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Another Birthday

They say it’s your birthdayIt’s my birthday too, yeahThey say it’s your birthdayWe’re gonna have a good timeI’m glad it’s your birthdayHappy birthday to you (Birthday Song, from The Beatles’ 1968 double album The Beatles, aka The White Album) I’ve always loved this song, and I’ll be singing it all day today. Yes, you guessedContinue reading “Another Birthday”

How does your garden grow?

Mary Mary quite contrary,how does your garden grow?With silver bells and cockleshellsand pretty maids all in a row. Every year when I attempt to plant a garden, this old nursery rhyme plays on repeat in the dark recesses of my mind. And of course, we all know that these historic nursery rhymes are ripe withContinue reading “How does your garden grow?”

The Power of Music

My daughter Adriana recently received her master’s degree (we are so damn proud of her!). Her thesis was about resistance music in Latin America during the Cold War era (1960s-1980s). As we listened to her defense presentation, I was reminded yet again how important and powerful music is in our lives. Music has been withContinue reading “The Power of Music”

What’s Your Ikigai?

What gets you out of bed every day? In my case, it is two overzealous dogs, and I know what will happen if I don’t get up and at ‘em. Doesn’t mean I always want to. In fact, if they wake me before 8 am, I go back to bed. Especially in the winter. It’sContinue reading “What’s Your Ikigai?”

Say It Like You Mean It

I came across an interesting book: Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words. It’s authored by Anglo-Irish poet David Whyte and published in December of 2014. (Do you realize that was 11 years ago?) Consolations is a book of fifty-two short essays, each featuring a specific word and arranged in alphabetical order. TopicsContinue reading “Say It Like You Mean It”

Seeking Discomfort? It’s a good thing.

The other day I went for coffee with my friend Carla. I admired her sage-green sweatshirt and commented on the words printed on the front: seek discomfort. I didn’t know this, but there is a whole philosophy based on the phrase. Seek Discomfort was formed in 2018 by the founders of the YouTube channel YesContinue reading “Seeking Discomfort? It’s a good thing.”

Papayas & Mangos

Five years ago, life as we knew it came to a halt. Little did we know that we were on the brink of permanent change. Change in our daily activities, change in our relationships, and change in the way we view our world. We had just returned from our annual winter getaway trip to Merida,Continue reading “Papayas & Mangos”

The Magical Mayans

This blog is not about colonization. It is not about how the early Europeans came to the Americas and conquered civilizations. It is not about the concept of “God, gold and glory” or the need for more wealth, gold, or trade routes. It is not about the early European’s desire to spread Christianity. What IContinue reading “The Magical Mayans”

Tacos? Sure, I can adapt

I used to be fairly quick at adapting to change. After all, I am a Gemini, and we’re known for being adaptable, curious, and social. Out of those three, I think I’m only curious these days! My ability to be adaptable was recently put to the test in Mexico of all places. My husband andContinue reading “Tacos? Sure, I can adapt”

Dealing with Aging Parents. Oh right, that’s me!

A few weeks ago, my daughter told me she had listened to an interesting interview on CBC Radio. The interview was with an author who had recently published a book. I was somewhat surprised by the title of that book: Let’s Talk About Aging Parents. What? Was she referring to me? After she told meContinue reading “Dealing with Aging Parents. Oh right, that’s me!”