"Random Acts of Kindness"

People helping people... there's a great idea! And as the Christmas season is now upon us, what better time to put our talents and energy to good use? Random acts of kindness, those little things we do for others, are miracles in the eyes of their recipients. They can turn a bad day into a good day, a time of 'need' into a time of 'have', a time of worry into a time of relief, make a sad day a little happier. A random act of kindness will be one of the best things you can ever do. Trust me on this one.

I am just going to freely suggest many 'acts of kindness' that you can perform, making someone's life a little brighter, their day a little cheerier. If you've done this before, and I know most of you have (yeah you!), you have expierenced that 'deep down' joy that comes with giving of yourself. There's nothing quite like it!

So here we go...
Shovel a neighbor's driveway or sidewalk... offer to walk a sick friend's dog... double up on your Christmas baking and deliver sweets to a shelter or seniors home... volunteer to read holiday stories at a daycare or your local library... offer your time at a soup kitchen... volunteer to deliver Christmas baskets for a local charity... adopt a family in need and provide stockings, or the makings for a holiday dinner... drop some change into every Salvation Army glass ball you walk by... smile, and wish people you come across 'the best of the season'... write a personal note in your Christmas cards, it means so much... wrap a few homebaked goodies in cellophane, tie with a festive ribbon, add a candy cane, and give out to the paper boy or delivery man who comes to your door...  use festive ribbon to tie a little bell to a piece of fresh greenery (gather wee branches from your backyard evergreens, or ask your local florist for discard bits from seasonal bouquet making), and attach to your co-workers computers or desks... offer to watch a friend's home, and water their plants, if they are away over Christmas... invite a senior out for an evening drive about the city, to see 'the lights of Christmas' ... buy hot chocolate for the people in the car behind you, when at your favorite drive-through... drive with care and courtesy through busy mall parking lots... when lunching with family or friends while out Christmas shopping, buy an extra piece of pizza, or an extra cup of coffee, and share it with the gentleman on the corner... dress in your festive best, be it beautiful or silly, visit your local hospital, and bring smiles to those who are missing the fun at home... help out with the preparations for your child's school Christmas production... invite someone who is alone, to share Christmas dinner with you and your family... share your craft talents with children at a boys and girls club, making homemade ornaments that will be cherished for years to come... carry little wrapped candy canes in your coat pocket, to give out with handshakes and cheery nods as you go about your day... let someone with a full shopping cart, go ahead of you in line, bestowing them with your biggest smile as you say 'it's the season of giving!'....

These are but a few of the wonderful things we can do for others. The list is endless, and you will have many great ideas of your own. Just promise me this... find the time to make your ideas into reality, brightening the lives of others, sharing the true spirit of Christmas. It will surely be a season of  joy and love, if we can be a "people helping people, through random acts of kindness".



Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"Ready, Set, Bake!"

So... are you ready? Ready to spend a most glorious day in your kitchen, wearing your best holiday apron, humming and singing along to the songs of the season, taste testing your homemade confections, and remembering Christmas fun from years gone by? Yes? Well let's get started! Grab your well worn recipe cards of tried and true family favorites, and if you are feeling adventuresome, bring out those new recipes you've been itchin' to try. Pile all the ingredients for the day on your kitchen table, clean off your kitchen counter, pre-heat your oven, find your measuring implements, gather your cookie sheets and baking pans, do a chocolate chip quality control check (very important!), and... get baking!

Whether you are flying solo, or have called in the troops (family and/or friends), make this day a festive event. Have the eggnog chilling, the Christmas CD's stacked on the ready, light a few cranberry-spice candles, don a pair of red or green socks, turn on the lights if your tree is already up, attach some silvery bells to your pet's collar (calling their name every once in a while, just to hear them jingle!), find a Christmas-y plate to put your 'taste-testers' on, start humming your favorite carol, and let 'JOY' be the theme of the day!

Here are the recipes for some of my favorite Christmas goodies. Remember to include 'love' as the main ingredient, giving your treats that 'special something' to be shared with family and friends. And in the true spirit of the season, maybe you could bake an extra batch of  sweet sugar cookies and deliver them to a local shelter or inner city church... bringing a bit of joy to those who are greatly in need. A simple gesture of giving that will fill your heart with joy, too. Wishing you all the merriest of days this Christmas season...

Mom's Mocha Balls (that are actually square!!)

