Most lifestyle television programs have a regular health and nutrition segment with guest experts?dieticians, naturopaths, doctors, nutritionists, cookbook authors, and consumer advocates. Depending on their particular skill sets and biases, they try to bring us old information in a new way or even announce a new truth. In this world full of noise and short… Read more »
Anyone who has ever stepped up and joined a group knows the obligations often outweigh the perks. If you’ve taken on an executive role or, heaven forbid, the chair position, this is doubly true. As a volunteer on a public or private sector board, the expectations are high. If you receive an honorarium, there is… Read more »
On a trip to Alberta’s Peace Country this summer, I insisted that we stop at Mayerthorpe, AB. My purpose: to visit the Fallen Four Memorial Park, a tribute to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers who lost their lives in the 2005 murder. For better or worse, Mayerthorpe will forever be associated with the tragedy…. Read more »
As I write this, August is half over?and I can’t believe it. I know time appears to speed up as we age, but this is crazy. I overheard Roy telling a friend on the telephone that he’s ?been very busy every day with very little to show for it.? I can identify with that. Yet… Read more »
By the time we finish, I will have spent six days out of an already short life helping my mom prepare for and work her moving sale. She and George are moving into a seniors’ housing complex. It is a 1200 square foot, four-bedroom half-duplex with double garage, deck, and a small plot of grass… Read more »
The other day I attended my uncle’s funeral. Even though we hadn’t seen each other for years, I had a soft spot for him. He was spunky and vibrant, in excellent health, and had a reputation as a straight talker who wouldn’t suffer fools. The photograph on his memorial booklet’showing him grinning with a line… Read more »
In February 2013 I will make a presentation to a women’s conference. The topic is Stay-cations. I was approached by one of the organizers because of my work as a writer for a tourism guide. What I will aim for is a splendid mix of facts, humour, and helpful information?all the things I value in… Read more »
After years of being patient and understanding, I snapped. I asserted myself. I made my case. I pointed out unfairness. I stated an ultimatum. Damned if it didn’t work. The only way you can buy another damn trailer is if I get my kitchen renovation. Now the mature Hazel knows that the flat deck trailer,… Read more »
No one would dispute the merits of mindfulness any more than we’d argue against motherhood or apple pie. What’s not to like? It promises us serenity, gratitude, awareness. It forces us to slow down despite the push and pull of our daily responsibilities. It ensures that we stop the insanity long enough to notice and… Read more »
Canada Day marks the official start of vacation season in our fair land. By then, the kids are out of school and the weather is friendly from coast to coast. If you have an employer, you’ve selected your time off based on seniority or whether You’re the boss’s pet. If You’re a farmer, spraying is… Read more »