The Passing of Summer

August is going by so quickly and summer is flashing before my eyes as we speak (type?).

Earlier this month, I spent a few days with my brother at his cabin. Oddly, most residents don't spend summer weekends at the cabin;  they travel around the province and go to the cabin in winter! Well, that was fine with me as it was so peaceful and quiet. It was warm but overcast on this late Saturday morning; so after our huge brunch, Bob suggested we take the rubber boats out on the pond. Sure, I thought! I'd love to learn to row.

Well, perhaps others have what it takes, but I certainly didn't! Try as I might, rowing was not to be added to my list of accomplishments. My arms and hands didn't want to work in conjunction with one another; so I spent quite a bit of time going round in circles until my brother took pity on me, attached a line and rowed me to the other side before setting me free to make my own way back. I did eventually make it back to the other side, but little of my rowing was in a straight line. I zig zagged back and forth, stopping periodically to laugh at myself and refuel from my bag of almonds and juice pack as it took longer than was probably necessary! 

It was so lovely on the water! Just the sound of Bob's oars slipping in and out of the water and the occasional loon or woodpecker, the tranquility only broken by the sploshing and splatting my own oars like some drunken, anxious beaver! 

Back onshore, we changed into dry clothes (bums always get wet in rubber dingies). Then we took the radio out on the deck to listen to any Newfie's favorite Saturday radio program, "Big Tom's Shed". They play hits of the 70's and 80's; they also take song request calls from people around the province which can make for a lot of funny calls and a lot of laughs. Then just as we finished pouring a cold, frothy brew, the sunshine came out from behind a cloud as if to say "Sit. Relax. Enjoy."



There we were, sitting in our deck chairs overlooking the calm of the lake, sipping a much needed cold one, deliciously tired after our exertions, the sun warming our now-dry bodies and the dulcet sound of Neil Young's "Sugar Mountain" began to play. It was pure magic! One of those moments that I purposely ear marked.

"THIS is what life is all about", I thought. "Moments like these are what make life worth living; simple pleasures!"

Get out there and enjoy summer before it leaves again!




Footnote: This took place 3 weeks ago, but both my hands and wrists are suffering from terrible arthritis pain now after my feeble attempts at rowing. Sometimes, it's maybe better NOT to try something new. Oh well! C'est la vie! This too shall pass.

Rx = Sunshine

Yes, my friends, I did try snowshoeing this weekend. And no, I did not fall as anticipated.  But I decided to snowshoe at Margaret Bowater Park rather than on the trail as I was visiting my Dad and it was on the way. It was a gorgeous sunny day!

I had no trouble putting on my showshoes. I tromped around and got comfortable with them -- made sure I could walk without falling down. But as I started on the trail, quite a few people passed me coming the other way; and I found that the trail was so well trodden, that snowshoes weren't necessary. I didn't want other people to have to dodge my wider 'n' longer than normal feet! So, I went back to the car and took them off in favor of a 'walk' in the park.

Glenmill Inn in the distance.

It was so beautiful! The deeper I walked in the forest, the quieter it became; I stopped and sat on a snowy bench before I began the mostly uphill climb back. All I could hear was the Corner Brook stream bubbling past me and several birds chirping. And I must have scared a tiny squirrel because he sure scared me when he suddenly began loudly screaming at me to move on. 

Back in the car and on my way to my dad's house, I grabbed a quick lunch snack -- something that I haven't had since early December -- a large order of french fries.  

Then as I drove along the Humber River, mountains on either side of me, sun streaming from the Heavens, happily munching fries, I listened to Newfie music on Uncle Tom's Shed, a weekend local music program. As we say here on The Rock, "Sure I was only in da car and I was already havin' a toime!"

Sometimes, a little sunshine is just what the doctor ordered. It was a real boost for me, and I can approach the rest of winter with a bit more of a spring in my step. 

Gettin' "hygge" wid it!

Note: Just this once, "Hygge" is be pronounced as I read it the first time I saw it = "higgie". (Will Smith would be proud of me.)

