The title of my article is not an idiom. I’m not going to advise jumping feet first into an activity with little or no hesitation. I will discuss the imperative to make our feet a priority when we walk or run for exercise or as a pastime. I learned the sore way that a fitting […]
SOBER CURIOUS
Sober curious is an odd coupling of words, almost an oxymoron when we think of the denotations “quiet or sedate” paired with “eager to learn or know.” The phrase has gained notoriety since Ruby Warrington coined it in the title of her 2018 book on questioning or changing our alcohol consumption habits for reasons of […]
THE CONTAGION OF KINDNESS
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 […]
LET THE TEARS FLOW
A few days ago our son told me about a disturbing conflict at English Bay. A stranger accosted him, shouting homophobic and racial slurs, spraying spittle at him. Brandon called 9-1-1. Then he behaved as his higher self; he didn’t take the man’s aggression personally, realizing he was acting from a place of pain. Brandon […]
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, […]
THE FUN FACTOR
After completing an exercise to identify three each of my top values and strengths, I asked my brother Tim to reveal the same. Like me, he cited kindness, humility and integrity as essential values. When we went on to mention our strengths, however, I realized our exchange smacked of earnestness. I don’t take issue with […]
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 […]
AN INVITATION TO SHARE YOUR MEMORIES
Dear Readers, As Mother’s Day approaches, I invite you to contribute to a celebratory post. I plan to compile a collection of words of advice or ways of influence that you remember your mother imparting in bygone years. What did she say or do that stays with you to this day? Be succinct, as I […]
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 […]
FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF SUNSET YEARS
The traditional symbol of a five-year anniversary is wood. In relating it to Sunset Years marking five years in January, I like to think wood represents robust roots and relationships with my readers, not wooden writing of my posts. The second anniversary post discussed the technical challenges in setting up my blog. I’m thankful to […]