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A trip away from home gave me a new perspective

A trip to the other side of the world brought me closer to my home

We take so much for granted and I’m no exception

It’s hard to know what you have till it’s gone

Montreal may have long brutal winters

Lots of potholes and unending construction

But it’s the city of culture

In Montreal, all races and nationalities live side by side

Our lives are made richer this way

There is much variety and

We’re exposed to different perspectives and ideas

Montreal is a city of art, music, theatre and sports

It’s the city of writers and poets

It’s a place one can be inspired and thrive

It took me going to a land far off

To appreciate what I have at home

To appreciate friendships I’ve made over the years

Having lived in Montreal for seventeen years

This is the place I call home now

October 14th, 2108

Writing

I write to sort out my thoughts and figure things out

What do others do who don’t write?

I write to relax and recuperate

What do others do who don’t write?

I write to express myself

What do others do who don’t write?

I write to go to a placeless place and explore

What do others do who don’t write?

I write to breathe out, to exhale

What do others do who don’t write?

I write to bring joy into my life

What do others do who don’t write?

I write to go to my place of calm

What do others do who don’t write?

October 14th, 2018

A new beginning

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A new notebook

As I embark on a new adventure

A new beginning

A new phase in my life

Venturing south

Seeking the sun

Looking for community

Looking for camaraderie

As my children begin to fly away

It’s time for me to look around

Assess things

And start new ventures as well

There is sadness in loss

But joy in new possibilities

It’s time to give in a different way

To be of service in a different way

I see the open road in front of me

And I’m ready to embark on this journey

October 2nd, 2018

Our roots

Our roots ground us

They give us stability and

The chance to grow tall

They keep us firm

In the storms of life

They nourish our souls

They make us strong

Leaves and branches

Adorn the tree of our lives

But without roots

They would not stay alive

“Grounded in our roots we rise”*

September 30th, 2018

*Larry Smith in Fresh off the boat

Early mornings

I love the early mornings

The day is new and inviting

I’ve slept and I’m rested

It’s quiet and peaceful

I have time to read and think

As my mind gradually awakens

I feel at peace

This is my time with the universe

Time to contemplate and

Remember my dreams

The early mornings

My favorite time

My thoughts are uncluttered

And I’m ready for a fresh start

September 24th, 2018

My notebooks

Days go by

Seasons change

And I write in my notebooks

Children grow up

Life changes

And I keep writing in my notebooks

Dreams are dreamt

Some become reality

And I keep writing in my notebooks

We move from city to city

From one country to another

And I keep writing in my notebooks

My notebooks have created a beautiful pile

Colourful and different each one

Writing is the constant in my life

My notebooks are the repository of my thoughts

September 23rd, 2018

Changes

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I raised my kids not thinking

About the day they would leave home

Sure, there were times when I looked forward

To having more time for myself

But now I realize what a void they will leave in my heart

When they leave

Having been a stay at home mom

And then working part-time

I have been lucky to have been with my children

A lot of the time

When they leave

I have to fill that empty space with

Other people and other activities

There is still a few months left

Before any of them leave

But I’m trying to prepare myself

Although I don’t think that I’ll ever be ready

But we raise our kids so that

One day they can leave and be

Productive members of the community

It’s sad to see them leave

And yet I have to think of the opportunities it brings

September 20th, 2018

All of me

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I accept all of me

The Eastern me

The Western me

And everything in between

All of my experiences in life

Are valid

All the influences I have had

Have shaped me

Yet in the final analysis

I am who I am

Despite where I have grown up

Or where I live

My personality is not tied to one place

My interests and talents are innate

My humanity something I have

In common with everyone else

September 17th, 2018

One family

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Do I fit in here or there?

Do I belong here or there?

Questions I once asked myself

How about I fit in here and there

I belong here and there

I also belong to a group of people

Who have grown up here and there

There are other people like me out there

They are also my community

At the root of it all though

We are all human beings

Who belong to the same family

Sept. 5th, 2018

Thankful

Today, I’m thankful for feeling well

Being able to laugh again

Today, I’m thankful that my creativity is back

And I want to write again

Today, I’m thankful to have energy

To do what is needed

Today, I’m thankful to walk in the sun

Having left the shadows behind

Today, I’m thankful to feel calm again

To face the things that come my way

Today, I’m thankful to have my optimism back

Along with my sunny disposition

Today, I’m thankful to feel well again

Once more, I’ve conquered darkness

September 2nd, 2018