Care for the caregiver (short video)

There are many caregivers among us. I have been on both sides. After heart surgery in 2017, my husband cared for me as my body re-learned how to pump blood through a new aortic valve. I was very tired and often needed extra help. My husband felt stressed, figuring out the right thing to do.Continue reading “Care for the caregiver (short video)”

Caregiver’s story: “Memory and Acceptance—Lessons from My Mother”

We all have struggles during this pandemic. I wrote yesterday to a friend that I think of the people I know dealing with memory loss or aging difficulty. And being a younger parent these days is kind of mind-boggling. In the excerpt below, I start the talk about learning from my mother as she hasContinue reading “Caregiver’s story: “Memory and Acceptance—Lessons from My Mother””

This is a new year, let’s do it.

My 2022 projects are: eco-art installations, and good old-fashioned tree-hugging with Tree Songs 3, writing in anthologies about caregiving and about swimming for the Writers Collective of Canada. In ON SITE review 40 I was led by a wonderful editor to write about my love of books and libraries. And I’ll continue to work withContinue reading “This is a new year, let’s do it.”

Trees and Poet David Wagoner

RIP Poet David Wagoner, and thank you for this poem, my favourite: “Lost” [by David Wagoner] Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside youAre not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,Must ask permission to know it and be known.The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,I haveContinue reading “Trees and Poet David Wagoner”

Caregiver’s tale: “Memory and Acceptance, Lessons learned from my mother”

Coming soon, more info about my new chapter in the new Voices of the 21st Century: Caring Conscious Women Who Make a Difference (02/02/2022) Excerpt: When I was young, my mother lent me the book On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. She then asked me to make a drawing of the Serenity Prayer. ItContinue reading “Caregiver’s tale: “Memory and Acceptance, Lessons learned from my mother””

On writing, interview by Canadian Military Spouses Book Club

In an interview (20 mins) On Writing by the lead of the Canadian Military Spouses Book Club in August 2021, Christine Snider asks questions about why and what I write. We talk about the #VoicesOfThe20thCentury book, why I wrote about my heart journey, and other co-authors’ work. As well, we talk about resilient women I admire, likeContinue reading “On writing, interview by Canadian Military Spouses Book Club”

4th valversary, Feb. 7, 2021

4th VALVERSARY: Valentine’s Day 2017, I was scheduled to get my heart broken…A week before surgery, I got bumped and re-booked for the next day at the University-of-Ottawa-Heart-Institute on February 7. It took a GOOD YEAR to feel “normal” again. And 3.5 years to regain energy. Don’t give up! Ask questions, get a second opinion.Continue reading “4th valversary, Feb. 7, 2021”