Happy Love Day

Valentine's Day is not my favorite day of the year. There's just too much pressure to be romantic, to purchase something, to do something to express appreciation for each other. I do believe it's important to express appreciation and love, but not to make such a big deal about it on this day. This year, my husband and I both agreed to each think of two or three things that we would like to do and we'd choose one or two of those. Ideally, he was supposed to offer ideas HE would enjoy, not what he thought I would enjoy.   And I was to do the same.  One of my suggestions was that I'd pull out my paper craft material and and we'd make cards for each other.  The response was.... well, um..... definitely not in favor! Was I surprised? No! It was a long shot, I admit! 

After all was said and done, we agreed on a drive out to the Shuswap, about an hour away, stopping at a little independent coffee shop in a small town along the way. That was my idea, but he was game.  It was lightly snowing when we headed out, but nothing to be concerned about (I don't enjoy driving in snowy weather!).

The cafe was housed in a very old building with lots of character, located on the main strip. The barista was so friendly and welcoming. I enjoyed a little chat with her after I ordered, and then Dave and I shared a date square and our specialty drinks.  We headed out to the Provincial Park, and enjoyed a quiet tromp through the campsite we have often enjoyed during the summer. We surprised a parcel of deer, which quickly but gracefully pronged through the woods to avoid us. At the lake, a pair of beautiful swans, as if in a synchronized  dance, were gracefully swimming, then alternately dipping their heads in water, with bottoms up. The surroundings were quiet and beautiful. 

 A little getaway, nothing fancy. Just time away together enjoying nature and some good conversation. We tried to keep it light, avoiding some topics. You know what I mean, if you know what's happening in Canada (God keep our land glorious and free!). A few times I veered off course and raised my voice a bit too much, but I reigned myself in quite well, I thought. I'm trying. 

Happy love day to all my readers! Hope you have someone in your life who you can squeeze today! 

My young teacher

"The older I am, the younger are my teachers"  

I read this today on Instagram this morning, and  I've been ruminating on it ever since.  I know that I have been reminded to appreciate the little things, to be present in the moment, and to celebrate victories, large and small!  All this from my almost-two-year-old grandson.

Truth!

Life goes on...

Sometimes life seems a bit.... grey.

Lately, the days here seem to be more cool and grey than the hot and sunny we usually enjoy in these parts. It does not feel like summer is a week away!

In addition to that, I'm spending a lot of time on the computer, working to finish up the year. That's not always too much fun, especially when I feel I have better things to do!

And then,  sometimes I just get in my head too much and that can be a downer. So,  I decided it's time for a little work break, to focus on happy things for a bit. And why not blog about it?

It's the little things! And sometimes those are BIG things, too!

• This one deserves a drum roll... I'm a GRANDMA! Well, specifically I'm an "Oma", in keeping with my Dutch roots and coming from a long, long line of Omas :) 

Meet Clark Nicholas, born May 12th. Is he not PRECIOUS!!!??? He's a month old already. Wow, babies change fast! I don't know how many times I've been told, "Just wait till you have grandkids! ". I don't have to wait anymore! :) And yes, it's as wonderful as I was told..over and over and over again ;) He brings such joy to my heart. Love. love. love.

 Anything I write after this pales in comparison, you do understand. Grandchildren and coffee  somehow don't really belong on the same list.  They are in separate leagues.

•   I enjoyed a misto this aft.. that is,  hot brewed coffee with steamed, frothy milk added... homemade, of course. I don't know why but lattes and mistos are comforting, especially on cool days. No sweetener needed.

• Spotify - whatever the mood, there's something old or new to listen to! I'm enjoying Discover Weekly, listening to music I haven't heard before. Joy. I've enjoyed happy music that causes me to bop around in my office chair, and scare the dog! Then I listen to instrumental music to help me focus. Then back to something that will keep me alert!

• Enzo. Little E.  Prince.  Unseated from his throne since May 12th. But he has given up his status willingly. Such a good little dog. 

