Happy New Year

It is difficult to believe that 2010 is almost done! The year went by so fast - did we really have live through four seasons already? No doubt, 2010 will be known as the year of extreme weather and of breath-taking events. From the devastation of the earthquake in Haiti, to flooding, fires and heat waves through-out the world, it seemed that each day brought more bad news. However as each new tragedy occurred, kindness and compassion grew and people reached out in a manner never seen before. The most poignant event to me was the rescue of the Chilean miners. I watched spell bound as each miner was brought to the surface and shed tears for each one as they embraced their families. On my computer at work, I have pictures of several of the miners as they emerged from the earth. When those pictures flash across my screen, I am reminded of the strength of the human spirit, and how hundreds of people and dozen of countries worked together day and night for weeks to save these men. If anyone had any doubts of man's survival instinct or the compassion humans have for each other, the events of 2010 surely erased those doubts. Knowing that out of the ashes of bad events rose human compassion and resourcefulness . . . it's a good thing!

Skid Row Santa

Some people are just nice! For the past thirty years, every Christmas season, a lawyer has been handing $10 bills to thousands of people on skid row in Los Angeles. The lawyer, now sixty-nine years old and retired, has remained anonymous. He estimates that he has given away $20,000 of his own money every year. He says he does it because he is so moved by the appreciation and gratitude shown by homeless people when they receive his gift. Destitute people line up for hours ahead of time to meet the generous man and receive his donation. People like this man make the world a nicer place in which to live. Knowing that good people are taking care of the less fortunate . . . it's a good thing!

A Close Shave

I don't, as a rule, wonder about simple items we use every day. I don't wonder where they come from, how they are made or who made them. I did come across a story about the inventor of the Gillette disposal shaver that I thought was worth passing on. It is a story of perseverance and believing in yourself when no one else does. King Camp Gillette had a dream of creating a sharp but disposable razor. You would think that having a name like "King Camp" would have been hardship enough, but he set himself up for ridicule from investors, metal engineers and experts at MIT by pursuing his vision. Gillette laboured for four years creating a razor that was sharp, but yet inexpensive enough to be disposed of when it became dull. It took another six years before Gillette razors reached store shelves. Ten years of Gillette's life were devoted to creating something no one else believed in! When it finally reached stores, only 51 blades sold the first year, but in the second year, over 90,000 were purchased. Within the next few years, Gillette's disposal razors were in most homes and his creation changed the shaving industry forever. So, the next time you use - and dispose of - a Gillette shaver, take a moment to think about King Camp Gillette and his determination and belief in his himself. Knowing that sometimes even the craziest ideas are brilliant . . . it's a good thing!

Operation Nice

In June, 2008, Melissa Morris Ivone of New Jersey did something wonderful: she launched a website called "Operation Nice". The purpose of her site is for people to share stories about kindness. The idea came to her one day when she was not feeling particularly happy or kind. As she waited to enter an elevator, a gentleman told her to get in ahead of him. While in the elevator, they made small talk. As she left the elevator, Melissa realized that small gesture of kindness put her in a wonderful mood and she enjoyed the rest of her day. She knew she was onto something, and "Operation Nice" was born. The mission of Operation Nice is encouraging individuals to be positively nice. How simple, and yet how extraordinary, is that? Besides sharing stories of kindness, Melissa creates "nice" assignments. Her latest assignment is to write five favorite things about 2010. What a great idea! I'm sure the entire year was not all pleasant for everyone, but by focusing on the good things that happened, the not-so-nice stuff is not so important any more. If everyone followed Melissa's example and focused on being nice and doing nice things, the world would be a better place. If we all took part in Operation Nice, our little part of the world would be brighter. Thank you Melissa for sharing a wonderful idea. Melissa's blog can be found at http://www.operationnice.com/ . Making our world a happier place by taking part in Operation Nice . . . it's a good thing!

Finger Lickin' Good!

Harland Sanders had a great little business going in Kentucky. He had a small restaurant where he sold his chicken and he made a good living. He lived off the profits of his chicken throughout the 30's, 40's and 50's and most of the 60's Construction of a new road which bypassed his town put him out of business in 1967. Because of the popularity of his chicken, Sanders decided he would sell his "secret recipe" with its 11 herbs and spices and begin franchising his chicken. To his surprise, he could find no buyers. He went to over 1,000 buyers before he finally found someone who was interested! Together with that buyer, Sanders opened his first Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet. In a few short years, there were franchises all over North America. Seven years after selling that first franchise, at the age of seventy-five, Colonel Sanders sold his fried chicken company for $15 million! This story proves once again that truly successful people never give up on something they believe in. Believing in a finger lickin' idea . . . it's a good thing!

Just Be Friends

Janice Taylor and Mona Crandell are two incredible women from Regina. The two have been best friends since they were twelve years old, growing up in the north end of Regina. Inspired by Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King's long friendship, Janice and Mona decided to create a website called "Just Be Friends". The site is used by women to find friends. Their site took off very quickly as more and more women joined. Just Be Friends now encourages women to buy locally "Just Be Local", to support local charities "Generation Give" and to share information "Just Be Informed". Taylor and Crandell were picked by Oprah Winfrey as one of her "ultimate viewers" and invited to tale part in an Australian trip with Oprah and Gayle King. Janice and Mona, along with the other women chosen by Oprah, spent twelve days in Australia. This was a trip of a life time for the two women and it was made even more special because they shared it with their best friend - each other. Taylor said, "We really want women to understand that friendship is the most important thing in their life". By starting a web site to encourage other women to find friendships, they ended up going on a dream vacation with Oprah Winfrey! Their Australian journey will be aired sometime in January, 2011. Their web site is: http://www.justbefriends.ca/. Cherishing your friendships with other women . . . it's a good thing!

Band-aid Solution

Husband and wife Hanoch and Meladee McCarty wrote a book called Acts of Kindness: How to Create a Kindness Revolution. Since they have published their book, many people have shared with them their stories of how acts of kindness changed their lives. One story they were told was of six-year old Susie of Chicago. Susie's mother told her that their next door neighbor was very sad because she had just lost her daughter. Susie's mother told her that their neighbor had a broken heart and needed extra care for a little while and so she was making her a casserole. Susie decided she also needed to find a way to take care of her neighbor. Later that day, Susie knocked on her neighbor's door and presented her with a band-aid. She explained to her neighbor that her mother had told her about the death of her daughter and how sad she was. Susie told her that the band-aid was for her broken heart. The neighbor tearfully hugged Susie and thanked her. She assured Susie her kindness would help a lot. The neighbor eventually bought a small key-ring with a plexiglass picture frame. Rather than place a picture in the frame, she placed Susie's band-aid. She carries it with her all the time and it has helped her in her healing process. One small act of kindness by a little girl which helped a grieving mother begin to heal . . . it's a good thing!

