First a Pumpkin, Now a Tigger

So tonight being Halloween, I couldn't help but think about how much Ethan has changed since this time last year.  Last year, he didn't really know what was going on, although he was a very good sport, as I dressed him in a little pumpkin hat and bib.  He just kind of sat there, taking it all in, being handed between us and the friends that came to celebrate with us, while we took turns giving out candy to trick or treaters.  

This year was much different.  This year, he was much more alert and was still a great sport, as I dressed him up as Tigger.  We celebrated first by dressing up for his Kindermusik class yesterday.  Then, today, before we dressed him, Scott and I carved pumpkins and he played in some of the mush.  We then got him dressed and headed up the road to two houses where he received his first treats! He tried cheesies and little bites of kit kat bar for the first time and loved it.  And the best part was his excitement when the doorbell would ring and he would crawl out to see who was there with me as I handed out the treats!

This Halloween night, I'm grateful for how much Ethan has changed and for being able to watch him now enjoy so much that brings us excitement and joy too.  Seeing his eyes sparkle as he experiences something for the first time is the most wonderful sight in the world.  On this last day of October, I hope he knows how much he is loved.


                                           Ethan's first Halloween, 2012

Ethan's second Halloween, 2013

Partners in the Dance

One of the many aspects of Celtic Spirituality that I reflected upon while in Tatamagouche, was that of finding a spiritual practice that allows me to connect to the Divine image within me.  For many years, that practice had been liturgical dance, but since having Ethan, I have neglected this.

For me, dancing invites a connection between my physical being, my spirit, the earth, and God's Spirit. Sometimes, it includes music, other times it includes scripture, but it is always an outpouring of thanksgiving for that light found both within me, and the ground beneath my feet.  It is prayer, felt deeply within my bones and in the energy between me and the ground.  

It took me a while to realize that it is also a form of meditation for me, as quite often when I dance, I feel lost to my surroundings.  Especially if others are watching me during worship, I feel as though I am in the room, aware only of the floor beneath me and the Spirit swirling around me. When dancing with others, I feel an intense connection to their spirits as well, which is a very beautiful way to know others.  

It is my deep hope that dance will become part of my spiritual reality again.  I long for the connection and am grateful for the remembrance that I am not alone when I do it, but am connected to the Spirit and to the Earth, who are my partners in this mysterious pattern of steps and breathing.  May the deepening of these connections continue to grow, and continue to fill my life with gratitude.  

A New Harmony...from Tatamagouche to Bedeque

For the last two and a half days, I've been in Tatamagouche, more specifically, at the Tatamagouche Centre, immersing myself in a course on Celtic Spirituality.  For those of you who know me, Celtic Spirituality has shaped much of my understanding of God, Church, and Community.  This workshop featured John Philip Newell, a Celtic writer whom I have been reading for a few years now, and who was a main source for my graduate project for my M.Div.  Yep, you caught me, total Church Geek moment...I felt like his groupie, getting to meet him for the first time in person! 

I can't really put into words yet, what I learned at this event, as I am still sifting through the swirl that is in my soul.  But what I can tell you is this:  I was surrounded, for the whole weekend, by pure beauty.  Beauty in the place where we were, beauty in the people with whom I learned, and beauty in the friends who surrounded me and spent time with Ethan so that I could completely bask in the wonderfulness of this discipline.  

I do feel as though I am seeing the world as a more sparkly place.  I don't mean this to sound as if I am living in a fairy tale, but that I am seeing the shine of God reflecting more clearly.  Everything from the shine in Ethan's eyes, to the beauty that was found in the leaves on my lawn as I pulled in the driveway, seem to be pointing me in the direction of intentional noticing of God's deep and abiding presence.  

I will post more about these learnings in the days to come, but for tonight, I am grateful for the gift of retreat: for the chance to press my reset button in order to see the world through a different lens.  To John Philip, Wilf, Ricky, Uncle Ambury, Penny, Nicole, and Margaret, Mary Beth and Joan Sutherland, I say my deepest heartfelt thank you, and send much love.

                                Ethan and Margaret

John Philip Newell and I

Tatamagouche in Autumn

Patience is a virtue...

Today, we finally did what we had been putting off for a little while.  We took Ethan for his first "big boy" haircut!  I had decided that he was too wiggly and I was too chicken to trim it myself, as I was afraid I might either hurt him, or at the very least, make him look silly.  So we did it...we packed him and our camera up, and took him to my hair dresser, Erica at Mint Spa in Summerside.  

I am so glad we did this, because it did end up being a bit traumatic for the little guy.  And he did move...quite a bit! He sat in the chair by himself for a few minutes, but the minute the scissors came out, I had to hold him.  Then the distractions had to start...we talked to him, my Mom and Dad made faces, trying to get him to laugh, we gave him cookies, anything we could think of that might keep him still.  

