"The Gift of a New Day"

What a sunrise!
What a photograph!

This is how my day started on Tuesday, September 6th, 2011. Well, that's not entirely true... it started when it was still dark outside... 5 am to be exact. This dreadfully early rise was needed in order to deliver my hubby to the Fredericton airport. Now, it is important for you to know this... I don't do mornings well, and I definitely don't do airports well... unh, unh, nope, never, not my forte !

 Flash back to a few days before, and where was I? The Fredericton airport (but at the much more decent hour of 7pm!) We were there to see Sam off on his return to Alberta, following his wonderful week home with family. I bravely said my good-byes, after all... I would be seeing him soon upon my return to our Alberta home. Then came the moment he and Julia had to say 'good-bye'... I'm weeping just remembering. So I can't say any more... other than it was very, very, hard.

 Forward now to my Tuesday morning and another airport good-bye. Paul travels often, so you'd think the 'off to work good-byes' would be somewhat routine by now. Well, I do fairly well with the 'at the front door good-byes'. But the 'leave him at the airport good-byes' ... not so well. What a sap! And this particular farewell was made harder by the fact that in a few days, I was going to be alone in saying a final 'good-bye' to Julia. (I can be a tough cookie sometimes, but when it comes to saying good-bye to family, I become emotional mush). My lonely drive back to the hotel must have been comical to other drivers passing by me... there I was, sporting barely presentable morning hair, singing out loud to some sappy song on Sirius radio, tears freely rolling down my cheeks, with a loveable Bordie Collie sitting beside me and lapping at my fore-mentioned tears. No word of a lie! Funny to me now, but my soul purpose at that moment was to be able to see through my tears, so I could safely drive back to the hotel, and bury myself in the wonderful king bed until check-out time. I was feeling more than a wee bit sad, and just wanted to lose myself in the big down comforter to have some 'poor me' time.

 And then everything changed.

 Through my tears, I caught a glimpse of beautiful colors shimmering through the trees, reflecting upon the stillness of the river. My tears slowed, my sobs eased. The sun was rising and it promised to be breathtaking.
As I neared the hotel, and the glory of the sunrise burst forth, my spirits lifted and my heart began beating to a joyful new song. I did return to my hotel room, but only to grab my camera and Heidi's leash. We walked along the riverbank path ever so slowly... listening to the hushed sounds of daybreak, quietly greeting the early morning walkers and joggers, breathing in the warm dewy air, and marvelling at the dawning of a new day. It was simply... wonderful.

 I did jump back into bed. I couldn't resist. It was such an awesome bed!
But I did so with a lightness in my heart and a realization of the gift I had just been given... the gift of a new day. And it made me think of the wonderful gift that Julia was about to open... many new days... ones full of learning, adventure, interesting people, travel, and discovery. I knew that when it came time to say good-bye I would still cry ... because I was going to miss her. But I would not be sad. I would recall that magnificent sunrise, and take joy in sharing the "gift of a new day" with my daughter.

 I will forever look back on Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 as one of the most memorable 'gift days' I've been given. My life journey of days has been filled with ups and downs, challenges and triumphs, love and loss, despair and joy. So I know, any day that starts with the beauty of a sunrise, the promise of possibilities, and the unwaivering love of family, is the best of days. Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 is a keeper!

 My wish for my family and friends is this... May light always shine forth through times of darkness, and may you may embrace the gift of each new day with an open mind, a loving soul, and a thankful heart.
.



Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

Empty Nest? ... Not For Me!

   Well... the time has finally come. Child # 2 has 'left the nest' in search of higher learning and new life experiences. Child # 1 struck out on his journey of independence two years ago. Where does the time go? And why are these exciting times for them, such a pull on my heartstrings?

    Time just goes. It's a fact. Sometimes it passes slowly, and sometimes it travels at warp speed. (I'm in a state of 'warp' these days) My sister came up with a great definition for the word 'time'...
'a constant, that acts like a variable'. How clever! A minute is always 60 seconds. An hour is always 60 minutes. A day is always 24 hours. And yet, no two minutes, or hours, or days, are ever the same. We can't change the passing of time. It's not possible. We can not go back in time, nor venture into the future. And although they appear in movies, I'm pretty sure time machines will never come to fruition! (hope this doesn't break anyone's bubble...) So how do we cope with this 'variable constant' called time?  I guess we just have to embrace it, treasure it, and remember it. Kind of my new mantra.

   As for my heartstrings... well, they've been tugged on a great deal over the past few weeks.
  
