Be kind. Be calm. Be safe.” Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia Most BC residents can recite the three-pronged mantra that Dr. Henry introduced in March 2020 during her daily updates on Covid-19 to assuage our fears and anxiety about the pandemic. Her words combined science and compassion. Acts of kindness release […]
THE TREASURE OF FRIENDSHIP
“To see a flower takes time, like to have a friend takes time.” Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) July 30th is International Day of Friendship as proclaimed in 2011 by the UN to promote the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, and cultures can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. Although the Day addresses large relationships, […]
NATIONAL WAITSTAFF DAY 2022
Decades ago I got (well, my dad got me) my first job requiring a social insurance number: a waitress (the job title in my day) at The Waffle Shop in downtown Edmonton. In addition to learning how to take and place orders, balance a tray of food and beverages, clear tables, operate a cash register […]
MOTHERS REMEMBERED
Many thanks to the readers who responded to my invitation to participate in a special Mother’s Day post. The following list of remarks is organized, alphabetically, by the first name of the contributor: Al Frank: I grew up in the era of June Cleaver (“Leave it to Beaver”) and Harriet Nelson (“Ozzie and Harriet”) who […]
GET FIT, SOCIALLY
With the easing of pandemic restrictions, many of us will break out of our somewhat sheltered lives to resume favourite activities. But after enduring more than two years of cautious conduct, we may muddle along for awhile trying to find our level of comfort while also respecting the choices of others. Decisions will differ, for […]
RECKONING WITH RESILIENCE
When I google* the word of the year for 2021, different dictionaries cite allyship (supportive association with another person or group), vax and vaccine. But Arianna Huffington, Founder & CEO at Thrive Global, chose a word that resonates with me: resilience+. Defined as “the ability of a person to adjust to or recover readily from illness, […]
GRATITUDE REWARDS
“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936) Some time ago we began reading and hearing about the value in feeling and expressing gratitude. Apparently being grateful can boost our immune system, reduce stress levels and improve sleep. It can […]
PERKS OF PHOTOGRAPHY
At this stage in life, and also to endure pandemic restrictions, we’re advised to take up new pastimes: to improve our brain as well as our general well-being. Last year I joined the jigsaw puzzle craze, but to little avail. Five hundred pieces lie scrambled on a portable puzzle board. I also renewed my interest […]
TO HUG OR NOT TO HUG
“Canadians who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can hug each other” headlined national news of the Public Health Agency’s new guidelines effective June 25th. Next I await announcement of a “B.C. Hug Day”, as pitched to our Premier by health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, who says “it’s one of the things I’m missing most in […]
FATHER’S DAY TRIBUTE
My Dad died 35 years ago this December when I was 34 years old. He’s now been absent from my life for longer than he was in it. That realization saddens me, and not just today — on Father’s Day. Often I lament he did not live to witness the wonderful events and successes that […]