Creating a Dream Catcher...

Throughout the ages, people everywhere have embraced the beliefs of many aboriginal nations whose imageries and rituals feel meaningful in this world where life at full-speed, can feel demanding and unrelenting.

It can feel difficult to make sense of the challenges we may encounter and how to continue on our way, whomever we are and wherever we may live. Symbolism can be seen swinging from the rear-view mirror often – in the form of medals, rosaries, furry dice, and dream catchers, to name just a few.

The true Native American tradition and authenticity of hand-crafted dream catchers evolved into popular modern day use over the past two decades as decorator items in one’s home – with the original interpretations skewed. Nonetheless, creating one’s own dream catcher with personal symbols can be a meaningful representation of one’s own dreams in real life. Still hanging at home is my personal version- which includes a baby tooth from my husband, a replica of a canoe depicting camping excursions, a shiny ore nugget from Sudbury, a family signet ring and a smoothed “medicine stone”

Several years ago when illness brought unwelcome events to my home, two unsolicited packages received by mail each contained a small dream catcher – the significance was appreciable!

Our hopes for the future, business intentions, and personal aspirations can all be visualized in the form of a dream catcher – see the good being retained and the undesired aspects filtering through the web ties and gone forever.

Instead of counting sheep or other symbols when sleep eludes, create your own dream catcher!

The Stuff Of Dreams...

It’s true that Spring is nigh and most people feel lighter both in heart and step. A few sniffs of un-wintery air makes us euphoric – imaginations can fly with inspiration!

I’ve been given an invaluable “how-to” clue about surpassing a roadblock that seemed too dense to dissect and evaluate. Some children show great tenacity in working at a puzzle to solve it, while others may fling it across the floor or otherwise set it aside because “it’s too hard!”. Likewise, not all adults have the inclination to work their way through a puzzling problem or resolve an issue which might be impeding a forward movement.

I recently attended a presentation by keynote speaker Bob Gray (www.memoryedge.com) which was both entertaining and an eye-opener!

One of his methods of improving one’s memory is to associate someone’s name with something totally irregular or totally disconnected. In other words, “outside the box” thinking.

While I have been blessed with an excellent memory, where others falter, I finally was able to understand creative thinking, which others blithely refer to as “outside the box”.

Whether in consideration of personal challenges, business evolution or developing relationships through career networking, learning to think outside the box is the “stuff of dreams”.

On a Teeter-Totter…..

As a young child I was always apprehensive about clambering onto one end of the teeter-totter in the playground nearby. Somehow I felt almost certain that when my end was “up” whoever was on the other side keeping balance would leap off and I would come crashing down with an unseemly thud.

In retrospect, it seems that two of the most difficult challenges in daily living are giving our trust, and staying balanced! When writing autographs in classmates’ books was a popular fad, one phrase that was penned in mine read “Love your friends and love them well, but to your friends no secrets tell, for if your friend becomes your foe, your secrets everyone will know”! More than 50 years later it feels appropriate – though I may have missed out on some gal-pal confidences! Our gut instinct seldom lets us down if we listen to our intuition and place our trust appropriately.

Staying balanced is a state of flux….particularly in the situation where the ”baby boomer” age group may be sandwiched between raising a family and caring for or being responsible for an aging parent or parents.

Regardless of how old or young one’s children are, they are still “our children”. It can sometimes feel like our aging parents may hover too closely or speak their mind too often for our liking -  we must remember that we are their children. And the time does come when roles are reversed, we become the caregivers and protectors of them as well as our own family members.

In June of 2012, tightrope walker Nik Wallenda accomplished a formidable challenge by crossing Niagara Falls on a cable stretched high above the churning gorge. Still breezes buffeted him and many observers feared for his safety.  Nonetheless, by focusing on the job at hand and not hesitating, the feat was accomplished!

Since that time, when I am  faced with the struggle of Staying Balanced, I erase the teeter-totter scenario and trust myself on the high wire.

As Time Goes By...

Every day on my way to the Bracebridge office where I work, my usual route passes by one of the churches in town. The Pastor there has a knack for pertinent and appropriate phrases which are eye catching on the large outdoor “bulletin board”. Passersby can’t help but notice when a new slogan or phrase replaces last week’s post…

This week the words read as follows: “Love does not dominate, love cultivates”.

Immediately upon seeing this, I thought of recent buyer clients who perfectly represent this thought-provoking phrase. The lady and her husband are both hale in health and she is hearty in enthusiasm; the gentleman however is quelled somewhat with dementia. The “missus” bubbles with eagerness on his behalf – and despite the burden of care she carries – she appears sunny and cheerful.