I do believe that winter will come to us soon. It's about 4℃ today (39℉), grey and overcast with the threat of rain. But temperatures will drop this weekend to 1 degree and continue that way for all of next week. Thank goodness my studded winter tires are already on the car.  We get a lot of snow here on the west coast of Newfoundland.

Since moving back home, finding this amazing job and deciding to rent rather than own, my life has become more simple and less stressful. My job allows that when the schools are closed, the office is closed as well; so I've no pressure to get to work on storm days. Also, in true chivalrous manner, my landlord shovels and plows which leaves me with the easier task of just cleaning off my car. Driving is quite tricky here in winter; city streets are plowed but they're never really clean; there's just too much snow falling too often. But I drive slowly and calmly and don't worry about going anywhere quickly. I'm pretty laid back about the winter thing.

Living alone can be lonely, especially when winter forces most people inside. But I'm discovering all the time that living alone has so many unforeseen perks. And these are what I choose to embrace rather than think of possible days of grey, emptyness. Apparently, I've been practicing the Danish art of "Hygge". 

www.newyorker.com

Hygge (pronounced "HUE-gah") is a Danish and Norwegian word which can be described as a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture). 

When I became a single parent of 3 small children, I realized the need to take care of myself first -- to try to create a place of quiet and peace so I could be a better mother, friend and employee. Candlelight bubble baths with soothing music (and wine 'n' chocolate) were a necessity for me. Now that I'm on my own, Hygge is something that I practice daily.

I come home to my (sometimes) neat, quiet home and greet my apartment with a "Hello honey! I'm home!" I turn on my TV to the Spa Music channel, and as I take off my work clothes, I relax and attempt to "take off" the cares of the day. I prepare dinner and try to be mindful as I eat. I don't answer my phone while I'm doing this.

Depending on the day of the week, most evenings I have a relaxing bath in dim light, listening to quiet music OR I'll sit in my PJs and revive my tootsies in a Eucalyptus soak. Candles are lit, tea or mint water is poured, magazines and my crossword puzzle book is by my elbow, and I already know my lineup of favorite TV shows for the evening. I have a lovely faux fur throw nearby when the evening turns cooler, and I spend a few moments just being grateful for the NOW. I only answer or make phone calls when I feel I'm ready. 

Weekends I take a walk outside in the crisp air. And if I want a fire, I turn on the fireplace channel on my TV; I don't have to worry about ashes or embers on my floor AND I swear to you, the apartment feels warmer. Hahaha!

So, all these years, I've been gettin' "hygge" wid it without realizing there was a name for what I viewed as an indulgent necessity.

I hope you practice Hygge! It's good for the soul!

Just Breathe!

Yes. It's important to work at taking care of one's self, especially if you are an aging woman such as myself and no longer enjoy the resiliency and vigor of youth.

But it's equally important to not do it all; to stop sometimes and make a conscious effort to hear what your body and your mind are really saying.

These are the times we need to actively rest. (Is that an oxymoron?)  Times when we need to block out the rest of the world - the news media, social media, TV, even friends and family - and find a quiet place of sanctuary -- rest, read, whatever relaxes you and feeds your soul -- and just breathe. 

Stay there as long as is necessary. Treat yourself well. Allow yourself to "be" without criticism or negativity of any kind.

PS - I shall be breathing all weekend! 
        And cleaning my home because that brings a sense of calm 
        and order to my sometimes overwhelming life.
        But mostly breathing!

"Fall" into Reading

 I read all year round but Autumn really makes me feel like reading.

Tucked up on the couch on a blustery day, tea at hand, blanket over feet.  It's such a refreshing treat after the hussle and bustle and wonderful busyness of the summer.  



I've had a hard time settling into a book over the past couple of weeks.  I've begun several books just to find didn't feel right -- they weren't feeding my spirit at the place where it is now.  Then after the 4th time round the bookshelf, I grabbed a favorite author, Barbara Kingsolver, and am happily ensconced in this book. Have you read it?  Lots of good reviews.

