That old expression about being at the end of one’s rope took on a whole new meaning for me several years ago. I caught an episode of a Canadian TV talk show; host Dini Petty was interviewing a man, an author I think, about his beliefs. The subject was the increasingly popular notion of “living… Read more »

Dearly beloved we are gathered here today a man, a woman, and me my words, their words, so few words – – to alter two lives forever promises made for a life together – – for better or worse At our first meeting I ask the questions about bride and groom, attendants, music, process, flower… Read more »

Do you feel the lure of the open road? Whether you drive for work or for pleasure chances are you’ve relied on the work of a cartographer or map maker. If you’re a professional truck driver you rely on every image, particularly the first time your work takes you into a new area. The degree… Read more »

As I sit in front of my laptop in my favorite chair in my favorite room, I’m struck by the ‘piles’ that regularly sprout up around me. You’ve probably got some too wherever you’re sitting. In my case the piles are stacks of books—textbooks and study guides from Athabasca University or current novels that I… Read more »

I just finished teaching the latest session of Kids’ Art Classes at Smoky Lake for the Community Learning Council. I usually start by planning a 6 week course, establishing a supply list, and writing a 2 line blurb for the course calendar. My lesson plans for generic 6 to 12 year olds invariably changes when… Read more »

In a recent “day from hell” I had Hilary’s car die for me not once, but twice in two different, busy Fort Saskatchewan highway intersections. The timing was bad, the locations worse. How instructive to see people’s reactions. The majority of people probably knew I didn’t choose this way to spend my day and simply… Read more »

Not for the first time in my life, I’ve got some time management issues. This despite some tried and true tools and some hard-won life experience. In the tool department I have a three ring daily planner in a zippered leather case, a purse-sized month-at-a-glance, a grain company calendar on the fridge and reminder notes… Read more »

Call me crazy but I love to iron. That’s probably a very good thing since the man I married only wears long-sleeved shirts—-work shirts, dress shirts, sports shirts. Many of my friends look at me in disbelief. With today’s synthetic fibres, relaxed lifestyle and harried pace who in her right mind still irons? I do…. Read more »

Have you ever felt like your “best before” date has come and gone? I certainly have, on occasion. Most days, though, I think I’m handling this whole aging business quite gracefully, especially when I consider the alternative. Last year a painter friend of mine died in a motor vehicle accident just days after her 50th… Read more »

“I can only please one person a day Today’s not your day And tomorrow doesn’t look good either” So goes the message on a t-shirt spotted during a mall sidewalk sale. My first reaction was a grin as I thought ‘hey, that’s cute’. On second thought maybe just a wee bit arrogant. Because I’ll read… Read more »