Celebration of Life.

 

Remembering lives well lived.

Dona Anderson

After living here long enough to become a senior I was very glad to join one and then 2 senior centers that are full of activities and people who are enjoying this time of their lives by getting out to be with others, share stories, laughs, do activities like music, choir, cards, crafts and lots more. 

It often feels like family outside of home.

The sad part is when you learn someone can't attend anymore or have passed away.

In the last few years we've had several friends not connected to the centers pass so we knew about their lives and became part of their activities but at the center you may just know them from the activity you both attend and some days a hi or how are you may be all the time you get for conversation. 

But even that can bring a big shared smile on your faces each time you meet again.

"A Friendly greeting or acknowledgment can create a feeling of welcoming and belonging and let someone know you care"  

This last year has had even more sadness ... some years are harder than others.

I've learned a lot about their lives since from the paper, and I'm amazed at the stories. Many moved across continent's, countries and one lady moved 20+ times.

Many were quite active in volunteering, hobbies and supporting others. 

One lady at 89 was still driving and loved reading, being on the computer and doing activities  to support her self care. 

I noticed they didn't complain much even when they certainly could have.

I noticed they were always happy to get out, see others, and join in however they could.

And, they all seemed to be happy with what they could do more than talk about what they couldn't. 

The stories all seemed to show a busy full adventurist life that led them to this community to retire and for some to find the work they loved the best. 

Each had a life very well lived,

and we'll miss them all.

 PS.  Quote above is from the meditation Words to be savored and treasured on page 75, in my book Moving Forward from the Heart.

Todays quiet place to rest.

Bye for today & take care.

You never know how a small injury will affect your life.  I hurt my finger back in July and was told it would take months to heal - coming up to month 4 soon.  

Missing my activities and friends.

 

Love Theme from...

Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet - 

   Joslin - Henri Mancini, Nino Rota

This is Amazing

Dona Anderson

By now You know I often share a music video I find that's  Amazing.

This one has it all.

Spectacular Performance

Beautiful location

Incredible Musicians

From start to finish

It wasn't only my eyes that shed a tear - check out the reviews from others over the years.

Their stories of watching the movie and listening to the music many times years ago, and the love they had and shared that is still felt.

Music sure can connect us to our inner heart where stories and many memories rest, and it can instantly fill our soul bringing us tears and other emotions.

It's been a few years of tears, loss, sadness, stress and more.

Our minds and hearts are full, tired but we have to keep going.

These reviews showed me that their losses were for someone or a time remembered that was deeply felt, loved, missed and it helps us all when the stories are both shared and heard.

We have to keep going.

PS. Often when I write a review it usually seems to be an immediate response, coming from the heart or somewhere else. 

This makes me think it is something that has been there a long time and no thought was needed to write it.  

I guess it was just sticking around, waiting to get out.

Thanks for your visit and love when you share with others so these posts posts get to travel the World.  Links below.

Did You do this too.

 

Write out some of Mom's recipes
before You left Home?

Dona Anderson

I sure did, and it was over 50 years ago.

I started with a lined notebook and filled it with those ones from everyday things to special occasions and Sunday suppers. 

Later on of course the book was full of flour, butter and other things from being well used so about 25 years ago I decided I had to do it over again.

the title -   

It's about Time 

Moms' Best.

A collection of recipes then came from mothers on both sides, grandmothers, friends and of course ones I made up.

The title was prefect for several reasons. 

*The history of the old recipes

*The years of memories attached

*The task of finally starting over

*The change from at home moms to working

moms with less time

*We couldn't read a lot of the pages anymore

* Recipes needed updates for less fat & sugar

* Some not wanted anymore

* Kids leaving home and wanting those basic

instructions added in like temp & time 

*My sisters also wanted a copy

As I was taking too long to get it done with other things to do, my Husband took over  the typing task to get it finished. (such a good helper he is)

Wow, I never counted it before and was surprised that there were 120 pages with 388 recipes. 

Even though I changed many recipes before, others now need to be deleted or updated again. 

And now again much later we have more books of recipes from ones online and my husband loves to make soups and other things to share. 

It's a time now when stores are normally full of things we didn't know what they were or are, lots more spices, vegetables, boxes and cartons of ?? fill the shelves. 

I often wonder about who buys all the other stuff that we never do.

PS. This salad I made in the Spring from a mix of stuff in the fridge and it was fun to put together and made with Fruit, Vegetables and the lettuce growing in the window.

To my surprise it was quite good and a way to use up things in the fridge/freezer.

A little Balsamic vinegar, Olive oil, the strawberry juice and a few spices made the dressing. 

I forgot the lemon on this one and I wasn't sure of what spices to use so that's for next time.

It's fun to get those few day old goodies and create something different, tasty & healthy!

Now it's that time of year for markets to be selling those big bags of potatoes, onions apples and other things to store for the winter.

And lots of pies, jams, and goodies being made now to fill up the freezer and cold rooms. (Well maybe not here, freezer is full and I have to have room for my fruit cake.

And, it's that time of year when I'm  complaining 

we have to go back to store bought tomatoes.

Take care and have a wonderful day.

Thanks for sharing with others at the links below.

And, No, I won't be redoing the recipes again 

so that task is crossed off the list.

 

I like to visit the book sales to find recipe books that have a beautiful cover that then becomes my Kitchen Art.

Take Care and let's get together again next Tuesday

or whenever You have time.

 

You'll Never Walk Alone

Sissel Kyrkjebø

You'll Never Walk Alone

Dona Anderson

Every song she sings is a Gift to us.

Her beautiful voice captures us from the beginning.

An inspiring song that's sung many times and places to bring hope and strength to it's listeners to be strong through hardships, sadness, triumph and more.  

The softness and strength in her voice both seem to come from her soul.

PS. Some of my takeaways were,

There are many storms in life

Be proud of where you came from and where you're going

Things will get better

Be hopeful and keep going towards your dreams.

As we're nearing the end of another year that was full of many emotions, loss, sadness, hardship and more my wish is to send you strength and recovery for all the heartbreak of these last several years and that peace be restored.

The world needs to heal.

Thanks for your visit and links to share below.

All posts remain in the Archives and are free for you to

view, save & share at your leisure.

Take Care and have a good week ahead.