Don't Let the Turkeys Get You Down

-
As I posted on my Facebook page earlier this week, I've been feeling a little grumpy and out of sorts the past few days "...for many and any number of reasons."  One contributing factor is the media.  The constant barrage of tragedy and fear mongering has become rather overwhelming.  Yes I realize there are troublesome things happening in the world and we should know about them, but the focus is so negatively skewed with no room for hope that I decided to go on a media fast.  Mr. Rogers' Mom used to tell him to "Look for the helpers..."  I think the current media has forgotten about this part of balanced news coverage.  I know you are out there helpers, and I thank you.

So news from newspapers, TV and radio are off limits for a while.  Sadly, it seems tragedy can find it's way to you in other ways and today I realized something more proactive is necessary.

Perhaps I can take a page from Mrs. Rogers' book.  Perhaps I can inoculate myself against being overwhelmed by the bad news, by looking for the positive around me.  While I was out this morning running errands, I decided to keep my eye out for things that made me smile and for fun I put my iPhone to use to capture the moments.   

Ironically, this thought came to mind when I took this photo after I tried to put money in the parking meter where I'd just parked my car.  

I was going to post it to Facebook with the caption.  "My life lately."  But in reality my life is pretty blessed.  My eyesight on the other hand, is not so blessed.  I seem to have issues with focus and the iPhone, likely due to the fact I need to get my new prescription for my glasses filled.  It always look fine to me on the screen.  I though I'd share anyway.  I would love it if you'd share a little in the comments about what made you smile today.


The Cookbook section of a used bookstore can cure what ails you.


I was seriously tempted to buy this purse/make up case.  There is something delightfully tacky about it.

 (Listening to "This is That" on CBC Radio 1)

 summertime

 A visit to Lakehouse can cheer me whether I buy anything or not. (Regarding my desire to purchase used items only - a can opener is another one of things that needs to be new.)

Young people using old "technology".


Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 31, 2014 at 3:52 PM

    think your doggie BEGS a caption.. will need time to think... i hear your message... that old saying "no news is good news" is more true than ever... i have to eschew news often and that is okay to honour your own need for peace... we are so over-connected these days. Kristen

    ReplyDelete
  2. Suzan Wood-YoungJuly 31, 2014 at 4:53 PM

    LOL! I thought he needed no explanation actually, but I would welcome your wit! I appreciate your understanding of my search for peace. :) I myself am not one of the over connected. I thinking working from home helps, and I do not use the internet for news, do not subscribe to instagram, twitter etc.and my Facebook connections are more into personal news rather than world news. It's the regular media that I find is getting out of hand and I gather from conversations, the rest are just as bad. Perhaps the old formats are trying to find some way to grab attention from the new formats.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pearls of Wisdom

-
Image
On Tuesday, my daughter received her diploma from the University of British Columbia. On Wednesday I was moving documents to my new computer when I stumbled upon a verse I'd copied from a card my mom gave Nicole when she graduated from high school.  I thought I'd post it today along with some photos of my Mom.  Today, is the fourth anniversary of her passing. GRANDMA'S PEARLS OF WISDOM by Becky Netherland I've traveled paths you've yet to walk Learned lessons old and new And now this wisdom of my life I'm blessed to share with you. Let kindness spread like sunshine Embrace those who are sad Respect their dignity, give them joy And leave them feeling glad   Forgive those who might hurt you And though you have your pride Listen closely to their viewpoint Try to see the other side Walk softly when you're angry Try not to take offense Invoke your sense of humor Laughter's power is immense!   Express w...
Read more

My Favourite Childhood Christmas Book

-
Image
Every Christmas, for as long as I can remember my heart has been touched by  The Wonderful Window by Beth Vardon,  illustrated by Charlot Byj.    I believe it was written in the 50's and I would likely have received it for Christmas sometime in the 60's.  It's no longer in print so I hope I'm not violating any copyright laws by sharing it with you.    As soon as the patchwork was tacked into place The angel came in with a smile on his face. And both he and Katie got down on their knees, Praying: Lord, could you spare one small miracle -- please? That night, all the people who happened to pass  Saw a wonderful window of glistening glass! And the light from the candles was shining inside  On the angel and Katie -- both beaming with pride. (Just take a look now, while the happy choir sings...You'll see -- even Katie --- has almost got wings!)
Read more

Currying Flavour

-
Image
When I arrived home from grocery shopping on Tuesday I discovered my husband had already purchased a four litre jug of milk to replace the empty one I had spied on the counter that morning.  I bought one too.  We don't use a lot of cow's milk and a four litre jug will usually last us two weeks.  It's not that we don't like it, we just believe that milk is for baby cows, not people and use almond or soy milk (though someone  prefers cow milk in their cereal).  I've been on a kick to use up the extra milk for the past two days and tonight we are going to consume it in a flavourful curried cauliflower soup.   I used this recipe more or less.  The cauliflower was huge so I added a little more curry, used chicken flavoured vegetable broth and replaced the half & half with a cup of skim milk.  I also left some small chunks of cauliflower in the mix because I like a little texture in my creamed soups.  I also added a couple of hu...
Read more