1 poundcake block (from your grocer's bakery dept.)
1 to 1 -1/2 C icing sugar
1 TBSP butter, softened
1 TBSP milk
1 TBSP cooled coffee
1 can finely chopped peanuts

Have 2 or 3 wire racks ready on counter, with wax paper underneath. Trim brown crust off of poundcake. Cut into 1 inch cubes. In deep, narrow bowl, mix together: icing sugar, butter, milk and coffee. Should be runny but NOT watery. (Adjust ingredients as needed.) Scatter chopped nuts in wax paper lined pie plate. Gently pierce poundcake piece with a fork, dip into icing (or drizzle icing over cake piece), making sure all sides are covered. Let excess drip off a bit. Roll each piece of cake in the chopped peanuts. Place on wire racks and let sit til icing sets.
Layer in cookie tins, with wax paper in between. Easily doubled, tripled.... Freeze well too. (Can be eaten from frozen state, right out of the freezer, by sneaky little hands... so be forewarned!)

Aunt Mary's Whipped Shortbread (These are melt-in-your-mouth delicious!)

2 C butter, softened
1 C icing sugar
1/2 C cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla
3 C flour (scant, to be added gradually)
icing, homemade buttercream or Betty Crocker's Whipped Vanilla
cherry halves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On med speed, blend together butter, icing sugar, cornstarch and vanilla. Gradually blend in flour. Dough will be light and soft. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8-9 mins, until edges just golden. Watch carefully.
Remove to wire racks and let cool. Decorate with dollops of icing and cherry halves. Good plain, too. These also freeze well.

My Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies (Just a little bit special!)

1 C shortening or butter, softened
1 C packed brown sugar
1/2 C white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp almond extract
2 C flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 C craisins
1 and a 1/2 C white chocolate chips
1/2 C chopped pecans (optional)

Cream shortening and sugars. Add eggs and extract. Combine flour, soda and salt... gradually blend into creamed mixture. Stir in craisins, white choc. chips and nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for approx. 10 mins. Remove from oven, let cool a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

Aunt Phem's Sugar Cookies (These are the bomb!)

1 C butter or marg, softened
1 C sugar
1 C icing sugar
1 C Crisco oil
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp each baking soda, and salt
4 C flour, sifted
pinch of nutmeg

Mix all ingredients by hand, til soft dough forms. Roll into 1 inch balls. Place in batches of 12 onto ungreased cookie sheets. Grease and flour the bottom of a patterened glass, and flatten balls down. Sprinkle with pinch of granulated sugar. Bake at 350, 10-12 mins., until lightly golden. Remove from oven, let sit a few minutes, then remove to wire racks. So buttery, crispy good! Freeze well.
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I could type on and on, but these should get you started. Each one is soooo yummy, I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite. Do you have a favorite Christmas baking recipe? Would you like to share? If so, you can send it my way via the comment section of my blog, or email me at:  bitsy61@hotmail.com  I'll be looking for you!

"MeRrY ChRiStMaS" everyone..

Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"Getting Ready for Christmas"

Yes, it's the most wonderful
time of the year! And it's my
favorite time of the year.
I LoVe Christmas!

December 1st is soon upon us. And for me, that marks the beginning of the Christmas season. Not the 'media print frenzy, glitz and glamour, tinsel town, buy Buy BUY Christmas' that starts right after Thanksgiving. That's not for me.

My Christmas starts with a little tingling sensation in my heart, usually when I see the first snowflake fall. As the days grow shorter, and the nights grow longer... as fall's crispness turns into winter's sharpness... as visions of 'nuts and bolts' dance in my head... I am ready for Christmas.

From my earliest memories, through my childhood and teen years, as a young woman out on my own,  as a wife and then a mother, to my now 'middle years', my love of the Christmas season has never waned. So, what is it I love about Christmas? What makes it so special for me? The answer has everything to do with family, friends, memories, and tradition.

When I was a little girl, my Dad travelled for his work. He was away most weeks, but never Christmas week. And oh, the fun we would have! He would play in the snow with me, making snow angels and fantastic snow forts. We would walk hand in hand about the neigborhood, delivering Christmas goodies that my Mom had made. And my Mom and Dad always made Christmas fun and festive... inviting family and friends to visit, having carol sing alongs, lighting a crackling fire to give a warm and welcoming glow to our home... sharing of themselves in true Christmas spirit.  They never missed my school Christmas concerts. No siree! They would sit as close to the front as possible, smile, and wave back at me when I would spot them in the crowd and give a big toothy grin. (And Mom, I still think my pink socks looked beautiful with my red velvet dress!)

Then there is Christmas baking. And Christmas dinner. Mmmmmmmm! Almond fingers, mocha balls, plum pudding and rum sauce, homemade 'secret ingredient' nuts 'n bolts, ginger crinkles, shortbread with buttercream icing and cherries on top, Aunt Phem's sugar cookies, sweet breads, ham pasties, baked glazed ham, roasted turkey with stuffing (real, from inside the turkey, stuffing!), mashed potatoes with gravy, all the trimmings, and pies. I loved cooking with my Mom, learning all the recipes she learned from her Mom. A tradition I now carry on with my children. Food, lovingly prepared, feeds the body and nourishes the soul. Sharing these treasured recipes, with others, at Christmas time, is truly a gift we give ourselves.