Christmas Cops

It seems we always hear about the bad things police do. The media is quick to report on the latest abuse of authority or a bad judgement call of an officer in a tense situation. However, two constables of the Victoria Police Department in B.C. prove that there are also good stories to come out of police stations. Last week, Constables Jan Malinowsky and Rebecca Pollock responded to a 911 call from a shopping centre and discovered a confused elderly man. They took the ninety-five year old man home. When they go to his apartment, they found he had no heat or electricity. These two officers took it upon themselves to check with BC Hydro and were told that he was behind in payments, so his hydro had been disconnected. Yet when the officers looked around his apartment, they discovered several uncashed pension cheques. The officers assisted the man in writing a cheque to BC Hydro, they deposited his pension money into his bank account, paid his bill and arranged for a volunteer from Victim Services to sit with him until the power came back on. It doesn't end there: the next day, the officers returned to bring him groceries! These two police officers truly made this a Merry Christmas for a lonely and confused gentleman! I note that these two officers were women - I'm just saying. Knowing that two wonderful Christmas Cops serve on the Victoria Police Department . . . it's a good thing!

Making a Life By What We Give

Winston Churchill once said "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." No one lives by that statement more than Celeste, a friend I have come to admire and respect. Celeste is one of the most generous and kind people I know. As well as her social conscience, Celeste is a tireless environmentalist. In addition to all of this, she is a wonderful and caring mother to her three children. She is a musician and has a beautiful singing voice. Celeste earns her living as - of course - a social worker. What else could someone like Celeste do but help other people in her work place just as she does in her personal life? She is always giving of herself and of her talents. She sings at her church and at many benefits and fundraisers in our city. Everything that Celeste believes in, she has taught her children by example and by doing things with them. This Christmas, she and her family have done an incredible thing, something which proves that her lessons to her children did not go unheeded. Celeste and her family did not exchange Christmas gifts this year. Instead they gathered gifts and food for a Christmas hamper and gave to those who are less fortunate! (Her children, by the way, all all under the age of thirteen. I don't know many children who would make this sacrifice). What an incredible person and what an incredible family! Thank God for people like Celeste! If we truly make a life by what we give, Celeste and her family have created a wonderful life for themselves - and for others. Knowing that the more we give, the more we receive . . . it's a good thing.

Christmas With Family

This year, some members of my family were unable to be with us for Christmas Day. So, instead of having our usual Christmas Day meal, we held it a week early. This was a different experience for us - we have always celebrated together on Christmas Day. I love the large, noisy family who comes into our home and this year was no different. Our house rang with laughter and joking. We enjoyed that comfortable and peaceful feeling that comes from being with family who know each other better than anyone else ever could. I always marvel at the inter-generational exchanges and how age doesn't matter at a family gathering. We all have something in common: each other. It is always amazing to see young people deep in discussion with much other relatives, and older relatives taking interest in the lives and gossip of younger people. That is the magic of a family. I was concerned that this year Christmas would not be the same without the Christmas Day family meal, yet I was pleasantly surprised to find that it actually extended the Christmas season for me. We had the big family meal a week early, then on Christmas day, my husband and sons and I had our own Christmas meal. This was something new for us, and we enjoyed it very much. Celebrating Christmas with family - no matter what day . . . . it's a good thing!

James Earl Jones

Most of us first heard of James Earl Jones when, in the Star Wars movies, he was the voice of Darth Vader. With that distinctive bass voice, he went on to voice many other classics such as the Lion King, the CNN tagline and guest voice appearances on The Simpsons. He has a deep soothing voice and his speech seems effortless. What most of us do not know is that James Earl Jones had such a severe stutter as a child that he was considered functionally mute! He did not speak for the first eight years of school. In high school, he met a teacher who was determined to help him out of his silence. Donald Crouch discovered James had a talent for writing poetry. Mr. Crouch insisted that James write poetry to help him gain confidence. He also insisted that this functional mute and severe stutterer recite a poem in class each day! Eventually, James overcame his stuttering and went on to great success using his voice and words! Sometimes, it's not enough to believe in yourself - sometimes you need someone else to believe in you too! Special teachers who give us confidence to be the best we can be . . . it's a good thing!

Operation Beautiful

I am finding that, like me, many people are looking for positive and good things in their lives. We are learning that by thinking positive thoughts, our world becomes a more positive and happy place in which to live. I recently came across a site called "Operation Beautiful" launched in June 2009 by Caitlin of Charlotte, North Carolina. Caitlin's mission is transforming the way you see yourself - one post-it note at a time! Her goal is to end negative self-talk. Caitlin believes that negative self-talk is toxic and it hurts you emotionally, spiritually and physically. She has come up with a truly unique method of fighting destructive self-talk: she began leaving positive messages on the mirrors of public restrooms everywhere she went - work, the gym, the grocery store. She would leave notes saying whatever came to mind at that moment: "You are beautiful" or "You are amazing". Her goal was to leave as many Operation Beautiful notes as possible to encourage people to love themselves and to take care of themselves. Through her website, other people have joined her crusade and now "Operation Beautiful" post-it notes are being found across North America. Many of the notes include Caitlin's website address at the bottom, so that more people can search out this site and learn from it. Many of the people posting the notes or finding the notes are taking pictures and submitting them to Caitlin's web site. I love Caitlin's wonderful idea! Not only does she inspire us to be more positive about ourselves, she has given us the means to encourage others to do so as well. Thank you Caitlin! Caitlin's website can be found at: http://operationbeautiful.com/ . Loving who you are - and encouraging others to love themselves . . . it's a good thing!