Autumn is slowly (Thank you, Jesus) moving over Nova Scotia. We have cold mornings, warm days, and chilly evenings.  The leaves have begun changing color in earnest:  whereas a week ago, I found one or 2 trees changing, I'm aware of more and more on my daily drives home now.  I find myself wondering what weekend would be best for the annual drive to the Valley for apple picking, corn maze and the sheer delight of the colors going down the other side of the mountain.  

I also find my mind thinking of fall blankets and cushions.  The blankets are well taken care of:  I have a wonderful orange toned 100% wool throw that I found for a song at a yard sale a few years ago.  


But I've no fall colored cushions.  Not the end of the world, I realize.  But I think about checking out our local Wicker Emporium to see if they have any cushion covers on sale.  And I haven't been to Frenchies or The Daisy for a couple of weeks.  

Hmmm!  Sounds like a plan for the end of the work week!

LESS STRESS

We’ve all heard the phrase “Less is More”?  Well, I’ve decided to apply that adage to my own life in regards to stress.  Less stress = more life!  Of course, no one can alleviate all the stressors in their life.  But there ways we can help.  So, over the next 4 weeks I’m giving myself a personal challenge to try to distress my life by at least ¼ of what it is now. Here are the areas I’m going to work on.

1.     Food

I do usually eat good, nutritious food:  low in fat and sodium, lots of fiber, whole grains, protein.  But because of my terrible sweet-tooth, I also tend to consume a fair amount of refined sugar.  Bad!  Bad, Sandy! As well, I need to limit my consumption of wheat products as it bothers my tummy.  And with the recent move to eating mostly vegetarian, I’m hoping my cravings can be brought under control by making even more good choices.   

 

2.     Sleep Habits

After the fun and freedom of summer, the Autumn back-to-students routine really helps me return to what is normal for my house. Work, dinner, conversation and/or TV, a book in bed and lights out by 11 pm during the week all add up to a rested and happy Sandy. After almost 60 years, I can read my body; and my body likes regularity .... with an occasional dalliance into the unexpected.

I also need to remember a few key things to help enable sleep to come: things like no caffeine or chocolate after 2 pm, no food after 6 pm, no stimulating phone conversations …… and no worrying if I do have a night when sleep alludes me.  Menopause!

 

3.     Exercise

I was the grateful recipient of the wonderful benefits of exercise for years.  And I hate the fact that I’m still not able to participate in yoga or Zumba any longer without pain and setback. I was told a week ago that with bone spurs on both hips, any amount of walking and hiking will just make things worse. But I can't give up! So, I continue with simple stretches and twice weekly short walks. But next month after my “big” birthday, I plan on joining the rec centre for swim classes. 

We must move people!  There’s always something we can do, and I refuse to give up completely.  I shall “not go gentle into that dark night!”.

 

4.     “ME” Time

Daughters visiting; new students arriving.  Yup!  It's time to get back to ensuring that I get some down time for myself. Due to age and thyroid, I seldom schedule events on my weekday evenings: feet up, heating pad at my back, getting lost in TV or a book is a must for me in order to rejuvenate and function until the weekends.  And even on weekends, sandwiched in between dances or movies or road trips or activities with the girls, I have to be allowed a few hours to just putter. It's one of the things at the top of my "To Do" list.  

5.     Disorganization 

You know how you get used to the things around you and become blind to the obvious.  Well, that’s what’s happened here.  I opened up my eyes a few weeks ago and realized that although I'm not at the hoarder stage, the house is close to being featured on one of those purge and re-organize programs.  I hold onto things thinking I’ll sell that when I have a yard sale:  then spring comes, and I can’t have a yard sale because I can’t lift things up and down stairs and out onto tables.  And I struggle with the fact that there’s good stuff there and, therefore, money to be made or lost.