Decorating the tree was always special. After Dad put on the lights, the garland was carefully draped around the tree, and then we would start hanging the ornaments. We all had our favorite one. Mine was the pink one, dotted with silver glitter. It sparkled like diamonds. So, so pretty. And then came the tinsel, lovingly hung strand by strand, (no tossing by handfuls here!). In the eyes of a six year old, our tree was magical. The telling of the classic 'Twas the Night Before Christmas', a treat of eggnog and cookies, and then off to bed, for what seemed like the longest night of the year!

Well, tinsel is a thing of the past, and we've resorted to an artificial tree with the lights already attached. But when it is up and fluffed, and our treasured collection of ornaments are hung... it sparkles and shines, ready to receive gifts from family and friends, ready to oversee the gathering of friends and neighbors, and the celebration of the season.

Ahhh, Christmas morning. A time of absolute glee and wonderment for me and my sisters, one of complete chaos for my parents. Little did we know that they were running on mere hours of sleep, having been awake til the wee hours, putting things together, looking for batteries, wrapping gifts, filling and hanging stockings, adding extra touches here and there so come morning, the entire livingroom looked like a fairytale come true. But they always pulled it off, and we were the lucky recipients of their tireless efforts. Every year, since becoming parents, Paul and I stay up late on Christmas Eve, have a fire burning bright, listen to Christmas CD's, wrap presents, stuff stockings, and nibble on home-baked goodies. I so love family tradition. It's a connection to our past, and a gift we give to our future. 

And amidst all the hussle and bussle of the season, the visiting with family and friends, the baking of traditional treats, the neighborhood gatherings, the sharing of gifts... there is no better place than a house of worship to experience the real joy of Christmas. Be it a small country church, a little chapel, an inner city parish, or a big cathedral... raising your voice with others, in the singing of carols, and hearing a message of birth, hope,and promise... your spirit will rejoice in the true meaning of Christmas, and you will feel blessed.

Wishing you and yours, peace, joy, and happy memories this Christmas.
Love... Barb



 Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"Back to the River St.John"

"At Woodman's Point tonight, are the lights shining bright? Is Kingston just the same? Do they still remember my name? Is anyone there missing me, where the water flows back over falls from the sea to the River St. John? This is where I belong. Where the land is so green, and the skies are so blue. Back to the River St. John, the only place I belong, back to the River St. John and you."
 (Back to the River St. John... by Janet Kidd)

I went back to the "River St. John". The lights, and the sun, were shining bright. Kingston was as beautiful as ever. People remembered my name. Family, and friends, had been missing me. It is where I belong, for it is where I come from. It is home. And always will be. No matter where I roam, no matter where I lay my head to rest at night.

I have a western home, with Paul and our children. We have good neighbors and friends. We love the mountains, and the sweeping fields. We enjoy world class concerts, national and world level sporting events... gourmet restaurants, funky farmer's markets, and sizzling summer festivals... skiing paradise, camping heaven, and golf galore. The 'west' is very good to us. And we call it home. We call it home, because this is where we 'hang our hat'.
Ahhhhhhh, but the 'River St.John'...

I believe we carry home in our hearts, wherever we go, wherever we stay.
And by home, I mean not only the place, or the house, we grew up in... but the people, the feeling, and the essence of belonging. Where our earliest memories were born, where our first friends were made, and perhaps where our first love bloomed. It's Thanksgiving dinner with all the family, it's the excitement of Christmas morning, it's baking cookies and muffins, it's a Saturday morning visit to the market, it's a Sunday afternoon drive in the country. It's picnics and swimming, it's winter and 'snow days'. It's orchard trips and apple crisp, it's Easter Sunday and a new outfit.

I've been 'gone' now for twenty years, but home is never more than a second away. A song on the radio, a certain whisp of a breeze, a photo in an album, a favorite recipe from my childhood, glimpsing the 'treasures' from my mom and sisters, that decorate my home, a funny card in the mail, or a  'just because phonecall'...
in a flash, I am home (in my mind) and I'm smiling and happy.

I just had ten (for real!) days at home, thanks to my wonderful husband and understanding children. It was fantastic, fantabulous, fabuloso, fantifico! (In case you were wondering still, it was GREAT!)  
I totally indulged in the love of family, the gathering of friends, the crisp country air, and the saltiness of the sea breeze. My soul is revived, and my cup of joy runneth over.

I have been 'back to the River St. John'. Back to where I belong.
And the memories will sustain me, 'til I return once more.


Keep on, keeping on... barb :)

"The Element of Surprise"

I love a good surprise, don't you?  Something that takes you totally, well... by surprise! Something that makes your mind say, "What the...?", your heart go 'BoInG!', and your knees go weebly-wobbly. It's always fun to be on the receiving end of a surprise, but it's totally awesome to be on the plotting end. And I know this because... I've just been a plotter myself!