Post-It Notes

I love post-it notes! I use them all the time! I stick them on my desk at work, on my computer at home and at work and on my dresser mirror. I never forget anything - as long as I have my post-its! I have several different colours because after a while one becomes "color blind" to the notes and you need the shock of a different coloured post-it to ensure you focus on the reminder. I was interested to find out recently that 3M almost didn't produce the little sticky notes at all! The powers that be at 3M did not believe people would buy them or that they had any kind of future. Art Fry, the inventor, so believed in his little sticky-notes that he kept handing them out to people to try out. Enough people liked them that 3M decided to produce them. The first marketing attempt failed! Art Fry did not give up and eventually talked 3M into giving it one more try. And the rest is history - post-its became a phenomenal success. No office or home is complete without them. They now come in a variety of shapes, including hearts, bows and animals. Way to go, Art Fry! Thank you for never giving up and ensuring that I had some way in which to organize my life and remind myself of the important things that I simply can't forget. Post-it notes - a simple little thing making everyone's life so organized . . . it's a good thing!

Sally's Story

This is a story of determination and belief in one's self. Sally was a young woman who wanted a career in broadcasting at a time when no radio station in the United States would hire her because "a woman could not attract an audience". So determined she was that she paid her way to Puerto Rico and then onto the Dominican Republic to cover and sell stories on the uprising occurring there. She continued to pursue her goal in the United States and was fired eighteen times! She remained convinced that this was her calling and finally persuaded a TV executive to hire her. He offered her a job as a political talk show host. She knew nothing of politics, but she knew how to carry a conversation that people could relate too. She began her first program by talking about what July 4th meant to her. She invited listeners to call in and express their views. Her viewers loved her and eventually her own television program became a huge hit. Sally went on to win two Emmy Awards and her television show reach over eight million viewers daily. Sarah Jessica Raphael never gave up on her dream and reached incredible success. Knowing what you want and never giving up until you achieve it . . . it's a good thing!.

Good Friends

On Saturday, we had friends over for a Christmas social. Most years, Christmas is such a busy time, we just never have taken the opportunity to entertain friends. Yet, this is exactly the time of year when one should show friends how much you appreciate them. We had a lot of fun. There was much laughter and kinship. Some of the people who came are people we normally only see through work. It was nice to get to know them on a more casual basis. Others are very good friends we see all the time, yet because this is Christmas, the occasion was more special than other times. Some who came have been our friends for many years, others are newer friends. There is something about Christmas that makes socializing very important. People who are alone at Christmas tend to be lonelier than other times of the year. Those of us who have family and friends to gather with should be very thankful. We should take advantage of the fact that we have people who care about us by making sure we get together with them and enjoy their company, especially during the holiday season. Having good friends to make Christmas even more magical . . . it's a good thing!

Positively Present

Dani had lived most of her life with a negative attitude. At the age of twenty-five, she realized her negative attitude was keeping her down and decided to turn her life around by thinking only positive thoughts. In 2009, Dani launched her blog "Positively Present" . Her blog is dedicated to living positively in the present moment. Dani says "Positively Present means living in the moment and searching for the positive in every situation". Dani believes that now is all we have - we can't live happily in the past or in the future - so why not make the present as happy and positive as possible? There are daily posts on Positively Present to help you focus on all things positive. Dani's site provides tips and advice on being more positive. Her posts help you to become more positive. She shares insight on how to share positivity. Dani truly believes the quote "If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought". Dani's site can be found at: http://positivelypresent.com/ . Thinking positive thoughts and living Positively Present . . . it's a good thing!

The Things That Make You Happy

I came across a site about a book called "14000 Things To Be Happy About" by Barbara Ann Kipfer. What an intriguing title! I searched out a little more information and was amazed by what I discovered. Barbara started keeping a list of things that made her happy when she was in the sixth grade, and continued adding to her list for the next twenty years! She started recording her list in a little spiral notebook, which she later replaced with large notebooks and she finally graduated to a computer. Why would a six-grader start keeping a "happy" list? I wonder what went through her mind. What gave her the idea to keep this list? And how interesting that she continued to do so for the next twenty years! Her list grew to 14,000 things and has now been published into a book. The entire book is simply made up of her lists - page after page of lists of things that have made her happy through her childhood, her teen-age years and her adulthood. Interestingly, the author says that she now uses her own list to cheer herself up on a "grey day" or when she wants to plan a fun thing with her son. I love this quote from Barbara Ann Kipfer: "Happiness comes from noticing and enjoying the little things in life". Noticing the things that make you happy and appreciating them . . . . it's a good thing!

Christmas Lights Over-Kill

There is a house close to our street that absolutely shines every Christmas. I don't know the owners, but I see them for days at a time, out in their yard, setting up their Christmas yard display. They are out there working, no matter how frigid the temperature. By the time they are done, there is hardly a space that is not lit up. Their yard sparkles with Santas, Christmas trees, wreathes and trains. There is a Santa with eight reindeer on top of their house. Three snowman take up residence on the front of the house, just above the bedroom windows. Reindeer made up of white lights prance across their yard. As you near their house, you see brilliant reds, yellows, blues and greens. Every morning when I drive by on my way to work, I shake my head and wonder about the "over-kill". Each time I drive by I think to myself these people need to find a life! However, I have noticed something the last few nights. Every time their house with its brilliant lights comes into sight, I find myself smiling. If I have had a busy day, the decorated yard reminds me to enjoy life a little. As I drive by the twinkling reindeer, I am suddenly in the mood for Christmas! So, to my unknown neighbor, thank you for taking so many hours each Christmas season to set up your spectacular display. Thank you for braving the cold and for climbing up your extension ladder to the your roof and thank you for the love and care you put into your decorations. Although you think your neighbor might be going just a little overboard with Christmas decorations, when night falls and lights shine brightly, you appreciate the Christmas spirit it creates . . . it's a good thing

Mrs. Richard's Christmas Village

When I was a child, my Mom and Dad were friends with Mr. and Mrs. Richard. They spent a lot of time together and visited back and forth a great deal. One of my most vivid memories of Mrs. Richard is of the Christmas she invited my family to her house for supper. She had many beautiful ornaments, but the one that caught my eye was her Christmas village. The houses were beautiful, each one beaming brightly through the darkness. Lights shining through stain-glass windows captivated me. With their interiors lit, I could see each detail of the little village. Through the windows, I could see the interior of the church, of restaurants and of homes. I had never, in my short life, seen anything like it. I loved Mrs. Richard's village and I decided that I would have one too when I grew up. I kept that promise to myself. The pictures show a small portion of the village I have collected over the years. Most of the pieces were gifts given to me by my family - I love each house, store, restaurant and the people who inhabit the village. Every Christmas season, one of the first things I do is to set up my beautiful village. As I plug in each house and place each character, my mind wanders back to that little girl who gazed so lovingly - and longingly - at Mrs. Richard's creation. She is long gone now, and never knew how her winter scene would stay with me and that someday I would have my own village, just as I had promised myself so many years ago. She would never guess that, after all these years, I think of her each Christmas as I set up my own village, inspired by hers. Remembering people who had an effect on your life, especially at Christmas . . . it's a good thing!

