What Holds Us Back

Does anyone remember the above saying?

I heard it thousands of times growing up.

Do you ever wish you could do something? Anything in our control qualifies for this question. Things like, learn a new hobby, language or to cook, play an instrument, game, sport, or even practical things like save money.

I’m certain everyone at some point has said, “I’d love to be able to…”

What sometimes keeps us from trying these things?

Is it a confidence issue?

Is it not liking change?

Is it as simple as, we don’t like to risk failure?

Are the wishful activities that dance in our heads not worth extra time, effort and maybe risking not doing them perfect at first or ever?

After all wouldn’t “failure” be not trying them at all?

Say, if after a month you can only count to ten in the new language you’ve been studying, that should still be seen as success, right?

Even the “I wish I could…” which involves changing a current habit should be considered here.

What if after a week you’ve only saved 50 cents a day, that’s still saving, right? Plus, the following weeks goal could be simply increase to another reachable amount.

It’s common to get enthused by success, and discouraged by defeat. So, lets not make our goals for something new or habit changing difficult to reach.

Remember, even the tiniest accomplishment or change can help you reach the big goal.

Take someone whose “I wish” is to have a more organized house. Tackling it in small areas it’s not as overwhelming.

This makes me think of something I was once told years ago and I truly believe. “A messy, unorganized living space reflects what’s going on in your life.” Often physically cleaning up the clutter will help settle inner anxiety.

We should give ourselves easy goals to achieve, approach things in steps, and maybe lighten up a bit on our expectations.

Here’s something I’ve often wondered. When someone says they can’t do something for example cook, do they really mean “can’t” or is it they “don’t want to try”?

As adults we need to study the young. How do they learn to walk? Do they give up after the first fall? No, they do it in stages over time and with lots of effort. They sit, then stand, then move on to taking steps.

After spending a couple days with “Monkey” (our little grandson) it occurred to me that we are born with a tremendous amount of try in us. Anything new Monkey comes across that he wants to do he is persistent until he succeeds.

Perhaps in this time of Covid-19 you took a chance to try something that has been a wishful thought, or perhaps you tackled changing a habit.

Why as we age do we let the determination and persistence we are born with slip away?

 

Why Is It Called Dog?

Do you need something besides Covid-19 to think about?

Here’s something I often wonder, and even Google hasn’t given me satisfying answers.

Why is a dog called dog? Why is a house a house? Why is walk walk? Why are we called people?

Can you see the big question? Why, how and when did the words we use originate?

I decided to Google “when did humans start speaking.” It appears I’m not alone in wondering about this. There’s a few theories and speculations, but nothing very helpful.

These are quotes from one article I found.

“The origin of language and its evolutionary emergence have been subjects of speculation for several centuries. The topic is difficult to study because of lack of direct evidence.”
Okay, I get that, but it wasn’t very satisfying.

Here’s a helpful line.
“The shortage of empirical evidence has led many scholars to regard the entire topic as unsuitable for serious study.”
Sounds like me after awhile of thinking about this, throwing my hands up in the air and muttering, “I don’t know.”

This statement pretty much sums up my research.
“In 1866, the Linguistic Society of Paris banned any existing or future debates on the subject, a prohibition which remained influential across much of the Western world until late in the twentieth century. Today, there are various hypotheses about how, why, when, and where language might have emerged. Despite this, there is scarcely more agreement today than a hundred years ago when Charles Darwin‘s theory of evolution by natural selection provoked a rash of armchair speculation on the topic.”

If I had the gift of time travel I would go back and search for answers.

Well, I think I avoided my chores long enough. No more researching this mystery for me today. 

But really, why is a tree called a tree, a mountain called a mountain?

Sometimes my mind rests, but not often.

I’m curious, have you ever given this subject any thought?

I hope you have support and are staying strong and healthy during this social distancing and often isolation.

Smiles Are Contagious

 

For us, seeing this smile is contagious. There’s nothing as genuine as the look of joy or wonderment on a child’s face.

Getting to spend time with this little fellow brings Mister and I great joy.

This is my new partner in silliness, our youngest grandchild. In posts, I’ll be referring to him by his nickname, “Monkey”.

It’s precious to witness life through the eyes of a young one again. To watch them experience and help teach them new things, and to just join their world and play.

