Norman's education and determination

This image is that of Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada.....an educational institute which brags of its ranking among other universities throughout Canada as being one of five choices that demonstrates a high level of study programs and with a high rating of  successes.  From my residence, I am able to see this stately  brick structure.   I often have regrets that I had not taken time or interest in Dad's choice for higher education as I am sure some dialogue would have greatly expanded my educational goals.

One of many criteria for entrance to this university included Father's need to complete highschool years.  To obtain this, Dad attended public school in Pictou, Nova Scotia.

In the following photo, Dad sits with his friend while working on his studies.

Norm working with a friend as he quickly and, with heart, applies his experiences in his educational advancements.  It would seem that the material they are reviewing was a souce of some laughter.

A Father's Passion - sailing/racing in waters off of Horseshoe Bay, British Columbia

Photo #1

Comet Blueprints Photo #4

Photo #2

Photo number one is that of myy
Dad whose passion was to sail.
In this picture he is aboard his Comet
16 ft. Sailboat which he raced off the
shores of Bowen Island and
Horseshoe Bay, British Columbia
Father had a wish to find this boat as
the design is used to this day -- but
of more modern materials - fibre glass etc.

     Father's Comet, the "Melodie" was his pride and

joy and was considered the one to beat in races.

     Dad chose to sail alone despite the sailboat rigged for

two persons as crew.  I can honestly say that I am able

to imagine Father extended beyond the confines of the

Comet as shown in photo #3.  He was considered as "the one to

beat".

Father joined the war effort and when returning to British Columbia

for the purpose of receiving an honorable discharge, he was unable

to locate the "Melodie".

Ironically, I lived in this same area that Dad raced....I knew the

waters well and have some grand memories of fishing along

the Howe Sound shores.

When visiting in the 90's, Dad once again expressed his wish

however searches were non-productive.  Each evening after

dinner and house tasks, I walked the seawall in Horseshoe

Bay and I sensed that Dad was on my shoulders in search

for his Comet.

If you, the reader, is aware of how I can extend a search from

Canada's eastern seaboard, I would be very thankful for any

suggestions you may have.

I can be reached at carpe.diem@ns.sympatico.ca

Respectfully

Melanie Elliott

(twin to the late Melodie Elliott-Clark)

Going the Distance under Sail, #3

Recent artwork samples

Photo:  Artist, Melanie Elliott (AKA, "Nightingale"):   Thank you for visiting my blog and enjoy a collection of original paintings.  Many of these paintings have been also adapted in the form of blank greeting cards.  Futher details of my work can be found at www. nightingale.fineartstudioOnline. com as well as  http://www.yessy.com/melanieelliott.  Additonally, a message to carpe.diem@ns.sympatico.ca will also be viewed by myself.

sold - greeting card available

A Skier's Delight: card only

Harvest Time: Mahone Bay, N.S sold.

In the Weeds - sold.  Greeting card available

Nuturers                    

An Iris moment - sold

The Family Homestead - sold, greeting card available

Lotus Light - sold

Violets Like Velvet

A Harvest - also in greeting card format

Ice Sailing - Mahone Bay N.S.

Pink on Pink - sold

The Painter

Gold fish - Japan

Angel Fish

In the Spriit of the Artist - sold

                                                                                                                             Clown fish #1

Clown fish #2

                                                                                             Clown fish #3

Halifax's unique heritage homes

Greeting card onlhy: Old Friends 2

Greeting Card only: Old Friends1

Ross Farm N.S. sold

Pink Orchid

Elliott Cove

Mosher's Island, N.S.

Lupins of Dover, Nova Scotia

Mt. Cheam, B.C. Canada

Cottage Hosts

                                     

                 

Foxgloves - formal

The image to the left is one of a collection of four paintings.  Measurements and materials are the same for each in the group.  Images have been combined with backgrounds of a page pertaining to a botany, and a musical score theme.   Each painting is framed with a bronze wood frame and a matte is present.  Each outer edges measure 14 inches wide and 11 inches high.  The matte is 1 1/2 vertical  inches. Photos of each have been taken by more than one camera thus the backgrounds appear unmatched -- the final outcome is a set of four that, in fact, match.
Ballet Shoes of Karen Kain
Violets
Columbine
                                                                Yellow Rose

Columbine (one in a set of four) - see details above

                           Ballet shoes of Karen Kain - see above details accompanying painting of violets.  Frame and Matte are not shown in this painting however these details were added after the completion of the art piece.

