Happy Mother’s Day
Posted by: Darlene on: May 14, 2012
- In: Family
- 10 Comments
A very special Mother’s Day quote from a good blogging friend from New Zealand, Judith Baxter Visit her blog for great stories and inspiration I Choose How I Spend the Rest of My Life (don’t you just love the name of her blog)
A baby said to god
“I hear you are sending me to earth tomorrow. How am I going to live there being so small and helpless?”
God said “Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you”
The child then said “But here in heaven I don’t have to do anything but sing, smile and be happy”.
God said “Your angel will sing and smile for you and you will feel your angel’s love for you and you will be happy.”
And the child said “But who will protect me?”
And god said “Your angel will protect you even if it means risking its own life”
Then the child said “If I am to leave heaven please tell me my angel’s name”
And god said “You will simply call her Mum.”
Happy Mother’s Day to all the special angels out there.
I am so happy I was given a perfect angel to be my mom. She has been an angel to four generations in our family. Here she is with my daughter and me.
And at her 80th Birthday
Sunbeam Award
Posted by: Darlene on: May 8, 2012
- In: People
- 22 Comments
Last week my blog was bestowed the coveted Sharon’s Little Sunbeam Award and I couldn’t be happier. Not only does Sharon, a blogging friend from Ireland, give my blog the award, she goes on to say such nice things like:
Darlene is a published writer and her blog features excerpts from her world, heart warming stories, and of course posts on writing and books. The beauty of Darlene’s personality shines through her writing – that to me is always as appealing as the content itself. I always appreciate her friendly comments…. Read more on the post http://sharonssunlitmemories.blogspot.ca/2012/05/sharons-little-sunbeam-award-week-6.htm
You will love the delightful pictures Sharion has included with this post.
I would encourage you to check out Sharon’s blog as it always features enchanting pictures, cut out dolls from the past and stories and photographs from her fairy tale life in rural Ireland. If I ever get to Ireland, I will be sure to make a visit.
I love all my wonderful blogging friends and Thank you so much Sharon for this award. It made my day!
They say the ultimate compliment is when someone copies you. I was truly complimented when Sharon used my idea of “My Favouirte Things” as a blog theme.
Wishing nothing but sunbeams and happy times for everyone!
Tulip Thyme
Posted by: Darlene on: May 3, 2012
- In: Family | Travel
- 29 Comments
As my mom gets older and less and less mobile, I find myself reflecting on some of the wonderful times we have had together. Mom lives in another province so we only see each other once or twice a year. Four years ago, a year after we lost Dad, I invited her to come for a visit in April, specifically so I could take her to the tulip festival in La Conner,Washington. I knew how much she loved tulips and felt this would be a great place for us to visit together.
Although we woke up early to take the two hour journey south from my home in British Columbia, we still had to wait a long time to get through the border. It was a sunny west coast day and no doubt many people wanted to take in the festival. It was certainly worth the wait.
Following signs, we drove along the road heading west where we noticed spots of intense colour in the distance. The closer we got, the more evident it became that these splashes of pinks, purples, reds and yellows were actually acres of tulip fields.
What an amazing sight. Mom was visibly delighted. We parked the car and wandered amongst the tulips. Not only were the colours amazing, but the variety of shapes and sizes were astounding. A photographer’s dream; even for an amateur such as myself.
A little girl, all dressed up, posed for her picture between the rows of flowers. Her parents gave us permission to photograph her. What a sweetie.
Stopping at a number of tulip farms, there seemed to be no end to them, we could not believe the selection of tulips. We had never seen anything like it! We arrived back home later that evening, tired but happy. Mom never did get to Holland to see the tulip fields, but she was very pleased to have been to the La Conner tulip festival. I am so glad we had the opportunity to do this together when we could. What great memories. She still talks about it. If you ever find youself in the Pacific Northwest in April, I suggest you make a point of visiting the Tulip Festival.
Is there something special you have done with a loved one that remains in your fond memory?
