The cacti in my garden is blooming, bright and yellow on thorny flat green stems that look like a beaver’s tail. The cacti has spread further into the garden bed and when I asked a neighbour if she wanted some she said, “oh no, cactus is too ugly and has too many thorns.” What do…
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Happy Summer! Today is the first day of summer, a season that reveals itself in simple joys, slow living, and an abundance of nature. As we say, “see you later,” to spring we must acknowledge the shifting of the seasons, and the gentle bowing out of spring. Here’s a short video to acknowledge that graceful…
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It feels like eons ago when I became a mother, and thus have celebrated many Mother’s Days. The early days of spaghetti necklaces, friendship bracelets and homemade cards splattered with paint are far behind me. I miss them somehow. Fast forward to yesterday and for the first time ever I celebrated Mother’s Day at my…
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We often hear the phrase BE FEARLESS. It is shouted out at us across the divide, echoing in the canyon as you stand on the precipice about to take the leap. As business leaders, entrepreneurs, students, and anyone trying to achieve their goals in life, we keep coming across the phrase BE FEARLESS. But should…
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The song from my parents’ record player wafted through the house with Karen Carpenter’s voice. One line stuck in my memory, “rainy days and Sundays always get me down.” Rainy days certainly do not have that affect on me. I love rainy days. They offer an opportunity to slow down, get things done indoors, and…
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It’s been particularly cool this spring in Niagara, Canada. Cherry Blossoms have barely budded and the lilacs are still tiny pods waiting to burst forth. As I wander around my garden, I can’t help but crave the colour and beauty of flowers. What do you do when you are craving flowers and it has been…
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Lately I’ve been watching Anne with an E. It is, I am proud to say, a Canadian show based on the classic book series beginning with Anne of Green Gables. The television series is a partnership between the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Netflix. I’ve binged watched the three seasons, and yearn for more. Apparently the…
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Happy first day of Spring! Here she comes bringing joy and hope. Full of meaning. This past week Spring provided a teaser. We had two beautiful days of almost summer weather with temperatures as high as 20C. Suddenly, the birds emerged singing their beautiful songs, flitting from branch to branch with excitement in the season.…
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As a young person coming of age in the 80s I bought in to the North American ideals of success. My big hair, six inch heels and peplum style designer suits were the lexicon of the era. Rushing was valued and achievement, at any cost, was applauded. I bought in completely and without question, and…
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If you are from my generation you’ll remember a time when Sundays really were the restful day of the week. Shops and malls were closed. There was time for a leisurely breakfast after a slow wakening. And some people found joy in taking the day to visit church and immerse themselves in their faith. I…
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Change isn’t easy, but it is a part of our daily lives. Depending on the change we’re facing we may choose to dig in and hold fast to our belief systems even when they don’t benefit us. Learning to accept change like the seasons keeps us evolving. Nature teaches us many joyful lessons, one of…
Read MoreHope you have a lover in your life on this special day that celebrates love. Modern North American celebrations include wishing even those who are not your one true love. So Happy Valentines Day! If you haven’t found your one true love, here’s my little message for you. Love is unstoppable! May you know love…
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It is February 1st, the beginning of a new month and according to the Chinese calendar the beginning of a new lunar year – The Year of the Tiger. Tomorrow will be groundhog day, here in Canada. And in a few days the start of the Olympics will be celebrated in Beijing. We also celebrate…
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Just before my feet hit the soft white sand the pressure in my ears cleared. It was the kind of quiet rarely experienced on the surface of the planet. My eyes adjusted to the pale turquoise water, and I noticed the coral with fish swimming about unhindered, and uncaring of my presence. Walking upright, barefooted…
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Southern Ontario received a walloping today. We were well advised of this snowstorm and it came through as promised, not the usual weather hyperbole. With between 30 and 50 cms being dumped in just a few hours (depending on where you were) the roads were a mess, major highways were closed, and there were plenty…
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The warm sunshine and cool air mixed together under a clear blue sky setting the tone for a beautiful day spent at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple here in Niagara Falls, Canada. It is also known as the Sarira Stupa and Chan Shan Temple. Completed in 2001, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple is a seven…
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Yes, it is the middle of winter here in the northern hemisphere, so why a summer walk now? Because from my perspective, this is exactly when I need it most. Come along with me and let’s see what we find. Walking in the woods, just being quiet in nature brings a lot of joy, and…
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Today we’re putting 2020 version 2 behind us. And even though it’s been a difficult year for millions around the entire world, there was some joy to be found, making 2022 the year of hope. There were moments of simple joys to be recognized in between. https://lifewithalegria.com/2021/08/05/finding-joy-in-the-in-between/ There were historical stories inspiring us to move…
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