   When Sam left home to start out on his own, I felt an instant emptiness inside. A deep, to the core, sense of loss. A normal 'mother thing' (if there is such a thing as 'a normal mother thing'!), but one that was hard to adjust to. In the end, a feeling of excitement for him, a sense of accomplishment for his father and I in having successfully raised him to this point, and... knowing he was only 30 minutes away (!), made this new phase of my parenting life 'okay'. And now my firstborn is a young man, finding his way in the world, and he continues to be a joy in my heart.

   A few weeks ago, we took Julia to New Brunswick... and came home without her! No, we didn't abandon her. We just delivered her to the doorstep of her dreams. Alberta born, but a Maritimer at heart, Julia has waited, (somewhat patiently ?!), to return to her beloved New Brunswick. Her countdown is now over, and the time has come. Into her 2nd full week of classes at St. Thomas University, settling into residence living, and meeting a plethora of new people at every turn, she is firmly standing on the first stepping stone to what will be, without doubt, a rich and colorful future. Her Dad and I are so excited for her.

   However, leaving her in New Brunswick, and flying home alone, was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do as a mother. (Kleenex stocks rose sharply that day!) My head knew how wonderful this all was for Julia, not so much my heart. It ached. Still does. And I still feel a pang when I remember that October day when Sam left home. But when I stop to breathe, and grasp for calmness... I know this ache is actually a thing of beauty, for it means I love my children. And I do, with all my heart.

   Life at home now, is certainly different. It's 'Empty Nest' time. It was always coming. The day we became parents meant an 'empty nest' was on the horizon. I just didn't know it would come so quickly. I think I have harbored some trepidation about this time in my life, and have actually been in a bit of a daze now that it is here. (Basic survival mode I'm thinking!) But the passing of a few days, the knowledge that Julia is settling in and coping marvelously with her new life, visits from Sam, comforting hugs from my hubby, and slurps from Heidi, have brought me back from the brink. And I have decided 'no empty nest' for me!

   Nope... my nest will never be empty because my heart is full of love... for my husband and my children. And no matter where they are, no matter where they lay their heads at night, home will always be waiting for them. I will keep it warm and cosy, and ready at a moment's notice for a quick visit or a 'come and stay awhile'. Memories will be ever present, even as the future unfolds each day. I look forward to untold adventures with Paul, and to seeing Sam and Julia blossom into happy, healthy, hopeful, and helpful, individuals. My heart soars.

We have so much to look forward to... I just need to stop crying so I can see it all!

  
Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"Welcome to My Maritime Summers: An Intoduction to A Story in Parts"

At last, warmer weather is upon us. YEAH!  We have endured a long, cold, dark Winter... waited patiently through a chilly and less than ideal Spring... and finally, we are rewarded with the lazy, hazy, crazy days of Summer.


I have been a 'Westerner' since the day I moved to Ft.McMurray with my hubby and a wee little Samuel. It was Canada Day, 1990, and I remember it like it was yesterday! Twenty-one years have come and gone, and our experiences and adventures have been many. Julia arrived, Heidi joined our family, new friends were made, homes were bought and sold, jobs changed, travel was enjoyed, our children finished school, and Paul and I aged gracefully (!?). Twenty-one years of living in the West, and yet my heart still belongs to the Maritimes. No matter where life takes me, the Maritimes will always be 'home'.


This summer, big changes loom for this Galbraith clan. Our home here is 'For Sale', and we are preparing to move to the Montreal area. Julia is counting the days until she moves into residence and begins life as a student at St.Thomas University. And Sam will truly strike out on his own, as he stays here in Edmonton and follows his dreams through his love of music.
                                           

A Summer's eve in Saint John

                                                      


A busy, and exciting summer to be sure. And the icing on the cake?... we have tickets booked to go home. Color me happy from head to toe and inside out!