I know, I’ll never tire of seeing our children, grandchildren or great grandchildren smile, but anyone’s smile can brighten ones day.

Remember to share the power of a smile when around others, and don’t be afraid to flash the first one.

It’s All In The Water

 

This place is referred to as “Canada’s Dead Sea” because the natural mineral-rich properties of its water is very similar to that of the “Dead Sea of Israel”.

Whether or not you believe legends or current stories about curative powers of waters like these, that’s not what makes this place special.

Manitou Beach, (Canada’s Dead Sea) is no where near a coastline. It’s a spring fed lake located in the central prairies of Saskatchewan.

It is a True Hidden Treasure.

Manitou Beach, is a place rich with history, but also plagued with adversity. A village that could write a book about the meaning of perseverance.

Mister and I have visited many mineral pools, but never another with extreme natural buoyancy and soothing/moisturizing qualities like the waters of Manitou.

Since we discovered this gem of a place a few years ago, we’ve been to Manitou Beach a handful of times.

We’ve gone with friends, siblings, and have even gathered the kids and grandkids here for a weekend get-away.

Manitou Beach is one of Western Canada’s destination we recommend others to visit. 

We love visiting in the winter. Even though, summer businesses are closed, and enjoying the same buoyancy in the cool lake water is not an option.

Our place of choice to stay is, Manitou Springs Resort and Mineral Spa There is more summer rental choices in the village, plus a serviced summer campground on top of the hill.

Manitou Springs Resort and Spa is a, no need to step outside until you have to leave, type of place. The wonderful amenities and friendly staff make it easy to just relax and enjoy your stay.

Inside the resort is a large soaking pool with 38 degree Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) soothing mineral rich water.  Plus, another large mineral pool at 34 degrees Celsius (93.2 Fahrenheit), this one has a deep end. I prefer hanging out in the deeper water where I can fully experience the extreme buoyancy by floating without effort in a standing position. Free, unlimited pool access is included when you book a room or suite.

To satisfy ones hunger the resort has a poolside cafeteria plus a family restaurant. In our experience both have great food and menu choices.

If you want to treat yourself to some pampering their European-style spa offers fantastic Swedish massages, reflexology, body wraps and other therapeutic and esthetic services.

There’s also a fully equipped fitness centre for those who enjoy a workout.

Browse their gift shop which carries a wonderful line of products made with their famous water, souvenirs, clothing, and a good selection of swim suits.

Manitou Beach was a hoping destination for thousands of world wide travellers in the 1920’s and 30’s. Then, the depression and changes in the way people travelled took its toll.

In 1983, fire destroyed the original indoor pool. The new and existing one was opened in 1987. Trouble didn’t end there though for this village. Increased rainfall and snow run-off for a spring fed lake with no out-going streams means rising water levels. This issue has already consumed some beaches and roadways but, is currently being controlled with protective berms.

It’s not only the waters which has history and made Manitou Beach popular in its glory days. There’s also a dancehall which was known for its big name entertainment, and its desirable flooring system. The wood planks of the dance floor rest on braided coils of horse hair giving it movement and therefor comfort for dancing. The dancehall still holds occasional public and private functions.

Do you like relaxing in hot pools?

Have you heard of Manitou Beach, (Canada’s Dead Sea) before?

Have you ever experienced floating in natural buoyant waters?

Which Do You Dread

This only shows 6 of the 20 blinds

Options filtered through my mind as I did my pre-Christmas cleaning. Which in itself is a bit odd, because we won’t even be home. So maybe it was late fall, early spring, or more like catch up from being away so much cleaning.

Anyway, I actually enjoy cleaning but there are chores I dread and thought it would be fun to hear what chores others dread.

Name a chore or two you dread but grudgingly do often. Here’s a few of mine.

• Window washing (Okay, often is stretching it here, I do the outsides 2 maybe 3 times a year, insides is less, but that’s because I dread it.)
• Washing floors. (Not sure why I don’t enjoy this, and it’s really too bad it needs to be done so often.)
• Dusting or washing horizontal blinds. (I have a good reason for this one. We have 20 windows, most are big, and all of them have horizontal blinds.)
• Scrubbing the shower and tub. (The older I get the more I hate this chore. It has become easier since I started using a half and half mixture of vinegar and water with a little blue Dawn dish soap as a cleaner though.) This chore also makes me smile too, because of a comment one of my nephews made years ago. It was shortly after he moved out on his own. He was shocked when my sister told him he had to clean the tub and shower. His reasoning was, it gets washed whenever I shower.

