This is what it’s all about, isn’t it? Feeling valued, feeling understood. I know I do not want to get to the end and have people say about me, “I wonder what she was really like?”
When the connection works, it truly is a symbiotic, dynamic energy; comforting, but also energizing. Knowing that, for many reasons, we cannot have the same level of connection with everyone we meet or even with all family members, makes me appreciate more the relationships where the connection is strong and enduring. Over time, these connections enrich and deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. They provide support and comfort, especially in difficult times. They help us to feel that we are known, warts and all. Any thoughts? – Maria
This is my Pooh Bear. Usually he lives in my closet, amongst my clothes, but I watched the Christopher Robin movie recently and so he’s been living in my dining room for the past week or so. His shirt is worn but he’s still in pretty good shape. I believe my sister, after a trip to Florida, gave this to me decades ago. One of my favourite Pooh Bear quotes is “My favourite thing is me coming to visit you, and then you ask, ‘How about a small smackerel of honey?” Hence the jar of honey.
Did you have a favourite stuffed toy when you were a child? Do you still have them with you? – Cris
May in southern Ontario is arguably the prettiest month of the year. These trees, which have lined our mother’s street for at least 40 years, are part of the view from her window.
I look forward to our mother’s street in May. As I turn onto it, I smile inside at the lovely pink crab apple blossoms exuberantly announcing that winter is finally over and spring is unquestionably here. I try to consciously appreciate their beauty, knowing that the blossoms will only last for a few weeks. They remind me that despite the difficulties and stresses of life right now, there are also a variety of positive changes, including nature’s energetic awakening in May.
What do like most about May? about spring? What is your favourite time of the year? – Maria
This is one of my favourite pieces from the Gradex109 Art Exhibit at OCAD University. I love the lines. It makes me think about my own life line and that life is not linear. There are often unexpected turns and double backs and leaps forward. There may also be places or periods along the way where I’ll have to stop for a while and reorient myself, reconnect with who I am, firmly plant my shoes, before taking the curve in the road and moving on to the next “thing”.
Check out some of the art at #gradex109 and @OCADuniversity – Cris
It’s almost time to start planting for another year. I usually have a nice herb garden, with some flowers and grape tomato plants, and even red onions on my balcony. They say that the Victoria Day weekend is the time when you can safely assume that there will no longer be any frost and you can start to put your plants in the ground. This year I am hoping to have a few more tomato plants than I normally have, all the regular herbs and maybe some bean plants. I love the feel of dirt on my hands, the connection with the earth and with my food. I know there’s nothing sprayed on my food, just earth, seeds, water and sunshine needed. A meal just tastes so much better when the ingredients are fresh from the garden to the plate. And picking a ripe tomato and popping it straight into your mouth is a delicious pleasure.
Are you planting a garden this spring? What vegetables do you like to grow? – Cris
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