I am counting the days 'til that date in August when all things 'home' welcome me with open arms. A magical place any time of year, but the summers have that little extra 'je ne sais qoi'. It's the charm and history of downtown Saint John, the buzz of the city market, and the bustle of cruise ship visitors. It's the quaintness of St.Martin's and the breath-taking Fundy Trail. It's a picnic at New River Beach and a dip in the very refreshing Bay of Fundy. It's the Gondola Point ferry, the Westfield ferry, and the Bellisle ferry, all taking me to wonderful memories of summers past. If I'm lucky, it's a visit to Halifax and the beautiful southern shore of Nova Scotia. Or an escape to Prince Edward Island where the sand sings and the dunes glisten. It's a day trip to St.Andrew's where the salt air tingles my skin, and family laughter is guaranteed. It's a walk through the Irving Nature Park and always... always, a stroll down the Frog Trail to look for skipping stones, and to have a quiet moment to remember my Dad. It's browsing through the "Antique Shoppe' at the Kingston Peninsula corner store, where unique treasures are sure to be found. It's a crazy day touring Deer Island and looking for 'Lou-Anne'. It's indulging in all my favorite foods... Bay of Fundy scallops, Atlantic salmon, Deluxe Fish 'n Chips, Greco Donair, Pizza Delight, Ganong's Roman Nougat, and nibblies with a cold Alpine at the 'Raddishburg Cafe'. It's a visit to the Owl's Nest Used Bookstore in Fredericton, braving dust and battling allergies, to score a classic old edition by a beloved author. It's a stop at 'Mr. Potato Head' for 'totally-to-die-for-spoon bread' and the freshest of nature's bounty. It's driving the old road down the river and back to the country, breathing in the heady scent of grass, wildflowers, water and sky. It's a photo safari day to anywhere and everywhere, capturing images of old and new. And it's the people. Family. Friends.  Dorothy sure knew what she was talking about when she said..."There's no place like home."

                                               


Saint John City Market

So as I prepare for all the changes about to happen, I will enjoy my last summer as a 'Westener", taking in festivals, strolling farmer's markets, lunching with friends, camping, and hopefully seeing the beauty of the Rockies one more time. And, I will anxiously await 'DFH" day... 'departure for home'! I came up with the idea of blogging about my Maritime Summers... in part to help me count down the days, and in part to keep my excitement level brimming (like it would ever sag!). Over the coming days, I will share entries about the places that make me happy, and the people who make me smile. I hope you join me in my Maritime memories, and enjoy the flavors of a down home summer.                                                                                

Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"Proud to be a Foodie!"

Winnie the Pooh... now there's a foodie if there ever was one!


From 'a little smackerel', to 'elevenses', to preferring short, simple words like 'lunch', Pooh is a true foodie. I guess that's one of the reasons why I love him.


My beginning experiences with food were challenged, at best. Formula and milk were not exactly to my liking, but goat's milk suited me fine. (Oooooo, reminds me of a wonderful goat cheese appetizer... mmmm)


Then I became a 'limited trick pony'. Alphabet cereal for breakfast. Peanut butter sandwiches on white bread, or Campbell's Vegetarian Vegetable soup, with apple or orange juice, for lunch. Meat, (no liver or moose meat thank you very much!) potatoes and vegetables for supper. Period. End of story. Don't mess with a good thing. (Funny, I don't recall desserts causing too many difficulties!)  I remember our family going out for Chinese food, and I would order... wait for it... a Chinese peanut butter sandwich! Seriously. And to this day, I swear it tasted different. My family thought I was a bit coo-coo, but I think the PBS ingredients at that restaurant absorbed the Chinese flavors from the kitchen. It could happen!


As time passed, my sense of culinary adventure expanded, and things like cheese pizza, fried rice, spaghetti and meatballs, and even salmon, passed my picky palate. Quite commendable, I thought. But NO CASSEROLES! Everything touching everything else... eeeeewwwwwww! Nasty! Nope... I could never, ever, see myself eating casseroles. (Little did I know!)  Junior High and HomeEc class added another dimension to my food repertoire. I couldn't risk my teenaged pride and not eat what I had cooked, now could I? And, to my surprise, I started to enjoy quite a plethora of food choices. Imagine. I'd come a long way from my  trusty ol' peanut butter sandwich days. 


In high school, I hit my stride. I started to really enjoy cooking, braving new recipes with many varied ingredients. My mom was a great teacher of the basics, and my own imagination took it from there. So then, no staples of Kraft Dinner and balogna sandwiches for this University girl! My basement apartment quarters allowed me to cook and create to my heart's content... much to the satisfaction of my then boyfriend, and now hubby. Stir fries, chili, grilled garlic mushrooms, steak and cesaer salad with homemade croutons. Not too shabby! Add in the occassional donation of Alpine beer from my dad, and my kitchen was the place to be!


My love affair (with food AND my hubby!) continues to this day.
I love food.
I love trips to the market for fresh food.
I love trying new foods.
I love sharing food.
A new food magazine, with a delectably delicious looking centerfold, sets my heart racing!
Food means family and memories.
Food means good times with friends.
Food nourishes our bodies.
And when lovingly prepared, food nourishes our souls.
I'm a foodie... and proud of it.


For my foodie friends, here's a few of my favorite recipes. And, contrary to what we all were led to believe as kids, it's totally okay to 'play with your food'!  Salut.


