Category Archives: retirement

Getting Inked

I finally did it. Yes, I got my second tattoo. It’s a year late, but that’s okay. You see, my first one I got in honor of my 50th birthday. The second was to celebrate turning 65. But for several reasons, it took a year. It was worth the wait. Thanks to Brey at burntmoth.inkContinue reading “Getting Inked”

Mahjong: not for the faint of heart

Who has all the jokers? Where are the bams? I don’t even have a pair! Is this a flower? OMG! These, and many I don’t dare mention, are all common phrases heard around the table. I’m talking about the game of mahjong. No, not the solitaire version you can find online. I’m talking about theContinue reading “Mahjong: not for the faint of heart”

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”

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.”

Christmas Compromises Vs. Tradition

Whether you’re reading this hot off the press on Christmas Day or a few days after, I hope you are spending some time this holiday season with family, friends, pets, anyone, or anything that gives you joy. That’s what it is all about, right? A couple of years ago I wrote about the importance ofContinue reading “Christmas Compromises Vs. Tradition”

On being thankful

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone. For the non-Canadian readers in the crowd, Thanksgiving Day in Canada falls on the second Monday of October. Did you know that Canada’s Thanksgiving was first celebrated in 1578? That’s about 40 years before the first American Thanksgiving. Who knew! There are many other countries that celebrate Thanksgiving inContinue reading “On being thankful”

Back to School. Not.

The leaves are starting to turn colour. The evening air has a crispness that only means one thing: it’s back to school! No matter how old I am, September always arrives with a bit of excitement for me. It’s kind of like New Year’s without the snow and without the pressure of resolutions. September usedContinue reading “Back to School. Not.”

Back to the Past

As the sun began to set over the lush forest, my husband and I frantically ran through the dense foliage. “Oh my god! What is that?” I yelled. “I don’t know,” was the response. “But it’s coming straight for us. Run!” All around us, the ground shook with the thunderous footsteps of the dinosaurs weContinue reading “Back to the Past”