God's Guest List

Is it possible that every person in your life is here because of a divine purpose? Debbie Macomber’s book “God’s Guest List” claims this is so. Macomber firmly believes that everyone – even the “prickly people” as she calls them – are sent to you for a purpose. A person may need something from you, or you may have something that person needs. Someone may come into your life because there is something he or she can teach you, or that you can teach that person. Macomber says that whether someone is a life-long friend, or someone you only maintain contact with for a short while, there is a purpose for the friendship. Most life lessons are learned from these people. She says that even people you don’t like, people you simply “put up with” are a gift sent to you in order to learn any number of traits: patience, tolerance and sometimes even a prickly person can become a valuable friend. Macomber says that we should “welcome those who influence our lives”. She further explains that even people we don’t particularly care for have something to teach us. Her book caused me to examine my own life and the people who have come in and out of it, and the people who have been permanent fixtures in my life. I think Macomber might be onto something! Even not-so-nice people in my life have been there at a time when I needed their skill or talent or even guidance. The people I love have given me strong support when I needed it most. Even precious friends who have passed away, were a part of my life when I needed them the most. All of these people – friend and foe – are part of the “guest list” of our lives, and we should appreciate each and every one of them. Knowing that some greater being has picked out your friends and your “prickly people” and sent them into your life when you needed them the most . . . it’s a good thing!

Random Acts of Kindness

I have blogged about people who do good things. I love those kind of people! In Saskatoon, Brenda has performed the ultimate act of kindness. Brenda decided she would do one act of kindness a day for one year, starting in October. She did little things like visiting senior homes, writing letters to soldiers and dropping off treats for kids at the Cancer Clinic. While at the Cancer Clinic, Brenda met Argie, who was from the Philippines. She had come to Canada, alone, to make enough money to help her family back home, but her big dream was to send for her seven-year-old son and bring him to Canada. She had not seen him for two years and desperately wanted to reunite with him. Sadly, Argie was told in October that she had terminal cancer and was advised by her doctor to return home to spend her final days with her family. Because she deteriorated quickly, it became clear that in order to fly home, she would need to be accompanied by a nurse. The cost was too much for Argie - and that's where Brenda stepped in. She organized a fund-raiser in her home and raised over $4,000 and added $1,000 0f her own to the fund. However, when it was time for Argie to leave, she was too ill and everyone soon realized she would live out her days in Canada, thousands of miles away from her family. Brenda decided the only alternative was to bring Argie's family to Canada. She was able to cut through the red tape in time to bring her son and sister to Saskatoon last week. It was an emotional reunion. They were able to spend five days with her before she died - five days they never would have had if Brenda had not taken it upon herself to do a good deed for a stranger. Because of Brenda, a little boy will have a memory of his mother and a sister will know she was there when most needed. Knowing there are people like Brenda in the world who go out of their way to perform a good deed. . . it's a good thing!

The Baby In The Picture

Isn't it strange how, when looking at a picture of yourself as a baby or young child, it feels like you are looking at a picture of a stranger? It is difficult to even feel a connection with your own baby picture. I think a person feels that way because you have no memory of the picture being taken or of that particular time in your life. The only way we know ourselves as young children is through the pictures other people took of us. When I look at this picture of myself, I don't' really know who this little girl is. Of course, I know it is me because I have been told it is. However, if someone were to show me a picture of someone who looked like this girl and I was told it was me, I would believe it, even if it wasn't me because I don't know the little girl I once was. When I look at this picture, I wonder what I was thinking, what I was feeling, and who was I? Is there anything of me at all in that little person? Why is it, that when I look at it decades later, this picture holds no memory for me at all? I have come to the conclusion this is precisely why it is so important to have photos of your children - so they will know who they once were. Although sometimes it is like looking in the eyes of a stranger, your own baby pictures tell you who you were and who you have become. Learning about the person in your baby picture . . . it's a good thing!

Snow Day in Europe

The news coverage lately has focused on the unprecedented snow fall in Europe. While there are many sad and even tragic stories emerging from the unusual weather, I would think that by now, children in Europe are enjoying what children in Canada look forward to every winter: Snow Day! In Canada, Snow Day means we get to miss school, skip work and just stay home where it is warm and safe. In Canada, children look forward to those days when they can miss school and watch TV or play video games all day long. For many European children, this is a brand new experience. European children are no doubt also learning how to make snowmen, snow caves and to slide down slippery hills. Although the Eiffel Tower in the picture looks a little sad covered with snow, there is a smiley snowman standing in front it it - proof that a couple Parisian children enjoyed their snow day! Learning to live with snow and taking advantage of Snow Day . . . it's a good thing!