MOM'S FRIED RICE:
2 TBSP oil
2 TBSP butter
1 C long grain rice
1 med onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 sm. green pepper, diced
handful of fresh mushrooms, chopped
2 cans consomme soup
1/2 C water
dash salt/pepper
splash of soya and worcestershire


Heat oil/butter in electric fry pan on med. heat.
Add rice and onions, frying til golden brown.
Add celery, pepper and mushrooms, stirring for another 4-5 mins.
Add consomme and water, stirring to dilute.
Bring to boil, then reduce to low simmer.
Cover and cook for 25-30 miutes. Stir occasionally.
Before serving, add dash of salt and pepper, soya, and worcestershire.
So yummy!


MRS. ANGEVINE'S BROWNIES:
1/2 C butter/marg
3/4 C sugar
2 eggs
6 TBSP coca mixed in 2 TBSP melted butter
3/4 C flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla
3 TBSP water


Cream butter and sugar, then blend in eggs. Stir in cocoa mixture, blending til smooth.
Add flour, b. powder and salt. Mix well. Beat in vanilla and water. Pour into greased and lighty floured 8 X 8 inch pan. Bake at 350 for 25 - 30 mins. Brownies are done when edges  pull away from the sides of the pan, and a tester comes out clean. Cool. Frost with Chocolate Buttercream Icing:
3 TBSp butter
1/4 C cocoa
1 1/2 C icing sugar
2 - 3 TBSP milk
3/4 tsp vanilla
1 TBSP light corn syrup, optional  (adds glossiness to the icing)


In small bowl, combine icing sugar and cocoa. In med. bowl, cream butter and 1/2 of the cocoa mixture. Add remaining cocoa mix, milk and vanilla *(corn syrup if using). Beat til smooth, spreading consistency. Makes 1 cup.
This will be your 'go to' brownie recipe! Guaranteed.


BARB'S OH SO FRAGRANT BUTTER CHICKEN:
2 TBSP oil
2 TBSP butter
1 med. onion, diced
3-4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 TBSP fresh ginger, finely chopped
1 sm green pepper, diced
2 TBSP tomato paste
2 TBSP garam masala
2 tsp cumin seeds
2 tsp corriander seeds
2 tsp tumeric
pinch of red pepper flakes
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts... cut into bite sized chunks
1 C natural, balkan style yogurt
2 TBSP brown sugar
3/4 C water
dash of coarse salt and pepper
10 -12 grape tomatoes, halved
garnishes of fresh diced tomato, chopped cilantro, yogurt, toasted cashews... as desired


In large fry pan, heat oil and butter over med heat. Add onion & garlic, cooking til onions start to soften. Stir in ginger and green pepper, cooking another 4-5 minutes. Add in tomato paste and spices, stir to blend. Add chicken, tossing til pieces are nicely coated. Cook, stirring, for 10-12 minutes. Add yogurt and brown sugar. Stir til smooth. Add water, stirring to blend. Bring to a boil, then turn down heat to low simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt/pepper and grape tomatoes during last 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Serve with piping hot basmati rice and/or grilled naan bread.
Have garnish dishes handy, for drooling patrons to embellish their servings!


Hope you enjoy these fabulous recipes as much as I do.
And I'd love to try your favorites!
It would be like getting 'hand me downs'... only way better!


Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"Let Your Spirit Soar"

"Let Your Spirit Soar"  (Inspired aRt by: baRb)

Let your spirit soar... sounds good, doesn't it?
But what does it mean?
Each of us will have our own answer to that question. And our answers will reveal some common threads, yet reflect our own uniqueness.

As I travel through this journey of life, and approach the age of 50, I am really just learning what it is to 'let my spirit soar'. And what a marvelous discovery it is!

I've always been pretty happy with my life. Sure, there have been bumps along the way, a few mountains actually. But those bumps and mountains have brought me to a very firm conclusion that 'LiFe' is good. I know the love of family, have found my soulmate, and my cup of joy runneth over as the mother of two amazing children. Add in the unwavering devotion of one, slightly koo-kie, border collie, and you can color me happy. My life has been nourished, and strengthened, by wonderful people and incredible experiences. Sounds almost perfect, eh?

Well... kinda... yah.
Not perfect in the true sense of the word.
But a perfect life for me. One I wouldn't change.
A strange thing to say, considering the serious health issues I have faced.
Throw in a few difficult life challenges, and perfect does not come to mind.
But... I am who I am because of the good, and the bad.