As many of you may know, I'm kinda close to my Mom and sisters, who live 'back home' in the Maritimes. Although we are miles apart, we are always close in heart. When we thought we would be living in Montreal by the Fall, plans were flying amock about having Christmas together, as a family, for the first time in twenty years. Well, life is known for throwing you curveballs, thus we will be calling Alberta  home for a little longer. And that's okay. But my longing for a visit with my mom and sisters  was taking over my daily thoughts. We had the reward points for me to make a sojourn to the East, then more unexpected developments seemed to make a trip home 'out of the question'. (Color me blue, here).

But, and that's a big BUT... another little miracle came my way and within a span of ten minutes, I was planning a "SuRpRiSe" with lifted spirits. Woop Woop!!

With help from "the love of my life", a good family friend back home, and my unaware mother, the whole event went in to motion: 1 phone chat with my mom, 1 visit to the Aeroplan website, 1 phonecall to the friend back home, 2 promises from my children to keep their lips sealed, 3 days of laundry, packing, grocery shopping. cooking and cleaning, 2 plane rides, and 1 night at said friend's home later... the "SuRpRiSe" was about to unfold! 

Picture a ladies church luncheon, the hustle and bustle, the jibbering and jabbereing, some recognizing me as I arrived and thus receiving that non-verbal motion of 'locking their lips', the music folk warming up and sound checking, ladies arriving with their delicious food contributions, the dilemma of who's sitting where, our friend trying to steer my mother and sister to a location where their backs would be to my point of entrance... all while I'm locked in the rector's office (in case my mother tried to walk in and drop something off on his desk, which she quite possibly would do!), hiding in a back corner, reading, but not really reading because I'm too excited, the latest edition of 'Reader's Digest', and wondering if my friend, or one of our two new co-conspiritors, would come and get me when the time was right. We hadn't actually planned that part out!

But, no worries. As the 'ladies who lunch' settled into their seats, I was retrieved from my secret local, whisked under the cloak of a jacket, and like magic... appeared in front of my mother and sister. WOW! The silent signs of shock and disbelief were instant... the hands to the chest, the big eyes, and the open mouths of surprise. Then tears of joy started flowing in abundance and there were bears hugs all around. I'm all shivery now, remembering the moment. Others joined in with their own tears and happy smiles. It was fantastic!

The day just flowed from there... simply gorgeous, sun shining, temperature an unbelievable plus 20 degrees, a drive through the country, picture taking, two ferry crossings, a big hug from my brother-in-law, and moments of absolute hilarity. It was the best of days!

The time will go by too quickly, I know. We will pack what we can into each day. Some moments we'll be crazy busy, with laughter spurring us on. Others, we'll be quiet, content just to be near each other. And whenever we look at each other, we'll smile and shake our heads, still reeling a bit from the surprise of it all. We'll feel all warm and fuzzy inside. We'll feel lucky and blessed. 

And why will we feel these things?
Well, no surprise there. We are family.

I hope each of you experience the joy of "SuRpRiSe" in your life, whether giving or receiving.
Although it doesn't appear on the 'Periodic Table', it is an 'element' of great worth.


   
Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

" Planetary Differences""

Men are from Mars, women are from Venus... the title of a hugely popular book back in the early 90's. I never read it, but it created a lot of buzz, and inspired a whole new batch of men vs. women jokes and one-liners.

Besides the obvious physical comparisons, we are different in many other ways.
For the pure reason of enjoyment, I have chosen not to go into the psycho-babble discussions of the noncorrelations between homo-maleions and homo-femaleias, that exist adnauseum . Thanks to the marvelous thing called 'Google', and a little humorous research, I'm going straight to the funny and ponderous!



4 words/phrases every man should be aware of when in 'heated discussion' with his woman:
1. "Nothing"- this means "something", and until you figure it out, be on your toes!
2. "Go ahead"- you have been issued a dare... don't do it!!
3. "No problem, I've got it"- Big problem! After failing to complete whatever it is you have been asked to do, probably several times, she has done the task herself. This will later lead to the cold shoulder, and you, having completely forgotten the previous incident, will ask "Honey, what's wrong?" Answer... "Nothing!" (See #1)
4. "Fine"- not really. But the argument is over, and if you are wise, you will retreat to your man cave and tinker about, until the all clear has been given.
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When Jill, Sue, Martha and Dianne go out for lunch, they will call each other Jill, Sue, Martha and Dianne.
When Bob, Ted, John and Jim go out for lunch, they will affectionately call each other Bubba, Tedinski, Loo-Man and Jimbo.
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Men go to bed, and wake up looking the same.
Women go to bed, and somehow deteriorate through the night.
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Women know everything about their children; who their best friends are, who they have a crush on, when their next game is, what day and time their dentist appointment is, what food they love to eat.
Men are vaguely aware that some short people are living in their homes.
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Women have the memories of elephants, they never forget.
Men forget everything, that's why there's instant replay.
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Bob and Ted were enjoying a brewski at the local pub. While talking about getting along with their wives, Bob said, "I have to admit, our last fight was my fault. When she asked 'what's on the tv?', I replied 'Dust'."
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When women use restrooms, they can make these trips into 'social gatherings'.
Men use restrooms solely for biological reasons. Men never speak to each other while going about their business. There is not one recorded time in history when a man has excused himself from a restaurant table and said, " Hey Bill, I'm off to the men's room to reapply my cologne. Want to come with me?"!
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And finally, some defintions in 'male and female speak'.

