In this blog I will be describing "Favourite Places" at different intervals in my life. To begin I will describe six locations that continue to carry great memories.
Favourite Place #1 (5 - 14 years of age): The first favourite place I describe was that of the home of my Grandparents. Each summer Mother, and my siblings gathered together with Grandmother and Grandfather to enjoy a picnic in the garden. This was a celebration of the season and Mother use to make it an occasion in which she would dress her three daughters in similar self-designed and handmade summer dresses. The sandwiches were outstanding and the cake was as special as the occasion. Our Grandfather (Grampie) always had a wonderful ice-cream threat ready for us and the anticipation as to what the treat would be was also a great surprise.
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| Melodie, Melanie, Gerald and Debra's Grandparents - Forrester Faulkenham (known as Adam) and Evelyn (nee Nightingale) Faulkenham |
With every new season there was a celebration by some description.
In the fall Grampie would work hard to create a huge pile of raked
leaves that he could burn. Before the leaves were destroyed, we
were permitted to jump and hide in them.....the scent of fall remains
a wonderful thought provoking experience. As the leaves were just
about out we were off and up the steps to the kitchen for a cup of hot
chocolate.
Favourite Place #3 (5 - 14 years of age)
Sleepovers was always a great treat as the guest room was on the second level of the home and a window next to the bed in which we slept was a window to the world. We had not previously experienced a view beyond a first floor of a building. As we became older we would choose to "camp out" in Grandparents sun room -- the lights at night and the sun in the morning were a true energizing experience.
Favourite Place #4 (5 - 14 years of age)
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| Green Bay: beaches, bluffs and roses
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Girl Guide activities consumed much of our early teen years. We (twin and myself) were highly motivated by enthusiastic leaders and worked hard to become well-decorated Guides (meaning - many badges on our sleeves indicating we had "passed" many tests of skill. Guide camp became an event that was on our minds throughout the year. Personally, I attribute our awareness and active participation in the realm of nature as well as many skills of camping to the Guiding movement - this photo of Green Bay was one of our favourite camping locations and would become our first experience of independence in later teen years.
Our camping skills took us to many events, competitions, tasks, endurance events and recreation-related activities. In adult years this every rose bush (photo above) became a source of tremendous natural crafts --- the salt dried rose buds were magnificent touches to many projects.I would be neglectful not to mention that this photo is actually a postcard and originated from the camera of my dear friend Mary Anne Hopkins.
Favourite Place #5 (5 - 14 years of age)
In this portion of our young lives we became involved in learning to dance - ballroom style. This was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon and as we progressed into dancing in formation the community were every so generous to invite us to perform at various events within the county. I love the idea of dressing-up and the dresses were so, so lovely and feminine.
Favourite Place #6 (5 - 14 years of age)
Photo: school play, Melanie left front, Melodie right front
I would be neglectful not to bring those locations in which I participated the singing with a choir, a school play, or dancing in a community fundraiser. Melodie, too, found herself in splendid moments in performances. Choir directors were oh so patient with us as Melodie was often that individual who played "the class clown". I so well remember standing in the front row of the junior church choir and Melodie playing with the motions of an insect within the pages of her hymn book. It took all my strength to
keep composed -- I just needed to laugh out loud and oh so hard in order to stop the shaking within a silence I tried to maintain.. Trying to curtail this was testing my limits. In this photo - (Melanie lt. and Melodie rt). was the first play we participated in beyond the limits of the school or church. Community dance and music programs would become a part of our adult lives. Melodie's day in her last years of school would be that of arising at 6:00 am. and practice figure skating techniques or at the gymnasium perfecting her skills on the balance beam. Melodie's devotion to the arts was such that she returned to her university studies to up-grade her nursing status for the purpose of becoming a certified Art Therapist. Now at a crossroads in my life, these experiences have enabled me to remain with joyful memories as well as a unique appreciation for music. It is my belief that the comfort I receive when immerse in music was the very activity that my Dad applied in his world of stress and compromised health.
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Favourite Place #1 (15 - 24 years of age)Life was busy and oh so good....I am at a loss to select favourite pages in this age range so I have randomly described that which first came to mind.