And here, this moment, is where my journey has taken me.
This is where the 'rest of the story' begins. This is where I'm letting my 'spirit soar'.
Now, I get to see who I am. The person who has been shaped by the love of family, the love of a soul-mate, the love of one's children. The person who has experienced a life of ups and downs, rewards and challenges, doubts and beliefs. I am coming into my own.
Yeah me!

My painting inspired this entry today. I love this painting. I'm keeping this painting.
I found this image while strolling the internet, looking for pictures to tweak my creative brain. The image of the child coming out of the rain, to a place of light and beauty, literally leapt off the page at me. Another individual had used this image to illustrate a moving story of her own. With that in mind, and reflecting upon my own story, I knew I would paint this one day. Now, I have. And it was a deeply personal experience for me. A truly defining moment. I have put a little of myself into this painting. My new belief in myself, my new comfort with myself, and the new excitement I feel about my life yet to come.

I like where I am today.
It's taken awhile to get here. And that's okay. That's perfect.

Thanks for joining me in my thoughts and ramblings.
As I close, I have one wish... that each of you will 'let your spirit soar'.
Get to know you. Acknowledge the journey that has made you who you are.
Then celebrate yourself!
Find your inner joy.
Bring it with you wherever you go.
Infuse it in to whatever you do.
Let it fill your words with grace and humilty..
Allow it to guide you, as you continue your journey through life. 

Feeling blessed to have each of you in my life...
Barb :)



Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"What I Learned in Isla Mujeres, Mexico"

Sunset off Isla Mujeres

My hubby and I have just returned from a blissful seven day get away to Mexico. Bright sunshine, warm sand, amazing turquoise waters, delicious food, yummy drinks, and smiling people greeted us each day. Both of us know how lucky we are to be able to enjoy such a holiday.

We have been to Mexico before. A few years ago we visited the Tulum area on the Mayan Riviera. Last year we met up with friends and took in the Riviera, Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Good times were had!

Now Paul and I have just returned from a little island called "Isla Mujeres". A strip of land measuring 5 miles by 1/2 mile, Isla Mujeres is a wee gem about 25 mins. off the shores of Cancun... home to the bluest waters I've ever seen, the most magnificent sunsets, and the wonderful Mayan people. Not the 'big city, big resort' type... just the simple, laid back, happy to be alive and thanks for visiting our island/hope you love it type. And love it we did!

We enjoyed our first two visits to Mexico. The resort staff were friendly and fairly accommodating to our needs. Lots to do, lots to see. But this time was different. And I think it had to do with the fact that our little island was removed just far enough from all the hoopla of the major resort area of Cancun and the Riviera strip. No towering hotels, no one million people population plus tens of thousands of resort goers. No rising office towers, no mega malls, no busy thoroughfares. Just two wee towns, one road, small & cosy resorts, quaint shoppes, little cantinas, and visitors mingling easily amongst the locals. The only cars seemed to be taxis. Everyone else travelled about by scooter or golf cart. The days moved at a leisurely pace. No drama. Only living and embracing life. My kind of place.

In the few days that I've been home, I have reflected often of my days on Isla Mujeres. My visit there has given me new insight into things I thought to be true and good. Now I know them to be so. This is what I learned while staying on this tiny Mexican island:
1. Grow and bloom where you're planted. We toured the island by boat, taxi, and foot. Outside of the few resorts, the land is rocky with little vegetation. The homes are very basic, most run down. Living conditions we would find unacceptable. No big box stores or super grocery marts. Streetlights few and far between. Most make a living in the tough and dangerous fishing industry. And those who work at the resorts, work very long hours for very little pay. They do not make the 'big tips' like their Cancun counterparts, as the volume of visitors is so much lower. Many have never had the opportunity to leave the island. And yet, the people who live on Isla Mujeres seem very happy. They are easy going and so friendly, readily returning a smile. They make a living, they provide for their families, they celebrate life with carnivals. They do what they can, with what they have, where they are. They are happy. They grow and bloom where they are planted. What a lesson for us to learn.

2. Simple gifts are best. One evening, we attended the island's annual carnival. At an open air venue, hundreds of locals had gathered to take part in the festivities. Scattered here and there were visitors like ourselves. As with many of our outdoor celebrations, this one also had a street of vendors selling T-shirts, food, beer, noise makers and light-up twirlygigs. Not expensive for us, but perhaps for many of the local families. With no urging from me, Paul bought a few of the light-up toys to give to some of the children. (My heart warmed!) The smiles were huge, the parents thanks were many. When Paul gave a toy each to a brother and sister, the little girl's didn't work. With an 'uno momento' from me, and some English and hand gestures from Paul, he took the toy back through the crowd to exchange at the vender. The little girl looked up at me with a hesitant smile, then, grabbing her father's pantleg, peered around the crowd and anxiously watched for Paul to return. When she saw him approaching, her face lit up and she started to tremble. (My heart melted!) Watching Paul lean down, and help her to make the toy work, was the highlight of my trip.The little girl and her brother happily twirled their light-up toys, and I know their carnival experience was a little brighter. Mine sure was. Simple, unexpected gifts are the best.