But you know what?  I can’t concentrate when the house is a big mess. I used to have a lot of “organized” stuff; not I just have a lot of stuff:  and I don’t have the energy to try to begin to tackle organizing because there’s just so much. I find myself thinking about the “stuff” and how much I hate being this disorganized.  So, I asked myself this weekend if the money to be made at a yard sale was more than the serenity to be found by just giving it to the thrift shop.  And the answer was no!  There’s more value in the serenity. 

So, over the next couple of weeks, I am going to tackle my house; not all at once -- one room at a time to avoid being overwhelmed. I’m going to do a little every weekend; the girls can load up the trunk of my car, and I’ll share the “wealth” with the Salvation Army and The Daisy - great thrift shops that bring extra benefits to this area.  And I'll gain a tidier home, more freedom and less stress.

Less stress is worth working towards, right?

So .... 
4 weeks .....

One step at a time; 
day by day; 
little by little; 
bit by bit
  

Count to ten? Then keep going.

Yep!  It's been one of those days/weeks.  I don't need to bring you down with my details; it's just stress and a lot of little things.

And Alexander is often shortened to Sandy!  Duh!  Fits wha?

So I need to count my blessings.  Okay; sitting here in my unflattering plaid nightshirt, clean and greased and smelling of grapefruit body butter, here we go off the top of my head without thinking, I am grateful:

1.  ... for epsom salts and bathroom doors and zen time ... alone, alone, alone; blessedly alone!
2. ... for thirst quenching, ice cold soda water with lime wedges and frozen strawberry.  Yum!
3.  ... that American Idol seems to be focusing on the good singers this season and not on highlighting too many bad singers and the embarrassment and disappointment that they must feel.
4. ... for Keith Urban.  He's a smart guy; and seems to be a kind and gentle soul as well. (And he's so good to look at!)
5. ... for God's grace ('cause I may otherwise have tested His limits today with my bad attitude and colorful language and childish behavior.  But he lets me vent and still loves me.)
   
6. ... for comfortable beds and electric heat.  (I slept on a lumpy mattress in an old drafty house for years; I know what I'm talkin' bout here.)
7. ... for money to pay the guy who comes to shovel for me.
8. ... for surreptitious stashes of dark chocolate.  
9. ... for my Xmas Kobo (reading "Allegiant" -- neah, s'okay) and being only halfway through my crossword puzzle book.
10. ... for blogs that make me laugh, and hungry (and curious), and encouraged; and gives me pause to think, thereby taking me out of my nasty self.  Thank you.

January Thaw

After snow up to yer gunnels and sub-zero temperatures, the latest weather here in Nova Scotia is a wonderfully welcome hiatus.  No snow on the ground and 9 deg C (48 deg F) but rainy today.  It may play havoc with people's health, but I'm thoroughly enjoying this January thaw.


I also feel like I've personally gone through a bit of a January thaw. After the mayhem that I called Xmas where too many people inhabited my house, too much rich food was imbibed and too many after-Xmas sales were indulged in, I spent my post-Xmas time in bed with a head cold thinking about my goal of simplification and how December blew it all out of the water.  And although I don't make New Year's resolutions, I do try to learn from my mistakes.  

I've probably said this before, but part of my ongoing aging process is making sure that I relax more often and talk myself out of feeling guilty because I'm not "doing".  It's difficult though because at an age in life when my memory gets worse each day, I have to somehow try to find ways to remind myself to say no -- to things, to kids, to friends & family, AND to myself!  

So, I'm trying to remember to say "Let me think about this."   

I'm trying to stop so I can access:  How am I feeling; what's on the agenda; is it good for my health; how does it affect my goals. Whether it's allowing the kids to do something or the way that I eat or what I purchase, I want to be really "mindful" of it.

Well, the weather man says that our mid-winter thaw is about to end tonight and we'll head back to the deep freeze.  

But I'm going to work really hard to keep my head from icing up again.  I want to continue to think clearly so that I can make wiser decisions.

Aren't we supposed to grow wiser as we grow older?