The Candy Canes

There were many things my Dad left behind when he died which I hung on to. Over the years, I have let go of many of these things, keeping only those that I cherish or that could be passed down to his grand-children. Some of the things I cherish are of little value, but they mean the world to me. One of these things are two wooden candy canes he made and used for Christmas decorating. For the first few years after Dad died, I used them to decorate our yard, but for the past fifteen years or so, they have sat in our garage. I had kept other decorations he had made, including a star and a wooden “Merry Christmas” sign. I was able to let go of those decorations, but those candy canes were special! I always loved them as a child, their beautiful red lights shining brightly at night. In the daytime, they were stunning with their shiny red and white stripes. Those candy canes meant Christmas to me. The candy canes are one of the few things I brought with me when I moved to the city four years ago, and again they sat in our garage. The paint had faded and even chipped off in some spots, and the candy canes looked very worn out, but still I could not part with them. Every year, I told my husband that I would paint them and use them this year. Well, the other day I finally went to the paint store and bought red and white paint. Last night, I dug out the candy canes from behind some lumber, sanded them down and began to paint the red stripes. As I painted, memories came rushing back, memories I didn’t even know I still had. I remembered my Dad coming back from Saskatoon where he had seen “Candy Cane Lane”. I remember his excitement as he talked about how he wanted to decorate our yard and how he wanted to make his own candy canes, just like the ones he had seen in Saskatoon. Our kitchen was a hub of activities, as he enlisted his friends to help him. I especially remember Mrs. Richard sitting at the kitchen table, cutting out a pattern to use for the candy canes. She had been brought in by my dad because of her artistic abilities. Saws, drills and paint were brought into our kitchen, much to my mother’s dismay. Dad even drilled a hole in the side of our kitchen table when he was drilling holes into his decorations. We used that table for years, with the hole in it. As I re-painted those candy canes last night, I could once again feel the excitement as we children watched. Re-painting the strips my Dad and Mrs. Richard had so lovingly painted decades ago and reliving those memories, I felt a strong connection with him. I realize now that is why those candy canes are so special to me, not only because I thought they were so beautiful, but because they were special to him. I think this is the same connection Natalie Cole or Lisa Presley felt when they recorded a song with the fathers decades after their fathers had died. Sharing something with your father that was special to him, years after his death is an incredible experience. This year, when I display my freshly-painted candy canes, they will be even more special to me than ever before. Loving a gift from your father years after his death. . . . it’s a good thing!

Home Routes

For the past three years, I have been enjoying concerts through the "Home Routes" program. World-class musicians, known and unknown, entertain in private homes. The shows are intimate, personal and the audience really connects with the artists. The singers and musicians travel a specific route set up by the Home Routes organizers, abd go into mostly smaller centres. There are usually around 15 shows a year. Each center has a host home. The host provides a place to sleep and food to the musician. The host invites as many friends as their home will hold, usually about 25 - 40, who attend the performance. There is a small fee at the door, all of which goes to the performer. I have enjoyed almost every performance I have seen. The artists come from every part of Canada. Last night, I saw Suzie Vinneck. Suzie Vinneck is an up-and-coming artist currently living in Toronto, but originally from Saskatoon. (The next time you see the Special K commercial wherein the actress is fighting temptation, begins to look through her cupboards for something to eat, finds little messages on containers in her cupboards, then finally finds the Special K - pay special attention to the song being sung in the background. It is being sung by Suzie Vinneck!). She is also the voice of "Always fresh - always Tim Horton's"! She gave a wonderful performance last night. I think we will be hearing a lot more about this talented singer in the future. Whoever came up with the idea of bringing musician and singers into private homes and having them perform to smaller audiences is a genius! Enjoying the intimacy of the performance and the huge talent of the performers at Home Routes concerts. . . it's a good thing!

Removing An Eyelash

Yesterday, I fought with an eyelash in my eye all day! I don't think there is anything more frustrating that your eye being irritated and you can't seem to do anything about it! Every time I went to the mirror to have a look at it, I couldn't see the lash. Yet I could still feel it. Or, other times, I thought I had it removed, blinked a time or two, everything felt fine and I sighed a sigh of relief. As I started back to my desk, I would blink again and - aarrggghhh - it was still there!

Through out the day, I tried removing it with my finger, flushing my eye with water, and blinking very fast - nothing worked. This morning when I was washing my face, I looked into the mirror and there it was - the eye lash was lying on the bottom part of my eye. I placed my finger on it and Hallelujah the lash stuck to my finger and it was gone. My eye felt so much better. Sometimes, it really is the little things that make life worth living! Finally removing the eyelash from your eye . . . it's a good thing!

Eating for A Better Education!

One of the local post-secondary schools in our community offers a class to students who are going into the food service industry. The school has renovated and created a dining room which can seat sixty people. The dining room is open to the public from 6 – 9 for three nights at week for about two months a year. As part of their training, the students wait on tables and serve customers. The dining room is made up to look like a top-notch restaurant. The students/servers wear white shirts and black pants. The meals are cooked by an award-winning chef who has his own restaurant in our city. The food is wonderful! You truly feel like you are in an expensive restaurant – until you get your bill! Because the servers are in training and the school is actually using the public to help train the students, the meals are all $19.95! Cocktails are only $2.50! Word is slowly spreading throughout our city and every night more and more customers are showing up. Last night, they were filled – all sixty seats were taken. The students, though they are nervous, are eager to please and do a good job. The food is delicious and the cocktails are wonderful. Way to go, SIAST! What a great idea. Eating good food, enjoying great cocktails and helping students learn . . . it’s a good thing!

Visiting Ireland

I've previously blogged about my niece and her husband moving to Ireland for a year. We, her family miss her but are happy that she is experiencing another part of the world. She has begun to post pictures on facebook of sights she is visiting. I have never been to Ireland, but always imagined that it truly is the "Emerald Isle" and that the green is greener than anywhere else. That is what is so striking about the pictures Amber is posting - how very green Ireland really is! I'm happy that we live in an age in which we can post pictures which are immediately seen halfway around the world. Each time Amber goes on a day trip and posts pictures, I feel I have gone on the tour with her. For the time being, that is how I visit Ireland. It is truly a beautiful country with a proud history. Visiting another country through the eyes - and pictures - of someone else . . . it's a good thing!

Ride 'em Cowboy

Someone asked me recently if I had a favorite toy in my childhood. I listed off a couple things, and it was only a couple days later that I remembered how much I loved my "jumping horse". My brother and I each got one for Christmas one year. How I loved riding that horse! I was a rather "busy" child and riding on this horse was a great way to use up energy. And that I did! I would jump on it so hard that it would move and I would "ride" my horse all over the house. I remember spending hours on it. I would give my baby sister rides. I had only had one disappointment involving that horse: I had overheard my mother tell one of my older brothers that there was "some of grandpa's money in the horse". Of course, I thought she meant that literally. I didn't know that she meant he had put some money toward buying it. When I finally rode the horse so hard that I made a hole in it, I was so disappointed when I couldn't find any money in it! When my own children were born, I bought them a horse too, thinking they would love it as much as I had. But they were already of the video game generation and they just didn't get the same enjoyment out of it. Remembering a much-loved toy . . . it's a good thing!