3. 'Beauty' comes in all sizes, ages, and abilities. The night we attended the carnival was the 'crowning of the carnival court'. The pomp and pagentry started at 9 pm... or 10:30 Mexican time! But start it did. And with great majesty and vibrant colors. After the 'members of the court' paraded around the concourse and ascended the stairs to center stage, two celebrity bull fighters awaited to don their crowns. Then each were seated upon their 'thrones' to await the arrival of the overall King and Queen. This was not a 'beauty' pagent, although everyone looked beautiful in their festive costumes. This was a 'people' pagent. What surprised me was the huge representation of ages, and one special category that received the biggest round of applause. There were Kings and Queens for preschool age, primary school age, preteens, teens, junior, young adult, middle age, and seniors. And then there was the King and Queen who got the biggest response from the audience... a young lady and gentleman who had physical and mental challenges. The clapping was thunderous, as they slowly made their way around the stadium to the bull fighters, who had quietly come down the stage stairs to meet them and present their crowns. It was very clear that this Mayan community celebrates all ages and all walks of life. Another great lesson confirmed.

4. Family is number one. Family life is paramount to this island community. It is their purpose in life. It is their life. Seniors are celebrated. Children are beloved. Family time is cherished. When asked about their families, our resort staff smiled when they shared their stories. Families were in abundance at the carnival... no babysitters, or leaving the children home with grandma and grandpa... everyone came out to celebrate. Sundays are meant for church, market, and family. The tenderness that I saw parents bestow upon their children was touching beyond belief. Despite hardships and little of what we call material comforts, the children are happy and carefree. People are smiling. The elderly are celebrated. Why? Because family is number one.

5. Go slow. I think Mexico is infamous for it's laid back, nothing rushed nature. To refer to something in 'Mexican time' means at a snail's pace. When visiting the area, we have to remind ourselves to breathe, to relax, and be patient, after all... we are on 'Mexico time'. We just want everything done now, so we can get out and start our vacation. It seems to take forever to check in, fix the inevitable booking mistakes, make day excursion arrangements or spa appointments, get your luggage to your room. It all seems so frustrating and time consuming. Relax. Slow down. You're in Mexico. Probably standing in an open air lobby with a beautiful Caribbean breeze blowing through, and a 'welcome drink' in your hand. Wonderful music is likely playing quietly in the background. You've already been given smiles and 'holas' by happy people. You'll get to the spa and you'll take that day excursion, don't worry. Things will happen. At a leisurely, even pace. And isn't that why you planned a get away anyway... to relax and take it easy?  Now, our lives are certainly different when on holiday versus when in our 'real world' of work, appointments, and committments... but I think we can learn from the 'go slow' culture of Mexico. We can compromise so to speak. We should do the 'work part' of life in a timely, efficient manner. But I think we should do the 'living' part of life in a 'go slow manner'. We all know the saying "stop and smell the roses", but do we really? The good people on Isla Mujeres do, and they seem much happier for it. Make time for yourself and those you hold dear. Find the simple pleasures in life. Do the things that make you happy and bring you joy. Live 'la vida Mexico'! Mi mucho gusta... I like it alot!

I have beautiful pictures to remind me of our days on Isla Mujeres. I have wonderful memories to add to my 'journal of positive things'. But I have been given so much more this time around. I have a newly affirmed belief that life is good, that we can more than make do with what we have, that we must always count our blessings, and that we should be rooted in family as we bloom forth into the world.
Thank you to the wonderful people of Isla Mujeres.



Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"Purposeful Acts of Kindness"

Imagine...
over 6,850,000,000  acts
of kindness in one day!
Who could possibly do that,
you ask?
The answer... each one of us.


If each person in the world
did one act of kindness today,
that's the number we'd
be talking about. Just think about that for a moment.
How amazing would that be?
Then imagine if we did it again tomorrow. And the day after that. Can you see where I'm going here? It's not rocket science. It's just plain, simple, kindness. And I know we can change the world with it.