Oh and if this was summertime instead of winter, cleaning tree fluff of the window screens is way up there on my dreaded list, and weeding flowerbeds.

Is there a chore you do regularly that you wonder why or how does this get dirty so fast.

– Cleaning ceiling fans and light fixtures.

– Cleaning the mysterious crumbs and such out of Silverware and utensil drawers. (Actually pretty much every drawer. How does stuff get in closed drawers.)

– Scrubbing kitchen sinks, including drain area and stoppers.

– Washing door and drawer fronts and handles.

 If you have a choice, do you prefer to cook, or do the cleanup?

 My hands down answer is do the cleanup.

Do You Over Pack

It can pay off big time.

I’ve always over-packed. Whether it’s different climate outfits or just extra choices, there’s always clean clothes coming home in my suitcase.

But, for all the times that’s happened it only takes one delayed return, added days to a trip away, to appreciate those extras.

Sure, I never go where purchasing or washing clothes isn’t an option, but that isn’t always convenient though. Plus, it’s definitely never easy to find what you need in a pinch, unless it’s the basics (socks or underwear).

We just got back from a trip that ended up being 5 days longer than expected. I tell you those extras packed were greatly appreciated.

My method when packing is, if there’s still room in the suitcase, fill it. Unless I’m going where I know I’ll be shopping.

I also always travel with more medication than required, and I’ve finally got Mister doing the same.

Do you travel with extras or just the bare minimum?

Was It My Imagination

Do you have an unexplainable fear or love for something? Can a simple sight, sound or smell, change how you feel?

For many years and with unwarranted intensity, I’ve loved the ocean and feared fire.

I love many of nature’s things, but the instant I hear, touch, or smell ocean water, I actually feel a calm come over me like no other. Like I’m returning home, yet I’ve never lived near an ocean.

As for phobias, I only have a couple minor ones and none compare to my fear of fire. Saying I fear fire isn’t really correct. I enjoy a campfire or fireplace, and I’m not afraid to burn candles and such. It’s that fires have raged and haunted me in reoccurring nightmares.

For years, I’ve had a theory about these two obsessions.

My reasoning came out of nowhere, as in no suggestive books, movies or conversations. It’s more like hints were slowly given to me in my sleep and over time. I didn’t spring out of bed one morning with the complete theory fresh in my mind.

I’ve kept none of these thoughts a secret. I’m not ashamed by them. In fact, I’ve shared, joked, and laughed about this theory with friends and family.

Before you call me crazy, let me tell you about a couple extraordinary experiences that make me question the truth behind my theory. 

It happened when Mister and I finally got a chance to go on a ocean cruise.

The instant I stepped aboard the cruise ship, panic began to build. I’m sure for some this is not unusual, and maybe it’s even common, but it caught me by surprise. I’ve always been extremely comfortable on or in water. We’ve owned boats for years, and I’ve been on many lengthy voyages on small and large ocean ferries.

Was my theory cause for this reaction?

You see this theory I speak of is, I believe in a past life I captained or worked on a big wooden ship. It was my way of life, my home for years, and that’s where my strong love of the ocean comes from.

My fear, or whatever it should be called, is also a result of this past life. I believe I died on the above ship, trapped by an onboard fire.

Was my theory all a tale created by my imagination? If so, how do I explain the strange occurrences that followed?

Brief flashes of deja-vu on this voyage were taken in stride, but what happened on the forth night will live with me forever.

It was full into night, and I was sound asleep when all of a sudden I shot up in bed. There was no unusual noises or motions, and only a sliver of a moon lit our cabin.

I woke with no worry or anxiety like when one has a nightmare. In fact, it was quite the opposite.

Drawn to the window, I stood and scanned the dark silhouettes of passing land. I watched the boats running lights glisten on the rippled water as the ship began to quietly enter a channel to another port and our dock for the day.

There were previous night maneuvers like this, all which I slept through. But, on the forth night my heart raced with excitement, a feeling of familiarity, attachment, an appreciation of the area. 

What makes this unexplainable is I had never been to, seen pictures of, or even researched this port before this journey.

How can I not believe the long ago sailor in me knew this place?