• Pickleball. Yes, Pickleball is a sport, apparently popular with 'older' people. I don't know why it has that distinction because it's just plain FUN! For any age, really. If you enjoy badminton or tennis, you'll enjoy pickleball. My girlfriend and I are taking lessons. I never really want to head out at the end of the day, but each time I go, I'm glad I did. It's a pretty good workout. You may want to try it.  I'm not sure why it's called PickleBall. It uses a Wiffleball. I think someone hard of hearing was confused about the name. 

Hey, June, want to play Wiffle Ball?

What's that? What's Pickleball?

No, Wiffle ball! 

Sure, I'll play PickleBall! I'll let the whole gang know about it! 

It's WIFFLE BALL! 

Hey, guys! Come play Pickleball!

Pickleball? Sounds interesting! Yes, let's play!    

       

Yay for the little things! 

         

1933-2017

I know there are a few of you out there who read my blog regularly (even though often my posts are few and far between).  I have shared about my dad's cancer journey in a few posts over the last few years, so I thought you might want to know about today. 

One week ago I kissed my 83 year old dad goodbye and flew home, after spending a week helping my siblings, mom, and extended family care for Dad in the hospice he had been moved into a couple weeks earlier. It was a gift and a privilege to spend time with him, hugging, praying with him, talking him through spasms of pain, playing his favorite worship music, holding his hand, helping him eat and just being with him. He couldn't really carry a conversation anymore, but he sure brightened up when family was in the room.

Early this morning, my dear beloved dad passed away. My one-of-a-kind gentle, loving father who quietly lived his faith through his deeds, took his last breath here on earth in the early hours of the morning, and is now pain free and whole in every way. He is now supremely happy in heaven with his beloved Jesus, the One he gave his heart to many many years ago.

He had suffered from prostate cancer, then bone cancer, for 6 years, bravely fighting it until his body got too tired. And with some dementia as well, it was time to let go.

We did not know when he would take his last breath. First it was months, then weeks, then last Sunday we were told days. But no one really knew. As my brother said, it was like taking steps down the stairs, with pauses and then another descend, and sometimes, surprisingly, a step or two back up. I was kept posted daily, sometimes hourly.

Whoever has ever witnessed the last months of life of an elderly loved one knows that often dying is a process with so many ups and downs, hopefulness, hopes dashed, seeing progress, seeing pain, frustration, witnessing the decline, the vulnerability, the fear, the uncertainty, the faith, the knowing, the love, the joy, the tears, the hugs, the kisses, the prayers, the thankfulness, and the mixed deep emotions.

And then the phone rings much too early,  and one hears the words, "Dad passed away early this morning".

That's what my day has been like today.

We are one blessed family. Having parents who loved each other and loved their 7 kids fiercely, not perfectly,  but deeply and with such commitment.


I've often said to friends, I don't know what I'll do when my dad passes away. And now this day has come. I'm taking time to cry and laugh, to reminisce, to share my sorrow with my friends and family, and looking forward to flying out again in the next day or so to again spend time with my family and help make the plans for the memorial service.

Although I've said goodbye and shared many hours together recently,  and spoken words of comfort to my dad, I still am sad that I missed his last moments. As much as I tell myself it's okay.

It's been a weird day. I'm feeling at odds with myself, sometimes now knowing how to feel, then being surprised by a wave of sadness overwhelming me. Lots of texting and what'sapping with siblings.  And my own husband and children, too, are grieving in their own way.

I will get through this, but never over it.  Until we meet again, dearest dad.

Love you forever, Dad! 

The Blur of Summer Activities

This past month and a half have been a blur of activity. It seems we've hardly been home. I think I'll have to call this 'The Summer of the Great Grand (extended) Family' because we sure did see a LOT of each other! No complaining here. I still think it wasn't long enough.

Mid July - participated in our annual (I think it's been going on 5 years now.. ) Family Campout-- all campers related in some way. Pretty cool.  This year, we even ordered camp shirts, the logo designed by our personal graphic artist (my son).   Little E was gifted a onesie but wasn't too impressed so he only wore it for pictures. ;)

laughing on cue ;) 

Early August - our annual trip to Cortes Island to visit with my hubby's family. At one point there were 19 people camping on the property for a few days. A 98 year old aunt came to check out 'the resting tree' where several beloved extended family members' ashes have already been scattered over the years. Hope that isn't too morbid to mention.