A few of my favourite things
Posted by: Darlene on: April 26, 2012
- In: Dreams
- 29 Comments
On Sunday I went for a walk around my neighbourhood and the beach near my house and thought about how lucky I am to live where I do. It is a dream come true for me to live in such a beautiful place. I believe in an attitude of gratitude, so decided to make a list of things I am grateful for. Here are just a few of my favourite things that came to mind on my walk:
My favourite neighbourhood coffee shop
My favourite pastime
My favourite flower shop (across the street from my house)
My favourite beach (10 minutes from my house)
My favourite log at the beach (where I often read)
My favourite man!
The list could go on but I will stop here. What are some things you are grateful for in your life right now?
Steveston Stroll
Posted by: Darlene on: April 23, 2012
- In: Travel | Family
- 28 Comments
My brother recently returned from a five month stay in Thailand and spent the weekend with us on the west coast before returning to his home in Edmonton, Alberta. Being a lovely Sunday, we visited the historic fishing village of Steveston, on the Fraser River.
Hubby and me and the docks at Steveston Village
We had fun strolling along the boardwalk where we discovered a newly erected wood sculpture depicting an Orca mother and baby. A great photo op.
We noticed smoke coming from a fish boat and then – horrors, a body in the water! My husband pointed out it was the Richmond Fire Department conducting on the water disaster training. I then realized the body in the water did look a bit like a “dummy”.
We walked down to the fish boats where the fishers were selling their fresh catch. Many families were out taking in the mild weather and making a purchase for to take home for dinner. There were many choices, salmon, sole, snapper and shrimp to name a few.
Our mouths watered as we walked by a number of fish and chip shops. But it was too late for lunch, which we already had, and too early for dinner. So we stopped at Waves Coffee Bar, another new addition since our last visit, where I enjoyed a delicious London Fog and yummy cinnamon swirl while brother and hubby had coffee and other delectable treats. We sat outside and people watched. After a tough week at work it was just what I needed.
Brother having a Canadian coffee and dessert
Spring on the south west coast of Canada is so lovely with cherry blossoms, tulips and daffodils everywhere you look. I spotted some narcissus outside the coffee shop that looked almost artificial they were so perfect. I am so lucky to live in this beautiful part of the world. If you visit Vancouver, make sure you take a trip to Steveston Village in Richmond.
What is the best part of where you live?
Here's looking at you!
Every Child is Entitled to Innocence
Posted by: Darlene on: April 13, 2012
- In: Books
- 18 Comments
This is a re-post of a previous blog. There has been a change to the publisher’s website and the book is being offered FREE for the next couple of days to get the word out. So I decided to share it again with all of my wonderful followers. You might want to check it out and please share with your friends; Every Child is Entitled to Innocence
I am proud to have my story, Good Hands, included in this inspiring publication, along with other amazing stories by talented writers.
Every Child is Entitled to Innocence was the first publication of the newly- formed Plum Tree Books. Profits from the sales of this e-book are being donated to Child Helpline International.
This is part of the forward to the book:
In 2010 more than 14.5 million children, or adults on behalf of children, contacted child helplines around the world. Experiences collated from different child helplines reveal that children calling for assistance are often in need of shelter, medical, emotional support or guidance, are in need of support during a family crisis, during abuse (physical/emotional/sexual), in need of repatriation, or in need of support for school related problems.
On behalf of all of the child helpline counsellors across the globe who are there for children in need at all hours of the day and night, I would like to thank Dr Niamh Clune & Orangeberry Books for bringing this collection of stories about childhood together. These stories help remind us of the power of sharing our experiences, happy and sad alike. Every child who contacts a child helpline is reaching out, making sure their voices are heard, and that their problems do not go unnoticed and untreated. These stories do the same.
Nenita La Rose, Executive Director.
www.childhelplineinternational.org
Says initiator of the project, Dr. Niamh Clune, “I met many writers through the Internet that experienced difficult childhoods yet have overcome their brutal beginnings. I wanted to make the first Plum Tree publication a celebration of creative imagination. This powerful friend of damaged children plays an essential role in an abused child’s recovery. Gathering this series of stories was a joy. Plun Tree Books has developed special, vibrant relationships with contributors and has forged many lasting friendships.
