Countdown to the holidays

In the countdown to the holidays there are a number of different markers. To begin with there is the profusion of lights. The winters here are very dark, with the shortest day of the year being in the forefront of the season. Once that marker is past and winter is officially declared the days get lighter as we head into spring, and the time of renewal. What marks your countdown to the holidays? There are festivals, parades, Christmas markets, religious observances and more. We have the end of the school term, which in my case results in more time with … Continue reading Countdown to the holidays

Before the October winds blow

Alberta colours before the October winds blow. As we make our way through rural Alberta at the end of September we can discover a world of colours that reflect the life and beauty of the terrain and the biodiversity. When the October winds begin to blow the foliage that is changing colour will go, leaving, in some places, bleak looking skeletal trees outlined against greys, browns and the white of snow and ice. The coniferous trees will desperately try to hold on to their greenery to provide a multihued green counterpoint, holding out hope for the spring and rebirth. Before … Continue reading Before the October winds blow

Weaponizing Language; Using the "D" word

We learn very early in life how to weaponize language. School yard taunts, the verbal abuse we hurl at our siblings and our peers, the calculated assaults by our bullies begin to show us how language can be a weapon. Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me. “ –English language childhood rhyme How very wrong we are. Missteps and misuse of language can have serious consequences and unforeseen repercussions. Current culture shows us how language can be politicized and weaponized. Here are a couple of links to sites that discuss it; Weaponizing language historically … Continue reading Weaponizing Language; Using the "D" word

Speed bumps, Detours and Traffic jams

Transforming your side hustle into a viable business is tough.  I know;  I’m trying to do it.  I’m hitting Speed bumps, detours and traffic jams. Moving Through the World is complicated enough without adding the challenge of a new business. That new business you’re trying to reach critical mass with is going to face speed bumps, detours and traffic jams. This isn’t going to be easy.  Just because during Covid that side hustle looked like a viable option doesn’t mean that it really is.  In fact, it’s going to take a huge amount of time and effort to make it … Continue reading Speed bumps, Detours and Traffic jams

Natural world versus technology

What do we deem important?  We’re coming to a showdown between the natural world and technology and the referee seems to be our need and dependancy to be part of a connected society. Ironically this photo was taken with a drone. Technology dominates everything. Take a look at the website for Woodpecker Drone Services. Continue reading Natural world versus technology

Roses really are red

Our garden is coming along nicely, but the best are the roses which are doing extremely well in spite of the heat.  To be fair, we do tend them carefully, ensuring that they have the right amount of moisture and sun light.  The roses are in containers so that they can be moved around in our tiny garden to take full advantage of sun and shade. Roses really ARE red.  The intensity of colour and the scents are very satisfying this year. Continue reading Roses really are red

Something from nothing; can your Covid side hustle grow into a real business?

This week I decided that my Covid side hustle had the potential to be a real business. Creating something from nothing, is so much fun! Its not really something from nothing. For me it was taking an interest and deciding to make it a business. During the pandemic I explored my various and varied interests more fully. One of those interests has become a Covid side hustle and is now set to go mainstream. Somewhere in one of my posts in the past couple of years I mention that I reflected on the wisdom of a good friend and admitted … Continue reading Something from nothing; can your Covid side hustle grow into a real business?

The loneliest places during Covid-19

The loneliest places during the pandemic are traveling carnivals waiting for permission to open, theatres, concert halls, and amusement parks. The theatres, concert halls are usually prepping for ‘festival season’ at this point in the calendar, actors, and musicians readying for the house to open. Will the stage manager be calling for ‘places, please‘ anytime soon? In many places around the world the theatres are still dark, and will remain so for some time. The prohibition against large gatherings have resulted in the cancellation of many festivals across the country, not just theatre festivals, but music festivals as well. Amusement … Continue reading The loneliest places during Covid-19