The Girl Guide Cabin was likely the most visited place is this specific age group. The programs of that organization provided me incredible positive personal growth - both as a Girl Guide and a Land Ranger. I have listed a sampling of activities which are a mere fraction of what opportunities
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Melanie, Fran (twins Mother) & Melodie -
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we were privileged to: narrowed down to, namely, learning camping and survival skills and a wish to reach what was considered a grade to participate in a solo camping experience. The provision of swimming programs came to an end with my receiving a Red Cross Certified Swimming Instructor's Licence. Fundraising by the sale of Ranger handmade wreaths of natural greenery provide a nice gift for elders, and spending a weekend with others in a Guide Group elsewhere in the County opened life long friendships The adjacent photo is that of Melanie, Fran and Melodie (left) at a reception in recognition of a Gold Cord achievement(s). Fran was a Captain of another Guide Company and was a lifetime Trefoil member)
Favourite Place #2 (25 - 34 years)
My home on Vancouver Island was a place in which I worked hard to be what others would consider as being creative and very capable of outstanding cuisine. I worked during that period however my heart was in my home. From my home I took my artwork seriously and began collecting paintings I had completed. I recall on one occasion in the Christmas season, I did not have a "real" Christmas Tree. This was not acceptable so I put on the appropriate winter gear and went to find just the tree I had hoped to find - small and crowding others from growth. Alas! I found the ideal situation and felt encouraged that those smaller trees would flourish!
although our marriage did not survive, I still remain with some outstanding memories from my location in the community of Comox, Vancouver Island.
Favourite Place #3 (25 - 34 years)
The North Vancouver School Board Office was a special location and has indeed been a wealth of memory. I had worked all my career in the Hospital setting and when I had an opportunity to step out and try another industry - I did so and found great comfort in that working environment. There was an incredible balance - it was stress without distress !! Our coffee breaks were never to be missed as some staff members had a great way of presenting humor --- it was contagious. Noon hours were yet something else - I participated in bridge over the lunch hour and those participating were from various departments within the building. It was a workplace that I had never felt so wanted, appreciated, welcomed and respected.
Favourite Place #4 (25 - 34 years)
A trip to Mexico was met with an appreciation much greater than what I had anticipated. My (then) husband and I took accommodation about one mile from the center of the town of Port Vallarta. The first three days were a little stressed with a sense of need to be out and about in the afternoon.....we were not use to closing down and resting for the afternoon - a sesta.
The most fond memory of that location was in the awaking in the morning and in my swim suit making my way out to the beach were vendors were actively squeezing the juice of any fruit imaginable. With juice in had, I walked along the cool wet sands as the tide recessed. It was such a peaceful daily even and likely my first real and mindful spiritual experience.
Whenever possible I spent time bartering for a Mexican blanket from a friendly and cheerful Mexican merchant. Our paths crossed each morning and so enjoyed this method of business. I am without doubt that he was well aware that I would make the purchase and was counting the days from when I began my beach walks. I suspect an increasing tan gave him an eye as to when I would be on that beach for the last time and before boarding an airplane. The tale progressed as the last day of our vacation came to an end....just before returning to the hotel, I searched for the merchant and indeed he was present on the beach -- casually leaning on a tropical tree with "my" blanket in hand. After our transaction we parted with extending a mutual thank you.
My first job after graduation was that as Medical Information Administrator and in the form of Department Head of Health Informatics at Fredericton, New Brunswick's general hospital - Victoria Public Hospital. In the earlier years of this life span one could find me at the curling rink in Fredericton seeking a team that needed a spare in addition to my own team's schedule. I was welcomed with open arms at this curling club and many members were from the staff of the hospital in which I was working. On weekends, I was invited to join teams of varying ages and participate in bonspiels and doing so out of town.
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Favourite Place #1 (35 - 44 years)
Skiing was by far the greatest landmark to this spread of years. By the age of 35, I was making great progress and time spent on the slopes became an absolute passion. Fortunately, I had a few friends with the same devotion to the sport and joined them for night skiing on the local mountains. The weekends were spent at Whistler Mountain where I shared a ski cabin with a few friends. It was this activity that brought out the competitive nature and became my driver to improve and explore more and more difficult ski runs. Unfortunately, the wear and tear on my knees became an obstacle however I was foruntate enough to have the knees surgically repaired in the early summer months and in time to be back on the slope by 1 October 2012 each year.
