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...

The Chase!

Today, it felt like I spent most of my day chasing someone or something.  My little boy, Ethan, recently learned how to crawl.  But beyond that, he learned that he can now escape from the living room, and move freely between other rooms in the house.  This has brought about a huge change in how he understands his world.  It has also meant that a large portion of my day (when at home) is spent chasing him around to make sure that he is not finding himself in harms way, or terrorizing our poor cat, Riley.  He thinks that most of this activity is hilarious, and I often find him crawling down the hall, laughing at the top of his little lungs (which is also hilarious to me too, at least most of the time!).  

In some ways though, I also felt like I was chasing myself today...going from one task to another, trying not to forget little things along the way.  Lists usually help with this, but learning how to balance the lists with the chasing of Ethan has been a learning curve, to say the least.  

All of that being said, and reflected upon, my moment of gratitude is found in chasing Ethan for two reasons: 
      The most important being that he is discovering his world and having a great time doing it!
      And also, that it keeps me in a constant state of learning and being surprised by what we 're learning together.  

I figure that most of my life will be spent chasing after this little boy and joining in his adventures, and that eventually, I might even catch up to him, and maybe even myself :)

Praise be for fun days!

Balancing excitement and challenge!

So, today was World Wide Communion Sunday, and even more than most Sundays, I was especially looking forward to this one.  It was the first opportunity that I'd had to celebrate communion (solo, as I had assisted the minister who so gracefully filled in for me while on maternity leave) with the people of my pastoral charge since my covenanting service with them over a year ago.  And so, to mark the occasion, I used the same liturgy as we had that night.  

I guess I should back track a bit by saying that all of the elements for our service are projected on screen, rather than everyone having paper.  I really enjoy this, as it means that I need less paper too, and feel a bit freer to move around, especially while we're singing.  But this week, as I was looking forward to the service, things also became a bit challenging when the technology decided that it wasn't going to work as planned.  Luckily, our pastoral charge secretary had a bit of extra time to spend working these problems out, and eventually decided to use her own laptop so that things had a better chance at running smoothly.

At our service in Borden, everything ran without any problem.  But in Bedeque, where different cords had to be used, things didn't go as smoothly.  It didn't help that our early service had gone a bit later, so we were rushing a bit to make things happen on time, and that we wanted things to be well done in Bedeque because we were welcoming the local Masonic Lodges to our service! Overall though, I must say, that when I let go of needing the details to be perfect, things worked out much better, and I even think I was able to relax a bit and enjoy how things happened in the service.

My moment of gratitude was for our secretary and all of the gifts she so willingly shares with us to make sure that things run smoothly (even when challenge seems to overshadow excitement).  So, if anyone out there sees her this week, say thank you! I know I couldn't do what I do in this place without her :)

Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows :)

So, as with a few projects like this, I've already missed a couple of days.  Nonetheless, over the last couple of days, I've been thinking about how much I'm enjoying the sunshine and warm temperatures, along with the changing leaves for a backdrop.  Today was one of my favourite days this week.  It began with coffee and knitting with great friends, while our kids played together.  So awesome.  

It was so nice out this afternoon, that I couldn't resist taking Ethan out in his stroller, so we headed into Summerside to enjoy some of that fresh fall air.  We took a walk downtown, and then, on our way home, stopped in at the Centre Street Park, where Ethan had the time of his little life on a swing. He laughed so hard that he had to catch his breath! Totally worth the small field trip :)

My day ended playing Wii bowling and watching a movie with some other great friends, and yes, we laughed!

And so, today, my heart was full of gratitude for the fall sunshine, for swings that make my little boy so happy, and laughter.

So, even though I missed a couple of days, they have been filled with Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows...and laughter...lots of laughter.

Thanks to Scott, Ethan and my friends...you know who you are!

Oh so Musical...

Today, like most Wednesday mornings, I took Ethan to Kindermusik, a program to introduce young children to music and rhythm.  The 45 minute class usually consists of a hello song, playing different rhythm instruments, singing simple songs, hearing a story, learning some baby sign language and singing a goodbye song.  Our teacher, Miss Emily, is very good with the children, watching their emotional cues, and tailoring the class to especially include things that they seem to like.  

Ethan loves it because he can bop along to the music, and seems to pay special attention to the rhythm and baby sign that we're doing.  My moment of gratitude for today is for this class, and the opportunity I have to attend with Ethan, even though I'm back to work.  It gives me a chance to connect with him and learn with him, using music that I love so much and has shaped so much of who I am.  

So today, I'm thankful for music and all that it offers us, at any age! La la la...

October...a Year Later, a Year Full of Gratitude

Well, it's been a year since I've posted on here, and so much has changed.  Ethan is now a year old, and we have learned so much over the course of that year.  I'm now back to work, learning how to balance life as a Mom and Minister.  We've had lots of adventures since coming to the Island and are taking life (hopefully) one day at a time.  Today, I've decided to embark on a month long gratitude challenge...that is, to prayerfully and intentionally take time each day to reflect upon something for which I am grateful.  

Today, I had my first meeting with the Elders of my Bedeque congregation.  I can honestly say that I enjoyed the meeting, talking about all that happens here and thinking through all that we have yet to learn together.  I am truly grateful for all of their gifts and both individual and collective wisdom.  I know that, as I discover much of the potential for ministry that is found here, these gifts will become more and more evident.  So tonight, I give thanks for the gift of wisdom and all of the possibility that it holds.

Wisdom to live, wisdom to love, wisdom to walk in the light with God.