Beneath My Feet

No, I don't normally take photos in the tub. This was taken a couple of years ago to show my son how I chose to use the squishy "stress ball" shark he gifted me. I thought it appropriate for the shark to swim in the water, not sit on a computer desk. This cute shark is the mascot of the company he works for. His company treats him well and has a sense of humour... and we could all use more laughter these days. Laughing is a a fantastic way to de-stress and it releases endorphins, dopamine and oxytocins -- the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Giggles and silliness also help bond us to the people we are sharing them with. A long soak in a steamy bath, accompanied by a book, is one of my favourite ways to relax and unwind. What is yours?  In the spirit of humour... here's my dad's joke. He retold it many times, much to my mom's chagrin. "Relationships are like a bath, sometimes the longer you're in them, the more you realize they aren't so hot...

Wildwood Golf course trails, Saskatoon, SK. 2020 It's always a struggle for me to get outside on a cold day. But, I push myself because I know it is important for my physical and mental health -- and, to switch things up with a variety of exercise. Having a partner, friends or a pet to join the outdoor play is a bonus!  Like many things in life, we can't control the weather, but we can learn to ski through the hills and valleys. Push, glide, push, glide.... I took this video about 10 years ago! (Same skis... hmmm) Little Red Park is still one of my favourite places to x-country ski!  Little Red Park trails, Prince Albert, SK. 2010. (Music by Rich Miller)

This wasn't my planned post for the week, but nature intervened... Our back alley, Saskatoon, November 7, 2020 I was hopeful that the weather forecast would be wrong, but alas, the winter storm arrived on schedule. The strong winds swirled and carved the snowfall into deep mounds and drifts. In the dark night below our apartment windows we could see vehicles attempting, but failing, to traverse the treacherous streets. Noticing a car stuck in our alley way, I decided to don my heavy winter coat and boots, for the first time this season, and offer some help -- or, at least a shovel. With no good man left behind, my hubby joined the cause! Little did we know that we would be shoveling and pushing out 3 more vehicles in knee deep snow. One man called us snow angels !  After the blast of cold fresh air, it felt good to return to the cozy warmth inside. But, we also felt warm 'inside' for being there for those people in need. Heartfelt giving, in any small way that you can, is a...

  I'm always one to covet the window seat on planes. Thoughts go to the heavy aircraft I'm sitting in, and how remarkable that it can escape the bounds of gravity. I love to watch the city streets and cars diminish to ant colonies below, and to see the fields, hills and lakes from a bird's-eye perspective.  At the finale of a European adventure, and after a few gray damp days in Porto, Portugal, I distinctly remember an awe-inspiring moment. As the plane ascended above the dark clouds, the bright sun and blue skies burst through on the other side -- like someone suddenly pulled the curtains wide. It made me smile to think the sun is always there , even if in hiding. Beyond the clouds the sun is always shining.  Leaving Lisbon, Portugal this time 2 years ago -  Portugal 2018