Pigeon Problems

I was so happy when I finally got my bird feeders up after we had moved into this house. I loved to watch the birds feeding and flying around in my back yard. One day, last summer, I heard a "cooing noise" coming through my kitchen window. I looked out my window and couldn't believe what I was seeing: pigeons! Pigeons were on the lawn under the bird feeders, eating spilled bird seed. I don't like pigeons! I didn't set up bird feeders or spend money on bird seed to feed pigeons! I wondered if this meant that I would have to quit feeding birds in my back yard. "Of course not," my step-dad declared "Get an owl statue, set it up by the bird feeders and your pigeons will be gone". Several other self-declared experts told me this would work. So, I got not one, but two owls. I set one up at the top of the post to which my bird feeders are attached, and the other on the ground. I filled the feeders with seed and began to observe from my kitchen window. Two days later, I said to my husband "This really works. It's been two days and I haven't seen one pigeon". Well, obviously, the pigeons were doing some observing of their own, and what they observed is that the owls had not moved in two days. Soon, I was hearing cooing in my back yard again. They were back. I decided pigeons need to eat too, and maybe this was God's way of telling me to feed his pigeons. Welcoming all birds to my bird feeders, even the pigeons . . . it's a good thing!

AM's Magic

I walked into the house after work on Monday evening and I could hear happy chattering and laughter in the living room. AM had arrived! As I took off my boots and hung up my coat, I listened to her and my husband talking and realized how much I have missed her and her always-fun conversation since she moved away to get married and have children. Sure, we talk on facebook and on the phone, but it's just not the same. She was here until Thursday, taking a class and was staying at our house. It was going to be a great week! We talked as we had supper together (insisting on waiting until I made gravy for the roast - so like AM!) and I once again realized how special she is. She is the type of person who fills a room with her outgoing personality . She is comical, intelligent, and interested in so many things. Her conversation is animated with gestures and expressions, and no one can tell a story like she does. She is truly unique. She is now a mother with two children, and this was one of the few times she has been away from them, so this was a bit of an adventure for her. She is pictured here with her "Michelle" purse - she named her purse after Michelle Obama because she is convinced this the kind of purse Michelle would have. AM left yesterday afternoon. At supper time, my husband and I discussed how empty the house felt without her. How can a house feel empty after someone has only been a part of your life for three days? That is the magic of AM. Having a unique friend you enjoy spending time with . . . it's a good thing!

The Trial of Louis Riel

Last night I saw the play “The Trial of Louis Riel”. It was a wonderful performance and the actors were marvelous – including the locals who had small parts. My dad raised us on stories of Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont. We grew up learning about Batoche. Every summer, one of our family day trips would be to go to Batoche, visit the still-visible trenches, the Museum, the old church with the bullet holes in it and hear again the stories that Dad would tell us about the uprising. His version was slightly (or not so slightly) tinted with dislike of the soldiers who came from Eastern Canada to fight Riel and his men. Dad was not Métis, he was French, however there was, and still is, a strong bond between the French and the Métis regarding Louis Riel. He was held in high regard by both the French and the Metis. To the French, he was a symbol of the battle against perceived English oppression. He was a man who had done much for western Canadians but was badly mistreated by eastern Canada. He eventually died at the hands of a government which was unpopular with French and Métis westerners. Their language, their religion and customs were ridiculed, even at Louis Riel’s trial. These were all things that my father still felt very strongly about and they formed a huge part of his own identity. The stories of the Métis, of Riel, of Dumont are emotional for me because of my Dad. The emotions come not only because of the injustices but because of the connection with Dad through these stories. Last night, watching the play, I thought of him and felt that connection. I hope Dad knows we all still remember his stories and we still all feel his passion for that part of history. I hope he knows that, as often as I can, I still go to Batoche to walk where Louis Riel walked, and where we walked with our Dad, retracing the steps of Riel. Just as Dad seemed to hear the voices of Riel and Dumont when he was at Batoche, when I am there I can hear Dad telling us their stories. Carrying a piece of your parents with you by remembering their stories. . . it’s a good thing.

The Security of Flannel Sheets

Now that the long, hot and sticky days of summer are over and colder weather has arrived, it is time to dig out the flannel sheets. At the end of a cold day, there is nothing better than crawling in between warm and soft flannel sheets and settling in for the night. I especially love brand new flannel sheets that have been washed only one time. They are so soft and thick, and so inviting. Even after a most stressful day, tension simply seems to melt away as you settle into your soft flannel sheets. Perhaps these sheets are so comforting because, as well as being warm and comfortable, they remind us of the flannel pajamas we are wore as children. There was nothing like jumping into those flannel pj's (some of which even had "feet") after a warm bath. It might be those childhood memory of safety, warmth and love wrapped in flannel pj's which cause our adult-selves to feel so secure in flannel sheets. Keeping warm and safe in flannel covered beds on cold winter nights. . . .it's a good thing!

A Friend

How do you handle people who are not very nice but find their way into your life, whether at work, through friends or through family? I think people end up in some type of confrontation, or one person is constantly hurt and seething inside. Writer T. Suzanne Eller tells an interesting story of how she handled someone who was not very nice and caused her a great deal of grief - her boss. He was very abrupt and often yelled at her, and many times reduced her to tears. One day, she decided she had had enough. She marched into his office, determined to give him "a piece of her mind". He looked up at her and gruffly said "What?". She told him that he was treating her badly and that he was not acting in a professional manner. He snickered. At that moment, she said a little prayer, asking for guidance and for help to say what she needed to say. She found herself saying this "I want to make you a promise. I will be your friend. I will treat you as you deserve to be treated, with respect and kindness. You deserve that. Everybody does". She left his office. For the rest of the week, he avoided her. After that, he would leave her assignments on her desk when she was out for lunch or away from her desk. Every time she saw him, she smiled. She left him cookies on his desk, or just a note saying "Have a nice day". She did this because "that's what friends do". He continued to avoid her. About a year later, she discovered that, at the age of 32 and with three young children, she had breast cancer. She was told that her prognosis was not good. During her hospital stay, many friends and family came to visit her. Some of them were uncomfortable and did not know what to say. Many times Suzanne was the one doing the comforting. On the last day of her hospital stay, her boss showed up carrying a package. He had not really spoken to her since that day in his office. He told her that in the package were tulip bulbs. She looked at him, not understanding what he meant. He said to her that if she planted the bulbs this fall, they would come up in the spring. She still didn't understand what he was trying to tell her. Finally , shuffling his feet and nervously clearing his throat, he told her "I just wanted you to know that I think you'll be there to see them when they come up". With tears in her eyes, she thanked him. He told her that although she couldn't see them now, next spring she would see what colours he had picked out for her, and he turned and left. Suzanne has been cancer-free for ten years now and every spring she sees those red-and-white striped tulips push their way through the soil, reminding her that her friend believed she would live to see them. How do you handle people who are not very nice but find their way into your life? Admiring people who insist on being a friend, even with people who are not very nice. . . it's a good thing.

