/caption]

Romance in the Distillery District

Sat, 22 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Romance is one of the sacred temples that dot the landscape of life. (Marianne Williamson)

A friend and I were in Toronto’s Distillery District for the production “A Tender Thing” at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. As we made our way to the theatre, we came across a wedding party dotting the landscape replete with their umbrellas, as it was a rainy afternoon. What occasion speaks more about romance than a wedding?

Success

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Success is one of those abstract concepts that affect our lives in a myriad number of ways from cradle to grave. Depending on our upbringing, education, economic circumstances, social relationships, and life experiences, we hold many different views of what it is to be successful in life. As children, we mainly view success with regard to how we perform in school. How we perform then continues to be the yardstick to measure success in life.

Looking like Christmas!

Sat, 15 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend in Toronto. However, I was in Niagara Falls last evening and it was very pretty and cold as well. As you can see from the above collage, the snowfall we had yesterday stayed on some of the branches of the trees there and gave that white, picturesque, wintry scene. And who isn’t dreaming of a white Christmas? To top it all off, the Show at Fallsview last night by Kenny Rogers was half his hit tunes and half Christmas music. That got me right into the Christmas spirit. He sang “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,” as well as many other favorite hits. All the decor in the collages are images that I took in the Christmas store at Niagara. There were many people hustling and bustling in there trying to take in the sights of Christmas and many serious shoppers as well. As far as Christmas decor goes, there is decor in every color, size, and shape. You don’t need to worry these days that you will run out of ideas for decorating your tree or home. The above ornaments are all pink as you can see. This Christmas tree was one of my favorite ones there. I will be adding other collages over the next little while to this post. For now, I will just share the lyrics to “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” with you. Perhaps you are having your own little epiphanies wherever you are about the onset of the Christmas Holidays. Watch out for the other collages!

A Caring Clown

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000

“The arrival of a good clown exercises a more beneficial influence upon the health of a town than of twenty asses laden with drugs.” ~ Thomas Sydenham

The above photo is of my friend, Inge, who is eighty-six years young and a graduate of Ryerson’s Caring Clown Program. The photo is not mine but was one that Ryerson used on their 2013 Brochure for the Program.

For several years Inge’s been telling me about her clowning and especially about her visits with other caring clowns to Nursing Homes. We talked many times about me seeing her all dressed up and taking her picture. It just never happened though.

Thanksgiving Time!

Sat, 11 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

It doesn’t seem so long ago that I wrote the post “Summer’s Gone” and here I am writing about Thanksgiving. In Canada, this long holiday weekend falls in October. Fall is definitely here in all its beauty and the harvest has been reaped. The weather is cooler now and the colors have changed. Time does go by!

It’s fun to pick up the leaves and admire their colors. The ones I’m holding here are from the St. Martin’s church yard where I had stopped to take some pictures. My father died in October 2000 and as the date approaches, I’m thinking of him. He wrote a poem called “Autumn Leaves” which I shared in its entirety in another post. In that poem, he was wondering when the leaves show their true colors. The first verse talks about Spring, and in the second, he’s wondering whether it’s in the Fall:

Wedding Decor and Styles

Sat, 04 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

“Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.” (Anonymous)

Every couple wants their wedding to be memorable and to reflect their own tastes, styles, and traditions. While I’m very aware that a wedding is not a marriage, but only the start - these occasions come filled with a promise and hope for love, family, and life, that matches no other earthly celebration. All the images in the collages here were taken at memorable weddings of close family and friends. Enjoy!

Summer's Gone!

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Fall has already officially begun. I was reminded of this when my September newsletter arrived in my Inbox this morning from Gratefulness.org - a network for grateful living.

It referenced this beautiful poem called “Equinox” which I’m going to share with you. There are many insightful thoughts here about what our gardens give to us and about life in its raw elements. In so many ways, life is like a garden - sowing, reaping, growth, decay, changing seasons, and changing crops. What a good summer it’s been and this poem lights the way to let go of it - the right way. Enjoy!

Indian Dress in Toronto

Mon, 01 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2132” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Gerrard’s India Bazaar - Toronto[/caption]

Culture is transportable. There’s a huge Indian diaspora in Toronto and the Gerrard India Bazaar area is where many people shop for ethnic Indian clothing. I read that it’s the oldest and biggest bazaar in North America. Thousands of people were there recently for its Annual South Asian Festival. “The ethnic diversity of South Asian Canadians reflects the enormous cultural variability of South Asia’s people. About half of South Asian Canadians were born in India, where 14 major languages are spoken and hundreds of discrete ethnic groups exist.” (Canadian Encyclopedia) All the images for the collages in this post were taken in that area.

The Korovai

Thu, 28 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

“Love doesn’t just sit there like a stone; it has to be made, like bread, remade all the time, made new.” (Ursula K. LeGuin)

After attending a beautiful wedding recently at which there was bread instead of a cake, the above quote came to mind. This wedding adhered to Ukrainian tradition. As you can see from the above collage, the “Korovai” is prominently displayed. According to the wedding program, “the Korovai is an intricately woven traditional Ukrainian wedding bread that represents the divine gift of life and prosperity from nature and the gift of love and support for the newly-married couple.”

Hydrangea Arrangements

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2100” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] “If you think squash is a competitive activity, try flower arranging.” (Alan Bennett)[/caption]

Hydrangeas are so beautiful - even when they are all by themselves. Our garden is filled with hydrangeas and my favorite summer activity is to go into the garden, cut a few stems and arrange them to beautify the home and porch. “Each of us is an artist of our days; the greater our integrity and awareness, the more original and creative our time will become.” (John O’Donohue) I’m hoping that my time here will become more and more of a creative endeavor - the enjoyable and fun kind. There’s no competition here because the hydrangeas are so beautiful!

Breaking the Fast

Fri, 15 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Breakfast Buffet

Rainbow Realm

Enjoyable Edibles

Amazing Abundance

Kitchen Kinship

Falls Force

Ample Aesthetics

Sumptuous Sustenance

Transpired Today

Breakfasts at home are usually cereal with fruit and some kind of bread and protein. Today’s breakfast was an elaborate choice of food - everything from the usual bread, eggs, muffins, bagels, and the like to congee, seafood omelettes, potato pancakes, and Tomato Provencal. That’s just naming a few.

Celebrating Life!

Sun, 10 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Age does not make us childish, as some say; it finds us true children.
- Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

[caption id=“attachment_2081” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] “The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it.” – Richard Bach[/caption]

Celebrating life whenever we have the opportunity and savoring all the special moments is an opportunity we should never pass up. Sixty-fifth and seventieth birthdays have their own blessings - because we didn’t ever expect to live this long. To wait for a child to be present for the celebration who also had a birthday we were not present for is a gift beyond words. “Love is, above all, the gift of oneself.” (Jean Anouilh) Our enjoyable celebration took place at Sassafraz in the Yorkville area of downtown Toronto. We savored the food, each other, and the passage of time.

An Ethnic Indo-Canadian Kitchen Garden

Wed, 06 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

On Becoming a Senior Citizen

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

“Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” (Betty Friedan)

Life happens. The day has come that I am officially a Senior Citizen. While I’m looking forward to receiving my monthly pension cheques and all the other discounts and perks that come with my senior status, this post contains some of my observations over sixty-five years.

Sixty-five years is a long life. From the moment we’re born, the process of learning how to live in this world starts. We learn from our caregivers what are the social and cultural mores we are expected to live up to. Each and everyone of them does the best job they can to impact our positive growth and development. By the time one arrives at age 65, it’s alright to admit to oneself, if not to everybody else, that all these well-meaning and trusted souls were imperfect themselves. This means that I can’t be anywhere near perfect or any kind of saint. In our human nature, there are flaws. “Thinking well is the greatest excellence and wisdom: to act and speak what is true, perceiving things according to their nature.” (Herakleitos)

It's a Small World!

Thu, 17 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

The images in the above collage were taken at the Cathedral which is also a parish church for the St. Lawrence neighborhood. I’ve visited the Cathedral before but never took a single picture. This time I had my camera along with me and stayed behind to take a few pictures. It’s a beautiful church and I’ll share the collages and save the story behind my visit for the end.

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition Favorites

Sun, 13 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way… things I had no words for.” (Georgia O’Keeffe)

The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition took place last weekend in Toronto. It’s a free art exhibition featuring over four hundred artists using all artistic forms. Hundreds of people visited and enjoyed the great variety of talent available in one place - Nathan Phillips Square. It was a lovely venue for this amazing show and a wonderful opportunity to talk to the artists themselves. As with all shows, we do have some art that appeals to us more than others. I will share some of my favorites below and hope you enjoy them. I’m sorry that after seeing so many exhibits and meeting so many artists, I don’t have the matching information about them for all their work. You can check the TOAE website for a listing of all the artists and their work.

East Indian Jewelry

Tue, 08 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_2002” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] “I’ve never thought of my jewellery as trophies. I’m here to take care of it and to love it, for we are only temporary custodians of beauty.” (Elizabeth Taylor)[/caption]

Women all over the world from time immemorial have loved to make themselves beautiful through adorning themselves with jewelry. This is even truer of East Indian women. They wear jewelry everywhere - in their hair, in their noses - and I’ve even seen older women wear bangles on their feet when I was a little girl.