Vulnerable (Adj.)
   Female- emotionally opening up one's self to another
   Male- playing hockey without a cup

Butt (noun)
   Female- the body part that determines if an article of clothing will be purchased or not
   Male- the body part for mooning and flatuating

Entertainment (noun)
   Female- a good movie, concert, play or book
   Male- anything to do with football, poker, or the 3 Stooges

Taste (verb)
   Female- something frequently done while cooking, to make sure it's good
   Male- something done to check if food is bad, prior to tossing it out

Remote Control (noun)
   Female- a device for changing one TV channel to another
   Male- a virtual racing toy that's challenge is to surf through all 85 channels in 2 minutes
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Yes, we are very different us guys and gals. But that's what makes life interesting. 
It would be soooo boring if we were all the same.
Isn't there a famous quote that says "opposites attract".
And we have to laugh at ourselves... I mean, how could we not? We provide "so much material", as a late night host would say!
Hope you've had a chuckle, or two, as you journeyed through the "Planetary Differences"


Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"Life's Little Pleasures"

  A few short months ago, I was in a bad way. Hospitalized with a serious illness, feeling really sick and very scared, it was the worst of times. My husband and children were worried, my family back home were feeling helpless.
But little miracles keep happening to me, and once again I live to tell my tales.
(YeAh Me!)  With the never ending love of family, and a few good doctors and nurses thrown in, I am travelling down the road of recovery and singing along to my favorite tunes!

It's been a long journey though, with a few rough patches and some unexpected twists. During a 'not so good week', I received a package from my sister... a heartfelt, sisterly note and, "The Book of Awesome".  Just what I needed. Over the next several days, I would scrounge up the energy to make a cup of tea, wrap myself in a cosy blanket, and snuggle up on my big  porch chair, to take in the fresh air, the early summer sun, and the pages from "The Book of Awesome".  Even though I could only manage a few stories at a time, it was enough to bring a smile, or make me laugh, or bring back a cherished memory.
It was much needed 'medicine'.

I am feeling so much better now. And I keep "The Book of Awesome" on my bedside table in case of "emergencies"... those times when I'm down or dismayed and need some 'first aid for my spirit'!  
This got me thinking of all 'the little pleasures' life has to offer. And do you know what? It's an endless list! Really! One little thought leads to another, and then another, and so on, and so forth... So, I'll just share a wild assortment of 'the little things' that bring joy and happiness to me. As you read, I'm sure you'll start thinking of all the 'little things' that bring you moments of joy and happiness too.

Here we go... cupcakes, the smell of bacon cooking in the morning, the big  'Red Box' of 
Ganong's chocolates, fresh squeezed orange juice, my Mom's dressing balls, a dish of apple crisp with a thick slice of cheddar cheese, an ice cold glass of milk with a just-out-of-the-oven- chocolate chip cookie, a slab of brown bread and a side of molasses for dipping, one piece of sweet corn-on-the-cob drenched in butter (corn's a no-no for me, but a girl's got ta have what a girl's got ta have!), homemade nuts and bolts with a chilled mug of beer and friends to share them with, spaghetti and meatballs on a stormy winter night, my sister's barbequed pizza, garlic mushrooms cooked in a cast iron frying pan, Digby scallops at Billy's in the Saint John City Market, and olives on celery sticks!

... the warmth of a Summer breeze, the crisp colors of fall, the glistening snow of winter, the fresh air of Spring.

... a crackling wood burning fire, a baby's laughter, jumping into bed with sheets fresh off the clothesline, singing Christmas carols in church, getting a real letter in the mail, picnic lunches in the backyard, walking on a beach and finding the perfect skipping stone, playing crib with my Mom, remembering my Dad, holding hands with my husband, the sights, sounds and smells at a farmer's market, having a movie night with my kids, a sunset, a rainbow.

... a bubblebath by candlelight, a late night swim by moonlight, a romantic dinner by firelight, a good ol' game of hide 'n seek by flashlight.