It's Not Easy Being Green

It's not always easy being a Saskatchewan Rough Rider fan! Sometimes, the stress and the tension is almost more than one can bear. The semi-play-off game yesterday with double - yes double - overtime was excruciating. It was bad enough that the Riders trailed 16 to 7 at the beginning of the game. We had to suffer through half-time knowing that our Riders were trailing. Would they pull it off? Why were they playing so poorly? Then it got worse after half-time: BC stretched their lead to 19-7! Bring out the Rolaids! Bring out the beer! We can't take this anymore! Then, thankfully, things began to turn around - the Riders started playing! Soon we had a 27-20 lead. With only a minute left to play, we began to think we could now celebrate, but no, it wasn't over yet! Curse that Travis Lulay and Emmanuel Arceneaux and their 29 yard pass with no time left on the clock! Had Rider fans not been through enough this afternoon? Could we take anymore? In true Rider spirit, the fans cheered their team on - and on - in double over-time. Happily, the stress, the anxiety and the worry was all worth it in the end. The Riders pulled off a 41-38 win. Now we get to do it all over again in Calgary this week-end. Go Riders! Knowing that Saskatchewan fans bleed green no matter what happens . . . it's a good thing!

Canadian Banks

As I was driving to work today, I drove by a couple new bank buildings, and that got me to thinking about our banking system. We are so fortunate to have such solid and safe banks in Canada. While other countries are experiencing major fallouts from their failing bank systems, our banks are secure. Sure, they charge us too much to use our bank cards and to access our own money, and yes, they have outrageous fees for everything they do for us. We often shake our heads in disbelief at the enormous salaries their executives earn. But at the end of the day, we can rest assured that our life savings, our pensions and our entire banking system is secure. I don't claim to totally understand how banks and money markets work, but it is very obvious that Canadian banking regulations are working, because we have managed to avoid the pitfalls that other countries have not. We are a shining example of success in a sea of failing and broken institutes throughout the world. Our banks are not in need of government bailouts, no one has lost money and the confidence in our banks remains strong. Knowing that you live in a country with one of the safest banking systems in the world . . . it's a good thing.

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day is growing in significance every year. Young people, who in the past generally ignored the tradition of wearing poppies, now do so with pride, respect and thankfulness. All generations are attending Remembrance Day Services in record numbers. We all feel the need to thank veterans, including our new veterans who are returning from Afghanistan, in a way we never have felt before. Perhaps it is because of Afghanistan, the phenomenon of the Highway of Heroes and the death of our first female soldier that we are becoming more passionate about honouring our veterans. For the first time ever, there were no WW I veteran this year - they are now all gone. It now becomes even more important to honour their sacrifices, and to never forget what they did for us. We must continue to teach our children that the many rights they now enjoy were fought for by very brave men and women. As we look at the suffering of people in countries which do not have the freedoms and rights we have, we realize how very fortunate we are. Just as our parents and grand-parents were touched by wars, buried their soldiers and welcomed home those who survived, our generation is experiencing war and we are sending our own sons and daughters to fight. Those who return will also need to be honoured for many years to come. Remembrance Day is the day to remember all the wars we have faced as a nation, to thank our soldiers and to reflect on how fortunate we are. Remembering and being grateful to the men and women in our armed forces - present and past . . . it's a good thing!

My Walking Doll

I was about five years old when I saw my first "walking doll". A walking doll was a doll which stood about the height of a three-year-old and if you moved her arms, she would "walk". The ads on TV promised that a walking doll would bring me total happiness and that I would spend countless hours enjoying my new friend. I just had to have one! I begged my parents for one for Christmas, promising that I would be forever happy and would always behave from now on, if only I had a walking doll! For good measure, I also begged my Grandma for one, telling her that I would just die if I didn't get a walking doll for Christmas. On Christmas morning, I awoke early and as I, my brother and sister excitedly ran to the tree, there she was! My beautiful walking doll. She had long blond hair, blue eyes and wore a green dress with little blue and white squares. I was ecstatic! It was true what they had said in the commercials: she did bring joy and fulfillment into my life. I would love her forever, which I did - until we got to Grandma's house for Christmas supper. There was another beautiful walking doll - this one with short curly brown hair and big brown eyes. I promptly decided I loved her more than my first doll. However, after some discussion, Grandma and Mom decided that I should keep the first doll and the second doll would be returned. I pouted for a little while, but soon I was in love again with my perfect walking doll. Out of all my toys, she is one of the few I still have! She stands guard in my bedroom to this day, in her original dress and shoes, as shown in the picture. The denim jacket is an addition - it was worn by both my boys when they were little. Toys that become lifelong friends . . . it's a good thing!

It's Only Words

Have you ever noticed how some words sound like they should mean something other than what they actually mean? For example: Yemen. It is the name of a country, but doesn't "yemen" sound like it should be an expression of excellence, as in "That song is totally yemen!"? Another example is the name of former U.S. Secretary of State Condalisa Rice. Now tell me, doesn't that name sound like a swear? Imagine it: you accidentally hit your thumb with a hammer and you yell out "CON-DA LE-E-E-SA RICE!!!" And what about Israel's Benjamin Nentanyahu? Doesn't "Nentanyahu" sound like a medical term for plugged sinuses? I can hear my doctor telling me to "take this prescription until it is finished and your sinuses should feel better. And don't worry - Nentanyahu is not contagious". Another misguided word is ramekin. A ramekin is a small dish, but really sounds like it should be something an Egyptian soldier would wear into battle. A wife runs after her husband who is leaving to fight the enemy and she yells to him "Akhem, don't forgot to wear your ramekin - it could save your life". And why is Corsica the name of a country when it clearly should be the name of a dance? C'mon, everybody, grab a partner and let's Corsica! Words which are too much fun to be taken seriously . . . it's a good thing!