August 13 we celebrated my parents' 60th Anniversary in Alberta, a day's drive away.  (I had blogged about it here, wondering if my dad would live to see this day. Thank you Lord, for this gift of time! ) Original plans were to meet in Jasper, a more central location, but plans changed due to Dad's health. The big party took place at my brother's acreage, with over 70 family members present!  That's what happens when you come from a family of 7 children and those children have children, and so on..  ;) We were only missing 4 people (and we did miss them)!  It was a full day of eating, chatting, laughing, hugging babies, laughing at the antics of children at play, biking (for some) and a day long bocce tournament for many competitive souls.

We Are Fa-mi- Ly!

 If you asked my parents, they would tell you over and over how special this day was for them. And that was the main thing. They loved the relaxed atmosphere and comforts of being at my brother's home. Our dad really amazed us all with his energy! We are thankful for every day we have with him, and it was so good to see him smiling pretty well all day long (with a few hours long nap break, of course). Mom couldn't get enough of the socializing. She made a point of talking to every single person there. Pretty amazing.

I am glad to be home once again and to stay put for a few days. A few more short excursions are planned before I settle back into my work again come late August. I must make every day count!

Hope you have been able to make some happy memories this summer, too.

THAT Kind of Dad

Growing up in our family, 'Because I said so' was a phrase I don't think I ever heard coming from my dad.

 Because he was THAT kind of dad. 

He was not a dad to fear, although I had a healthy respect for him. And he demonstrated respect for his seven children, too. I think that's what made him such a wonderful dad.  He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes.

Most of my teen years were spent on our small family- owned mushroom farm in the Fraser Valley. Dad wanted our input on what to call this new venture (we chose Meadowview Mushroom Farms) and while my dad and oldest brother ran the farm, all the other older children and my mom helped to make it work, too.

When Dad first bought the farm, he couldn't afford to hire too many people, so we worked A LOT! After school, weekends, and sometimes even during school. Sometimes we worked well into the wee hours of the morning, picking mushrooms at their prime. If not, they would 'open' and be relegated to 'second grade' and we wouldn't be getting top dollar for them. My dad couldn't afford to pay us for our work that first year, but when that second year rolled around, he asked each of us what we would like to have as a thank you for all the help we had given him. I asked for a horse. And I got one.

He was THAT kind of dad. 

When I graduated high school, I decided to work full time for Dad for one year before going on to university. Why wouldn't I want to work for my dad? He was the BEST BOSS EVER. And my mom made our coffee breaks the best, too! (coffee, cookies, and conversation in the kitchen twice a day! )

By that time I had been working part time for several years, and making decent money, too.

He was THAT kind of dad. 

He had hired a crew by then, including a couple of my girlfriends. One day Dad told me he had decided that paying us by the pound, rather than an hourly wage, might be a better way to go and would perhaps increase productivity. My girlfriends and I didn't like that idea one bit, for several reasons. It would increase competition between us (fighting for the most loaded mushroom beds, for one) and take away from the joy of working together. So, we promptly formed a 'union' (in jest), ordered matching bright yellow T shirts with a huge mushroom decal on the front and the words:  I must be a mushroom...everyone keeps me in the dark and feeds me B.S.  It's true! We really did this and my dad got a good laugh out of it. We presented my dad with reasons why getting paid by the lb. wasn't really a good idea at all. And Dad changed his mind. He respected us enough to rescind his decision, even if it might have not been the best financial decision for him. My respect for him just kept growing.

He was THAT kind of dad. 

I have lots of other reasons why my dad is still in the GREATEST DAD EVER league, but this is what came to me as I was thinking about my dad yesterday.

Last week we took a quick trip over to Alberta to see my parents and I got a huge hug from my dear Pops. The drive was worth it :)

What a gift to have THAT kind of dad! 

Happy Leap Day!