Favourite Place #2 (35 - 44 years)
Painting at a North Shore Art Studio in North Vancouver, British Columbia was the location where I discovered that I had some natural talent when applying paint brush to paper.
Persons associated with that studio remain friends to this day. The welcome I received from other wanna-be artists provided an abundance of inspiration and encouragement. It has been a gift that I know find to be not only pleasurable but therapeutic when in need of refocusing on the moment of some physical and/or emotional struggle associated with a lifestyle not of my choice. The art studio experience gave me reason to embrace my gift and join my Mother - four thousand miles away at a four-day intensive, outdoor painting teachings and adjudications. The setting was in the landscape of a small fishing village (Stonehurst, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia) with quaint weathered fishing buildings and large homes that takes the view back several generations. There was always a lobster trap for an accessory in any scene.
After returning to the North Vancouver art studio, I felt I had been provided an incredible personal growth experience and gains in self-knowledge during my time spent painting in the Maritimes along side of my Mum. That location in Nova Scotia was indeed a life-changing experience.
Place: Debert air strip with Nephew, Stephen Forrester, John Elliott and a helping hand from a young female cadet. I sit in the passenger seat of this training glider and Stephen sits at the back and keeps busy with all the bells and whistles. This was a grand day -- the view and sense that the world had stopped for a moment touched my heart. After a ride whereby the toe of the glider was a truck -- a second ride with Stephen flying a small fixed-wing aircraft gave us great height -- the Bay of Fundy was absolutely fascinating and ironically it was the shores in which my friend Victor participates in his rock hound activities. Melanie and Stephen preparing to take of - Debert, N.S.
That That flying experience was another life-changing event and I am oh so proud that it was Stephen that made this happen
Favourite place #4 (35 - 44 years) Never did I ever experience such a spiritual moment as I did in the stables in which a very special horse by the name of "Blazer".....a horse who shared such an incredible energy. After mounting him, I chose to remain in the stable in a corner that was quiet and without motion. I did not understand what I was experiencing however went with the forces I felt. I did not know "Blazer's" history however knew there was something very, very special about this animal. The competition was much too short as I could have remained with this horse long into the night -- oh to have slept in the stable in his presence. After I did participate in the competitions, I was very much aware of spiritual energies I had never before experienced. The owner of "Blazer" knew of my bond with her prize horse -- a horse who had participated in Canada's Olympic equestrian team. The following spring another competition became open to disabled riders and Dr. Gillian Lawrence, owner of Blazer trailered him to Frederiction, New Brunswick from Amherst, Nova Scotia. Dr. Lawrence was a courageous equestrian enthusiast by all descriptions. One would have difficulty envisioning Dr. Lawrence - a small woman, driving a powerful truck with the horse trailer behind her. When I saw her arrive, I remained motionless with tears of joy running down my face. It just does not get any better than that !! 
Favourite Place #5 (35 - 44 years old)
This photo is that of two angels who have come into my life when in a major life crisis post brain injury. Mary and Jerry provided me a place of comfort which came from within their hearts and an unconditional belief in me.
I left my work site in British Columbia due to the effects of a brain injury and with hope that it would be just a matter of time to totally recover. However this was a wish not shared with medical professionals.
After several months of recuperation it became obvious to me that my disabilities could well be life-long and that all my limited energy had to be applied in the rehabilitation process.
I had attended a couple of support meetings for brain injury survivors in British Columbia and found the information to be of great service thus in my early days when I had returned to my native province of Nova Scotia, I sought the membership of a similar organization.
The Nova Scotia Brain Injury Association was just the organization I was looking for. At the very first meeting, I was introduced to Mary and Jerry who provided me, and my family, with unconditional support 24/7.
I was not an easy person to accept limitations and in my denial found myself in massive states of confusion. Mary's insight to brain injury was extraordinary and despite having a son who continued to struggle in his early adult years, Mary found time and love to assist myself. In retrospect, it is beyond my imagination how she, and with Jerry's support, found the patience and strength to ensure I would, with a great deal of work, find my maximum potential in life's routine. After the passing of many years, I continue to look to Mary and Jerry's place for empowerment and comfort.
