Beneath My Feet

  Cyclo - a traditional type of pedi-cab in Vietnam. (2016) It came as part of a tour package. We indulged our weary feet with the slow "cyclo" ride around the historic old quarter of Hanoi, and to provide our driver the employment. The  narrow,  bustling streets were crowded with motor bikes, almost non-existent side walks, people selling their wares or engaged in conversation around tiny plastic table sets while having Vietnamese coffee or tea.  It was curious how the streets were still organized -- named by product. One street might sell different types of string and yarn (Yarn Street), another street sells only picture frames, another books, another spices, and so on. If one shop didn't carry what you needed, they directed you to one down their street that might have it. This ancient system was efficient for someone in the market for a specific item. But, it also seemed in the spirit of cooperation rather than competition -- to help the client and to help each bu...

"When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate.  When life is bitter say thank you and grow." ~ Shauna Niequist Thanksgiving is my favourite holiday. There is so much in this universe to be thankful for. Share gratitude with those we love and appreciate in our lives -- especially for the everyday things we take for granted. To my sweet hubby, happy soon birthday and muchas gracias  for...  ... making me coffee in the morning. I know! (But, he says he's got to make it for himself anyway, and he is picky about his coffee.) ... remembering to start the dishwasher, almost always. ... going along with 90% of my hair-brained ideas. (Trust me, there are lots of them.) ... coming to my rescue when I mess up the TV with the various remote controls. ... letting me win sometimes at tennis. ... taking the time to proof-read my blog posts (surprise!) and telling me honestly if they don't make any sense!   "We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a differenc...