... any day with family and friends, a good haircut, a backrub, an itch scratched, going on a treasure hunt, photo-op day with Julia, a "luv you Mom" call from Sam, date night with my hubby, a laugh-out-loud episode of "The Big Bang Theory", turning my pillow over to the 'cool' side, remembering all the words to a song, remembering who sings the song, discovering a great new recipe, walking my beautiful puppy 'Heidi' and getting slurps of appreciation, decorating the house for Christmas, finding a new and funky restaurant, a day trip with a girlfriend, a stay-in-bed-in-your-favorite-pj's-with-a-good-book-kinda-day, a dress up night of dancing.

I could go on, but I don't think I need to. You guys get what I mean.  Life these days seems challenging at best. However, if  we can just remember the 'little things',  a bad day can turn good, troubles can be soothed, tensions can be eased, and balance can be restored. 

There are so many 'little pleasures' to experience every day. Aren't we lucky?


Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"A Time to Remember"

"Between the crosses row on row..."

And so begins one of the most famous, well known poems ever wrtitten. Inspired not by love or beauty, but by sadness and loss. A penned prose of homage to the brave soldiers of war.

It is a poem I learned as a school girl, to be recited at the Remembrance Day assembly every year. We were told of the story behind the words. We studied the 'World Wars' in history classes. But we didn't really know what it was like, as the events took place before 'our time'. We had to ask our parents, or our grandparents if we were lucky enough to still have them with us.

My grandfather was in the services. And when his call of duty was over, he attended Remembrance Day services every year. Bampy passed away when I was very young, and my memories of him are few. My older sisters were blessed to have had  more time with him, and their memories are of a gentle, loving, and joyful man. But every November 11th, he become a solemn man, a man who donned his old uniform, and went to the cenotaph ceremony to quietly pay his respects, and remember. My sister Ruth went with him. And even as a youngster, she somehow knew this was a time to be seen and not heard, to just stand still and hold her Bampy's hand. Still today, her memory of this brings her to tears, the image of her proud Bampy standing strong and silent on that cool November day is as vivid as ever. She has written her own moving poem, and those of us who have been honored to read it, deeply know why it's important to 'never forget'.

Today, once again, we are hearing the horrible stories of war and destruction. Brave men and women are putting their lives on the line everyday, in worlds far removed from ours. Mothers and fathers are losing their sons and daughters. Children are losing their fathers and mothers. Families, and their communities, are shouldering the most difficult of days when a hometown hero is laid to rest.
We must not forget those who survive their tours of duty to return home, for their lives have been forever changed, the unimaginable images of war etched in their memories, life as they knew it, a thing of the past. Their bravery must continue, as they heal, and try to move beyond the experiences of war.

And please remember the innocent victims of war. They did no wrong. They were just living and growing where they were planted. Their mothers and fathers, brothers or sisters, children and communities, are grieving too. Find it in your hearts to say a silent prayer for them.

A supporter of war, or not... you must support the men and women, and their families, who have been called to a duty that most of us will never know. Remember them in your prayers, remember them in your thoughts, remember them in your hearts, remember them on November 11th.

Wear a poppy and remember, lest we forget.





Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"Simply Romantic"

I think I can speak for most of us, who are of the female persuasion, when I say... Women love romance!

Now you men out there... don't start sweating and having palpatations. I'm not talking about Fabio-like tresses, rippling abs, and whiskings away to bedouin tents adorned with luxurious beddings! (We may read those fantasy novels, but we know those stories come from the desperate imaginations of  sad, love-lonesome, romance deprived women with pens). I'm not even talking grand gestures like diamonds, get aways to gay Paris, or hand in hand strolls along the sunset beaches of Tahiti. (Although these would be 'tres romantique', don't you agree?!)

Nope. I'm talking simple romance here. Romance that can happen anytime, anywhere. Here's a hint guys... the little, unexpected things pack the biggest punch! Really. I would never lie to you. Whoever said, "It's the little things that count", was right on the bull's-eye! And the good news for you menfolk... these little things require very little time, thought, planning or money. (That's why they're called "little things", sillies!) But they will make your special someone swoon at your feet... well, maybe not really swoon, but you get my drift. And what's romance but good ol' swooning, and oohing and awww-ing.