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Favourite Places #1 (45 - 54 years of age)
Photo: Parents of Exception ! I am so blessed to have had a childhood in which I was introduced to a great number of social and educational preferences, values and opportunities as it is these very events that supports my open and light heart.
I am so delighted and proud when I can bring together a meeting in my residence (a meeting of community-minded individuals) --- when everyone is gone, I sit back and absorb all the positive energy these individuals have offered (and unlikely aware of their contribution to my self-confidence, humility and purpose).
Since the passing of my parents I celebrate the opportunity to sit in a chair that was inherited from my Parents -- as I sit in it (one of three) and gently rub the beautiful wood portions of the arm rests I sense the warmth and Mother's gift of comfort. She use to sit in this lovely chair beside a huge window and read, knot, sew, plan, and do the morning crossword.
With the help of friends, I have been able to decorate my home so that it is not readily apparent that the set-up reflects there is a disabled person living in the home.
Photo: working on my balcony garden -- every space in my home is carefully decorated -- this attention is carried out beyond the threshold of her balcony.
I again return to the topic of positive energy in my home and the greatest portion is that from loved ones who have passed on. On days in which I am sad or depressed, and with intolerable frustration due to limitations, I often call upon these individuals and ask for guidance. My twin, Melodie, in particular, is now my protecting angel....when feeling desperate, Melodie will intervene and provide a sign that her energy is with me. She connects with a dear friend, who has become my rescuer so that I can move ahead. I am so,so fortunate to have a guardian angel and the fact that she is providing comforts via friends makes her efforts so very real and felt at the level of my soul. Photo to the right is that of my Friend and Mentor, Coleen
Melodie's encouragement and messages relieves me of great grief and with an appreciation that when I have served life, we will once again share each others energy.
In the summer of each year I found a great deal of inner strength and comfort when Mother and I would walk along a beach reminiscing about days when a child and swimming in the frigid Atlantic waters with our Father. The beaches are oh so beautiful and little has changed their natural beauty. Local and Provincial bodies continue to work hard to maintain these jewels on the South Shore. .Mother had great pride to re-introduce us to the great white sands and images of interesting rock formations. In this adjacent photo, my Mum and Dad sit with Melodie (twin), Jerry (brother) as we enjoy a picnic. Family outings such as this were not uncommon and have left me with a lifetime of wonderful memories.
. This photo is of a book of family history details and stories which were found in an archival search where I had the pleasure of spending many hours scanning and searching for specifics....oh there was so, so much available at the Nova Scotia Archives - even the deed to a property in the Mahone Bay area where our ancestor began farming. He left Germany with the promise that Nova Scotia would provide free land providing they would pay tax -- this was an effort to reduce the province's debt. The name on the image to the left is Christian Carl Falkenhayn.. our ancestor who was a recognized as a "Founding Father" of this province. He arrived in the port of Halifax on the "Gail" and the ships passenger list contains many "old" Lunenburg surnames
Photo: Frances Evelyn Elliott 1922 - 2010: Prior to Mother's struggle with health and aging issues, I felt privileged to sit with her in her garden with a large pitcher of ice tea and hear Mum speak of her life's story. She was aware that I was gathering specifics for a book I would write focusing on her life -- a book - "Bells of Peace".
She and I would sit under a beech tree in her garden and she graciously participated in sharing her life stories which I recorded on a tape cassette.
I felt humbled to participate in an exercise in which she shared her past as I knew little of her life prior to WWII. She stated by speaking out about her past she she gained a sense that by telling her story, she could comfortably feel that her work in the world was done and that she could now honor her treatment and aging years.
Favourite Place #2 (56 - 65) I wish to introduce my dear friend Victor to you. Victor came into my life in 2008 and despite a few bumps along the way, we have become very comfortable as we go through the weekdays in our own homes and join forces (so to speak) on the weekends.
Victor is a Chemist by trade and now in his retirement, rock- hounding is his passion. He scans the shores of the Bay of Fundy for agate, jasper, quartz, amethyst, and more. After a lengthy preparation of the collected semi-precious gems he sets them in a lovely silver wire setting that he has become a very skillful task.
When ever possible, we drive to a destination along the Bay of Fundy and enjoy the comfort of a Bed and Breakfast facility. While Victor makes his way along the shoreline, I sit and take in the scenic landscape and become so mesmerized that I, on occasion, forgot that my intention was to capture the view ahead of me with watercolors.
