“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 […]
TV THURSDAYS: THE ADULTERER
Having sampled PBS Masterpiece for free through our Prime membership, we’re now paying $6.99/month for continued access to this rich library. Through it we happened upon shows from Walter Presents. According to Wikipedia, Italian TV producer Walter Iuzzolino set three criteria in selecting foreign language dramas and comedies to stream: the show must be popular […]
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 […]
DON’T HOLD YOUR BREATH!
Our son claims it took him almost three decades to learn how to breathe. While that may seem an odd remark for him to make, if we analyze our breathing, chances are we seldom do it in advantageous ways. Often we almost hold our breath rather than inhale and exhale deeply, perhaps even audibly. Having […]
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 […]
TV THURSDAYS: TORN
A friend or a critic recommended “Torn” so it was on my ‘to watch’ list, but Glen and I couldn’t find it in our streaming services. Through Prime we signed up for a 30 day free trial of PBS Masterpiece; “Torn” is in this library of shows and movies. TORN (Soupçons) ♦♦♦♦½ The six-episode French drama […]
FACTS FRIDAYS: THE GREAT DEPRESSION
The Great Depression (1929-39) does not lend itself to ‘fun’ facts, but recalling it can help us cope during the pandemic. In The Four Winds (2021), Kristin Hannah writes a stirring story of an American family struggling to survive in the southern Great Plains during the Dirty Thirties — the decade-long Depression. Like us today, […]
WHAT A LAUGH!
Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.” Lord Byron (1788-1824) Reader’s Digest filled the shelves in our childhood home, such loyal subscribers were our parents. When a new issue arrived in the mail, we turned to its humour: the jokes, one-liners and riddles. SAMPLES A woman accompanied her husband on his annual checkup. […]
WORLD BOOK DAY 2021
“Reading — the best state yet to keep absolute loneliness at bay.” William Styron (1925-2006) Reading for pleasure also helps to decrease stress and increase empathy. Each year on April 23rd, international celebrations acknowledge the power of books — and Sunset Years recommends titles for your enjoyment. FICTION City of Thieves (2008) by David Benioff takes […]