Day 323: Candlelight

Day 323: Candlelight, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Candles serve so many purposes in our lives. It has been a year of losses, this time my spouse's mother. We sat in candlelight thinking, being and quietly remembering.

Candles light our celebrations and our losses. They brighten birthdays and set the mood for romance. They provide solace. They give us light when our modern utilities fail us. Candlelight casts its glow and embraces us.

Day 322: Doorway

Day 322: Doorway, originally uploaded by susanvg.

This giant doorway at Union Station in Toronto speaks of another era - a time when train travel was an adventure to faraway places. It was the railway that tied our country together. People got dressed up for their voyages and stations "spoke" of the importance of the event. Now commuter trains are a daily reality for many but the long distance trips play a lessor role as airplanes have taken over. Today we left Toronto by train; no-one wore their "travel clothes." There was no formality.

The theme for this month is doorways and windows. Exits and entrances. I rarely write highly personal information in my blog. But November 18 represents a life altering change in my life. My first husband died 27 years ago. His exit was the beginning of a new life for me as I walked through the doorway into single parenting and singleness. I had to learn to really stand on my own feet, to become (as my father once put it) fiercely independent. It was a long journey as I grew to be who I am today.

This is always a day when I take stock of my life, where I take some time to reflect on the trip I have taken. Sometimes we are forced through doors into unexplored territories. The challenge is to make these unexpected voyages into adventures where we expand our horizons and grow through new knowledge. While the trip so far has had its share of fear, discontent and discomfort it has also been replete with new friendships, joy, discovery and opportunities. Many more doors to go through, many more trips to take.....

Day 321: Clean!

Day 321: Clean!, originally uploaded by susanvg.

A day spent in hospital visiting... You can not walk very far without passing another of these hand sanitizer stations.. With the increase in hospital spread infections it is important. However hand sanitizer stations are now prominent in gyms, schools, offices where they have never been found before. After a week of my daughter and the flu, I too, have succumbed to this new craze, but soap and water is still the best.

Day 320: Night Flight

Day 320: Night Flight, originally uploaded by susanvg.

We had to go on an unplanned trip to Toronto as my spouse's mother is in failing health. We flew in clear skies and were able to enjoy the city lights as we took off. I often think about city lights as I live on a hill and regularly see parts of our city spread out below me (though not at this height). They seem so magical and festive, yet I think also of the amount of electricity needed to light all these lights. I know that I have to train myself to be more conscientious about closing lights that are not being used. Our politicians in Canada seem to be willing to delay making and commiting to environmental policies. After all, what is more important the economy today or the future of the planet! We, as individuals have to do what we can to change and push those in power to face the reality of what we have done to the planet. Some changes just can't wait.

Day 319: November Farm

Day 319: November Farm, originally uploaded by susanvg.

November has leached the colour from the countryside. All that was green has faded to straw. November paints with a monochromatic brush. Warm temperatures for this time of year coerced us to cycle out of Casselman. Later in the day the sun was hidden and the gold of the afternoon turned to grey. It is a time for moving indoors, for soups and hearty meals to warm the dark evenings.

Day 318: Imported Sunshine

Day 318: Imported Sunshine, originally uploaded by susanvg.

As the days get shorter, duller and darker I look to the grocery store for a dose of sunshine. While it would be wonderful to eat local, some things just have to be imported. These clementine oranges from Morocco have always felt like a burst of sunshine to me. Their sunny colour, lively flavour and sweet liquid taste bring a feeling of warmth. Apples speak of crisp fall days but oranges bring that semi-tropical glow.

Day 317: Frosty morning

Day 317: Frosty morning, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Morning dew has changed to morning frost. Fallen leaves, waiting to be picked up for composting by the city have been painted with Jack Frost's brush. Warmer than normal days quickly erase his handiwork. Each night he stealthily returns with his spray paint to remind us of colder weather coming.