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”
Category Archives: retirement
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”
Come on down!
I’ll be the first to admit it. I love gameshows! I know it is a bit embarrassing, but to me, they are the ultimate time killer, and I enjoy them. I especially like watching reruns of the oldies. It is crazy to see what Bob Barker got away with back in the day. It makesContinue reading “Come on down!”
Find Your Awe
When was the last time you saw, felt, smelled, or did something that left you speechless and made your heart soar and your brain do a happy dance? When did you last experience awe? I bet your mind is now going to your latest vacation or flipping back through the major events and milestones ofContinue reading “Find Your Awe”
Holiday Stress 1, Christmas Spirit 0
I was listening to a radio call-in show the other day. The topic was “How is your holiday spirit?” Not surprisingly, most callers (and those who emailed in) said their Christmas spirit was low compared to other years. Some were hoping that once they put the tree up, that would change. Some said they wereContinue reading “Holiday Stress 1, Christmas Spirit 0”
Helping the homeless: a mission of love
As I sip on my steaming cup of morning coffee, I appreciate the beautiful November weather. It’s mid-month, we don’t have snow, and temperatures are a few degrees above zero. But it’s chilly, and the harsh wind is a reminder that soon those temperatures will drop and the snow will come. My heart goes outContinue reading “Helping the homeless: a mission of love”
Wanderings Art 