    

What I read in 2012

I used to be an avid reader; then I had children and then I became a single Mom and then I became a working mother; so, there wasn't much time for reading in my life.  Four years ago when I joined a local book club, I knew I'd have to somehow work reading into my busy schedule; I even warned the other members not to expect much from me and that I was not a quick reader.  

But reading took hold of me again, and it's a necessary part of my busy schedule now-a-days.  I love the escape; I love the knowledge gained; I love the culture and countries I visit.  I love to read!  

Last January, I began to keep track of what I read by simply writing it in the margins of my daily calendar.  I surprised myself!  

Here's what I read in 2012:  I liked most of what I read, but the books that I really, really liked are in color.

1. The Unbearable Lightness of Being (Milan Kundera)
2. A Dance with Dragons (George RR Martin)
3. The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)
4. The Thousand Autumns of Jacob deZoet (David Mitchell)
5. Rockbound (Frank Parker Day)
6. Delirium (Lauren Oliver)
7. Before I Go to Sleep (S J Watson)
8. The Wonder Spot (Melissa Bank)
9. Purple Hibiscus (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
10. Grave Secrets (Kathy Reichs)
11. A Catered Affair (Sue Margolis)
12. The Birth House (Ami McKay) 
13. Catching Fire (Book 2 in The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins)
14. Mockingjay (Book 3 in The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins) )
15. What's Invisible (Beth Ryan)
16. Prodigal Summer (Barbara Kingsolver)
17. The Cure for Death by Lightening (Gail Andersen-Dargate)
18. The Virgin Cure (Ami McKay)
19. Late Nights on Air (Elizabeth Hay)
20. Her Fearful Symetry (Audrey Niffenegger)
21. The Handbook for Lightening Survivors (Michele Young-Stone)
22. Rush Home Road (Lori Lansens)
23. Death du Jour (Kathy Reichs)
24. Deja Dead (Kathy Reichs)
25. Deadly Decisions (Kathy Reichs)
26. Fatal Voyage  (Kathy Reichs)
27. Bare Bones  (Kathy Reichs)
28. Monday Mourning  (Kathy Reichs)
29. Cross Bones  (Kathy Reichs)
30. Break no Bones (Kathy Reichs)
31. Devil Bones (Kathy Reichs)
32. Spider Bones (Kathy Reichs)
33. Balzac & the Little Chinese Seamstress (Dai Sijie)
34. The Night Circus (Erin Morgenstern)
35. Jackdaws (Ken Follett)
36. Remembering the Bones (Frances Itani)
37. The Salt Road (Jane Johnson)
38. Truth & Beauty (Ann Patchett)
39. Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (Alan Bradley)

(I think it's pretty evident that I spent my summer away from my book club reading forensic mysteries!)

Do you like to read?

Any recommendations on favorites?

Music hath charms......

 "Music hath charms to soothe 

a savage breast, to soften 

rocks or bend a knotted oak."

William Congreve  

There's some music ..........................

I can be trying to recover from a nasty headcold (as I am now); worried about leaky pipes and no $$; worried about kids or bills (or kids with bills!).  I can be in traffic, in pain, in limbo.   It doesn't matter where I am or how I'm feeling, there's some music that makes it all disappear.  It's like an answered prayer.  It's like floating.

Canada's classical station CBC Radio Two is "Rocking Your Bach" this morning.  I like classical music, and I really like Bach.  But I just heard JS Bach's Cello Suite #1, and it was more than just music.    

Here I was -- alone in my (this morning) dreary, damp office, rain falling outside, head cloudy, nose stuffed, shoulder aching.  But when I heard that music, I had to stop typing, sit back, close my eyes and drink -- long and deep.  Soooo, beautiful!  It transports me:

--- to a sun dappled meadow of flowers or a quiet beach or the loving arms of my Father; warmth and peace fill me; the presence of God is all around me and it is simply divine.

Ahhhhh!  
Back to reality all too soon.  But it's a little piece of heaven that I can enjoy over and over again, whenever I need it.

How about you?  Does music touch your soul?  Does it stop you in your tracks?  Transport you?  Make you cry? 

• What music?
• And where do you go?