Canada Day Reflections

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1974” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] “Today Canada is the most multicultural country in the world, and the home of immigrants of every ethnic and religious group from every country in the world. But less than 500 years ago, the only people living in Canada were the Aboriginal people of Canada. “Aboriginal” means the original inhabitants, the people who were here first. The words “Native” or “Indigenous” are also used, and mean the same thing. Today they all collectively refer to themselves as the First Nations or First Peoples of Canada. However, there are many different cultural groups.” (First Nations Website)[/caption]

The Gardiner Museum

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1951” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] “And there are many ways to love clay.” (Kevin Browne, Executive Director & CEO)[/caption]

The Gardiner Museum is 30 years old this year. My very first visit was for Doors Open which took place in Toronto on May 24th and 25th. It was fascinating to visit as I had heard so much about the collection from friends. I wondered who the Gardiner’s were and this is what I found: “George Gardiner began collecting ceramics in 1976, initially to decorate his home. His interests were eclectic – Ancient Americas, 18th-century European, and Chinese – and his collections assumed significant dimensions. He was joined in this passion by his wife, Helen, a native of Kirkland Lake, Ont., who had studied at York University. In 1984 they co-founded the Gardiner Museum. The Gardiners’ hope, Helen later wrote, was that the Museum “would contribute in a meaningful way to the understanding and appreciation of ceramic art worldwide.”

Healthy Eating!

Fri, 13 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0000

There’s so much confusion about what’s “healthy” to eat today and what kind of food we ought to be eating. Should we be on a gluten-free diet, stop eating eggs, eat more bananas to increase potassium, and what about terms like glycemic index, cholesterol, and pre-diabetes? With all the conflicting information coming from all sources - books, media, friends, relatives, and Dr. Oz, it was nice to attend “Demstifying Diets” at a local Health Centre yesterday. A Registered Dietitian was present and a Dietetic Intern actually presented the two-hour session. Krystyna was the Registered Dietician and Michelle was the Intern. A very serious topic such as our health and medical issues with regard to our eating habits was made to be fun.

A Toronto Neighbourhood

Mon, 09 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0000

A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.

The above quote by George Moore came to mind as I admired how pretty and well-maintained the homes in the neighborhood look. This is a particularly lovely time of year with the Spirea in bloom. Many people have their hanging baskets and planters on their porches and their garden chairs out for when they are relaxing at home. As I get older, home is really the best place to be now for me. My own porch is just like going to a cottage for me.

ROM Revealed

Sat, 31 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

“We know we are a species obsessed with itself and its own past and origins. We know we are capable of removing from the sanctuary of the earth shards and fragments, and gently placing them in museums. Great museums in great cities—the hallmarks of civilisation.” ~ Kathleen Jam

[caption id=“attachment_1888” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] A casual glance at crystals may lead to the idea that they were pure sports of nature, but this is simply an elegant way of declaring one’s ignorance. With a thoughtful examination of them, we discover laws of arrangement. With the help of these, calculation portrays and links up the observed results. How variable and at the same time how precise and regular are these laws! How simple they are ordinarily, without losing anything of their significance! The theory which has served to develop these laws is based entirely on a fact, whose existence has hitherto been vaguely discerned rather than demonstrated. This fact is that in all minerals which belong to the same species, these little solids, which are the crystal elements and which I call their integrant molecules, have an invariable form, in which the faces lie in the direction of the natural fracture surfaces corresponding to the mechanical division of the crystals. Their angles and dimensions are derived from calculations combined with observation. (Rene-Just Hauy - French Mineralogist)

Spring Magnolias

Sun, 18 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Magnolia tree

Attracting me,

Gladly blooming.

Nothing to prove

Only to bloom profusely,

Lovely you are with your pink hues.

Imbuing all with joy at Spring’s arrival

Annulling all the hardship of the winter past.

How lovely it was in High Park today. Sheer beauty! The magnolia’s time for blooming has come and irregardless of who’s watching or what anyone’s saying, she’s mesmerizing to everyone. Photographers are there trying to capture her beauty from all angles and positions. Some are taking microcosmic views and others macrocosmic ones. She knows how to be both beautiful and still.

Royal Ontario Museum's Rotunda

Fri, 16 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1868” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] The ceiling is made from thousands of sheets of imported Venetian glass, cut into more than a million tiny coloured squares. A team of skilled workers laboured for eight months to install the ceiling. Its sparkling gold, rust and bronze background is inset with red, blue and turquoise patterns, recalling the magnificent mosaics of the Byzantine world and Eastern Europe. Worked out on the golden field are geometrical borders and panels which frame decorative floral designs. The central panel is inscribed with a passage from the Book of Job in the Old Testament: “That all men may know his work” (ROM website)[/caption]

High Park's Bloomin' Trees

Tue, 13 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. ~Hal Borland

This past winter was a long and difficult one for us in Toronto. We were all looking forward to Spring and it seemed too long in coming. But the good new is that it’s finally arrived. High Park was filled with people yesterday enjoying the “bloomin’ trees.” The cherry blossoms have started to blossom but the blooms are very young. They aren’t in bloom for a long time though so if you’re planning to go, try to get over there within the next few days. I spent a lovely afternoon in the park enjoying a glorious spring day. All the photo collages are images that I took there yesterday and without further ado, here they are!

Mum's the Word!

Sun, 11 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." and so in you the child your mother lives on and through your family continues to live… so at this time look after yourself and your family as you would your mother for through you all she will truly never die.” ― Osho

Just having Fun!

Wed, 07 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1831” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] “It is fun to have fun but you have to know how.”[/caption]

Dr. Seuss wasn’t really a doctor. “Theodor Seuss Geisel, known to the world as Dr. Seuss was born on 2nd of March 1904 in Howard Street, Springfield, Massachusetts. Geisel credited his mother to be his first inspiration. She often chanted rhymes to her children in order to sooth them to sleep which developed the desire and affection in Geisel to create rhymes. His early life in Springfield and the memories of his childhood had an influence on his writings which can be observed in his work.” How fondly I remember reading his books to my little one many moons ago - without even bothering to find out who he was. His stories were delightfully simple and lots of fun. My little one loved the rhyming and the repetition as all children do.

Treasures from the Sea

Sun, 13 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

“I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the sea-shore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.” (Isaac Newton)

Life has a wonderful way of bringing us back to the basics sometimes. It was fun to turn my shells and coral out on the kitchen table and examine and play with them. Fifteen years ago when I visited Fiji, I wasn’t into taking too many pictures or into blogging. In fact, I had not even heard the term. In the above collage, the two images of the resort are postcards I bought there.

Feline Companions

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

There are varying theories about whether cats really love their human caregivers or are merely attached to them as providers of food, water, love, affection, treats, and the like. As someone who never had a pet and acquired one later in life, I feel that cats who receive loving care get to be very attached to their owners and their owners to them. However, just as with human love, the word “love” gets tossed around in ways that are merely conceptual as it relates to cats.

Ladybugs

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Beauty or ugliness, order or confusion are only relevant in relation to our imagination. (Baruch Spin__oza)

These chocolate ladybugs drew my attention while I was thinking about my friend’s birthday. She had invited me to an overnight excursion with her to Niagara where we were going to have a buffet dinner and see a live show called “Hurrah for Hollywood.” This was going to be her birthday celebration. I knew the buffet would include lots of cupcakes, sliced cake, and many other types of desserts. The last collage will reveal how these ladybugs were actually used for the celebration.

The Buddha and The Cat

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Once upon a time, there was a cat who liked to sit with the Buddha, sniff at him, and rest at his feet. They had “Dharma Talks.”

He taught her about meditation: **"**As you practice remaining attentive, passionate, and firm in purpose, those memories and conflicts of life are let go, and with their letting go your mind centers and becomes calm, it strengthens. This is how you develop mindfulness of, and in, the body."

Gastronomic Delight

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

“If variety is the spice of life, enjoyment of a variety of different foods has to top the list.” (Late Blooms)

Food is near and dear to the hearts of most people. If we have enough or more than enough, we’re grateful and happy. If we have very little or just enough to get by, all our energy is directed to the acquisition of this precious life-giving commodity. This is true for all cultures and peoples on earth.

International Women's Day

Sat, 08 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

What a special day for us ladies! My day was made even more special by a young, handsome, well-dressed man, giving me a rose and saying “Happy International Women’s Day.” This happened in Downtown Toronto this morning. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera with me. All the images here were taken when I got home.

The first Women’s Day took place in 1911 and we women have come a long way. There is still a long journey ahead though. “International Women’s Day honours the work of the Suffragettes, celebrates women’s success, and reminds of inequities still to be redressed.” Some countries take this day so seriously that it is a public holiday. The United Nations theme for 2014 is: “Equality for women is progress for all.”

Native Wisdom

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

All over the world where Native peoples are found, they bring a deep love for the land and creation. They don’t have a “religion” as such but more wisdom and reverence towards Nature. While there are different tribes and different locations of the world where they live, they all have similar words of wisdom to impart.

All the images in this collage were taken by me. The background is Niagara Falls with what looked like icebergs to me - right in front of the Falls. It was spectacular! From what I have seen of different kinds of Native art, there are certain similarities. I bought a lovely little book recently called “The Song of Life” and I will share some of the wisdom that was in there.

Lithuanian Independence Day

Wed, 19 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

“Patriotism is a thing difficult to put into words. It is neither precisely an emotion nor an opinion, nor a mandate, but a state of mind – a reflection of our own personal sense of worth, and respect for our roots. Love of country plays a part, but it’s not merely love. Neither is it pride, although pride too is one of the ingredients. Patriotism is a commitment to what is best inside us all. And it’s a recognition of that wondrous common essence in our greater surroundings – our school, team, city, state, our immediate society – often ultimately delineated by our ethnic roots and borders… but not always. Indeed, these border lines are so fluid… And we do not pay allegiance as much as we resonate with a shared spirit. We all feel an undeniable bond with the land where we were born. And yet, if we leave it for another, we grow to feel a similar bond, often of a more complex nature. Both are forms of patriotism – the first, involuntary, by birth, the second by choice. Neither is less worthy than the other. But one is earned.” (Vera Nazarian)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Fri, 14 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Icicles

Sun, 09 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1672” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Icicles taken from inside the Grenadier Restaurant - High Park,Toronto
[/caption]

Icy

Cold

Ice-covered

Crystals

Lustrous

Earth

Spectacle to behold

[caption id=“attachment_1673” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Even in the depth of winter, the evergreen is a reminder that some things are still alive - Lustrous Earth.[/caption]

Chapters Runnymede - Missing You Already!