The sun is shining.
Got in a morning walk.
Enjoyed a cup of coffee and some quiet time.
And... a review book arrived in the mail!

That's a good way to begin today.
There are so many books on how to begin a marriage on the right foot. Practices to keep it going. Date night ideas. Keeping families strong.  Empty nesting. And I have several on my shelves (or have had and passed them on).

But I haven't found too many that are specifically focused on life together in the 'second half'. Not just theoretical how-to, but real life -- with the challenges and joys that come with aging.

That's why I am very  interested in reading this:

I hope that it's honest, practical, realistic, and super encouraging. I am planning to go the distance and some days..well..  I need all the help I can get!

Book Review: Farewell Four Waters

Kidnapping was Marie's worst fear. She didn't know treachery was more deadly.

Book recommendation coming up. Farewell Four Waters by Kate McCord (a protective pseudonym), is full of intrigue and emotion. Although security prohibits the telling of her exact story, this novel is drawn from events gathered across Afghanistan over several years.

Marie is an aid worker living in a small town in Afghanistan. Her mission is to set up literacy classes for women.  This riveting story begins with Day 14 and then counts down the days leading to this brave woman's necessary escape from Afghanistan, a place she deeply loved and considered home.

This story is full of many details and excellent descriptions of life in this country  - for both Christian aid workers in NGOs and for the Afghan people. I felt as if I were there every step of the way. Marie, a believer in the "Honorable Jesus Messiah", has a passion for bettering the lives of women in Afghanistan, and with deep respect for their customs and beliefs, she befriends them through loving deeds and conversations.

I especially appreciated her honest struggles related to the events and circumstances she experienced. She incorporated conversation with God through journaling and prayers, not hiding her frustrations and how hard it was to make sense of things at times. Where was Jesus in the middle of all of it?  I also loved learning about this land and culture and what life is like for foreign aid workers.

This book drew me in and it never let up until I finished the last page. It is well worth the read!

I'm really looking forward to reading Kate McCord's first book In the Land of the Blue Burquas. Another book to request at the library!

Thanks to Moody Publishers who sent me this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

The Gift I See in You

The gift I see in you is....

your vulnerability, your 'this is who I am' honesty

your faith and positive outlook

your courage and tenacity

your gentle spirit

your infectious smile

your devotion to your faith, no matter what

your sense of humor

your individuality

your deep thoughts

your sensitivity

your care for others who are needy

the way you grab onto life and experience it

your calm and gentle voice

your willingness to try new things

your encouragement, continually

your amazing energy

your quiet disposition which has such a calming effect

the way you give of your time to others

your words of encouragement and honesty

your gentleness and care towards others

your hugs that say "I am so glad to see you"

your wacky sense of humour

your ability to make me laugh

your willingness to engage in difficult conversations

your unconditional acceptance of others

your simple, sweet hospitality

your wisdom and the way you share it in your writing

your friendship and care towards others

your willingness to forgive and continue on

your amazing artistry and your humility combined

your commitment to what's important

your courage to keep going when life is hard and scary

your celebration of the gift of life

how you share what you have with others

your attitude towards learning and growing

your attitude of gratitude

your tender, compassionate heart

your honest words, unfiltered

your tears

your imagination

your willingness to share the gift of who you are


I am thankful for my friends and family! Because of who you are, I have learned more about myself and I am inspired to continue becoming more fully who I was created to be.

For we are God's masterpiece (work of art). He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. 

Ephesians 2:10 NLT

Do you see yourself as a gift?

Oh Joy!

The day has come and gone. Is it Monday night already?!! I now have another wonderful daughter in law! 

In a nutshell, the day was everything I had hoped it would be. Not that there weren't little glitches (there always are), but the joy that was felt, the words of love expressed between my firstborn and his lovely wife, the ceremony, the weather, the venue, the meal,

the laughter, the tears, the in laws, family & friends... well, all of it was spectacular. Simple, lovely, and elegant.

the outdoor chapel in the distance, viewed from our balcony

follow the flower petals... 

just married!!

the first dance

This picture is blurry but I LOVE it!! pure joy!