Category Archives: reading

Spring vacation 2020

03 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in community, Health, philosophy, reading, therapy, writing

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It’s not like I was planning on traveling far during this long-anticipated vacation.

I wasn’t planning on flying anywhere, not even taking a train. I am usually satisfied with doing things around town like lunching with friends, visiting art galleries, museums and local parks.

Oh… shit.

We can’t do any of that anymore except through video conferencing platforms, virtual gallery tours and… walking through parks without stopping to smell the flowers or sit on a bench. Geesh!

I am disappointed that the COVID-19 pandemic has cancelled a visit from one of my sisters. Mellowing out on Friday, I made my list of vacation week activities, many  which can be accomplished while isolated at home. I even separated activities into “Fun and Creative” and “Responsible and Healthy”.

written list of thing to do during pandemic vacation

Spring vacation 2020 list of planned activities

I make efforts to write in my wellness journal and my diary, recording how I am feeling, what I have been doing to cope, who I have been communicating with, and any deeper thoughts. Apparently, this activity is encouraged by historians and psychologists.

I already got in a bit of writing on the blog where the Tabby Cat rules, encouraging others with poetic tendencies to contribute too.

So…What are you doing for your spring vacation?

Thanks for stopping by. Stay home. Stay safe. Get outdoors while doing that physical distancing thing. Take care of yourself and each other.

T

 

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Half-way through the February blues

16 Sunday Feb 2020

Posted by in community, education, Health, pets, philosophy, reading, therapy, Warm fuzzy, writing

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It has been four months since my previous post. Life has been busy but not eventful enough to warrant the pixels and time.

Recent world news and national events could encourage one to curl up and hide in a hole until spring.

  • COVID-19
  • Forest fires, floods, droughts, earthquakes
  • Railway blockades, fossil fuel pipeline disputes, indigenous rights
  • Political circus and acquitted clown in the USA
  • Shitty public transit service in our nation’s capital

My Saturday routines include picking up a couple of newspapers so I can disconnect from social media for a few hours over the weekend and read content that I trust has gone through the process of professional journalistic editing and publishing.

I still practice gratitude as I go about the daily mundaneness, working for a living, surviving the winter, and being strategic with workday bus commutes.

This cute little book brought me comfort and advice to get through winter in the northern hemisphere. It’s the perfect size for bus reading. You might like it too.

The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30045683-the-little-book-of-hygge

book page pronounce hygge as hooGa

Hygge – pronounced Hoo Ga

I find comfort and pleasure in sharing meals and conversation with family and friends. I find purpose in volunteering, caring for the elderly diabetic cat and recently, one injured offspring who came home for a few days of nursing and Motherly love.

I find joy as I correspond with my offspring and offshoots. I find hope as I continue my part-time college education where I learn new things, make new friends and prepare for Career 2.0.

Although I haven’t written much of substance lately, I still engage with friends and followers through social media posts, comments and shares. You can follow some of my creative writing and doodling posts over at the blog where the Tabby Cat rules.

In the meantime, you might enjoy some Little Blonde Jots. I bought these cute little key ring tabs (plus a few other items) from a friend to support his downsizing efforts a few years ago. They prove handy to carry around, where I can jot down thoughts while waiting for buses, people watching or contemplating life.

Little Blonde Jots

Little Blonde Jots, words of wisdom and observations

Thanks for dropping by. I hope you are enjoying and appreciating what rays of sunshine and hope you encounter in your corner of the world.

See you in the spring.

T

My week of gratitude

20 Sunday Oct 2019

Posted by in community, education, Food and Cooking, Health, pets, reading, therapy, Warm fuzzy

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We just passed through Canadian Thanksgiving.

I took my usual vacation so I could extend the gratitude, times for reflection and enjoy me some cool autumn temperatures.

We had a mixed bag of weather but that didn’t affect the memorable moments during various family gatherings.

autumn colours Gatineau Hills

Camp Fortune ski hill and fall colours

Accomplishments:

  • Succeeded with an argument-free, three-night, four-day visit from a sibling;
  • Tasted several new, healthy dishes – even helped make a batch of Keto freezer cookies;
  • Learned an exciting new recipe;
  • Avoided tourist-y crowds in Gatineau so we could see the fall colours of the Gatineau Hills (been there, done that);
  • Attended a fund raiser event that supported medical research plus the love of reading. Came away with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a bag-o-books;
  • Went for morning walks when it wasn’t rainy and dark;
  • Only had to use the Ottawa public transit bus service twice;
  • Read, relaxed and got in lots of afternoon naps! They are SO underrated.
autumn path 2019

A lightly carpeted path in the park

autumn trees and waning moon

The waning moon accompanied me on my morning walk

autumn moon tree

Tickle, tickle moon!

I spent no personal time on a Windows computer. Yay! 

windows 10 feature update blue screen

Your PC will restart several times – and make you guess if it does!

I got to spend more time with the Tabby Cat.

tabby cat being cute

Now it’s reality time on a Sunday evening. I feel like a kid on a school night, having not finished my homework and dreading the next day. I have a job. I have a job. I want a job closer to home! 

What are you thankful for? 

T