Birthdays

Interesting how a birthday can have such a strong good impact on you, or a strong negative impact on you. This past birthday had almost no impact on me. In fact I'm feeling uneasy about not feeling something. There were heartfelt well wishes and cards. A wonderful dinner (at Spagos!) in the company of really good people. But it turned out to feel more like "just another day". Maybe the timing clash with Easter activities. Oh well. I learned a new song out of it. It's called People My Age, by John Gorka. Check out his songs. I don't want to sound unappreciative. I've got MUCH to be thankful for generally, and I got more birthday recognition than might be reasonable. Some days are just days. Better to have them than not. Eternity will happen eventually. For now, I'm glad to be here breathing.

Easter

I attended Maundy Thursday service for the first time ever this year. Washing of the feet, sombre hymns, quiet readings, stripping of the altar and silent departure by candlelight. It brought home the point of the Jesus dying for our sins, and the commandment to respect each other.

And then Easter Sunday... colours, lights, banners, power-hymns. Celebration and smiles. And a balloon launch afterwards. Cool.

My thoughts on religion and church are: a) they are two separate things, b) they are different for each person, and c) a little bit is good prevention and a lot is a good cure, all depending on whatever ails you.

My thoughts on Easter are that we all need to be reminded that we can be forgiven, even forgiving ourselves... and we can all 'start over'. Each morning, each hour, each year. Review your situation and get on with things, embracing whatever changes you decide need to be made in your life.





If you're looking, I'm in a choir gown.





So for some of you, see you at the next blog post. For others, see you at church at Christmas.

Okay, NOW I'm a Canadian

I've visited all 10 provinces. I've seen whales on both coasts. I've been to Ottawa for Canada Day celebrations, and I've skated on the Rideau Canal. (Different trips to Ottawa of course). And I'm very proud of my bilingual (smart, beautiful, enjoyable) children. But yesterday I really affirmed my citizenship, because I went curling. It was great. Such fun just throwing rocks at each other on the ice. If you get the chance, go curling. Much Thanks to Ian, Mark, Walter and the others at St. Marks by-the-Lake church who arranged such a fun time. I also got to learn a whole new vocabulary, as well as find a whole bunch of muscles that I didn't know I had.