Fri, 07 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Architecture is really about well-being. I think that people want to feel good in a space… On the one hand it’s about shelter, but it’s also about pleasure. – Zaha Hadid

[caption id=“attachment_1661” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] “We have no options to renew. We’ve been here 15 great years, and 15 years later, market conditions have changed. That corner is quite a valuable corner. The landlord can get far more money than we can pay, than we will pay,” said McGowen.
“We’ve always loved the location. It’s an iconic building with great architecture and heritage that goes hand in hand with a bookstore. The community has been terrific, supportive and loyal.” (Drew McGowen - Vice-President of Real Estate for Indigo Books and Music Inc.)[/caption]

Wishing For Summer!

Fri, 24 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1630” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] With Toronto’s freezing cold weather and ice storm this winter, my heart has many a day reflected on sitting out on a beautiful Summer’s Day.[/caption]

To make myself feel better about the extremely cold weather we’re experiencing now, I took a look at some of last year’s images. These collages are a result of that time. Seeing these does make me feel better and brighter in spirit.

Year Of The Horse 2014

Wed, 22 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

January 31st is the beginning of the Lunar New Year according to the Chinese Zodiac Calendar and gallops on until February 18th, 2015. It is the Year of the Horse. This celebration of the New Year has always been special for me. For many years, I was fortunate to be able to help the children in the Toronto Chinatown community prepare for the celebration - through my work. Many celebrations and preparations take place for this occasion in Canada, especially where there are large Chinese communities.

Falls Views

Tue, 14 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Niagara Falls has always been one of my favorite places that makes for a nice get-away from Toronto. Fortunately for me, through the generosity and kindness of a friend, my visits there are once a month. It doesn’t matter what time of year it happens to be, the Falls are spectacular. As you can see from the images above, the recent ice storm left the Bridal Veil Falls (American side) frozen. The Horseshoe Falls (Canadian side) continues to flow and is the larger of the two. Such natural beauty!

Live Good

Sun, 05 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1568” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Live Good[/caption]

All the epithets in this collage were of interest to me since they were Christmas ornaments I saw in a year-round Christmas tree store. They are the kind of ornaments one buys for the wine-lover on your Christmas list. The addition of “Live Good” is my own idea. This image was on the cover of a journal in a bookstore.

It’s funny how certain images and sayings can act as triggers for past events or ideas one may have held at a certain time of life. This is what these sayings about wine did for me. There was a time in my life when I thought that I was Epicurean - a much younger age. I didn’t know much about Epicurus though. It was the “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry” stage. Life was about having a good time.

Top Ten Collages of 2013

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

A new heart for a New Year, always! (Charles Dickens, The Chimes)

As the New Year draws closer, some of us are already thinking about what resolutions we are going to make to usher this ritual event into our lives. It’s definitely a chance for our hearts to be filled with hope for new beginnings and further realizations of our dreams and wishes - for ourselves and for others in 2014.

Merry Christmas!

Sat, 21 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens

Manger Scenes

Mon, 09 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

“While it is good that we seek to know the Holy One, it is probably not so good to presume that we ever complete the task.” ~ (Bonhoeffer)

[caption id=“attachment_1524” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] ~ The Lowly Manger[/caption]

At the first Christmas - the circumstances were dire. There was no room at the inn and the Baby Jesus was born in a manger. There were no doctors, nurses, midwives, bright hospital lights, and a bag packed with fine clothing for either mother or child. It was the humblest of births.

Christmassy!

Mon, 02 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1492” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] By The Fireplace[/caption]

“_So if a Christian is touched only once a year, the touching is still worth it, and maybe on some given Christmas, some quiet morning, the touch will take.” (Ha_rry Reasoner)

It’s fascinating to take in the sights and sounds of Christmas around this great city of Toronto. “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere I go” as the popular song says. All kinds of people get caught up in the Spirit of Christmas, whether they are celebrating the Birthday of Jesus or just having fun. There’s so much to be done before Christmas Day - cooking, baking, shopping, wrapping, decorating, writing, travelling, rehearsing, praying, singing, meditating, playing, just to name a few of the important things to be done.

For Cat Lovers

Wed, 27 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

~ Quotations from: “Cat Quotations” - a book in my own personal library.

[caption id=“attachment_1474” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Cat with Japanese Maple in Red Fall Color[/caption]

“There are other ties which cats put on our affections. We enjoy their intelligence and grace; and we feel a strange sense of companionship and consolation in their presence. But these are ideas we can understand by words. The reasons for their appeal to us can never be expressed too clearly.” (Lloyd Alexander)

"A Row of Lamps"

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1369” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Diwali Festival[/caption]

Fill the Heart with the oil of love. Place in it the wick of single-pointed mind. Light it with the Knowledge of Truth and remove the darkness of ignorance around you. Just as one lamp can light many lamps; let each youth kindle this Light in many hearts.

Diwali will be celebrated on November 2nd and 3rd this year in Toronto. Apart from India, where the biggest celebrations will be, other countries with South Asian populations will also be “lighting up” and participating in other ways in this Festival. It’s a New Year celebration. Many homes are lit up and special meals prepared for the occasion. It’s a time for lots of “sweet treats. “On the day of the Diwali festival, doorways are hung with torans of mango leaves and marigolds. Rangolis are drawn with different colored powders to welcome guests. The traditional motifs are often linked with auspicious symbols of good luck. Oil diyas are arranged in and around the house. Because of these flickering lamps, the festival has acquired its name : Dipawali or Diwali meaning ‘a rows of lamps’. On this day, people buy something for the house or some jewelry for the women of the house. It is auspicious to buy something metallic, such as silver.

To A Pink Peony

Sun, 20 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1356” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“To A Pink Peony”][/caption]

My Dad passed on thirteen years ago this week. He loved all the flowers in the garden but was particularly devoted to the peonies. On this anniversary of the heart, I’m sharing this poem he wrote in 1998 which was two years before his death.

To A Pink Peony

Unrivalled, the pink peony outshone

the other colorful flowers in the garden.

Festival City

Tue, 15 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Stratford is a picturesque Ontario town and is one of my favorite places to visit. It attracts many visitors every year for theatrical productions known as the “Stratford Festival.” We were there for a Doctoral Celebration which included a lovely lunch and afternoon walk along the Avon River. Many swans, ducks, and their young, make lovely companions for visitors who wish to admire and spend time with them.

Thanksgiving Tidbits

Mon, 14 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

On January 31, 1957, the Canadian Parliament announced that on the second Monday in October, Thanksgiving would be “a day of general thanksgiving to almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed.”

For some of us, Thanksgiving is a big celebration with friends, family, and the traditional turkey dinner. For others, it’s a time of reflection or just another holiday to enjoy in our own way. Whichever way we spend it, we have all been out and seen the beautiful colors that Nature provides at this time of year.

Fruit Extravaganza!

Sat, 05 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

__To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it.” – Osho

I wanted to bring a little “something special” into the life of someone I deeply care about. We were having a special celebration lunch for a special happening and these kinds of events always seem to bring forth a burst of creative energy from within me. I was also already dancing in my heart. My thoughts turned to fruit and I remembered admiring edible arrangements at parties I had attended in the past - and enjoying them too. I thought: “Why not make an edible arrangement?”

The Right Fit

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000

The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases. ~ Carl Jung

Starting early this summer, I had to think about shoes quite a bit. There were three weddings to attend and I also needed a pair of comfortable sandals. When I was young, I loved buying shoes, and, in fact, had a passion for nice footwear. At this time of life, though, it is definitely more of a chore. I still admire beautiful shoes but it definitely isn’t about how beautiful they look on me. The number one criteria is that they have to feel comfortable.

The "CNE"

Sun, 08 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000

My childhood may be over, but that doesn’t mean playtime is. ~Ron Olson

[caption id=“attachment_1230” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Cotton Candy Vendor[/caption]

The CNE has come and gone as it does every year - bringing with it entertainment, international foods and exhibits, horse shows, and lots of other thrills. Many like me fondly speak of it as the “Ex.” Torontonians, out-of-towners, and tourists alike enjoy the fun of a big fair. **"**The CNE is held at Exhibition Place, which is a 192-acre site located along Toronto’s waterfront on the shores of Lake Ontario and just west of downtown Toronto. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and GO Transit provide easy transportation to the CNE with stops at Exhibition Place. The site features several buildings—many of which have been named significant under the Ontario Heritage Act—roads named after the Canadian provinces and territories, parks, fountains, plazas, a rose garden, statues and parking lots. The fair itself consists of a variety of pavilions, exhibits, shows, concerts, a working farm, horse show, casino, and a large carnival midway with rides, games and food. What used to be an exhibition just for agriculture and technology has now turned into an event for families and people of all ages to enjoy. Entertainment, thrills, and the wide variety of international foods are just some of the attractions that the CNE has to offer. To many people in the Greater Toronto Area and the surroundings communities, the CNE is an annual family tradition."

