toffeereflection

I Wonder

I wonder what it was like to live here when these buildings were first built. How big were these trees? Were the streets filled with tourists like they are now? Were people kind to each other? The last stone was put in place in the year 1898. To the left of this tree is theContinue reading “I Wonder”

Spider

Yesterday I went for a walk. I used to walk every single day. I used to have a dog. When my life got far too busy this past year, and especially this spring, I stopped going for walks. Now that I have time, I haven’t felt the energy to get out of the house moreContinue reading “Spider”

Empathy

Saturday evening I was doing a bit of weeding out in the backyard. When I glanced up I saw this curious hen about 2 feet from my face. The neighbours sometimes let a few of them roam through their backyard, eating weeds and bugs. Once in a while the hens venture into my area andContinue reading “Empathy”

Things to look forward to

For two years now I have been a part of “The Isolation Journals” community. We are sent regular prompts to encourage creativity, meet monthly when available on the Hatch, for an hour of journaling, or being otherwise creative, and following Suleika’s journey through illness and healing. Sometimes the prompts don’t help, and I can’t findContinue reading “Things to look forward to”

Receiving gifts

Yesterday morning these flowers were delivered to my door. Every month I receive a bouquet — a birthday gift from my children that lasts all year. Two years to be exact! Each month I look forward to receiving a bouquet, eager to be reminded of the love of family, and excited to see what theContinue reading “Receiving gifts”

Predictions

Yesterday I took this photo of a mini-excavator in front of the construction a few houses away. I have been on the look-out for things that would interest my grandsons. They love trucks of all sorts, farm equipment and anything similar to tractors. On a previous visit to their home I remember having to scheduleContinue reading “Predictions”

Quiet moments

One of the best ways to spend time with my children is to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee together. My “coffee breaks” began in college when I would sneak away to the cafeteria, sitting at a small quiet table enjoying a few moments of peace, with my cup of ordinary coffee and granola bar.Continue reading “Quiet moments”

Dreaming of daffodils

Often I receive cards and artwork from students. Sometimes it’s a creative expression from a school assignment, or colouring that they did while waiting for their lesson, or even a hand-crafted card of thanks. Last week the mother of two of my students surprised me with artwork of her own. She has recently taken upContinue reading “Dreaming of daffodils”

Heirloom dollhouse

More than 80 years ago my grandfather built this dollhouse for my mother. Over the years many young children have taken turns looking after this house — rearranging furniture, playing make-believe, dreaming. Each door opens to reveal a different room, with windows, curtains, rugs, furniture. There is a miniature grand piano in the living room,Continue reading “Heirloom dollhouse”

More visitors

My back patio was a busy place yesterday. This masked bandit was my first visitor. Later in the morning Scamp stopped by for some water, and to stare in at me. I wonder what he is so curious about. While I was teaching in the afternoon, I noticed a squirrel on the patio. I triedContinue reading “More visitors”