Oh Canada......

Watching the closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics last Sunday made me quite homesick. Actually, watching the Olympics these past few weeks has made me crave Canada and all that it represents. How odd and quite a shocking feeling since I have been accused (on more than one occasion by my loving sisters!) that I am not and never really was Canadian! Proof - during one particular animated 'discussion' when I was asked who the current PM of Canada was (and YES - I knew that Canada didn't have a President!) --- I didn't know! OK - so maybe I wasn't up to speed on my current events, mia culpa! I have lived in the US for the greater part of 20 years --- oh my God, has it really been that long? --- and yes, I have assimilated into the "American way of life" rather smoothly. But now I'm homesick and missing some of the pieces of my old Canadian life.

Of course when I think of Canada and home it is all about my family - I greatly miss everyone -- and didn't think about it too much until I moved south. Lately I've been remembering the times I gave up the opportunity to visit with those people dearest to me just because there's the false belief that they will always be around and there will be time later. And vice versa, how many times has my family been too busy for me? I'm constantly reminded that these connections are so so fragile and so precious and I need to always live in the moment and be more present than I've ever been.

So...where did all this new found Canadian pride come from? As it happens, I am the only person in my family that has moved away - even though Kyle lives in Chicago - he's as Canadian as they come (actually more so!!). My ah-ha moments are many and come to me at the weirdest times --- looking for that little Italian grocery store where - yes - they speak Italian!, worrying about the cost of healthcare, thinking about gun control (and guns out of control!), having the creepy feeling that Big Brother is alive and well, ....... I could go on but you get the picture I'm sure.

let it snow, Let It Snow…LET IT SNOW!

What a difference a year makes. If I was in MI right now, I would think it was just another winter day, snowy and no big deal. BUT being in South Carolina for over a year now snow is an EVENT of grand proportions (and I mean GRAND!)….once a decade……amazing! It has been the news story of the week!

As it turns out snow is a great analogy for changing your mind and your life. What do you think of when you see freshly fallen snow --- purity, awe, a clean slate, a new beginning, a chance to get rid of the dirt? The trees become magical and it even seems quieter and more peaceful all around. It might even be tempting and enjoyable to carry the ‘feelings’ of fresh snow inside of us (opting out for the temperatures that go along with it of course!)
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As I sit here to write, there’s a young tree outside my kitchen window --- early this morning it was laden down with heavy wet snow – its tender young branches were bent in two different directions --- each ready to snap. As the snow has melted however, these branches have moved back to their natural position – unscathed by the recent snow storm. Hmmm….the tree and the snow has become my teacher and I have become the student.

So today I resolve to be that young tree --- able to withstand the occasional burdens thrust upon me, but always knowing that the sun will eventually come out again and I will be able to get back on track. The 2010 snow storm in Charleston has taught me to never say never --- as in ‘it never snows in Charleston’ or ‘I will never be able to do that’ (whatever the ‘that’ may be – lose weight, get fit, start my own successful business, get out of debt) or ‘my life will never change’ --- with the melting snow the word never has also melted away from my mind, heart and vocabulary. I resolve to let the feeling of snow cover me peacefully then awaken me with revived passion and hope as it melts away again and allows me to straighten up and fully bloom....Ciao for now!