When one’s partner of family member suffers a diagnosis of Alzheimer disease, for lack of a more particular adjective, it can sometimes feel insurmountable. Progressively, confidence wanes, words sometimes fail and the horizon is no longer clear – for all parties. It is times such as this that caregivers and other supporters mush dig deep inside to find a way to navigate each bend in the road and learn how to climb over the humps in the day.

In a circumstance such as these clients find themselves -  when one partner now clearly depends on the encouragement and support of the other, their relationship reflects that truly, “Love does not dominate, love cultivates”

Somewhere Over The Rainbow...

February 14^th is celebrated by many as Valentine’s Day, worldwide. The glitz and shimmer of bouquet ribbons, bows on boxes, jewellers’ bling and all manner of commercialism is contagious.

Lost in the shuffle sometimes are the plain jane couples who are no longer blind to the view from rose-coloured glasses. Their long-time partnerships may have grown into less than sensational passion, no sliding down banisters or cavorting on countertops – but nonetheless caring and sharing.

A red chiffon dress and silver stilettos may be voluntarily traded for fleecy slippers and a shuffle around the floor in pj’s and a housecoat; and for him – track pants and a clean T-shirt, socks that don’t stand alone and maybe a splash of something that sniffs yummy.

Restaurants in all locales offer specially created menus, tables adorned with party ware and candles, and maybe a Special Occasion cocktail.  This year I will be thinking of the many Valentine’s Day(s) that have been recognized, and a few surprises on occasion too!  Ahh – the fulfillment now comes from a burger barbecued on a snowy Winter night, luscious wine in a glass that’s not from the kitchen, and the annual viewing of a now-grainy video of the nuptials .

Somewhere over the rainbow dreams really can come true.

Techno-challenges and the Canadian Penny...

Several months ago I replaced a small television in the living room with a large, flat screen. Next step was to replace the cable box with a High Definition one!

Then purchase component cables for the DVD, to say nothing of separate audio cables which were not included. I’m still not sure if they are essential.

Being in the baby-boomer age group, I have quite a collection of VCR tapes which are still enjoyed. Especially my wedding video – and with Valentines coming up I decided to double check and make sure everything works. You guessed it – remotes, instructions, menu choices, selecting video vs DVD…No picture. I went online to the manufacturer and printed out a diagram of the connections how-to.

Still no go.

Presuming that perhaps the VCR machine was not working period, I bought a new combo DVD/VCR. Same results. However, I did learn that the red, blue and green component cables are for DVD only – a clue!!! So now, if I’ve got it figured right – when using the VCR, unplug the DVD component cables, plug in the old-fashioned red, white and yellow cables, select Video and the results should be rewarding. Except I haven’t tried it yet.

Like the way of the proverbial dodo bird and other phased-out items no longer useful, maybe I’ll have to source out more help. Tonight may not be a celebration at all, conversely, a commemoration of both my apparent inept grasp of techno-challenges and the last day of the Canadian penny!

Rocking Chair...

Perhaps you’re in it, or thinking of trying the lifestyle! The famous lyrics by Louis Armstrong may be familiar, or somewhat. Each and every one of us can conjure up a vision or impression of a rocking chair…who uses it and what does it look like?

Traditional perceptions of stooped grandmothers and grandfathers are totally out of date – the likelihood of a zooming cyclist, power walker or marathon runner may be more apt now!

When I was a young girl a Grandmother might often be seen wearing cardigan sweaters, clumpy shoes and long full skirts, pin curled hairstyle and no makeup.

Nowadays the profiles are much different – jogging suits, yoga mats, laptops or i-pads™ and a view to the future.

Even men and women who aren’t able to walk or run due to health issues may be seen astride snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles or personal watercraft! 

A woman I know is planning a short mini-vacation this Spring to an Ontario Provincial Park destination she and her husband have always wanted to visit. There are several boardwalks wending through the bogs, wetlands and other scenery – which at first consideration seemed unsuitable. Lo and behold, all-terrain wheelchair rentals are available on-site for use on one designated trail! The prospect is dizzying and opportune!

Our “best-before” date has not yet come and past – there’s no expiry on pleasurable activities and travel destinations also cater to special needs if required. 

Singles, couples, groups or similarly-interested hobbyists can easily dream what may well have been nearly-impossible just a generation ago! I read an article recently in the Toronto Star about a young couple who set out in 2012 to make a list of 365 things they had never done – and accomplish that list by December 31st. It sounded both daunting and exciting.

Make your own list of things you’ve never done and want to do, the timeframe is what you choose – rise up out of that rocking chair and grab a pad and pencil!