"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."  (Lao Tzu)


"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or a small act of caring... all of which have the potential to turn a life around."  (Leo Buscaglia)


Two wonderful quotes, one wonderful message... kindness makes a difference.
Believe it. Feel it. Show it.  Believe it. Feel it. Show it.
You know how you feel when someone bestows a kindness upon you... that warm rush of happiness, that flush of thankfulness, that boost of hopefulness. You step a little lighter, your day becomes a little brighter, the world seems a little rosier.  And then, almost without fail, you yourself become the doer of good deeds. It's a wonderful thing. This is what our world needs today, this circle of kindness. Words, thoughts, and actions with the sole purpose to lift and enlighten the spirits of our fellow man. A world tempered with kindness. This is what I wish for my children. It can start with me. It can start with you.


We now have "Random Acts of Kindness Week" and that's pretty cool. But our world is in pretty rough shape, and I think we need to kick it up a notch. I think we need to jump on the 'purposeful acts of kindness' bandwagon and get serious about making our world a better place to be. An act of kindness a day. Something simple. Something meaningful. Something true. The power of kindness is in each one of us.  It does make a difference, it will make a difference.


"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)


Start today. And everyday. Be kind. Rewind. Be kind again.
Don't wait for people to be friendly... show them how.
Give one of your smile's to a stranger, it may be the only sunshine they see all day.
Be kind to unkind people... they need it the most.
You can make any day beautiful with a touch of kindness.
If you can't say nothin' nice, don't say nothin' at all... just smile.
Believe in mankind.
Be thankful.
Be kind above all else.
You might meet resistance. Some people are fearful. Some have lost trust in mankind. Some have never been shown kindness and will not know how to receive it. Some are lost in their daily struggles and cannot see through the darkness. But caring thoughts, words and deeds will win in the end. Everytime.


"Heal the world. Make it a better place." (Michael Jackson)




Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"Living Heart Healthy"

Heart.
A very important word.
Our heart gives us life.

A healthy heart lets us thrive.
Through it flows our life's blood,
giving energy and movement
to our physical being.
It allows us to arise and greet each morning, and surrender to sleep each night.
Our heart is our vitality.
And thus we must take care of it... nurture it... treasure it.
We must live 'heart healthy'.

We need to make wise choices as we go about this business of living. Proper nutrition, moderate exercise, a good night's rest... all essential in keeping out ticker in tip-top shape. Not always as easily done, as said. But we should keep these goals in mind, and try our best to be good to our heart. Trust me, it will be forever thankful and treat us with kindness in return.

There's another side to being 'heart healthy', at least I think there is.
It's a joy thing. A happiness thing. An 'open the windows and let the sun shine in' thing.
In today's world of stress and anxiety, of deadlines and due dates, of being here and getting there... we often don't find that 'happy happy, joy joy'.  Maybe we are too busy, maybe we are afraid, maybe we don't think we deserve it, or maybe we don't know how to find it.
My thoughts on that?

We are never too busy to experience the bliss of a joyful moment... listening to your favorite song on the radio or a phonecall from home, sharing a laugh with a friend or getting a hug from a child, seeing a rainbow after the storm or being the recipient of a smile from a stranger. Let the joy overtake you, even if it's just for a moment. Then repeat, and repeat again.
Don't ever be afraid to be happy, or think you don't deserve to be happy. We will all experience sadness or hardship in our life. Many of us already have. And these difficult
times can be long and seemingly endless. It may feel wrong to be happy. You may fear any happiness will just be taken away. Not so. Each of us deserves to be happy. We were made to be living, breathing, joyful beings. And true happiness can never be taken from us, for it is a feeling we hold deep within us, it is ours to own, ours to keep, ours to treasure.

Joy can be found in the smallest of places, to the largest of lifes venues. We just need to open our eyes, our minds, our hearts. If you find yourself tapping along to a catchy tune... you are enjoying the moment. If you 'Mmmmm' after a bite of a tasty morsel, you have enjoyed a blissful culinary moment. If you hold a newborn child in your arms, you are a part of one of life's happiest moments. If you look back on a memory and smile, you will have experienced a happy, reflective moment. If you live your life in a charitable way, you'll know the joy of giving moments. When you place your hand into that of a loved one, and sense that special connection, you will feel a complete joyous moment of belonging. These 'moments' are happening  in abundance. We just have to capture them.

So, take care of your 'physical' heart. You know what that means.
But take care of your 'emotional' heart too. Let the sun shine in.
When we look, when we see, and when we do... joy is all around.
And it is more than okay to gracefully receive.





Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"The Patchwork Quilt I Call Life"

Recently, I find myself reflecting on my life, thinking about all the things going on right now, but also thinking about the past...the people, places, and all the events of my 49 (yikes!) years. And it has occured to me that life is like a patchwork quilt.