"Rise to Power" - St. George's, Barbados

Thu, 08 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1163” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=““Rise to Power” Painting - St. George’s Anglican Church, Barbados”][/caption]

Our happiest moments as tourists always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing while in pursuit of something else.” — Lawrence Block

When I travelled to Barbados to attend a fabulous beach wedding, I didn’t know that I would be taken to visit a beautiful Anglican Church called St. George’s in the village of St. George. On the afternoon of my last day in “Beautiful Barbados,” I became a tourist. I took in all the scenery and the church itself and was happy to take many pictures.

Seascapes

Thu, 01 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1150” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Barbados Beaches”][/caption]

What each must seek in his life never was on land or sea. It is something out of his own unique potentiality for experience, something that never has been and never could have been experienced by anyone else. (Joseph Campbell)

[caption id=“attachment_1146” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Seascapes”][/caption]

Tomorrow will be exactly one month since I returned from an amazing time in Barbados where I attended a beautiful wedding. Not too many settings can compare with the sea for words of love and vows of love. " Each human life is the journey from childhood to a realized adult life. Each day is a journey out of darkness into light. Each friendship and love is the intimate journey where the soul is born and grows. The journey is the drama of the heart’s voyage into the tide of possibilities which opens before it." (John O’Donohue)

Coconut Water - Good For Your Daughter!

Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1135” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“The Coconut Man - Barbados”][/caption]

“If you could count the stars, then you could count all the ways the coconut serves us.”

“He who plants a coconut tree, plants vessels and clothing, food and drink, a habitation for himself, and a heritage for his children.” (Phillipine Proverbs)

Fresh coconut water is one of my favorite beverages. I was very fortunate to attend a party in Barbados recently where there was a coconut man with lots of coconuts serving the guests coconut water. He slashed the top off the coconut very deftly with his cutlass and put a small hole in the top before he handed the coconut over. It is possible to drink the water directly from the coconut but most of the guests chose to drink the coconut water using a straw. Listening to a live pan player in the background and sipping coconut water with family and friends was the ultimate Barbados experience. Some people had rum and coconut water which is a specialty for some wherever fresh coconut water is available - especially in the Caribbean. Many of us had the coconut cut in half for us by the coconut man and ate the coconut “jelly” which is delicious on its own. A special treat!

Green Pastures

Sun, 14 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Maid with the Flaxen Hair (Background Music - click to listen)

[caption id=“attachment_1109” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Cows in Barbados”][/caption]

On my recent visit to Barbados, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the home in which I would be staying was in a pastoral setting. From the moment I saw the cows grazing in the green pastures, a certain peaceful feeling descended upon me.

My excitement was palpable. I hadn’t seen cows this close for many years and had no idea that my thoughts would turn to Thoreau and his experience at Walden Pond. He was deliberate in his experiment but the Universe smiled on me by allowing me this peaceful adventure and time with the cows. “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms.”

Barbados Flame

Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1075” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Barbados Flame Tree”][/caption]

“Poinciana, your branches speak to me of love Poinciana, your branches speak to me of love Poinciana from now until the dawning day Our love, will live forever and a day Blow tropic wind, sing a song through the tree Tree sigh to me, soon my love I will see” ……Song to the Poinciana

I just returned from a beautiful wedding in Barbados. All the pictures in this post show the “flame tree” and its flamboyant display of flowers. This is what it is known as in Barbados. I always knew it by the name “flamboyant” which its display of flowers truly is. It is also known as Royal Poinciana, Pride-of-Barbados, Barbados Pride, and Peacock Flower. It seems that the name changes according to the part of the world you happen to be in." Pride of Barbados, Caesalpinia pulcherrima is a member of the pea family (Fabaceae). It is referred to by other names including Barbados Flowerfence, Peacock Flower, Mexican Bird of Paradise, Dwarf Flamboyant Caesalpinia, and Dwarf Poinciana. The species name pulcherrima literally means “very pretty” and this plant definitely lives up to the name. The blooms of Pride of Barbados are incredible with terminal flower clusters showing an orange-red with a tinge of gold on the edges. Each flower is composed of five showy petals with very prominent six inch long red stamens."

Oh Beauteous Rose!

Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1064” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Oh Beauteous Rose!”][/caption]

It’s June 21st tomorrow and the first day of summer. Our roses are in full bloom now. I have been captivated by their beauty and enjoy looking at them every day. Being a budding photographer and naturalist, I couldn’t resist taking these pictures. They’re all from the front garden.

[caption id=“attachment_1066” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Roses in June”][/caption]

Happy Father's Day!

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_1042” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Happy Father’s Day”][/caption]

Sherman made the terrible discovery that men make about their fathers sooner or later… that the man before him was not an aging father but a boy, a boy much like himself, a boy who grew up and had a child of his own and, as best he could, out of a sense of duty and, perhaps love, adopted a role called Being a Father so that his child would have something mythical and infinitely important: a Protector, who would keep a lid on all the chaotic and catastrophic possibilities of life. ~Tom Wolfe, The Bonfire of the Vanities

Doors Open

Fri, 31 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

“In the end, the character of a civilization is encased in its structures.” (FrankGehry)

Doors Open was held in Toronto last weekend. Many buildings noted for their historical, architectural, cultural, and social significance were open free of charge so that Torontonians and tourists alike could visit. All the images in this post are from my visit to the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres in Toronto. I’ve been to shows in many other theatres in Toronto but never to this one.

Rodin - Eifman's Sculptural Creativity

Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Talk about dance? Dance is not something to talk about. Dance is to dance. -Peter Saint James-

Going to the ballet is always a fun way for me to spend an evening. For most ballet lovers, it’s usually the traditional ballet classics that one doesn’t want to miss. I was in the mood for something different last week when the Eifman Ballet from St. Petersburg, Russia, was in Toronto, and so it was that I saw Eifman’s “Rodin.” The pictures in this collage are photographed from the program except for two which I took while the performers were taking their last bows.

A Visit from the Muse

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_974” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“TheThree Graces (with forsythias - in bright sunshine)”][/caption]

_“Each of the arts whose office is to refine, purify, adorn, embellish and grace life is under the patronage of a muse, no god being found worthy to preside over the_m.” (Eliza Farnham)

[caption id=“attachment_973” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“The Three Graces (in greenery - in shady location)”][/caption]

The lovely bright, yellow forsythias, were in full bloom in our garden a few weeks ago. I don’t know how the idea came to me, but it did, to take my painting of “The Three Graces” and put it in the forsythia bushes and take some pictures. I also decided to try it in some greenery and you can also see the effect of this idea. I did this acrylic painting about ten years ago since dance and dancers have always had a special appeal for me. I was captivated by the beauty, elegance, and the poses of these ladies in their white, flowing dresses, in this work of art. I liked how their hands were intertwined and since the visual appeal was so great, my “muse” got to work.

A Garden Paradise ~ A Sanctuary

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_953” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures. (Francis Bacon)[/caption]

“The many great gardens of the world, of literature and poetry, of painting and music, of religion and architecture, all make the point as clear as possible: The soul cannot thrive in the absence of a garden. If you don’t want paradise, you are not human; and if you are not human, you don’t have a soul.” (Thomas Moore)

Downton Abbey Day

Sun, 12 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Culture relates to objects and is a phenomenon of the world; entertainment relates to people and is a phenomenon of life. (Hannah Arendt)

Downton Abbey Fashion

[caption id=“attachment_930” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Ashley’s Fine China - Toronto[/caption]

We all enjoy watching certain television shows and Downton Abbey is a British series that is very popular with many people. Ashley’s in Toronto hosted a magnificent Downton Abbey Day yesterday at their store in the Manulife Centre and I was lucky enough to stop by and get these wonderful images.

Mother's Day!

Sun, 12 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_922” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Mother’s Day”][/caption]

“A mother is not a person to lean upon, but a person to make leaning unnecessary.” (Dorothy Canfield Fisher)

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day and it was a busy day in downtown Toronto. I visited Chapters which is a big bookstore in the Manulife Centre and many young children and older children, as well as grown-ups were there shopping for cards and other gifts for Mother’s Day. As I rode the subway, I also saw many people carrying flowers - although Mother’s Day is not until tomorrow. I passed a fine chocolate shop where many people were buying chocolates. There was definitely an excitement to all this shopping.

Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

“When we go out among nature, clay is returning to clay. We are returning to participate in the stillness of the earth which first dreamed us.” (John O’Donohue)

High Park was packed with lovers of the natural world and beauty last Friday when I visited. It was a spectacular sight to see the Sakura in bloom. We all enjoyed nature’s bountiful beauty. We weren’t happy to just see the sight, we wanted to take it away with us. Photographers were everywhere. I had my camera along with me and the collages you see here were from that wonderful time.

The Eternal Depth of Music

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_873” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Rachel Persaud - Vocalist and Composer[/caption]

“Music is the purest form of art…therefore true poets, they who are seers, seek to express the universe in terms of music…The singer has everything within him/her. The notes come out from his/her very life. They are not materials gathered from outside.” (Rabindranath Tagore)

There is nothing that brightens my spirit like music. Last Saturday, I was treated to a concert experience that was uplifting for both soul and spirit and provided an avenue for healing as well. The vocalist was Rachel Persaud and her accompanists were a guitarist and an accordian player. Rachel was at peak performance as this concert was sung in memory of her grandmother who died a few weeks ago. The images in this collage were all taken at St. Matthias Church in Toronto, which was the venue for the concert.

Impatiens (impatience)

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_854” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption="~ Impatiens Flower"][/caption]

Synchronicity is an ever present reality for those who have eyes to see. (Jung)

I’ve been finding myself very impatient with myself lately. Spring is officially here and the weather is still cold in Toronto. In addition to that, although some shoots are out in the garden, nothing is in bloom. I can’t seem to wait for the flowers to bloom.