Don't know where to start? Here are my top picks for "little things that are big on romance":
1. Bring her flowers. Cliche you say? Mais non! This is where you can add your own special touch to an age-old romantic gesture. Instead of a pre-made bouquet, be brave, and hand pick the blooms for your sweetheart. Venture into the cooler at your local florist, choose just two or three flowers (think her favorite colors here), a sprig of baby's breath, and a nice flowy fern (no stick with rough leaves!). Have the florist include a pretty ribbon and my boy... you are on your way to "Romance Town!" Repeat at whim.
2. Make dinner.  No need to be a gourmet chef. Remember, 'simple'. A piping hot bowl of creamy tomato soup and golden crispy, grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect! Want to kick it up a notch? Use the 'good dishes', set the table, light a candle, and have a nice bottle of wine on the ready. C'est magnifique !
3. Take her to a 'chick flick'. (You know you like them too!) And don't ask, "Wanna go to a movie?" in that 'there's-nothin'-else-to-do kinda whiny voice'. Instead try, " Hey, let's go to that new movie you've been wanting to see, then maybe go for coffee." You've just done so many things right. Like taken the intiative, considered her movie choice, and committed to some chat time afterward. Score bonus points here!
4. Pour a bath. But not just a bath... a romantic bath. This is where a little effort on your part brings big rewards (wink, wink)! With the help of the girl at the beauty counter of your local pharmacy or department store, purchase a heavenly scented foaming bath gel or soothing bath salt. One evening, (and without any pre-announcement), pour your special someone a hot bath, using that wonderful addition you were so thoughtful to aquire. Have her robe and a fluffy towel ready, then take her by the hand and lead her to 'Shangri-La'. Want to go to another level? While the bath water is running, whisk (yes, that funny kitchen tool for scrambling) in one cup of milk and one cup of hot chocolate powder. This is soooo yummy!
(To allow for complete enjoyment on her part, bestow a wee kiss upon her cheek and quietly promise to clean the tub following her delicious soak!) Looking for the ultimate? Once again visit your favorite florist. Did you know, that for a wee price, they sell bags of rose petals! Add a capful of baby oil to the running bath water. When the bath is ready, scatter the petals on top, light several candles, put on some soft music, and place a glass wine on the edge of the tub. Pure bliss! It is important to remember that this bath is solely for the pleasure of your mate. Your involement is purely providing the pleasure! However, if done correctly, your involement will most likely not end there!
5. Plan a day trip. Big, romantic get aways are great if you have the time, money, or energy to take them. But the expectations are high for these trips, and disappointments often many. Not always, but you run the risk. And even if it turns out to be the trip of a lifetime, (how fantastic for you!), it's just that...the trip of your lifetime... likely never to be repeated. How do you fill the void? Day trips!  Whether you're a planner, or a spur of the moment kind of guy, day trips are perfect. Day trips are like little mini vacations that spotlight all the best parts of a big vay-cay! Your girl loves the countryside? Take a drive and leave the city behind. Pack a picnic and bring a blanket. Find a glorious field and voila... instant romance! She's into collectables? Visit a nearby small town and take in an antiques shop or two. Find a local diner and share a BLT, a diet coke, and an ice-cream sundae. How cute is that?! She's a music buff? Get tickets to a concert. Go early and snack on nachos and corn dogs. And don't buy the expensive floor seats. No, no. Get ones way at the back so you can smooch and stuff, like when you were teenagers. Just remember to bring the binoculars! She loves photography? Gather a few props to be featured in the 'pictorial of the day' (like a favorite teddy bear, a gerber daisy or two, an old tattered pair of sneakers, her grandmother's pearl necklace, a cute, framed photo of the two of you...) and take her on a photographic safari. Go urban, or go rural... just go!

There are so many ways to be 'simply romantic'.
Let your imagination rule in matters pertaining to romance.
Be silly or serious, plan or be spontaneous. Spend little, or spend a little more.
Surprise her or let her 'in on it'.

You can do it, and she'll love you that much more for it! Ain't romance great!

(PostScript. Just thought of this idea: May take a little planning, but so worth it in the end. Plan a night out with your girl, to your favorite pub or nightclub. Then, surprise her when you get there with a table full of her gal pals! Slip her a few bills, give her a juicy kiss, and tell her to have a great night of fun with her friends. And yes, a quick call from her will bring your chauffering services for a ride home at the end of the evening's festivities. Badda boom, badda bing... your're a romantic king!)


Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"All Aboard!"

I remember my very first friend. His name was Bruce, he lived right next door, and we hit it off big time... I think I was three years old. We mostly got into trouble, but we sure had alot of fun! Our friendship lasted a couple of years, and then my family moved away. I made new friends, but I'd always remember Bruce. Tragically, he passed away at a young age. I was sad when I heard the news.

In my younger years, I had lots of friends. Friends who lived on my street, friends from school (a boy friend in Grade 1 !), summer-time friends at the cottage, and skating friends. We all grew up and went our different ways, but isn't it funny how the past catches up with you sometimes? Once, when my husband and I were visiting my 'younger years' city, we were strolling through a mall when a man stopped, looked at me, and said, 'Barbie, is that you?" Shock! It was the older brother of one of my bestest friends from 'the day'. We had a great chat and a surreal trip down memory lane. A few years later, my husband and I were visiting his folks, and had decided to take in a movie. Quietly talking while we were waiting for the show to start, I heard this voice from behind asking, "Barb, is that you?" WHAT?! ... it's another good friend from my past, who I hadn't seen in over twenty-five years! I would never have recognized her, but she said she knew it was me right away... the way I was talking with my hands, and my facial expressions, gave me up! Amazing!

