NORMAL IS CHANGING

Our lives have been turned upside down and we don’t know what’s normal anymore. In fact, we are all having to adapt to a new normal. In December 2019, Covid -19 and coronavirus were words bandied about in reference to what was going on in China. For many of us, it was a news story … Continue reading NORMAL IS CHANGING

There Is A Kind Of Hush

I woke up Sunday morning and the world was different. I felt it in my bones and sensed it all around me, the subtle but distinct change that had taken place in the hours I'd slept. I’ve always been an early riser and like most people, I follow an ordinary, but a fairly regimented morning … Continue reading There Is A Kind Of Hush

Life Is What Happens To You And Me

Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans. (Lyrics from Beautiful Boy, by John Lennon) We all have them - those times of indescribable chaos in our lives, when nothing seems to go according to schedule or plan.  It doesn't matter that things have been written on the calendar in 'super-indelible-never-comes-off-till-you're-dead-and-maybe-even-longer markers … Continue reading Life Is What Happens To You And Me

Ticking All The Boxes

Have you ever filled in a survey or a form that says 'check all boxes that apply'? I know I have, especially in filling out medical forms - yes, I'm a non-smoker (does that one cigar in Cuba count?), no bed-wetting (fully toilet trained since I was a year old), excessive worry ( OMG... one highlight, two … Continue reading Ticking All The Boxes

A Worry-ous Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time

  Four thousands of years, dogs have played an integral role in the day to day lives of man. They were working dogs who pulled, carried, herded, hunted and protected, constantly assisting their human companions. Countless songs have been sung and books have been written about 'Man's Best Friend'-even Elvis with 'Old Shep' and  John Steinbeck … Continue reading A Worry-ous Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time

You Must Do the Things You Think You Cannot Do – Eleanor Roosevelt — The Seeds 4 Life

Our thoughts shape our behaviors, and our behaviors shape our destiny. Negative thinking affects our reality, our life, and our level of success, limiting our potential. When we are afraid of something, the first thing we impulsively do is start thinking thoughts such as “I can’t deal with that,” “I’m not ready to deal with … Continue reading You Must Do the Things You Think You Cannot Do – Eleanor Roosevelt — The Seeds 4 Life

Winter and Wellies in North Luffenham

Like many Canadians who escape the cold months (fondly known as Snowbirds), I longed to be travelling south to a warmer climate for 6 months or the arrival of spring on the Avalon Peninsula - whichever came first.

Missing Places I Have Never Been

I longed for the authentic sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the world of my dreams. I'd close my eyes and breathe deeply, wondering what was wrong with me.

Saturday Mourning in Paris

Early this morning,   I made my way down the stairs and looked out the back windows.  I could see nothing beyond the terrace railings.  Heavy fog blanketed the whole valley, reaching its fingers over the roof and around the stone walls of the cottage. The whiteness rested quietly and completely.  I opened up the doors and stepped out.  No … Continue reading Saturday Mourning in Paris

Fiats and Vespas and Goats Oh My!

Way back, I saw a movie (on TV) called The Italian Job (1969), starring Michael Caine.  Touted as a British caper, the storyline went something like this - a guy (Caine) just released from prison, finds himself embroiled in yet another illegal escapade: this time outwitting the Mafia to steal a large amount of gold in the Italian city of Turin. Funny, fast paced and … Continue reading Fiats and Vespas and Goats Oh My!

Italy-Tell Me What It Is Like (In A Nutshell)

"So, whats it like in Italy?"   Countless people have asked this question in the two months I've been here.  It's a perfectly normal question, but I can hardly begin to answer it.  Italy is such a vast country with many different regions and local cultures - seas, mountains, lakes, inland, cities, villages, north, south, … Continue reading Italy-Tell Me What It Is Like (In A Nutshell)

Basta!

For years, my daughters boyfriend (and partner in crime) has been throwing around two Italian phrases at the drop of a hat - "Basta!" and "Ci Vediamo",  spoken with as much Italian accent as he could muster and always with the appropriate throwing out or up of the hands, overly embracing the Italian way of … Continue reading Basta!

Coffee Matters: In Search of My Morning Java

Coffee - that great eye opener of the world. For me, it's what gets me out of bed and walking upright. Like many of you, I look forward to that first big mouthful from the steaming cup cradled in my hands. At home in St. John's, NL, I frequented cafes like Jumping Bean, Coffee Matters and I … Continue reading Coffee Matters: In Search of My Morning Java

Hello world!

Where does one begin...How about "Hello wonderful world". I am from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada - as far east as you can go before stepping into the Atlantic. A proud mother of two girls (18 & 23), I write and cook, forever discovering new things about both and in the process I discover new things … Continue reading Hello world!