While I know that “patience is virtue” and it’s better to be patient than impatient, I can’t seem to bring myself to the possession of this virtue right now. This led me to looking at some of last year’s Spring and Summer garden photos that I had taken. The “impatiens” flowers with their bright colours caught my attention and the results of my impatience can be seen in this collage.

History in the Making

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

~ Pope Benedict XVI - Vatican City

Audience with Pope Benedict XVI

“Knowing when to walk away, is Wisdom. Being able to, is Courage. Walking away with Grace, and your head held high, is Dignity. (Ritu Ghatourey)

I had the enviable experience of going to an audience with a living Pope and seeing him close-up. This Pope is Pope Benedict XVI - our newly retired Pope. During Easter Week, a few years ago, I had this historical experience. With all the furor surrounding Pope Benedict’s decision to resign from the Papacy and the election of Pope Francis, I decided to revisit that special time by looking at my Rome photos. These two collages were created as a result of that reminiscence.

Mystical India!

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

**“Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit.” (**Jawaharlal Nehru)

A visit to India provides a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and tastes, that bring about a change in one’s overall sensory experiences. There are stories upon stories about India that abound everywhere – some good, some bad. Like many other countries all over the world, India has great poverty and great wealth. What is very evident on a visit to India is extremes. You can be appalled, in awe, and frustrated, in the very same hour of the same day. There are high moments and low ones as well. Scenes and scenery change rapidly. It’s all part of what’s amazing and incredible about India.

Easter

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_773” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Easter[/caption]

Easter is not a time for groping through dusty, musty tomes or tombs to disprove spontaneous generation or even to prove life eternal. It is a day to fan the ashes of dead hope, a day to banish doubts and seek the slopes where the sun is rising, to revel in the faith which transports us out of ourselves and the dead past into the vast and inviting unknown. (Author unknown)

More Blooms

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

I hope some day to meet God, because I want to thank Him for the flowers. ~ (Robert Brault)

When I visited “Canada Blooms” yesterday, my heart resonated and echoed these words. The flowers were magnificent and it was truly a taste of what we are all looking forward to seeing outdoors in the not too distant future. In my last post, as I mentioned, I had not yet started collaging or blogging. I have also never used several collages in one post. However, in this post I will share several photos that I took yesterday and made into collages. Springtime is truly not very far away.

Canada Blooms

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_744” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Canada Blooms”][/caption]

We can all do with seeing a few flowers in bloom here in Toronto after our last few weeks of snowy weather and cold. I noticed that the garden show called “Canada Blooms” which is now in its seventeenth year is presently on. All the images in this collage were from last year’s Canada Blooms.

At that time, I hadn’t started to use my photos in the way I’m doing now. However, I was so uplifted in body, mind, and spirit, by being there that I wanted to capture lots of those special moments on my digital camera. Apparently, there is no other garden show as large as this one in Canada. It covers many different areas of gardening: (i) Flowers which come from the magnificent floral presentations of the Toronto Flower Show and innovative displays from well known professional florists and growers (ii) Education, featuring the best known garden and landscape experts from across Canada (iii) Marketplace showcasing the latest and greatest garden products and services (iv) Feature Gardens created by Ontario’s premier landscape designers (v) Special Sponsor Features

Bijoux

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_739” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Bijoux (Jewels)”][/caption]

All the images in this collage were taken at a very lovely party for a friend who turned eighty-five. It was a Sunday and everyone was in their Sunday best and more. I was fascinated with the beautiful pieces of jewelry that were worn by the women for extra adornment on this special occasion. These images are of women all over the age of seventy.

My Regal Cat

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

All the images in this collage are of my own Calico cat. Her name is Cali. She likes to be the queen here at home. Other cat owners have told me the same about their own cats. They have that superior attitude about themselves and want things their own way.

I crowned her and she looks adorable and regal in these pictures. Hope you enjoy the collage and the poem. Cali is a good companion and friend to me**.**

Poetry as Inspiration

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_722” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”][/caption]

I wandered lonely as a Cloud

I wandered lonely as a Cloud That floats on high o’er Vales and Hills, When all at once I saw a crowd A host of dancing Daffodils; Along the Lake, beneath the trees, Ten thousand dancing in the breeze. The waves beside them danced, but they Outdid the sparkling waves in glee: – A poet could not but be gay In such a laughing company: I gaz’d–and gaz’d–but little thought What wealth the shew to me had brought: For oft when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude, And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the Daffodils.

Pet Shop Twins

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_711” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Pet Shop Twins”][/caption]

The cat is the animal to whom the Creator gave the biggest eye, the softest fur, the most supremely delicate nostrils, a mobile ear, an unrivaled paw and a curved claw borrowed from the rose-tree. Sidonie Gabrielle The images in this collage are of twin cats who belong to the owner of a pet shop that I visited. They are beautiful and I was fascinated at how they followed each other around. I read somewhere that in the case of animals, they are twins if they come out of the same sac. The information that they were twins was given to me by the owner. She was happy that I was photographing them and that I liked them so much. Although I have my own cat, I hadn’t noticed her enough to describe her in the way that the writer of the above quote did. Sometimes we see without really knowing what it is that we see. “The imagination is like a lantern. It illuminates the inner landscapes of our life and helps us discover their secret archaeologies.” (John O’Donohue) Hope you enjoy the collage and that your insights and imagination are working well. I’m glad that the quote set my imagination to work.

Niagara Falls in Winter

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

“Just remember, in the winter

Far beneath the bitter snows

Lies the seed, that with the sun’s love

In the spring, becomes the rose”

I was at Niagara Falls just after the snowstorm we had two weeks ago. All the images in this collage are from the 22nd floor hotel room we stayed in that overlooked the Horseshoe Falls. The Horseshoe Falls is on the Canadian side and is the bigger of the three Falls. “Did you know the Canadian Horseshoe Falls crest line is approximately 670m(2,200ft) wide? It drops about 57m(188ft) into the Lower Niagara River. The American and Bridal Veil Falls have a total crest line of about 326m(1,100ft). It drops about 57m(188ft). The broken rock at the bottom of the American and Bridal Veil Falls is called talus. This talus reduces the interrupted fall of the water to as little as 21m(70ft).”

Wine as Decor

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

“Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized.” ~ Andre Simon

All the images in this collage were taken recently when we had a buffet dinner party at our home. Although I’m not a wine-drinker anymore, I was delighted to discover that wine bottles make for good decor. This came upon me quite by accident, one might say.

I had decided that the table in the hallway would be a good place for drinks and had placed wine glasses on a tray there and some napkins. To make that space beautiful, I placed a flower arrangement there with some battery-powered lights among the blooms. The only thing I hadn’t put there when I left to go out the evening before the party was the beverages.

Baby's Breath

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_687” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Simple Flower Arrangements”][/caption]

Flowers… are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

These simple flower arrangements were put together for use in my home a couple weeks ago. It was a special occasion. I decided to use Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila) as a big part of the arrangements and not just as a filler flower as it is often used. It is one of my favourites because it has such a delicate, light look, to it. It goes well wherever it is used.

February Flowers

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_681” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Flowers - Niagara-on-the-Lake”][/caption]

It’s lovely and white today in Toronto with all the snow that has fallen. I’m lucky that I didn’t have to go out or shovel snow. While I very much enjoy the beauty of all this whiteness, my soul and spirit longed for colour tonight.

Luckily, I found some images that I had taken while visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake this past summer that brightened my spirit. Hope this collage will brighten your spirit too. For all those who like gardening and are looking forward to the time when flowers bloom again, here’s a poem for you in the dead of this winter.

Sari Extravaganza!

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_671” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Sari Fabric”][/caption]

The history of Indian textiles is very ancient. The discovery of several spindles, and a piece of cotton stuck to a silver vase, revealed that the spinning and weaving of cotton was known to the Harrappans, nearly five thousand years ago. References to weaving are found in the history of Vedic literature on the method of spinning the various materials used. The foundations of the Indian textile trade with other countries began as early as the second century BC. A hoard of block printed and resist-dyed fabrics, mainly of Gujrati origin, found in the tombs of Fostat, Egypt, are the proof of large scale Indian export of cotton textiles to Egypt in medieval times."

Happy New Year!

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_660” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Happy New Year!”][/caption]

When I was younger, New Year’s Eve was a time for partying, celebrating, and much revelry. All your friends were going out and if you didn’t have somewhere to go, you felt left out. You heard about New Year’s resolutions wherever you went and felt you had to make some of your own - even if you didn’t tell anyone what they were. It didn’t seem as though you had a voice of your own.

Let it Snow!

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_641” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Let it Snow”][/caption]

We’ve been hearing a song by this name playing in many different places prior to Christmas and some of us were “Dreaming of a White Christmas” as is sung in another song. Toronto received all this white stuff Boxing night - over ten inches. Beautiful and white, isn’t it?

I was out for a walk yesterday and took these snow pictures in the neighbourhood. Even the little angel on my porch is now sitting in snow. All the little children love the snow and can make their own snowman now. They also like to lie in the snow and make “snow angels.”

Lights, Camera, Snow!

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_653” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Christmas Lights[/caption]

The images in this collage were taken at night. I admired the Christmas outdoor lighting on my street for a long time before getting around to taking these pictures. However, I’m glad I waited, as they are more beautiful with the presence of the snow. “We feel most alive in the presence of the Beautiful for it meets the needs of our soul. For a while the strains of stuggle and endurance are relieved and our frailty is illuminated by a different light in which we come to glimpse behind the shudder of appearances the sure form of things.”