As we age, we have had to cut back on the weekend-aways however both Victor and I have enough stored materials to keep us busy with our hobbies for a lifetime.
Favourite places #3 (56 - 65 years young)
Photo: Melodie (twin) and husband Geoff taking in the view from their deck lined with beautiful window boxes. (a garden - my bliss) My critic suggested that the Clark's could possibly match my skills. From that particular day I vowed that I could out do Geoff (the gardener) when it comes to the blooms of petunias.....to this day (several years ago, I continue to strive at least for a match but with little success. Gardening has always given me great joy----my beginning gardening years at age ten was in keeping with the interest and assistance that our dear Grandfather provided me. That very garden is in existence to this day. While living in West Vancouver I had several smaller gardens and of mixed themes......one patch was reserved for tomatoes and from it I harvested 200 pounds. I attribute that success to a neighbour who was a beekeeper. From that experience I have a great interest in bees.......this domino effect seems to be a theme throughout my life ...namely, one experience melts into another --- thank you for all those have been an inspiration - you know who you are.
I had the privilege to visit a shelter organized by the Salvation Army and my experience consumed my heart. The little ones with Mothers were disorientated, displaced, without trust, tired, hungry and my list just grows without the blink of an eye. Since my tour of that facility I had made a commitment to make a healthy denotation however such was not my pleasure. Therefore, after much thought there was the realization that donations need not be only momentary in nature
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Approximately six years ago a National Trefoil conference was held at St. Vincent's University and I had the pleasure of accompanying Mother to the event. I had great pride with the chosen path to remain devoted to the Guiding Movement. The support Frances and Melanie (author) were recognized during an address and presented with a lifetime membership for their efforts and advocacy they had presented over decades. I was not expecting this award however Frances managed to keep it quiet and allowed me to enjoy a wonderful, lifetime memory. I was so incredibly surprised and proud to be accompanying my Mother in receiving a reward of this nature.....I can only hope that the moment was the powerful memory and also served Mother in her remaining years with us.
My first location choice is that of my home - a residence I have come to proudly reside in a supported independent lifestyle......a style and home that an Occupational Therapist remarked "few would have the endurance and devotion to maintain the demanding lifestyle of my choice.
Physical and cognitive limitations are my demons. There is never a period in which I am having to move forward with some ease as creating compensatory skills, on occasion overwhelm me. Memory loss is likely the most difficult to manage as it demands constant note-taking and downloading communications on my computer. Memory limitations are such that I cannot use my computer as a constant reference as I am unable to recall the keywords needed to produce the document, imagine etc.
A day in the live of Melanie - has a picture few could imagine. I must maintain a state of tremendous self-discipline and heightened surveillance to keep my home a place of peace and rest.....indeed a paradox. My residence is also that of productivity and progress regardless of my not being "out there" in person.
Despite my limitations, I have remained active in activities that were pleasurable as a child - painting, writing, fashion design, advocacy for the disabled, music appreciation and in fact a list that will keep me aware of a life with meaning.
Photo below: Melanie - left and Lynn Wheadon, Speech-reading Instructor visiting from Alberta - - our agenda was to scout the National scene to find persons committed to the skill of speech-reading (lip reading).
I am so delighted and proud when I can bring together a meeting in my residence (a meeting of community-minded individuals) --- when everyone is gone, I sit back and absorb all the positive energy these individuals have offered (and unlikely aware of their contribution to my self-confidence, humility and purpose). 
With the help of friends, I have been able to decorate my home so that it is not readily apparent that the set-up reflects there is a disabled person living in the home.Photo: working on my balcony garden -- every space in my home is carefully decorated -- this attention is carried out beyond the threshold of her balcony.