Now I know many of you have just conjured up Forrest Gump and his infamous "Life is like a box of chocolates" line... and good on ya.
Such a great line, one that will go down in movie history to be sure.
And just like those chocolates, we won't know what we've got in our 'quilt' until we take a bite out of life, so to speak.


But we have all started our life quilt.. from our very first life affirming breath on the day of our birth, to the breath we are taking this minute, we have been collecting and joining our 'patches of life'. These patches are our memories... of people, places, milestones, special events, feelings, family, trials and tribulations, the best of days, the worst of days, all the bits and pieces of our life so far. Some patches will burst forth with their brightness, full of happy memories. Some will soothe with soft hues and reflect a time of peace and tranquility. A few will be blue and melancholy, bringing tears as we remember times of loss and sadness. And yes, there may even be patches of bleak darkness. For there are times when we are so afraid, or lost, or hurt... the worst times of our life, but still of our LIFE.

When we can bring all our patches together, we can begin to see the beautiful work that is our life. It's all there... the vibrant reds, purples, yellows and oranges... the soft pinks, blues and greens... the dark greys and black. The dark times make the happy times so much brighter. The peaceful times surround the dark times and make them less frightening. All the contrasting patches in our quilt, somehow, find their perfect place and create a pattern of beauty and balance. Amazing.

There has been so much turmoil in my world recently, that I've not been fully participating in the great gift of life. A few days ago I had a "shame on me" moment, which then lead to my 'life quilt' reflection, and now here to my blog. I have come to realize a few things, and I'd like to share them with you.
   We can only live for today. We remember our past, for it is what has brought us to this day. And we dream of our future, for it is what will see us through to tomorrow. But today is it. Live it.
   The saying "Today is a gift, that's why it's called the present", is very true.
   When times are tough, keep going. Reach out to those you love and who love you. Search for the smallest ray of light, and let it guide you.
   Smile. It's the best contagious disease! (... and no vaccine required!)
   No matter what's going on, hug your family and tell them "I love you".
   Look fear in the face and say, "I just don't care". Then do what ya gotta do.
   Treat yourself once in a while. You're worth it.
   When someone is talking to you... listen to them.
   Stop and smell the roses... or the crisp winter wind, or the falling leaves, the sweeping salt air, or the fresh cut hay. Just stop. And breathe.
   Give, without thought of getting.
   Live abundantly. I'm not talking making money and gathering material things. I'm talking living life. Spend time with family and friends. Take up painting. Learn to snowshoe. Volunteer at a shelter. Bring passion to your work. Smile at the people you meet on the street. Sing along to the radio in your car, even if you look like a dork to the other motorists on the road. (This is one of my favorites!)  Spontaneously bake a batch of muffins and visit a senior's home at tea time. Read a book with over a 1000 pages. Start a "dine-in dinner and a movie night" club with a group of friends. The list is endless. Just start.
  Love what you do, and do what you love.
  Share joy.
  Comfort those in sorrow.
  Just be you.

My reflection has helped me through a rough spot today, and thus another patch has been added to my quilt. And when I take in all the patches of my life so far, I see a quilt of love, family, joy and sorrow, my children, my soul mate, hopes and dreams, illness and miraculous recovery, friendship, laughter, tears, music and song, beauty and art, beaches, hills, mountains and lakes, fear, bravery, and heroes.
I love it. It's beautiful just the way it is.
And like a child on Christmas morning, I am excited to receive new gifts, the gifts we are given in the dawning of each day, the gifts which will help me continue to create my very own 'patchwork quilt of life'.
It will comfort me, protect me, guide me, and make me smile. Life well lived. Job well done.


  
Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"The Frozen Dance"

   The Frozen Dance 

  (by barb)

Oh, aurora borealis

How you shine so bright

Ribbons of purple, green and blue

Dance upon the frozen night

Shapes and colors swirling

Dipping high and low

Crackling with such delight

As the cold winds blow

Oh, aurora borealis

You've totally captured me

Creating an artist's canvas

A wonderment to see

Feeling a bit poetic today. Actually, I'm just just putzing about NOT getting my housework done. Have had computer woes thus unable to muse about this new year, until today that is. 
So fear not! I have a plethora of words up my sleeve, so to speak, and will be waxing prolific in the coming days.

Hope everyone is 'weathering' the weather that January is famous for.
Keep yourselves warm, and be safe as you travel about. I look forward to blogging for all my friends during 2011, a year I have decided will be a stellar one!


Keep on keeping on... bArB :)