North... Beautiful North

Four Gifts

This will get you thinking.

I think as parents we over think things. We stress about things that in the end don't really matter and what really matters often slips through our fingers while we are worrying about life.






 Four gifts.... to give your children and yourself:
1. Time - give it liberally.
2. Education
3. Spiritual
4. Love - the other three pale in comparison 

"Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand" 

Mother  Teresa

What I Am Grateful For

I had the opportunity to spend the weekend up north. I took my girls to the cottage this weekend. It is our family cottage. There are always lots of people and this past weekend was no exception. My parents, both my sisters and my brother-in-law also joined us in cottage country. 

I am grateful for the time to slow down, disconnect and just spending time in real life with the people in my life. 

And then there is this view.....No word needed.

What are you grateful for?

What I Am Reading Right Now

Here is what I am reading right now. I can't wait to share my thoughts on it when I am done. I am a few pages in and so far it is a juicy read.

Living Local

There is nothing better than discovering great local gems in your community. And what is even better is re-discovering the beauty of a local spot. This week I had the opportunity to join my daughter's great three class field trip. We spent the day at the Royal Botanical Gardens. The rain held off and we had a great day learning about and exploring nature.

 The kids were great. They just soaked up the knowledge. Along the way we got to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, including lots and lots of birds. They were doing a lot of talking. We are smack dab in the middle of bird migration in Southern Ontario.

The kids got to see a number of little creatures. There were squirrels, chipmunks, birds and even a water snake.  The kids held out handfuls of sunflower seeds to feed the birds, some were even eating out of their hands.

The RBG is a wonderful place to visit with the whole family. You can take in a program or just explore the grounds and gardens. 

Loving Local

Cappuccino crafted by Jimmy @ Tamp

I just love, love, love this.  

The talented owner and barista Jimmy Zereneh crafted this delish cup of coffee. A cappuccino to be exact. Jimmy owns and operates TAMP . It is a gem. Almost a hidden gem. It is a little coffee shop in a little out of the way location in downtown Burlington. It is small but mighty. I can honestly say I have never had a bad cup of coffee there. Today I had coffee with a friend and it was great! The company was great, the location was great and the coffee was fantastic.

There is nothing better than supporting local businesses. Could we have gone to Starbucks? Sure. I always feel it is important to support small, local businesses and entrepreneurs. They are the life blood and back bone of any great community. If you don't  support local businesses they will just disappear. 

So, here is my challenge to you....go out, find a great local business and buy something from that business just once this week!