There’s a sick irony about natural disasters that unfold during National Emergency Preparedness Week, but that’s exactly what’s happened in Canada for the past two years – at least. May 7-13 marks this year’s awareness campaign, as flood waters cause heartbreak in our eastern provinces. I’m also thinking about the one-year anniversary of a disaster that was… Continue reading 3 ways to protect your sentimental belongings
The month of March in Canada means cabin fever is at its peak. Some fortunate families have escaped to warmer, greener climes or ski slopes during this week’s school holiday, but what about those of us who can’t? How can we find contentment in our own space? A better question might be: from what are… Continue reading De-clutter and kick back
I knew my maternal grandmother for 7 short, precious years until she died. I suppose it was really 4 years, not counting those baby and toddler years from which I have no recollection. I can still see Granny’s joyful smile and her long, pleated skirts. I can hear the sharp crack of coal in the… Continue reading (Almost) Granny’s Pancakes
I’m occasionally asked what surprised me most during the postpartum period. I don’t need to think twice; it was the experience of nursing my baby. Breastfeeding has been the most simultaneously beautiful and challenging responsibility of my life, and nothing could have prepared me for that realization. I was lucky. I wanted to breastfeed, and… Continue reading What amazed me about breastfeeding
The primary reason I haven’t posted in 3 weeks is that I’ve been doing some writing that will pay me money (woohoo!). Even so, there are everyday obstacles that stop me from writing for the sheer fun of it. Here are some of the latest – all tongue-in-cheek, of course. Perhaps you can relate! My… Continue reading 10 lame reasons I’m behind with blogging
School’s out, and kids across Canada and the United States are in party mode this long weekend as our countries celebrate our respective national holidays. But what’s in store for them throughout the summer? The New York Times recently published an excellent piece about working parents who can’t afford summer learning programs for their children.… Continue reading Summer poor
After a winter of dismal produce offerings at the grocery store, I’m brimming with gratitude for Farmer’s Market season – save for one challenge: I’m not in love with vegetables. What I mean is, I like vegetables, but it’s difficult for me to get excited about piling them on my plate. Asparagus is an excellent… Continue reading THIS is how I want to eat asparagus (on a pizza!)
Life sometimes calls for scones, and scones need to be shared. Today, it was me who did the baking. A friend and colleague of mine has suddenly found herself at a junction in her career. So I tossed together some cranberry/white chocolate scones, threw open the windows, and invited her over. It was 2 years… Continue reading Sanctuary and scones
There’s a parable about a guy who so enjoyed working on cars as a youth that he made it his career. As a devoted mechanic, he poured hours into maintaining other people’s vehicles on tight timelines, while leaving his own car neglected – fan belt chirping, brakes squealing… You get the idea. That’s how I… Continue reading Time to bloom (again)
Life in Situ 