Today, I am leaving for three days of quiet and solitude at a spiritual retreat on a nearby Bowen Island mountain top. Although I no longer search for answers to questions that evaded me for most of my life – my spiritual growth and well-being have always been important. The retreat will allow me to… Continue reading A Hasty Retreat
Category: Birthday
A Very Happy Thanksgiving Day
Before I begin my Thanksgiving Day story, I want to announce a very special friend’s 81st birthday today. It’s ironic that my buddy Norm Colon (the southern Norm), gets to celebrate three special occasions today – because he lives in the USA and they celebrate Columbus Day. Their Thanksgiving Day isn’t until next month. So,… Continue reading A Very Happy Thanksgiving Day
Happy Independence Day
Although I’m Canadian, I want to wish my large circle of friends in the United States, a very Happy Independence Day. Holly’s friend Colby, who’s a rescue dog from the States, sent this beautiful video of an assortment of fireworks. My favorite is the last one – what’s yours? (Thanks, Colby, Denise, and Al –… Continue reading Happy Independence Day
Stories of the Mira
The pink flamingos were Pat’s idea, but he let Dale, Dennis, Captain Joe, and I share in the credit – but that’s the way life is in Atlantic Canada – everybody is like family. So, on that morning, when Garth looked out his front window, he couldn’t believe his eyes! Garth: Donna, come here quick!… Continue reading Stories of the Mira
Seventy Years Ago
On January 8th, seventy years ago, at precisely 10:30 in the morning, a scream of joy erupted from my tiny mouth as I gasped my first breath of life. I don’t know if I was a planned addition to the St. Andrews clan or not, but I always felt loved by my mom. My dad… Continue reading Seventy Years Ago
A Happy Goats’ Day
A few days ago, I received an email from my friends, Reg and Leslie Dutton. They had sent me a beautiful Christmas card in the mail; so, I assumed it was either an esoteric, happy new year or happy birthday message because the Subject line read: Happy Goats! A quick look didn’t reveal a message,… Continue reading A Happy Goats’ Day
Birthday Greetings from LaConner
I began my day at 2:33 am, when Holly Golightly, my dog, woke me from a beautiful dream. I was surprised that the scene of me winning a considerable lottery didn’t happen. But my disappointment didn’t last long – because Holly’s tail was wagging like she hadn’t seen me in three weeks. I can’t imagine… Continue reading Birthday Greetings from LaConner
My 10th Anniversary
Ten years ago, I received some life-changing news – I was diagnosed with having stage 3 throat cancer and was given only a 40% chance of surviving. At the time, I was 59 years old – and I remember thinking that I probably wouldn’t survive because I had never in my life ever felt lucky. … Continue reading My 10th Anniversary
Finally, I’m as old as I look…
It was going to be a quiet 65th Birthday. Nothing planned, other than going to the dentist at the Cancer Centre for an appointment. And while seated in the chair, Cathy and Donna signed my ‘bib’ and then they sang Happy Birthday to me! And yes, I am finally as old as I look! Hugs, Danny… Continue reading Finally, I’m as old as I look…
But I Couldn’t
Hi Ma, It’s your 91st birthday today, and I wanted to buy you something extraordinary – but I couldn’t. I was also going to send you two birthday cards – one loving and one humorous – but I couldn’t. And I also wanted to give you a call and wish you a Happy Birthday and… Continue reading But I Couldn’t