This is the forth painting of a collection which precedes this forth image.  These roses have been pained on a musical score and the image is poorly represented in this photo.  The frame and matte are descrived with the first image (violets).

OPPOSITE;  A FOUR-PAINTING COLLECTION

OF THE ABOVE PAINTINGS

neighbourhood carriage house

"Pebbles" and Shells" - exploring the ocean's treasurers

Public Gardens, a Victorian jewel in Halifax landsape

An Eastcoast Canada, Heritage Home

"Rhubarbs Up"

Aging Landmarks

Image:  Artist, Melanie Elliott.  This heritage and family home is not uncommon in my neighbourhood.

       It is my experience and observation that the "family unit" is a powerful and an indispensable element to a true cohesive and progressive family.  A balance in the home is imperative for healthy, progressive and passionate children as they move toward their youth life-phase.  This balance is their window to their future as self-expectations, personal values,  principles and endurance are sound.

     Moving ahead by decades, I now live life as an elder and have a daily awareness that my role in the family unit and community has greatly shifted.  

For those who are newbies to the world of seniors, I trust the material following will sound familiar ...... enjoy.

     As you experience, the concept of time has a way of moving quickly and have passed in a state of a lack of an awareness of this timely element of life.  It seems just yesterday I was young, just married and embarking on my path towards a young adult fully participating in many aspects of life.  I am now aware that this aging process has been taking place for eons, and I am at a loss to understand where and how time has found me at my present station.  I know and left without the complete picture of the many lives i have lived in this period of time - between marriage and being an independent, self-sufficient, life-participating elder.

     But, here it is.... as a young productive adult is now in the past...I ask, .how did I get here so fast?  I well remember seeing the years pass and thinking that those older people were so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what and where time has gone.

     My friends are retired and getting slower and I see them as older person now.  Some are in worse shape than I....and now see the great changes in those who I remember being vibrant and eager, passionate individuals.  They now  "show their age" and we are now those older folk that we saw and never thought we would become.  At present even the process of having a shower is a real target for the commencement of the day.  It has no longer become a treat....it is just another mandatory and physically demanding action.

     And so....now I enter into this new season of my life with the aches and pains and the loss of strength.  I do acknowledge that when life is over on this earth, adventure will mark yet a new beginning!!   Here's hoping I have it right !!...if nothing else, the thought of this transpiring instills a refreshing hope.

     Yes, I have regrets.  There are things I wish I should have done, but indeed, there are many that have been done and all in a "lifetime".

     So,   if you're not on the "back nine" of life yet....let me stress that it will be here faster than you think.  So, whatever you have not accomplished in your life please do it quickly!!!  as life goes by quickly.  So, do what you can and never be sure whether you are on the" back nine" and I promise that you will see all the seasons of your life. 

     Do your best and by doing so you will leave life with a legacy....one in which the future family unit will embrace and in fact add to their identity.

     Personally, I have been left with a unique identity as I am a Grandchild of a family member whose Father was a first cousin to Florence Nightingale.  More recent family members have been added to my list of heroes and persons of remarkable traits and accomplishments.

       Live your last years in a manner that gives way to a personal history with a description of being (among others), spirited, strong, determined, and valued.  Your recognition of strong identity building will provide you a legacy for those who will choose to recognize as a role model.  One does not have to be a world leader from which you strive to emulate, as an Aunt, Sister etc., can very commonly be of a characteristic profile who you had/have a sense of connection and are very worthy of your assigning them a legacy.

"Life" is a gift to you.   Make it a fantastic one.

LIVE IT WELL

ENJOY TODAY

DO SOMETHING FUN!

BE HAPPY

HAVE A GREAT DAY

REMEMBER IT IS HEALTH THAT IS REAL WEALTH AND NOT SILVER.

LASTLY, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
- going out is good....coming home is better
- you forget names...but it's OK because others forget they even knew you !!!
- the things you used to care to do, you no longer really do care that you don't care to do that
   which you planned
- you sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV --- there,  you "pre-sleep"
- you tend to use more four letter words....what, when, etc.
- now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it resting place could be anywhere
- what used to be freckles are not liver spots
- everyone whispers
- you have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet
- but old is good in some things:  Old Songs, of all, old family

It is not what you gather, but what you scatter of life you have lived

TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN AND YOUNGEST YOU WILL EVER BE, SO ENJOY THE LASTS.