Through it all, Erica was so patient with him.  She took the opportunity to cut when she could, and gave him breaks when he was extra wiggly. She smiled at him and reassured him every step of the way, never losing her composure or showing frustration.  There were a few tears on Ethan's part, but that didn't stop her from being kind and compassionate with him, which I loved.  And one of the reasons I love her, even for cutting my hair, is her soft, pleasant voice.

So today, I am grateful for patience, and for Erica, who reminded me that it is so important to be gentle and encouraging when Ethan is discovering something new, especially when it could be scary.  I think, as a society, we lose our patience too often, forgetting that everyone is on a different journey and that each of us could be doing whatever it is, for the first time.  This time of discovery is so precious, and so full of love and adventure. 

As my maternal grandmother would say, patience is a virtue :)

                                                                   Before...

                                                                   During...

All Done!

Thankful for the Harvest

Today, I spent my morning much like I spend every Saturday:  At the AMAZING Summerside Farmers' Market.  The really awesome part was that my Mom and Dad are visiting for the weekend from Cape Breton, so Ethan enjoyed some quality Grammy and Pappa time.  But, as we went around to the different vendors, I was mindful of the bountiful variety of local, fresh, and in most cases, organic food that is available here.  

I'm grateful to say that much of our Thanksgiving dinner this year comes from a farm that is just down the road from us, in Lower Bedeque, called Crystal Green Farms.  Our turkey, carrots, and potatoes all come from there, completely organic.  But the most incredible part for me in all of this is that not only is the food organic, but I've been having the time of my life getting to know these people and why they do what they do. 

I'm also excited that the bread that will be on our table is made by one of our church families from Cape Traverse, also local and made with fresh, local ingredients.  So much yummy-ness!  

And, to top it off (and my favourite part of turkey dinner), the cranberries and honey used to sweeten them also come from here on PEI :)  I absolutely love the smell of cranberries cooking on the stove, and hearing the "pop" as they simmer, mixing sweetly with the honey.  And then there's the taste! As they mix with the turkey and fresh vegetables, so much goodness! 

So, in short, I'm grateful for experiencing so much that has to do with putting the food on our table this year.  From knowing the farmers and bakers and how they do it, to knowing where the majority of it comes from, and finally, experiencing the cooking of it in our kitchen and sharing it around a table surrounded by family, it would seem as though the word "GRATEFUL" isn't enough.  

And so I wish you, my family and friends, a grace-filled Thanksgiving.  May God's goodness be always close, and the next wonder-filled adventure be close too!

Keep on learning!

I was deeply moved today, by the interview given by Malala.  I was lucky enough to catch some of it on the radio this morning, and some more of it on The National tonight.  Listening to her, and watching her, I cannot help but be attracted to her eyes and her voice, for they hold deep passion, wisdom, courage, and understanding.  I have no idea of her struggle, for as a girl and woman here in Canada, education was never a life or death struggle.  Her message of giving a voice to the voiceless, and working for women's rights is one that needs to be continuously heard by me, not so that I remember that these issues need fighting for, but as a reminder of all that I have here, and not to take my education or what I can continue to do freely, for granted, ever.  

The fact that I can read books to Ethan, take him outside to play and learn, and continue to learn myself, have been named as rights, but in light of the fact that so many in our world cannot do any of these things without fear, I feel they are gifts for which to be grateful, for it seems that they can be taken away in the blink of an eye.  And so I hope that, as he grows, Ethan will come to understand these gifts that are his, and will live his life in such a way that promotes equality,and safety, while understanding the incredible tool that is life long learning.

Puzzled...

Tonight, I am deeply troubled and puzzled by what happened in the Nova Scotia Election.  I know, I live in PEI, but since I was born and lived most of my life in NS, I can't help but be interested in what happens there, especially politically.  

Ok, so the government party has switched again.  That's not my issue, because even though I am disappointed by certain outcomes (especially for a certain Mat Whynott), I understand that political tides ebb and flow, depending on the mood of the people.  I also don't go on political rants very often, especially when it comes to parties, because in many ways, they seem quite similar to me.  

What does leave me puzzled and troubled is this:  Why, in a country where we have political freedom, and not ideal democracy, but democracy nonetheless, do people choose not to exercise that privilege??!!  Do we not watch the news and see country after country around the world, where people give up their lives so that they can somehow have a say in what goes on with their leaders?  And yet, we sit here, apathetic to what goes on, with the thought that our vote somehow doesn't count! All I want to yell is "Of course it doesn't if you don't DO it!"  55% of the population voting in a country where you can do it freely and without threat of dying for the cause is just shameful! 

And so now, I will end my rant, as someone who could not vote tonight, but would if I could.  My gratitude is for the country we live in, and the freedom we have to make change, to be changed, and to have the opportunity to put an X on a piece of paper and have our voices heard.  End Rant...