Birthday of a King

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_632” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Birthday of a King”][/caption]

Christmas Day is celebrated all over the world - even by those who are not Christians. The birthday of Jesus is significant because of the message of love, peace, and forgiveness that he taught. As I did this Christmas collage, I was reminded of a Christmas concert that I once attended and of a wonderful song that was sung. It was called “Birthday of a King.” These are the words:

Nutcracker Ballet

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

**"**The Nutcracker Suite opened in St. Petersburg on December 17, 1892. It is the tale of a girl named Clara who is given a nutcracker doll for Christmas by her godfather, Drosselmaier. That night she falls asleep and is disturbed by an attack of mice led by the Mouse King, who wishes to take her away to his kingdom. She is rescued by soldiers and the Nutcracker who, as a prince, takes her to his land, a country full of sugarplums and waltzing flowers. She awakens the next morning with only the nutcracker doll and memories of her Christmas adventure." (The World Encyclopedia of Christmas)

Christmas Cat

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_618” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Christmas Cat[/caption]

“Who would believe such pleasure from a wee ball o’ fur?” - Irish Saying

It was fun making my pet, Cali, look beautiful for Christmas. She obliged for just a short while and I was able to take these images. With the lovely colors of her coat of hair and the red ribbon, she makes a striking picture.

Cali is a calico cat. We adopted her four years ago from a family who couldn’t take care of her any longer. At that time she was already four years old. Cali loves Christmas. She loves tissue paper, gift wrap, and bags, and has lots of fun when we are opening the presents Christmas Day.

Bringing Christmas Inside

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_607” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Christmas Evergreens[/caption]

The preparations for Christmas begin long before Christmas and never seem to stop. One of my favorite activities a few weeks before Christmas is to stop by at one of the flower shops selling fresh branches and buy a bunch to make my own indoor creations. I like the look and smell of dogwood, spruce, pine, and cedar. All the images in this collage are creations of mine that bring the joy of the holiday season inside my heart and my home.

Christmas Angels

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_598” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Christmas Angels[/caption]

“When the song of the angel is stilled/When the star in the sky is gone/When the kings and princes are home/When the shepherds are back with their flock/The work of Christmas begins:/To find the lost/To heal the broken/To feed the hungry/To release the prisoner/To rebuild the nations/To bring peace among brothers and sisters/To make music in the heart.” - Howard Thurman

Poinsettia Miracle

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

More than any other symbol of Christmas, the poinsettia brings a magical feeling to me and tells me that it’s Christmas time. All the images in this collage were taken in a Loblaws supermarket with a beautiful selection of poinsettias of various colours. I added the greenery image with the Christmas ornament for contrast within the collage.

This really is my favourite Christmas shrub. While red is my favourite colour, I like to put a few of the other colours in with it as well when I’m decorating at Christmas time. The poinsettia takes its name from Joel Roberts Poinsett who was the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. I read that he first saw this plant in Taxco and was fascinated by its beauty. This was an interesting piece of information since I have visited Taxco myself. As they say, it’s a small world.

Deck the Halls!

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_583” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Hand-made Christmas cards[/caption]

Garrison Keillor - A lovely thing about Christmas is that it’s compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together.

That time of year for merriment, festivity, and joy is upon us. Christmas Day is just around the corner. As the day draws closer and closer, many of us look forward to receiving our Holiday Greetings. We put them where we can see them and they are tangible reminders of our friends and family who have taken the time to remember us and share their good wishes for our happiness, health, and wellness at Christmas, and in the New Year.

The Rose Arbour Collage

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_574” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“The Rose Arbour Collage”][/caption]

One thing in life calls for another; there is a fitness in events and places. The sight of a pleasant arbour puts it in our minds to sit there. One place suggests work, another idleness, a third early rising and long rambles in the dew. - Robert Louis Stevenson

At the entrance to our garden, there is a rose arbour. It is particularly beautiful in the summertime when a variety of roses are out and we can enjoy walking under this canopy of roses to get to our door. When we sit on our front porch, we are also graced by this view.

Happy Diwali!

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Diwali is being celebrated all over the world where people of East Indian origin live. It is a Hindu and Sikh Festival. “The name “Diwali” or “Divali” is a contraction of “Deepavali” Sanskrit: दीपावली Dīpāvalī), which translates into “row of lamps”. Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (dīpa in Sanskrit: दीप) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. These lamps are kept on during the night and one’s house is cleaned, both done in order to make the goddess Lakshmi feel welcome. Firecrackers are burst because it is believed that it drives away evil spirits. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends.”

Transported to other Worlds

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_548” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Fun with Books”][/caption]

In anything fit to be called by the name of reading, the process itself should be absorbing and voluptuous; we should gloat over a book, be rapt clean out of ourselves, and rise from the perusal, our mind filled with the busiest, kaleidoscopic dance of images, incapable of sleep or of continuous thought. The words, if the book be eloquent, should run thenceforward in our ears like the noise of breakers, and the story, if it be a story, repeat itself in a thousand coloured pictures. - Robert Louis Stevenson

Autumn Leaves

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_542” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Autumn Leaves”][/caption]

As I did the last post and was thinking of this Autumn/Fall season, I remembered a beautiful poem my Dad wrote called “Autumn Leaves.” He was reflecting on when it is that the leaves are really showing their true colours and whether each change is not really part of the whole process in Nature. My Dad did most of his writing in the Winter of his life. When he was alive, I didn’t appreciate his writing as I do now. I will share this beautiful poem with you.

Fall at Niagara Falls

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_536” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Fall at Niagara Falls”][/caption]

A visit to Niagara Falls is always exciting. No matter what the season, the splendor of this great cascade of water remains. I took all the images for this collage yesterday morning. The leaves have changed colour and some have fallen. This is why this season is called Fall. Niagara is beautiful this time of year.

As with the seasons that change year after year, we too have our seasons of life. Being so close to Nature as I was yesterday, brought home to me with poignancy, that I too am in the Autumn of my life. After years of struggle with this stage of the journey, I am beginning to grow into it. It’s beginning to feel more comfortable now.

The Cosmic Family

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_530” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Remembering Daddy”][/caption]

Today is an Anniversary of the heart. It is the day on which my father transitioned from this Earth. This collage is in memory of him. I took all the images at different times and in my remembering of him, I put them together. The best tribute I could pay to the father, who despite all his human faults and failings, raised me, is to share a poem he wrote. It really tells me that he knew that he was part of something bigger than just the family he raised and this makes me feel good. Hope you enjoy!

Whimsical!

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

It’s a good thing that we all have some whimsical moments and moods. Playfulness and fanciful feelings bring light-heartedness. As you can see from the image of Cali sticking her tongue out - even animals have their own whimsy. Doesn’t she look cute?

This collage was done in one of my whimsical moods. I used many images of my pet and added these beautiful embellishments that I photographed in a shoe and accessory store. Everything in this store was suitable for wearing to a wedding or other such special occasion. We had visitors over the summer and this store was one we wandered into during their visit. The caption “I love my Cat” is either from a journal cover or a book cover that I photographed some time ago in my local bookstore. I wasn’t sure how I would use it when I took it but I like how it looks here.

Birth Day

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_515” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Birthday Celebrations[/caption]

“Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again.” ~Menachem M Schneerson

All the images in this collage were taken a few days ago at a memorable Birth Day celebration for someone special. As you can see, this was a lovely place for the occasion and we had a fabulous buffet meal. We enjoyed each other’s company and were overjoyed that we could share in the time we spent together and in the making of good memories.

Lake Louise

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_474” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Lake Louise - Canada[/caption]

Travel books, magazines, brochures, and the like, are always depicting the best places one should visit. The latest I saw was called “Ten Places to Visit before you Die.” I haven’t taken a look at it yet. One visit I’m glad that I made was to Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada. It is located in Banff National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a glacial lake.with an altitude of 5052 ft.

Summer Garden

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_500” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=““Summer Garden””][/caption]

Today, September 22nd, is the first day of Fall. This Summer has gone by very quickly. Before going completely into Fall mode, I wanted to create a collage to celebrate the season just passed.

I took all the photos in this collage. The image in the top left hand corner is a piece that I created myself and called “Summer Garden” over twelve years ago. The materials that were used include ceramic tiles, stained glass, pebbles, stones, jewelry, and paint. I was just beginning to want to express myself “artistically.” It is in my home and I enjoy looking at it very much. I never knew when I created it that I would one day use it in a collage.

Don't Save the Good China!

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_436” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Chinaware”][/caption]

All the images in this collage are from dinner plates and were taken because I found the colours and the motifs to be beautiful. I didn’t know how I would use them when I took them but I’m pleased with the results of this collage.

At a certain stage of life, we are all collectors. In the old days, most newly-weds received gifts of dinnerware to “start” them off. I myself have some nice Royal Albert bone china and have added several pieces over the years. Like many other people I know, these items sit in a nice china cabinet and are used only on special occasions, if at all. “We often call our fine dinnerware “China”, and there is a very logical reason for this. Dinnerware is more often than not made out of porcelain, and porcelain was invented by the Chinese over 1000 years. Although the emperors of the Song Dynasty get most of the credit for this invention, it was more likely invented during the Tang Dynasty. Half way through the Song Dynasty, about 1100 AD, this fine art had spread throughout the East. By 1400 it had worked its way to Europe.” I read somewhere that bone china, as in the pieces I have, is made by combining clay and china stone and adding calcified bone. It is a type of porcelain.