The Front Porch

One of the many things I love about grand old houses is the front porch. I love driving in older sections of the city just to see the beautiful homes there. Most of them have a huge front porch or veranda. I can almost see the lumber baron (most of the beautiful old homes in my city were built by lumber barons) and his family sitting on a Sunday afternoon enjoying tea and lemonade and visiting with people walking by on the street. Front porches conger up images an era long gone. Some more modern homes also have front verandas and their occupants use them a lot. I know a couple who own a thirty-year old house with a small front porch. They have a bistro table and a couple chairs on it and often sit there and enjoy their coffee. The first time I sat on the front porch with my friend, I felt transported back in time where life was a little slower and neighbors looked out for each other. As my friend and I sat and visited, neighbors passed by and stopped to talk . He knew the names of all the kids in his neighborhood and of all his neighbors. He said he met most of them while sitting on his front porch! Compare that to my house with its back deck where the only people you ever see might be your "across the back"neighbor. I think every house should have a front porch so that we truly become neighborhoods again and know and take care of each other. Front porches and vibrant neighborhoods . . . it's a good thing!

The Need to Help

It seems lately that every time you open up a newspaper, especially the weeklies, there is a story of yet one more community fundraiser, at which people rally together to raise money to send one of their own MS sufferers to receive the Liberation Treatment. People living with MS are overwhelmed as their communities put on fund-raising events and local halls fill with attendees. Incredible amounts of money are being raised and handed over in the hope that this new treatment will give people back their lives. I am amazed at the generosity shown by people across our province. Perhaps it is because so many of us have friends and family who suffer from MS. Perhaps it is simply because we believe that everyone deserves to have the best life possible. There is no doubt that our province is inhabited by people with a social conscious that never allows them to ignore a person in need. I think this social conscious and our belief in the greater good is what makes our province so unique. We are descendants of people who had to work together and take care of each other through long cold winters and hot unpredictable summers. The "need to help" must be in our genes! Helping each other because it's the right thing to do . . . it's a good thing!

Lana

In my job, I often advocate for people who are having problems with government agencies. There are far too many times when the rules are so rigid that I can't help the people who need it the most. The other day, I was feeling very discouraged when once again I had to deliver bad news. This time it was to a young single mom for whom I could find was no solution to her problem, knowing that she and her young child would soon find themselves on the street with no where to live. I was feeling very sad, thinking about the many people I have not been able to help, when I suddenly remembered Lana. I had been working at this job for a few short years when Lana walked into my office in tears. She was about to lose her student loan because she had missed too many days of school. She was going to university to become a social worker. Lana was a single mother who had found herself in an abusive relationship. Things got so bad that she feared for her life. She took her baby and moved out. It took time to get her life back into order. In the upheaval, she was forced to miss many days of school, however managed to keep up with her assignments. Then, just as she was feeling that she was back in control of her life, she received a letter informing her that her student loan was being revoked. She phoned Student Loans Office and explained why she had missed so much school and that she had managed to keep up with her assignments, but they told her there was nothing they could do. When Lana walked into our office, she was desperate and she was terrified. She knew that getting her education was the only way to ensure a solid future for her and her child, and now that was being taken away from her. I knew it wasn't going to be easy but I really admired this young girl, so I worked hard on her case. After a week of going through several layers of bureaucracy and repeating Lana's story and pleading on her behalf, and just when I thought it was hopeless, I got a call that Lana's case had been reconsidered and they would restore her funding. Lana was so happy when I told her that I knew it had been worth all the effort. Lana thanked me and told me how grateful she was. I said my usual "just doing my job, you don't have to thank me", but I was so happy for her. Lana left my office that day and I went on to other cases and projects at work. Days turned into months and months into years. Some three years after Lana's funding had been restored, I got a phone call. The caller said, "I don't know if you remember me. I'm Lana. Three years ago you helped me with my Student Loan problem. I'm just calling to thank you and to tell you that today is my convocation. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. Thank you". Sometimes, even if you don't win them all, the ones that you do win make it all worthwhile. Knowing that the Lana's of the world are going to be ok . . . it's a good thing!

A Beautiful Day In Saskatchewan

Where else but in Saskatchewan can November bring temperatures of -20 or +14? The beauty of living in a part of the world where -20 is common for several months each year, is how much we appreciate an unexpected 14 degree day in one of our normally cold months. I am one of the first people to complain about cold weather, and go on about how much I hate snow, and question why I stay here in the first place. But without that cold, miserable weather, how would we appreciate the nice days? Just think, if you lived in California or Florida, you would not truly appreciate the great weather because that would be the norm. Here in Saskatchewan, we are so grateful for beautiful days because we know it can be so much worse. While I would enjoy a nice mild winter, I know I will appreciate those days so much more if they follow a week or two of -30 weather! Loving where you live, even during the cold days, because you know they help you appreciate the nice days . . . it's a good thing!

Brought To Tears . . By Canadian Tire?

I have been known to shed a tear during a sad movie. I've cried my way through more than one chick-flick. One thing I have never done is to be driven to tears by a commerical - until today. Canadian Tire has a new commercial wherein an elderly mother is looking out the window and sadly comments to her adult daughter that her children (the mother's) used to love to decorate the big tree outside in the front yard every Christmas. Then she comments on how she wishes she would see her sons more often. The daughter replies that the boys are busy and then says to her mother that they should go into town. The mother, looking very lonely as they drive away, stares out of the vehicle at the tree. While they are away, her sons and their families drive up and haul out lights and decorations (in Canadian Tire bags, of course) and decorate the tree. Just as the mother and daughter drive into the drive-way, the lights are turned on and the sons and grand-children pour out of the house. That short one-minute ad had me in tears this morning. (I'm in tears just writing about it!) I don't know what it is exactly that gets me about this commercial. Maybe it's because I love Christmas with all the decorations, family gatherings and presents. Maybe it is because I am the mother of boys. Maybe it is because my own elderly mother just said good-bye to her son who is moving far away. If the intention of the advertiser was to create a "chick-flick" type of emotion, they have succeeded! Well done, Canadian Tire! Appreciating a great commercial and maybe even shedding a tear or two over it . . . it's a good thing!