Tag Archives: Reflections

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”

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”

Japanese Snow Bush

We were walking near the sea wall in Yaletown last week. This beautiful shrub caught our attention. After some research online I found more information on Viburnum plicatum Watanabe. It is native to China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Because it is quite resistant to disease and pests, it looks perfect. The flowers are pure white,Continue reading “Japanese Snow Bush”

Brave squirrels

This squirrel was trying to be brave. I met another far braver and much fatter squirrel out in the parking lot. On Friday I had booked rehearsal time, and showed up a half hour early (long, convoluted story!). The chubby squirrel ran right up to me as I walked away from my car. An amusedContinue reading “Brave squirrels”

Self-sufficient

Self-sufficient is my word for the day. Since I am not always sure of the deeper meaning of many words that aren’t part of my daily vocabulary, I usually look up what the dictionary has to say. My idea of being self-sufficient is not being co-dependent—basically, I can survive without assistance. I thought I wasContinue reading “Self-sufficient”