University, work, family, marriage, children, new communities, volunteering, and travelling have all provided me the opportunities for friendship. And usually, these friendships bloom without any planning, or thought, on my part. It just kinda happens. A casual chat, a shared interest, a chance meeting, mutual friends... that first connection is like magic... you don't quite know how it happens, but you enjoy the end product.
A new friend!

Some friends come, and some friends go. A few are 'casual', a few are 'good ones', some are 'close friends', and if you are lucky... you get a 'best friend, or two'!
Don't fret over the friends that have come and gone. It was a time when, for whatever reason, you needed each other and that time then passed. It was what it was, and it was great while it lasted.. Be thankful.
Casual friends are awesome. They pop up here and there, and make life fun and interesting. Remember their birthdays with a call, and always send them a Christmas card.
Good friends and close friends are life's little gifts. Always there when you need them, in good times and in bad. They'll pass up laundry day to go have lunch with you. They'll hold your hand and pass you kleenex after a really, really bad day. They know when you need 'the truth' or when you need a 'softer approach'. Invite these people into your life and discover the wonderment of 'full blown' friendship.
A best friend is a rare find. This is a soulmate. A person who knows you inside and out, who takes you as you are, the 'good and the bad' of you, who no matter where or when, keeps you in their heart. Like the necklace hanging in many a trinket shoppes, a best friend is your other half. You don't have to call or send cards, you never have to 'do lunch', you may never return a favor, or go for dinner and a show.
But... you do. Because you rejoice in having a 'best friend', and you want to celebrate the relationship whenever, and however, you can. This is the 'real deal'.

Like many things in life, friendship comes with risk. But, I'll take my chances...
For friendship brings you joy and laughter, companionship and belonging, worth and purpose.
I'm in. Are you?


Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"Unconditional Love"




Heidi looking just too cute!

 
On December 24th, 1999, Christmas came a little early in our home.
And in a way my children and I never expected!
WE GOT A DOG! 
Our life changed on the spot because we didn't get just any dog... we got 'Heidi'.


My other half and I, both grew up with pets in the family. He had a dog, and I had dogs and cats. They were major players in our 'growing up' years... instant companions, in it for the long haul, through thick and thin, always at your side. If you had a bad day at school, you knew someone was there to greet you at home... to curl up in your arms and purr contentedly, or to give you a big slurp and a wag of a tail. No one to play catch with? No problem! Your canine pal was ever ready for a good game of fetch. No one to play dolls with? No problem! Your feline friend was happy (???) to be dressed in babydoll clothes and paraded about the neighborhood in a little pink stroller. Cranky and mad, or sad and blue, with no one to talk to? Your goldfish 'Cap'n Highliner' was a great, non-judgemental listener. He never had any answers for you, but you usually felt better after pouring your heart out to him, and that's what counted. And what about those miraculous stories of pets who have saved their humans from harm's path?  No other way shows such unconditional love for another, than to risk your own life for them.

I always thought that when I grew up and had children of my own, we would welcome a pet into our family.
That almost didn't happen. My hubby and I developed allergies to cats, and our children were both diagnosed with asthma/allergies at an early age. It looked like a treasured part of our childhood would not be repeated with our children. However, as they grew, they got stronger and healthier. (yeah!) Their asthma was pretty well controlled, and many of their allergies lessened in severity. (another yeah!) Maybe, just maybe, a pet would find it's way to our house? It could happen...

And then... one day... fate stepped in and made our family complete.

Here's the quickie version of how our family grew in number, and in love, that snowy December day...
Went to spend the day at the local ski hill, ski hill closed, what a bummer, turned around to go home, "what's this?"... home is that way but we're going the other way, where are we going?... the SPCA???!!!, what in heaven's name, go look at the dogs, everyone of them barking except one, she's beautiful, you can see her soul through her eyes, she's the one, papers signed, back in the vehicle, to the pet store, home. And that is how Heidi came to be our family pet.

To this day, I have no idea why my husband turned left instead of right, taking us on that unexpected journey of wonderment. But, I'm glad he did! Heidi has filled our lives with joy, laughter, and undeniably devoted companionship. Her 'unconditional love' has fueled us through the days and years since her arrival, and we couldn't imagine our life without her.

It is a story that pet lovers the world over tell. If you have a pet, you know what I mean.
If you don't own a pet, but have it in your heart to 'grow' your family, visit your local rescue society...
and be prepared to fall in love. And, oh yes... get out your camera!



Keep on keeping on... bArB :)