Looking Glass

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

You never know what you will see on the sidewalk before garbage day. Sitting on my porch late one evening, I noticed that my neighbour on the opposite side had put out a mirror. There are huge trees around, and as I sat there sipping my tea, it was the reflection of the branches in the mirror that caught my eye. The images you see here came out of that photo-shoot.

L'shana Tova

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_479” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Rosh Hashanah”][/caption]

I know a number of people who are now celebrating Rosh HaShanah which is the Jewish New Year. This collage is one big greeting card to all of them. The images here were taken at a local bookstore and are actually from greeting cards used at this time of year for this celebration. I took these photos yesterday. L’shana Tova means “for a good year.” Many people just say Shana Tova.

Flowers

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_448” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Beautiful flowers and eyes!”][/caption]

Flower-arranging is one of my hobbies. It gives me great delight to choose flowers at the florist’s and to pick flowers from the garden to create an arrangement. Some arrangements I’ve made are small and some have been larger. I’ve made arrangements to give as Birthday presents, Christmas presents, and lots of “thank you’s.” Working with flowers gives me a wonderful feeling. The images in this collage are of a smaller arrangement I did to take to a Memorial Service three weeks ago. I took the photos at home. The eyes in this collage are those of a baby boy nine months old and the caption in the collage was photographed from the cover of a journal in my local bookstore. These three elements just seemed to come together - beautiful flowers, beautiful eyes, and the caption “Beauty for your eyes to see.”

Hanging Gardens

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_429” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Hanging Gardens”][/caption]

Niagara-on-the-Lake is the home of the Shaw Festival. The Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw’s works, are performed here in four theatres. The Festival has added some other contemporary productions over the years. Shaw won the Nobel prize for literature in 1925 and was also the winner of an Oscar. Many people come from near and far to visit this lovely lakeside town and also take in one of the shows. I was there for the Peach Festival. All these images of the Shaw Cafe and Wine Bar were taken two weeks ago.

Kind Wine

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_420” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Winery - Niagara Region”][/caption]

It was a pleasure for me to visit one of the wineries in the Niagara region two weeks ago. It was one of the stops on our day tour. This was a trip going to the Peach Festival held at Niagara-on-the-Lake which is a picturesque and charming little town. The trip included several stops, one of which, was this winery. I took all the images while we were there and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Bon Voyage, Au Revoir, Goodbye!

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_407” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Bon Voyage, Au Revoir, Goodbye!”][/caption]

All the cemetery images in this collage were taken on my last visit to Parklawn where my parents are buried. The angels are photographed from a souvenir print I brought with me from Italy that has nothing but angels. The African Violets were taken at my friend’s apartment. Events of the past few weeks have turned my thoughts to death and dying.

Trying on Monet

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_396” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Trying on Monet”][/caption]

The three images in this collage with black frames caught my attention while I was waiting in line at my local bakery last week. They had never caught my attention before so I don’t know whether they are new or were always there. The image with the white frame is an acrylic painting that I myself did as a gift for my son many years ago. I had seen a Monet painting called “Garden at Sainte-Adresse” and wanted to try something like it. This is a scaled-down version. Putting the Canadian flag was entirely my idea. I did this because my son was away working in Mexico, and on his return to Canada, this painting was to be his birthday present. He is Canadian.

Birdbath Fun

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“Say not, “I have found the truth,” but rather, “I have found a truth.” Say not, “I have found the path of the soul.” Say rather, “I have met the soul walking upon my path.” For the soul walks upon all paths. The soul walks not upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed. The soul unfolds itself, like a lotus of countless petals.” ― Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

"CATS"

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_368” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] “CATS”[/caption]

You now have learned enough to see

That Cats are much like you and me

And other people whom we find

Possessed of various types of mind.

For some are sane and some are mad

And some are good and some are bad

And some are better, some are worse —

But all may be described in verse.

T. S. ELIOT, “The Ad-dressing of Cats,” Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats

Peacock proud!

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_359” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Artsy Peacocks”][/caption]

I have a weakness for both artsy paper products and peacocks. I’m fascinated with just how beautiful the covers of journals have become as well as greeting cards and stationary. Peacocks are ostentatious and showy and make a colourful subject to attract the attention of buyers and admirers of peacocks alike. All the images in this collage come from such products. I took them at different times because of their attractiveness and wasn’t sure how I would use them. They just seemed to be begging to be photo-collaged and this is the result.

Moroccan-style Birthday

Sun, 29 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_343” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Moroccan-style Birthday[/caption]

My Birthday was last Wednesday and I wanted to celebrate in grand style. This birthday was special because my brother and his wife were spending it with me and they don’t come very often from Australia. I chose this Moroccan Restaurant because I had gone there before and thought it would be a suitable venue for my special day. The images in this collages were taken there.

Taste of Thailand

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_335” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Taste of Thailand”][/caption]

We went to one of the summer events at Nathan Philips Square in Toronto last weekend. In this multicultural City of Toronto, there are many such wonderful open-air festivals taking place. Although it was called “Taste of Thailand,” it wasn’t just about tasting Thai food. Getting a “taste” of a people or a country involves all the aspects of the people and their culture that it is possible to represent. We did have some nice Thai food to eat, and on an open stage, we saw some beautiful tango dancing. There was also a demonstration of Muay Thai Boxing. Many Thai arts and crafts were on display and available to buy. There was also a Thai fruit carver demonstrating her skill and showing off some carvings she made.

Snowy Day

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_329” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Snowy Day”][/caption]

This collage is to help make all of us who are sweltering in the heat of this summer day feel a little bit cooler. Toronto is hot, hot, hot!

We are complainers about weather when it’s cold

And we can’t stand much when it’s hot,hot hot!

Lilies

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_321” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Lilies”][/caption]

This collage was inspired by my neighbour’s garden. I looked across there and was mesmerized and thrilled by what I saw. I couldn’t resist the urge to go there and admire all the beautiful flowers, especially the lilies. This was late yesterday afternoon. We have some lilies in our garden but hers are truly splendid. What a beautiful gift a garden is! I realized that I don’t have to go very far to see beauty - and that I didn’t have to spend any money. All I needed were the eyes to see.

A Toronto Rose Garden

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_304” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Summer Roses”][/caption]

Branches laden with roses,

Nature’s bouquet!

A feast for the eyes

For all to see,

Morning, noon, and night.

The roses have been abundant beyond belief this summer. It didn’t matter whether one looked through the back window into the back garden or through the front window or door into the front garden. I enjoyed sitting out and enjoying them with their profusion of colour. Colour makes our world and our lives bright and brightens our spirit as humans.

Childhood

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_266” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Little hands and feet”][/caption]

It’s a long time since I was a child but there’s still a child within me who wants to laugh, dance, sing, and be free. The photos in this collage depict both the innocence and the potential of children as seen in their tiny hands and feet. Some of the children are personally known to me and they were having a good time playing freely and enjoying themselves with careful abandon.

Mosaic

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_280” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Elephant Mosaic”][/caption]

The elephants in this collage and the background were done by me. I don’t have any formal training in art and I don’t consider myself to be an artist in the traditional sense of the word. Even before I had retired from my day job, I started to have an urge to create. It came up just as subtly as was my desire to have a pet. I followed these urges and have been fortunate to have been able to try different expressions of this creative urge. Many people I am fortunate to know have always expressed themselves in artistic ways so I was somewhat lucky to have these kinds of friends to emulate. These feelings may have come from viewing the work of my friends. Otherwise, it was a longing of my soul.

Happy Canada Day!

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_257” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Canada Day[/caption]

Canada’s Birthday - 145 years old. Celebrations everywhere. Lots of parties, birthday cake, and pride everywhere. The photos in this collage were taken over the last two days and hopefully represent the Canada that exists today even if just a little bit.

I attended a Canada Day party on Friday at which there was a BBQ, birthday cake, and watermelon, as well as a live three-piece band. Many people were tapping their feet to the music or swaying with it even if they were too old to dance. Everyone stood proudly for the band’s rendition of “O Canada” as it was sung beautifully by the vocalist for the band.

Sparkle of India

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_237” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Sari embellishments[/caption]

”It would be a loss to the whole world if the Indian woman should cease to wear her native costume. India is practically the only civilized country where one can see on living models how woman can and should dress“. (Carl Jung)

It is possible to live in Toronto and have never visited certain places. It was my pleasure to take one such person to “Little India” for a visit. We had a buffet lunch at the Gautama Restaurant which is one of the finest on this little strip now. The food was excellent. This lovely lady and I also went into almost all the stores there and she found herself fascinated with all things East Indian, from saris and sari fabric, to statues and other paraphernalia. Like myself, she likes to enjoy what she sees with the naked eye and then take a picture so she can revisit the moment later. Although I have been to “Little India” on numerous occasions, her enthusiasm and delight made me feel as if this was my first time there.

Petlicious!

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_230” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Petlicious!”][/caption]

Last Sunday, I was invited to go to a Dog Show in Toronto. Dog lovers brought their dogs out in droves to mix and mingle with each other and to have good fun. It was sunny, warm, and bright - a good Woofstock Day. I hadn’t realized that the dog industry was so big. Several streets in the St. Lawrence Market area were closed off for the Show and you could buy anything and everything there to pamper and care for your pet.

Bridal Wreath

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_221” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Spirea Cantoniensis (Bridal Wreath)”][/caption]

If you’ve never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom. ~Audra Foveo

A few weeks ago, Spirea Cantoniensis (Bridal Wreath) was in full bloom. My soul, spirit, and every other part of me, was glad to receive this wonderful gift from Mother Nature. This shrub blooms for a short time in Spring and then fades to green foliage. As you can see from this collage, cascades of white blossoms hang on the branches and distill a feeling of purity, simplicity, and sheer beauty.