I again return to the topic of positive energy in my home and the greatest portion is that from loved ones who have passed on. On days in which I am sad or depressed, and with intolerable frustration due to limitations, I often call upon these individuals and ask for guidance. My twin, Melodie, in particular, is now my protecting angel....when feeling desperate, Melodie will intervene and provide a sign that her energy is with me. She connects with a dear friend, who has become my rescuer so that I can move ahead. I am so,so fortunate to have a guardian angel and the fact that she is providing comforts via friends makes her efforts so very real and felt at the level of my soul. Photo to the right is that of my Friend and Mentor, Coleen
Melodie does not connect with me directly when I am upset due to earthy events. I am told by others who have spiritual connections that the individual who has passed away cannot participate in spiritual communications directly when confusion and distress prevails. For this reason Melodie, goes through close friends to deliver me the message that she feels I am OK and supports the manner in which I am living life in an exceptional manner. She also passes on the fact that she is there for me.
Melodie's encouragement and messages relieves me of great grief and with an appreciation that when I have served life, we will once again share each others energy.
Photo: From my balcony I enjoy magnificent sunsets an icon of life fulfillment and a message of a new journey ahead of me.
Favourite Places #2 (46 - 55 years of age)
At the Board Table: A portion of this age span was spent actively involved in charitable organizations...all of which supported organizations serving the disabled. In my presence as a Board Member in several organizations, I had the privilege of meeting incredible humanitarians -- in fact, Mary, my friend that I described above was actively served on organization and this commonality enhanced our friendship. The personal growth that I experienced was beyond description. Although I was still in the rehabilitation stages of health, the stories and experiences of those who I met through advocacy work gave me great confidence, encouragement, inspiration and oh so much more.
Favourite Places #3 (46 years - 55 years of age)
The energy in my home in this period was wonderful as such was the result of my developing a ten-week program for the purpose of teaching the hard of hearing and deaf speech-reading (lip-reading) skills. My personal hearing level was such that speech-reading had become my major tool of dialogue Due to personal health issues I had to keep my teachings within my home as travel to another location would create issues of vertigo and vomiting (effects of a balance disorder and Meniere's Disease). My teaching sessions gave me great hope that my own communication methods would improve in the setting of six students with severe hearing impairment and deaf.
The program that I developed as lessons progressed were well received and indeed improvement of student communication was noticeable.
In a matter of the first few lessons the students had come to be able to laugh at themselves and shared experiences, solutions, coping strategies and personal issues related to hearing issues.
In this period, we reached a point in the lessons in which we seemed to be off the track -- it had been only weeks following the tragedy of the death of Lady Diana in Britain. Students felt helpless and truly despondent thus lesson material was of little help. The students themselves reached out together and asked "what could we do so we can get on with out lives"? One bright,courageous, inspiring student suggested we writ the Queen Mother and express our sympathies. This same student had a photo she had taken of the Queen Mother during a visit to Ottawa and it was included with our not of sympathy.
The mood within the class was quick to return to a level in which learning and concentration were supported and classes resumed in its manner prior to the despondency.
Several weeks later, I received a letter from Britain and with a seal of the "Clarence House".....I suspected it might be a connection with the letter we had sent the Queen Mother. The first item on the agenda of the lesson was that of the mail from across the pond. Indeed, the envelope included a note from the .
Favourite Places #4 (46 - 55)
In the summer of each year I found a great deal of inner strength and comfort when Mother and I would walk along a beach reminiscing about days when a child and swimming in the frigid Atlantic waters with our Father. The beaches are oh so beautiful and little has changed their natural beauty. Local and Provincial bodies continue to work hard to maintain these jewels on the South Shore. .Mother had great pride to re-introduce us to the great white sands and images of interesting rock formations. In this adjacent photo, my Mum and Dad sit with Melodie (twin), Jerry (brother) as we enjoy a picnic. Family outings such as this were not uncommon and have left me with a lifetime of wonderful memories.
Favourite Places #5 (46-55)
. This photo is of a book of family history details and stories which were found in an archival search where I had the pleasure of spending many hours scanning and searching for specifics....oh there was so, so much available at the Nova Scotia Archives - even the deed to a property in the Mahone Bay area where our ancestor began farming. He left Germany with the promise that Nova Scotia would provide free land providing they would pay tax -- this was an effort to reduce the province's debt. The name on the image to the left is Christian Carl Falkenhayn.. our ancestor who was a recognized as a "Founding Father" of this province. He arrived in the port of Halifax on the "Gail" and the ships passenger list contains many "old" Lunenburg surnames
The creation of this book provided me with wonderful findings and discoveries of family activities ranging from social events, at-home events, participation of family members in WWI and WWII and so much more. My greatest surprise was the presence of the deed that gave our history validation. The material I was able to uncover translated to our ancestor to be deemed a Founding Father of Nova Scotia. His name has been etched in a monument in the heritage town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. My Grandfather would have been so very proud of his past and significant contribution to this Province.
