This is the view from my bedroom window. Nine years ago I started a program of study which brought me to Victoria every few months. One day in April I took some time to walk through the gardens at the Government House. I was captivated by the beauty of the Rhododendrons. That day I madeContinue reading “Beauty”
Author Archives: toffeereflection
Empty chairs
As I unlocked and entered my early morning teaching room, my first thought was how much this circle of chairs looked like a group hug, or a circle of friends holding hands. The silent room was warmed by sunlight shining through the stained glass windows. Each circle of chairs, including some groups of 4 identicalContinue reading “Empty chairs”
Old photos
My daughter asked me the other day if I had any old photos of her in traditional Thai dance costume…so I searched. I searched through a box of old photos from the days before digital cameras and iPhones. The search took me very quickly through some fond memories of years gone by. Although no ThaiContinue reading “Old photos”
Exhaustion
I am tired. I long to return to this beautiful small island and walk through the forest and climb among the moss covered trees. Last September a young couple had invited me to their wedding. As one of only 40 guests I was very honoured to be there to witness the day. The ceremony tookContinue reading “Exhaustion”
Straight line
“No one heals in a straight line”. This is a quote from “The Choice” by Dr. Edith Eva Eger. No one heals in a straight line. This makes so much sense to me right now. I wish I could heal in a straight line, and feel better and better each day without the bumps, andContinue reading “Straight line”
Celebrating Creative Expression
Celebrating creative expression. This banner was prepared for the annual community celebration where homes and businesses creative window displays and other attractive displays for the last weekend in February. Fortunately, many people leave their handiwork visible for weeks or months. This is where my “children” come to rehearse each week. I do celebrate their weeklyContinue reading “Celebrating Creative Expression”
Old and new
It’s almost time for our rehearsal to begin and I stick my head out the door to see if any of the children have arrived. This is the neighbourhood where I live; where ancient meets modern. The condo across the street only recently opened it’s doors for the new inhabitants. Tourists ride around the streetsContinue reading “Old and new”
Free spirit
Yesterday Milo stopped by for a visit. This time he didn’t run away as I stepped slowly toward the open patio door. I keep the screen closed in case a mouse or raccoon, or mosquito decides to come in and explore. He turned toward me as I gently called his name. Milo first visited whenContinue reading “Free spirit”
Pussywillows…soft winds…
I’m reminded of the Gordon Lightfoot song, ”Pussywillows, Cat-tails, soft winds and roses”. Dad’s niche is a few feet away from this lovely planter. My son met me at the columbarium last week to see the new cover that was made for my father’s niche. When dad passed away there were so many unexpected decisionsContinue reading “Pussywillows…soft winds…”
Patio concert
Two years ago when we all went in to lock-down because of the pandemic, my next door neighbour and I decided to present piano recitals for each other and our neighbours. For me the days were spent walking Toffee, watching news, watching videos and webinars on how to navigate online piano lessons and choir rehearsals,Continue reading “Patio concert”
Reflections 