There are moments when a kid strikes upon just the right thing, and magic happens. In these two books, kids transform something difficult into a tender and wonderful moment, just by chance and instinct, and the magic of a connection is formed. A Song for My Sisterby Lesley SimpsonRandom HouseISBN: … [Read more...]
The Grandparent Effect
I did not grow up with grandparents as a part of my daily life. Most of my relatives live in Belfast, so we were only able to spend time with my grandparents for the few weeks they came in the summer or the few weeks we went there.I remember when I was little feeling envious of my friends when they … [Read more...]
The Softness of Skin
I hold her hands while sitting gingerly on the side of her bed. I'm wary of crushing her as I lean over to kiss her on both cheeks. She smells the same. Her eyes are the bluest they've ever been. We chat quietly... she'd like some decorations around the windows for Christmas. Blue and white. … [Read more...]
We were all young once.
Sometimes I get frustrated with my dad. He's an old guy, a widower, a bit set in his ways and I find myself impatient. I adore my dad. I was always a daddy's girl growing up, eager to impress him. The truth is, these things never really change.Since my mom died we see each other a lot. He lives … [Read more...]
Family Day
My family could not be more opposite from Sean's. He's got dozens of cousins, aunts, uncles and extended family all over Ontario on both his mom and dad's side.My parents came to Canada from Northern Ireland when my Mum was 19 and my Dad was 22. My Mum went back to have my oldest sister … [Read more...]
The Railway Children: A Grandma’s Review
For Mother's Day, after spending the morning at the soccer pitch, I spent the afternoon with my mother at the opening of The Railway Children. They've built a brand new theatre at the base of the CN Tower for the show, and when you walk in, it's a total sensory experience: the sounds, smells … [Read more...]
Summer visit to Calgary
We're in Calgary to visit my inlaws. We got here last Saturday, and it's largely been cloudy and wet. Today, however, the city is glistening in all its summer glory: from the condo, I enjoy a vista of snow-capped mountains surrounded by lush greenery and the pastoral Elbow … [Read more...]
Posting from out West
It's a beautiful, clear day in Calgary. As I sit at the computer, I've got a spectacular view of the mountains and the Elbow River (see left) from the nearby window. We arrived on Friday to spend the holidays with my in-laws, and it's been so much fun already. The kids were welcomed at … [Read more...]
The Wizard of San Francisco
So, somehow between my husband coming down with a mysterious illness (which turned out to be Typhus...I know, I had to Google it too) & being in hospital for 9 days, & us finding out, 3 days before the hubby was admitted to hospital, that we are expecting our 2nd little one, we managed to … [Read more...]