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Favourite Place #1 (56 - 65)
She and I would sit under a beech tree in her garden and she graciously participated in sharing her life stories which I recorded on a tape cassette.
I felt humbled to participate in an exercise in which she shared her past as I knew little of her life prior to WWII. She stated by speaking out about her past she she gained a sense that by telling her story, she could comfortably feel that her work in the world was done and that she could now honor her treatment and aging years.
Favourite Place #2 (56 - 65) I wish to introduce my dear friend Victor to you. Victor came into my life in 2008 and despite a few bumps along the way, we have become very comfortable as we go through the weekdays in our own homes and join forces (so to speak) on the weekends.
Victor is a Chemist by trade and now in his retirement, rock- hounding is his passion. He scans the shores of the Bay of Fundy for agate, jasper, quartz, amethyst, and more. After a lengthy preparation of the collected semi-precious gems he sets them in a lovely silver wire setting that he has become a very skillful task.
When ever possible, we drive to a destination along the Bay of Fundy and enjoy the comfort of a Bed and Breakfast facility. While Victor makes his way along the shoreline, I sit and take in the scenic landscape and become so mesmerized that I, on occasion, forgot that my intention was to capture the view ahead of me with watercolors.
As we age, we have had to cut back on the weekend-aways however both Victor and I have enough stored materials to keep us busy with our hobbies for a lifetime.
Favourite places #3 (56 - 65 years young)
Photo: Melodie (twin) and husband Geoff taking in the view from their deck lined with beautiful window boxes. (a garden - my bliss) My critic suggested that the Clark's could possibly match my skills. From that particular day I vowed that I could out do Geoff (the gardener) when it comes to the blooms of petunias.....to this day (several years ago, I continue to strive at least for a match but with little success. Gardening has always given me great joy----my beginning gardening years at age ten was in keeping with the interest and assistance that our dear Grandfather provided me. That very garden is in existence to this day. While living in West Vancouver I had several smaller gardens and of mixed themes......one patch was reserved for tomatoes and from it I harvested 200 pounds. I attribute that success to a neighbour who was a beekeeper. From that experience I have a great interest in bees.......this domino effect seems to be a theme throughout my life ...namely, one experience melts into another --- thank you for all those have been an inspiration - you know who you are.
Favourite places #4 (56 - 65 years young)
My station at my sewing machine has provided me with many hours of comforts and especially so after designing and making 100 sundresses for little girls who find themselves in the midst of domestic violence. These little ones would be with Mothers who have fled to a shelter for protection, shelter and food.
I had the privilege to visit a shelter organized by the Salvation Army and my experience consumed my heart. The little ones with Mothers were disorientated, displaced, without trust, tired, hungry and my list just grows without the blink of an eye. Since my tour of that facility I had made a commitment to make a healthy denotation however such was not my pleasure. Therefore, after much thought there was the realization that donations need not be only momentary in nature
In my thoughts as to what I could possibly do to help -- the little faces of the children grew with sadness.....it became obvious that my sense of need to donate would be well received if it were to enhance the lives of the children, even if it is for a moment or two. I was motivated by the fact that every little girl needs a sense of looking "pretty" and oh how "pretty" they were. My donation serves my soul to this day
Favourite place #5 (56 - 65 years young)
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Approximately six years ago a National Trefoil conference was held at St. Vincent's University and I had the pleasure of accompanying Mother to the event. I had great pride with the chosen path to remain devoted to the Guiding Movement. The support Frances and Melanie (author) were recognized during an address and presented with a lifetime membership for their efforts and advocacy they had presented over decades. I was not expecting this award however Frances managed to keep it quiet and allowed me to enjoy a wonderful, lifetime memory. I was so incredibly surprised and proud to be accompanying my Mother in receiving a reward of this nature.....I can only hope that the moment was the powerful memory and also served Mother in her remaining years with us.
"IMAGINE if there was no Heaven" - John Lennon
.......Nightingale
