Cannot begin to tell you how wonderful was my two-week Christmas visit to Nassau, to close out 2008.
Saw friends every day. Filled spirit with news of home.
Shared every morning and evening with my beloved sister Diane. Especially enjoyed our private chats during early morning walks along the Cable Beach meridian. Sharing some thoughts about Mum was cathartic. Growing...
Even spent some all-too-brief moments with a pleasant blast from the past. (Thanks, Mark.)
Ever so grateful for my teaching job, and the chance to be gainfully employed while helping people and also learning. I have a good gig.
As for this new year ahead...hmmm. My goal is to be more loving, more fit, and open to more possibilities.
Off to a good start..!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Standing on the Shoulders of Dorrit Nash
I thought the highlight of October was going to a Zoomer presentation by founder Moses Znaimer. I've joined the national organisation and am slowly working towards starting up a Fredericton chapter. All good stuff.
I was wrong.
This week began the two-week book launch tour of Melynda Jarratt's non-fiction book: "Captured Hearts".
The day of her Fredericton book signing , October 30th, would have been the 85th birthday of one of her subjects: my mother, Dorrit.
Melynda is an international expert on Canadian war brides. She profiles over 60 war brides in her book. What joy and pride I felt, at her reading, to hear Mum singled out.
More than a few people came up to me at the reception following -journalists, historians, and just regular folk, to tell me they had read Melynda's book, and that my mother's story is stunning, in many respects.
Mum's war bride experience gets introduced on page 94: "One of the most extraordinary stories to come out of the European continent involves a young Jewish woman from Vienna.". Little snapshots of her life follow, until the last paragraph: "In life, Dorrit's country and family had been taken from her. It would not be so in death."
How true are those words, these days.
The toll since Mum's death in September of last year has been emotional, profound, and of late, more cathartic than I could ever have imagined.
The film documentary about Mum- being researched as we speak - will continue to share her remarkable journey. Researchers and historians are retracing her steps, and updating me along the way. It looks like I will "cross the pond", as they say, to see where she met my Dad in London. There will be a visit to Vienna, her birthplace, too. So many adventures ahead..!
My friendships are deepening. I work at it. It is a gift, just like my mother,that I do not take for granted.
My teaching job is fulfilling and dynamic. My health is great. And my circles are expanding.
What a year...!
P.S. This is the actual "Captured Hearts" book launch:
http://charlesotherpersonality.blogspot.com/2008/11/book-launch-was-very-fancy-event.html
I was wrong.
This week began the two-week book launch tour of Melynda Jarratt's non-fiction book: "Captured Hearts".
The day of her Fredericton book signing , October 30th, would have been the 85th birthday of one of her subjects: my mother, Dorrit.
Melynda is an international expert on Canadian war brides. She profiles over 60 war brides in her book. What joy and pride I felt, at her reading, to hear Mum singled out.
More than a few people came up to me at the reception following -journalists, historians, and just regular folk, to tell me they had read Melynda's book, and that my mother's story is stunning, in many respects.
Mum's war bride experience gets introduced on page 94: "One of the most extraordinary stories to come out of the European continent involves a young Jewish woman from Vienna.". Little snapshots of her life follow, until the last paragraph: "In life, Dorrit's country and family had been taken from her. It would not be so in death."
How true are those words, these days.
The toll since Mum's death in September of last year has been emotional, profound, and of late, more cathartic than I could ever have imagined.
The film documentary about Mum- being researched as we speak - will continue to share her remarkable journey. Researchers and historians are retracing her steps, and updating me along the way. It looks like I will "cross the pond", as they say, to see where she met my Dad in London. There will be a visit to Vienna, her birthplace, too. So many adventures ahead..!
My friendships are deepening. I work at it. It is a gift, just like my mother,that I do not take for granted.
My teaching job is fulfilling and dynamic. My health is great. And my circles are expanding.
What a year...!
P.S. This is the actual "Captured Hearts" book launch:
http://charlesotherpersonality.blogspot.com/2008/11/book-launch-was-very-fancy-event.html
Thursday, September 04, 2008
One More Week, Day (September Version)
In one more week
- my new teaching contract will be in effect.