We encouraged happy stories that reflected the innocence of childhood when infants feel wrapped in the warmth of loving arms. We wanted to contrast these with the sad ones, making them stand out in relief against a bright backdrop. We felt this comparison would demonstrate, without explanation, what happens when innocence is stolen. In this book, the reader will find many wonderful, heart-warming stories; whilst the sad ones demonstrate the magnificence of the human spirit as it triumphs against all the odds.”
The e-book can be ordered from Amazon.com
Visit http://www.wix.com/niamhclune/everychild for more information
Thank you Niamh for putting this project together and for including the story about my wonderful father who provided an innocent and memorable childhood for me.
Ears on Four Legs
Posted by: Darlene on: April 10, 2012
- In: Inspiration | People
- 27 Comments
Olivia is a British Black Lab, and is registered with the Canadian Kennel Club as DGC (Dog Guide Canada) Lexis Olivia. This lively, friendly dog belongs to Gloria, a hearing impaired person who depends on Olivia for her safety, security, independence and companionship. Olivia is not her pet. She is a working dog, on shift 24/7, who takes her job seriously. She is a Hearing Ear Dog.
Olivia
Olivia has been partnered with Gloria for 6 years. She came from the Dog Guide Canada school for dogs in Oakville, Ontario. The dogs come from DGC’s own breeding program, the SPCA and individual dog donations. They come in all shapes, sizes and breeds, to suit the needs of different individuals. They are all dependable, smart and loyal. The dogs go to foster homes when they are weaned from their mothers for about one year, and then return to the school for six months of intensive training to qualify to become a hearing ear dog. Approximately 25% of the dogs do not make it through the training but are found good homes as pets. Those that do make it are honoured with a nice graduation ceremony. This is not the end of the training though, as it continues for their entire working life.
Hearing impaired individuals in need of a dog, are flown to the school from all over Canada to meet the dogs and find one that would be compatible. Gloria knew the minute she met Olivia that she was the one. She then spent 18 days with Olivia, training together and getting to know one another, before they both returned to their home in Redcliff, Alberta.
Olivia gets up when Gloria does and stays by her side all day. She alerts her when the door bell rings, when someone knocks, and when the fax, phone, stove timer, microwave, alarm clock, smoke alarm, or security alarm go off. Once, when the battery in Gloria’s smoke alarm was getting weak and making a beeping sound, Olivia woke her up and insisted she leave the house. This amazing dog can understand some sign language and is trained to hear a baby cry. She goes everywhere with Gloria; shopping, restaurants, church, meetings, coffee shops and more. If some one calls out or the cell phone rings, she alerts Gloria. She currently goes to schools with Gloria to do presentations on Hearing Ear Dogs.
Gloria has been asked some crazy questions like, “Can your dog tell you if something is wrong with your car?” or “Does your dog sign to you what people say?”
Olivia is very friendly and not afraid of anything. Except once, during a visit to the zoo with the grandchildren, a brazen tiger stared right at the dog and Olivia shook uncontrollably. The only time she lost her cool. She can be a quite a clown and is always happy. At a birthday bowling party, she chased the ball down the lane, much to the amusement of everyone. She gets excited, but takes her job seriously.
During a recent visit, my grandsons tried to give her a treat but she wouldn’t take it. Olivia is trained not to take food from strangers. She gets Dairy Queen treats once in a while and loves Cheerios. She is often rewarded for good behaviour and for simply doing her job. Cheerios make a nice light snack and help prevent her from gaining weight. Olivia stood patiently in the backyard until Gloria gave her the go ahead signal to chew on her bone. My grandsons were most impressed with this hard working, clever dog.
Gloria is happy to have Olivia in her life. She said, “We all have choices. Life is what you make of it. You need to deal with what life hands you and carry on.” Being hearing impaired has not stopped her from living a full life; travelling, entertaining, spending time with her grandchildren and meeting with old friends like me. I was impressed with Olivia and inspired by Gloria.
For more information on Hearing Ear Dogs: http://www.dogguides.com/doghome.htm
Spending Time in Bookstores
Posted by: Darlene on: April 1, 2012
- In: Books | Writing
- 24 Comments
“The Bookshop has a thousand books,
All colors, hues, and tinges,
And every cover is a door
That turns on magic hinges.”