This thought was reinforced by a memorable incident which happened the next day when the ship idled in place by a glacier.

While standing at the ships rail enjoying the view an announcement came over the speaker system. My worst nightmare began for real, yet instead of panicking, I stood barely phased. There was a fire onboard in the spa which required some areas of the ship to be evacuated.

For me, this was to show me that I no longer carried the sailors worries now that he had returned home the night before?

By the way, the fire which was electrical, was contained and put out with minimal damage.

In general, I don’t believe in things that can’t be seen, heard, or proven, but ghosts or drifting sprits are my exception.

Was this all coincidence?

Believe what you may, but I believe I returned a lost soul home while on this voyage.

It’s been ten years since this trip and I haven’t had a, trapped by fire, nightmare. I do still love the ocean though.

Have you ever experienced deja-vu?

Have you ever felt that a spirt guides, protects or is near you?

The picture is a couple whales playing beside the ship.

 

Update on my “Taste From Heaven” Post

I Don’t know how or why it happened, but the comment box didn’t show up on the original post at first, but it is there now.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

To revisit post click here “A Taste From Heaven“

A Taste From Heaven

The saying is, “a taste of heaven,” but these cookies are a taste, “from,” heaven.

Even with the trend being the 3 ingredient Peanut Butter cookies there’s only one recipe for me. It’s my Dad’s, hence the, “from,” heaven.

While growing up store bought desserts were rare in our house. Mom worked two jobs, raised five children, kept a spic and span house, sewed some of our clothes, and still every day there was homemade goodies to enjoy. How she did all this became even more a mystery once I became a mom. 

I definitely baked more when our kids were young and at home. These days if I make a homemade pie, it’s a ready to bake pie shell filled with Jello instant pudding, and topped with Dream Whip from a package. Tasty, but homemade might be an exaggeration?

My talent is more cookies or squares. Actually, I only recall making pie crusts a couple times, and breads, those are scary, I leave them to experts like mom.

Dad cooked meals on occasion, and not always one special dish, but when it came to baking, I only remember his “Peanut Butter Cookies.”

The history behind the recipe died with my parents years ago. Was it a cherished one from dad’s childhood? Was it just a stumbled upon one? Maybe it was really one from mom’s side and dad just enjoyed making them? I’ll never know the answer, but at least every time I make these cookies they bring on fond memories.

Dad would be thrilled that I’m sharing this recipe.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Cream Together

• 1/2 Cup Margarine

• 2/3 Cup Brown sugar (not packed)

• 1/3 Cup White sugar

• 1 egg

Then Add

• 1 1/4 Cup Flour

• 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda

• 2/3 Cup Peanut butter

(This recipe also does well doubled.)

Roll into walnut size balls (I use a melon baller) press lightly with fork.

Bake at 350 for 9-10 minutes.

A thought came to me while writing this post. I’m going push past the intimidation this winter and make a pie crust and a loaf of bread from scratch. I’ll let you know if they’re eatable.

Do you have a recipe that triggers fond memories?

Do you make the three ingredient, Peanut Butter Cookies?

If you try this recipe let me know what you think.

Who Remembers

Who remembers cameras using film?

Who remembers taking the rolls into a photo shop?

The waiting sometimes a week for it to be developed? The anticipation? The hoping that picture of something special turned out?

Did you ever come home from a holiday and spend hours writing dates and notes on the back of prints? Or, did you put them in albums right away with side-notes?

I love that newer cameras and mobile devices allow you to check a shot before the moment passes, and that dates are recorded automatically. If you have location service turned on even where you are can now be recorded.

Years ago, when Mister and I did our cross Canada retirement trip, we had a digital camera which was a blessing for checking shots. At that time though, location service wasn’t even an option. Every evening I would download that day’s pictures onto my laptop, and we would name them before we would forget. In our defence, when you cover a lot of miles and see numerous highlights in a day, details are quick to blur and mingle.

I’ve pretty much switched to digital albums, because of storage space, but there’s nothing like having a photo album on your lap and flipping pages.

Have you stumbled across prints years later that you wish you would have taken the time to write on the back?

This just happened to me while going through some boxes.

Oh and remember the sleeves of negatives, seldom ever looked at again but too precious to throw away? I still don’t know what to do with them.

Do you get print copies and do photo albums, or just have digital albums?