Lockdown: Isolation and Exhaustion, or Validation that All the King’s Men Can’t Put Humpty Dumpty Together Again

Lockdown! I’m so over it. Who’s with me? This global pandemic has put a definite crimp in my style, and I’m ready to chalk it up to one of those milestone, once-in-a-lifetime events that I’d rather put behind me. But wait! Maybe I should just sit quietly in the COVID-19-induced stillness for a bit. Eyes…

Introversion, The Titanic, and the commitment to forge ahead: What may come from consistency and persistence

I’m an introvert. Who’s with me? If you are, you’ll understand that my inclination is always to be on my own, or, at least, in very (very) small groups. But, I believe, even we introverts have a duty to use our voices, to speak up loudly and clearly on behalf of those whose voices often…

Be Impeccable with Your Word

Recently, I was reminded about the importance of effective communication. I consider myself to be a good communicator━not great, but good━but there are times when I could definitely do better. This last little while, I could have been doing better. Being the mom of two amazing humans, one of whom is a young woman who…

One person’s first effort at making Christmas cake – and it’s not about cake

It was a lovely, wintry day – perfect for doing anything related to Christmas. My husband Den and I were in the Bulk Barn, excitedly gathering our ingredients. I felt like a kid, again. The anticipation of something amazing was almost too much. On December 25, 1994, my family and I said goodbye to my…

We’re living in the 21st Century—right?

It’s August, 2019. Very clearly, some of us are living in the 21st Century. But, some others? I’m not so sure. How many of you manage your family member’s financial affairs? Don’t you just love it when, each month, everything falls into place as it should? With no surprises? No issues? No frustrations? I like…

Tears speak volumes

There’s a lot that can be said about non-verbal communication. Tears, for instance. Tears can say a whole lot. Recently, our daughter reminded me of this. I’m so grateful that I remain open to learning from her. She’s an amazing teacher. You see, our daughter is committed to living ever more fully into her fantastic…

Certainty is possible, even in uncertain times

                                                                                                            Jeremiah 29:…

Listen. Learn. Take action. Watch “amazing” happen!

They say that when the student is ready the teacher will appear. Well, I guess the student is ready. Because, over the past several months, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of getting to know a 43-year-old man who has become my teacher. This man, while in the process of defining and taking the actions…

In the company of others … community grows

So, last evening, there were nine of us at the weekly Pub ‘n Pint gathering, at a local watering hole. And, oh, what a lively gathering it was! Each week, unless there’s a holiday, or someone is sick, I plant myself in the pub with my pot of mint tea and wait to see who…

Sugar sweet to yummy savoury has been a worthwhile journey

Sugar! I don’t even miss it. But there was once a time when I craved anything with sugar. I remember when I was young. My mom baked a lot. She always told me, “Brown sugar is just better.” And she was right. Anything she made with brown sugar just seemed to taste better. Of course,…

We are called to honour our parents … even when it hurts

  We are called to honour our parents (Eph 6:1-3) … even when it hurts. I remember what it felt like to watch my dad’s memory fade away … as he forgot my name, then forgot his relationship to me. It wasn’t just his memory that faded … it seemed that all of who he was…

Being “in the moment” brings me full circle

by Linda Doran Viscardis I love it when I am able to be in the moment, rather than worrying about where I’ve been and where I’m going. Invariably, when in the moment for longer than just a few seconds, I am blessed. Something amazing happens, and I find myself shaking my head in wonder. This…