This may or may not surprise you but I love spending time in bookstores! So in spite of having a tough week at work learning a new computer system amoung other stressful things, I had an enjoyable Saturday chatting with book lovers and signing my books at Black Bond Books at Guildford Mall in Surrey, BC
It was fun to be surrounded by books and treated well by the wonderful staff. One high school girl who aspires to be an author herself one day, dropped by and had many questions. I wished her well and told her to hold on to her dream. I brought Ali Baba the camel and Pedro the pony with me. The kids love them. I still can’t believe I can spend a day in a bookstore and people will come to see me and buy my books. If this is a dream, please don’t wake me up.
Don’t I have just the most adorable fans!
Goodreads
Tea Can Save a Life
Posted by: Darlene on: March 26, 2012
Every now and then you read something that restores your faith in human nature. My blogging friend Maxi posted this on Maxi’s Comments March 19, 2012 and with her permission, I am reposting it on my blog. Everyone should read about this special person.
Tea Can Save A Life
A woman teeters on the edge of a cliff in Sydney, Australia. It’s called “The Gap.” A three-foot-fence is all that separates the jumper from death. Hopeless and helpless, she inches forward, than drops to the ground.
(two people stand at the fence of The Gap)
“Why don’t you come and have a cup of tea?” a voice whispers on the wind. Slowly, she turns and connects with the smile of an angel. It is enough to coax her back, to change her mind.
Don Ritchie has saved many lives in his 50 years on the porch. He sits in a favorite green chair to read … and watch. He and wife Moya live across the street from the suicide bluff.
“You can’t just sit there and watch them,” Don sighs. “You gotta try and save them. It’s pretty simple.”
Some people think it’s grim, not Don. He used to sell life insurance, now he sells life. “It’s a gift,” he believes. Every day when he awakes, the elderly man shuffles to the second-story window, prays no one is at the cliff.
“He’s an angel,” beams Dianne Gaddin. “Most people would be too afraid to do anything, and would probably sooner turn away and run away. But he had the courage, and the charisma, and the care, and the magnetism to reach people who were coming to the end of their tether.”
Dianne likes to believe that Don was there when her daughter jumped from The Gap in 2005. He can’t remember, yet she feels comfort that Tracy felt his warmth at the end. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gap_%28Sydney%29
There was a time when Don climbed the fence to save a life. No more. He almost went over the cliff with a woman one day. She was hysterical, out of control; Don stood between her and the abyss below. Had she launched herself over the edge, he would have gone also.
Yet, he can’t save them all. The wind was strong on the day a teenager stood at the brink. As the old man offered tea and solace, the boy glanced up, it wasn’t enough. Just that quick he was gone. Don reached out, the boy’s hat landed in his open hand.
The “suicide angel” discovered the boy had lived next door years ago. His mother brought flowers to Don, grateful that he had tried. “If you couldn’t talk him out of it, no one could,” she sobbed.
There is no regret for those he can’t help, no lingering nightmares. Don does his best, accepts that no more can be done.
In 2006, the government awarded Don Ritchie with a Medal of the Order of Australia, a high civilian honor. It stands out on his living room wall, above a painting of sunshine; someone left it in the mailbox. The honor on the plaque reads: Ritchie “an angel that walks amongst us.”
Remember the woman at the start of this story? The ground beneath her body felt warm as she sat and gazed across the water; her purse was on the other side of the fence. Don convinced her to come to the house for tea; he and Moya dished up breakfast as they listened to her troubles.
The stranger was spent at the end of her tale, but felt much better. She decided to go home.
She returned a few months later with a bottle of champagne. Once a year she makes contact with the Ritchie’s to let them know that she is okay, happy with life.
Don Ritchie is a former Navy seaman, used to be busy, out and about, lunch with friends. His age and a constant battle with cancer have slowed him down. http://wentworth-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/honour-for-angel-of-the-gap/
Still…
The last I read, as of Feb. 2011 Don was still there reading … and watching.
May Your Glass Always Be Half Full
_________________
Read Maxi’s other great blog posts at http://maxiscomments.com/
Have you heard of any one special lately? Someone who is making a difference.
Have you discovered how having a cup of tea can make a difference?
Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. Mother Teresa