• Family Legacy,  Temporary Life/Travel

    Our Vimy Ridge Connection

    The first time I heard of The Battle of Vimy Ridge was at my in-laws’ dining table. The family was sitting about after a delightful meal, with chairs pushed back and arms resting on full stomachs, when my father-in-law pulled out a small, worn, pine box. He spilled its contents onto the table. Three bullet shells rolled past empty wine glasses, along the pale green tablecloth becoming lodged under the edges of crumb-littered dessert plates. “These are the bullets that were extracted from my father – your grandfather – when he was wounded during World War I. Once was at the battle of Vimy Ridge.” He went on to share…

  • Writing/Journal Writing

    The 40 Reasons “Why” Challenge

    Bryan Hutchinson over at Positivewriter.com is challenging his readers to a “Why I Write” challenge. I know we aren’t all writers, but we all have ‘that thing’ we do. You might love dancing. Maybe you paint, maybe you scrapbook your photos. We all need a creative outlet. What’s yours?   Listing the reasons we write is a popular exercise for writers. It’s a good reminder for those times when we just can’t get ourselves to practice. I’ve journaled my list at least a couple of times over the years. Since it’s been a while, I think I’ll accept Bryan’s invitation to sit down and consciously revisit mine with, perhaps, some…

  • Empty Nest

    My Very Last “Empty Nest” Post

      I remember my first glimpse into the empty nest. The Consultant, Princess and I left Buddy at home to work while we vacationed in British Columbia. As we traveled west on Highway 1, it felt like our family vehicle was missing a wheel. I wrote in my journal –   July 30, 2004 This has been a funny summer so far. With Buddy working as a gate-attendant at The Calgary Stampede, he was unable to join us at the Shuswap … This feels like a transition summer, as though I’m being eased into the fact that Buddy is really growing up into a new stage.    Then, in the blink…

  • Temporary Life/Travel

    So Long North Shore Homestead

    My car is packed to capacity with necessities and belongings that help us feel settled in unfamiliar surroundings. I have office supplies, books and writing materials. I have favourite things including my stir-fry pan, pictures of the kids, candles and a fleece throw. At the end of each “temporary life” season, I wonder how I wound up with so much stuff to take home. Here I am, feeling a little cramped in the driver’s seat, waiting for my windshield to defrost so that I can take one final look at the view of Lesser Slave Lake. It’s the view I’ve enjoyed all summer. As excited as I feel to drive…

  • Family Legacy

    Building A Life

    Do you remember finishing high school or university and wondering, now what? Up until this point in life, everything seemed so nicely laid out for you. You knew you were working toward a diploma or degree to be proud of in the end. You could count on a large friend pool to draw from and knew you’d likely meet your next date somewhere within that system. It was such a neat little package. For many of us, it was fun. Then, that time in life seems to end suddenly. You’re thrust out into the world and there’s so much life stretching out ahead of you, you’re overwhelmed. The landscape looks…

  • Family Legacy

    A Love Letter to My Daughter

    Seven and a half years ago, I wrote a love letter to my daughter. It was part of a high school assignment. The purpose was to involve her family members in her life experience. Participation in her experience meant we’d be touched, too. I wish love letters to teenagers were required writing of all parents. Writing a love letter to Princess put a magnifying glass on my connection to her. It helped us know each other better. That’s what happens when you connect through writing. I decided this would be a good day to revisit my letter to her. Today Princess turns 25. Reading it now, makes me think. We…

  • Temporary Life/Travel

    Wildflower Colour Explosion

      After three seasons in Slave Lake with The Consulant, I was beginning to think I’d seen all there is to see around here. I used to drive with my camera in the passenger seat beside me but I don’t anymore. Last weekend, I was regretting that I’d left it at home on a shelf under the coffee table. As I took my regular walk along Devonshire Beach Road, I noticed this great burst of colour that popped out after all the rain we’ve had lately. Was this something new? Is it possible that I’ve seen this wildflower display before and missed it? Maybe it’s just that these blossoms didn’t…

  • Family Legacy

    What’s Your Thread?

    Last month, I was a presenter and attendee at Journal Conference 2016: Pioneering the Next 30 Years. It was one of those unique magical experiences that comes only from a gathering of like-minded people, sharing with and inspiring one another. One evening Christina Baldwin and Ann Linnea, of Peer Spirit, presented a group of engaged writers with this William Stafford poem. The Way It Is There’s a thread you follow. It goes among things that change. But it doesn’t change. People wonder about what you are pursuing. You have to explain about the thread. But it is hard for others to see. While you hold it you can’t get lost.…

  • Empty Nest

    The Kids Didn’t Know What They Were Doing, or Did They?

    What were our kids thinking when they decided to throw a surprise 30th anniversary party for us? After all, I wouldn’t consider thirty years one of those great milestones. They said this was how they decided to thank us for all that we’ve done for them since, well, basically the beginning of their lives. We were just doing what parents do, taking care of their kids’ basic needs and a little bit more – a place to try sports, a good education, and a little vacation once in a while. We were trying our best to prepare them for life. That night back in April, we arrived at our neighbourhood…

  • Writing/Journal Writing

    I’m Late, I’m Late, I’m Late…

    Oh my goodness, I just realized my last post was April 4th – almost two months ago. I’m so far behind on updating my blog! There’s just been so much going on, it seems. I know – excuses, excuses. But, here’s what’s been happening around here.   I piloted my workshop, Journal Your Legacy, on-line. I had eight students work through a four-week program and couldn’t be happier with the outcome. The course will improve as it goes on, thanks to the involvement of my freshman class. Watch for more information, coming soon. 2.  Our trip to Zihautanejo, Mexico. Another dream spot checked off the bucket list. The Consultant and I…