House of Pottery

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_213” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Pottery by Jason L’Abbe[/caption]

Birthdays are wonderful celebrations and especially milestone ones like a 60th. It was with great joy that I attended and celebrated my cousin’s 60th birthday with her recently. There was lots of good food, family and friends to eat all of it, and we all had fun together. The birthday cake always brings these special occasions to an exceptionally “sweet” culmination.

Tapestry

Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_201” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Tapestry[/caption]

A few weeks ago, my friend and I visited a fabulous fabric store in Toronto. She likes to sew and was looking for some fabric. The photos in this collage were taken there. It was delightful to admire all the tapestries with their beautiful colours and diversity of patterns. Quite suddenly, I thought of the weavers who had spent countless hours to produce these priceless works of art.

Chao Phraya River

Sat, 26 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_192” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Chao Phraya River - Thailand”][/caption]

My first visit to the Chao Phraya River in Thailand was thirty-two years ago and was amazing. My second visit was thirty years later and was a different experience. The photos in this collage were taken on my first visit to Thailand.

We passed this river many times as we were taken around to visit many of the popular sites. It runs through Bangkok. The city itself is fascinating and I observed the Thai people to be very hard-working and very good cooks. I loved Thai cooking from that visit even when it wasn’t a popular cuisine in the Western world as it has become now. We visited Wat Arun and the Grand Palace which are architecturally very beautiful. As with most conducted tours, we stayed in fine hotels and were shown everything that was fine of the Thai way of life.

Swan Lake

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_182” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption=“Swan Lake”][/caption]

Life is full of surprises! I had an unexpected call last Tuesday night and was told that a surprise was in store for me on the Wednesday evening - a Mother’s Day surprise. Needless to say, I was delighted. The surprise was an evening at the ballet to see “Swan Lake” performed by the world-famous Bolshoi Ballet. The giver of this wonderful surprise was my son who shared this magical evening with me. This is what inspired me to do this collage.

Friends the Mitra

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_173” align=“aligncenter” width=“584” caption="- Friends the Mitra"][/caption]

The picture “Friends the Mitra” caught my attention at an Art Exhibition that I attended two weeks ago. I love the picture and also the name because my youngest brother’s name is Mitra.

The artist is Shital Christy whose country of origin is India. I asked to take this photo and for an explanation of the reason for the name. She said that when the idea for the painting came to her, she was thinking of friends and their life-long bonding. The village ladies are fetching water from the well but they share their thoughts, problems, happiness, and their daily routines with each other as they fetch water. This daily routine creates a bond between them. She also told me that the name Mitra in Sanskrit means “friend.”

Mother and Child

Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

This collage is for Mother’s Day. We all come into this world via the womb of our mothers. Whether we love them or hate them, they remain our mothers. The most well-known image of any Mother and Child is the one of Mary holding the baby Jesus. You don’t have to be Christian to have seen this one. The image of Mary and Jesus in this collage was done as part of a bigger mosaic for my son’s birthday. The pieces here are stained glass. I used pearls around Mary’s face and there is another piece of my jewelry by her neck. I don’t know why I undertook such a big project, other than to say, I did it out of love. The hands and feet of the little people in the other images are friends of mine. We all want to make sure that our babies have five fingers and five toes when they are born.

From China with Love

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_158” align=“alignleft” width=“300” caption="- Tea and China"][/caption]

Legend has it that I was a great tea drinker since I was a little girl. An older cousin told me that my grandfather had a little cup and saucer for me and whenever I went to visit, he would make tea for me. To this day, I love tea.

My friends recently came back from China after a visit to show off their new Canadian born baby to parents and grandparents. I received a call on Tuesday asking if they could drop by as they brought something from China for me. In this pretty gift bag was a beautiful red and gold container with tea. They told me that this was one of the finest teas and it was a red variety.

Cherry Blossom Angels

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_146” align=“alignleft” width=“300” caption="- Angels in Art"][/caption]

It’s cherry pink and apple blossom time in Toronto. Last Sunday, I went to an Art Exhibition at which my watermelon carver friend was an exhibitor. She exhibited her photography. As I went towards the building that housed the Exhibition, I was enthralled by the garden there. I had seen the cherry blossoms in High Park two weeks ago They were magnificent. However, I was captivated by the colour of the bough hanging before me laden with bright fuschia coloured blossoms. After enjoying its beauty with the naked eye, I took this photo.

Chaos

Sun, 06 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_127” align=“alignleft” width=“300” caption=“Chaos”][/caption]

The unexpected happens - that’s just the way life is. This is true even for photo collaging. Chaotic sequences take place. In the process of making a collage, it is usual to have some sort of idea or theme initially for the photos you select and want to present. You then play around with these until you achieve the desired effect that you want.

Through some error on my part in the initial process of photo selection for this collage, when I selected what I thought was one image and brought it into window, all the images from the folder came in and this is the result. That is why it is called “Chaos.” Almost at the same time, a thought came to me about something I had read on Chaos Theory. Although many books have passed through my hands during my working years, I can’t pretend to have read them all but some things come to mind from time to time.

Hands of Time

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“I, who cannot see, find hundreds of things to interest me through mere touch. I feel the delicate symmetry of a leaf. I pass my hands lovingly about the smooth skin of a silver birch, or the rough shaggy bark of a pine.” ~ Helen Keller

[caption id=“attachment_116” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Hands of Time[/caption]

Thumbs up for “old hands” literally and figuratively. The hands in this collage are the hands of women in their sixties, seventies, and eighties. As time goes by, I’m fascinated with my own hands and how they have served me over the years. My own hands are in this collage as well as the hands of some wonderful other women I know.

Busyness

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_105” align=“alignleft” width=“300”] Busyness[/caption]

“You are not too old and it is not too late to dive into your depths where life calmly gives out its own secret” ~Rilke

The photos in this collage were images that I liked when I took them and had no idea that I would use them this way. While I was actually putting them together in a way that would be aesthetically pleasing to me, I reflected on the question of time. Time was always something that I never seemed to have enough of. It always flew. Busyness was my whole life, day in and day out.. I wondered often when there might be some time for other pursuits. Many other women I know have felt the same way.

Watermelon Surprise

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_96” align=“aligncenter” width=“584”] Everyone irregardless of age loves surprises. Last Sunday night I received the most wonderful surprise - a carved watermelon. This lovely lady had done some beautiful fruit carvings for my 60th Birthday. She acquired this special skill in Thailand where she attended a month-long course.[/caption]

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder

Nirvana

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_65” align=“alignleft” width=“300”] Nirvana[/caption]

This collage is called Nirvana because if you look carefully, you can see a little Buddha head there.

After a visit to Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Thailand three years ago, my interest in Buddhism was peaked. Although I had visited Hong Kong and Thailand before, I hadn’t witnessed so many images and statues of the Buddha, as on this visit. In these cultures, there are many followers of Buddha. In addition, Buddhism is very popular now in all parts of the world.

Indian Mythology

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I took the photos for this collage in Little India, Toronto. My friend and I go there to have a thali and to look around from time to time. There are fascinating finds in the stores there. One of my favorite stores is the one with a variety of artifacts and pictures. I liked this picture and didn’t know who the two lovely people were. I mentioned to my friend what a lovely picture this was and she said: “Krishna and Radha.” I decided to find out more about this couple and discovered that this is one of the epic stories within the Indian culture. I made each photo look different and the effects are pleasing to me. Enjoy! The great exponent of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna is one of the most powerful incarnations of Vishnu, the Godhead of the Hindu Trinity of deities. Of all the Vishnu avataras he is the most popular, and perhaps of all Hindu gods the one closest to the heart of the masses. Krishna was dark and extremely handsome. The word Krishna literally means ‘black’, and black also connotes mysteriousness. Although I haven’t read the Bhagavad Gita, this reference to the Hindu Trinity brought to mind the Holy Trinity in Christianity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It makes me think that all wisdom traditions have similar stories and we can learn from each other.

Spring Blossoms

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Spring comes to us bringing its own magic every year. Nowhere is this more evident than in the earth coming to life and producing a spectacular showcase of colorful, fresh blooms to make our hearts joyful. Spring is truly the Earth’s Birthday.

[caption id=“attachment_59” align=“alignleft” width=“300”] To everything there is a Season[/caption]

As I went about the garden and neighborhood taking the photos that are in this collage, I was mindful of the seasons that have passed in my own life and of the old verse, “To everything there is a season.” These kinds of thoughts were remote to me when I was in the springtime of my own life as I’m sure they don’t come to many people at that time of life. We tend to take life for granted.

"Cali" the Calico Cat

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id=“attachment_30” align=“alignleft” width=“300”] Cali - Unconditional Love[/caption]

“Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” (Anatole France)

All pet owners know how these four-footed creatures can worm their way into your heart. Four years ago, I started to have a great longing to have a pet. I thought a puppy would be nice. However, after much thought and deliberation, it became clear to me that walking a dog in winter might not be that easy for me. So it was that Cali was adopted from a family who were not able to keep her anymore.

Metamorphosis

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies. (Author Unknown)

The photos in these collages were taken at the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls on a recent visit. A beautiful glass-enclosed, tropical setting, heightens the experience of being with these “lovely critters.” Butterflies are weird little critters. They have taste buds in their feet, which they use to decide if the leaves they land on would make a good home for their children. They have eyes that see in the ultraviolet and infrared, so what we see as a white pansy is actually a multicolored neon “Eat Here!” sign to them. And they have noses on the end of their antennae, which they use to sniff out flowers that are full of nectar.