- I will be employed for another year, at a place I enjoy.
- fall, my favorite season, will begin moving towards full colour panorama.
- my calendar will NOT be filled with lunch dates with good friends, cause I want to shed a few pounds before Christmas.
- it will be time to be creative and varied in my new social calendar.
- I will be back at the gym, and it will be a pleasure.
- it will be one week closer to my 2-week holiday in Nassau.
In one more day, I hope I will be wiser, happier, smarter, and
...grateful to have one more day.
- my new teaching contract will be in effect.
- I will be employed for another year, at a place I enjoy.
- fall, my favorite season, will begin moving towards full colour panorama.
- my calendar will NOT be filled with lunch dates with good friends, cause I want to shed a few pounds before Christmas.
- it will be time to be creative and varied in my new social calendar.
- I will be back at the gym, and it will be a pleasure.
- it will be one week closer to my 2-week holiday in Nassau.
In one more day, I hope I will be wiser, happier, smarter, and
...grateful to have one more day.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Yahrzeit
The actual ceremonial prayers and such took less than a half hour, but it has given me a peace I wasn't expecting.
Each person of the dozen or so who came remembered something about Mum.
Then I repeated the Kaddish for the first time in my whole life. Lightning didn't strike, so I guess my unrehearsed pronunciation was okay.
Afterwards, we all went to Tim Hortons and laughed and chatted over coffee and muffins.
New friends were made. Old ones deepened.
My mother is everywhere.
And I mean that in a good way, today.
Each person of the dozen or so who came remembered something about Mum.
Then I repeated the Kaddish for the first time in my whole life. Lightning didn't strike, so I guess my unrehearsed pronunciation was okay.
Afterwards, we all went to Tim Hortons and laughed and chatted over coffee and muffins.
New friends were made. Old ones deepened.
My mother is everywhere.
And I mean that in a good way, today.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Yep, it's My Birthday
This is one of those rare occasions where I will look back a bit farther than I usually do.
I am one of those Satchell Paige ("Don't look back..etc..") believers.
That said, what better time than one's b-day - other than New Year's eve, maybe - to talk about perspective....?
A year ago at this time, I was frantically running between daily visits to my mother in intensive care, and trying to hang onto a part-time job. My nerves were shot, I was really, really broke, and feeling isolated and overwhelmed.
A few months later, I had not even begun to grieve fully the loss of my mother, and was trying to find my feet as the only Anglo French teacher at a small private school.
That's when I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma.
Christmas was a bust. For the first time, my lovely apartment felt very very small, as I felt trapped during home confinement while recovering from a skin graft....not that I wasn't acutely aware and amazed they got all the cancer cells in time, mind you.
So today, on my latest birthday, there is much to celebrate: I am
- walking, talking, smiling (sometimes simultaneously !);
- sipping on a Tim's (if you're a Canuck, you know what I mean) - thanks for the gift card, Auntie Vi;
- being treated to yet another lunch and dinner, each with a different good friend. There have been many such meals, of late, which tells me that I have established a good circle of friends in this small town of mine;
- planning Mum's yahrzeit - that's a whole story in itself, of new angels in my life.
And last but least....I am amazed at the grace that is constantly insinuating itself into my life....wow!
I am one of those Satchell Paige ("Don't look back..etc..") believers.
That said, what better time than one's b-day - other than New Year's eve, maybe - to talk about perspective....?
A year ago at this time, I was frantically running between daily visits to my mother in intensive care, and trying to hang onto a part-time job. My nerves were shot, I was really, really broke, and feeling isolated and overwhelmed.
A few months later, I had not even begun to grieve fully the loss of my mother, and was trying to find my feet as the only Anglo French teacher at a small private school.
That's when I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma.
Christmas was a bust. For the first time, my lovely apartment felt very very small, as I felt trapped during home confinement while recovering from a skin graft....not that I wasn't acutely aware and amazed they got all the cancer cells in time, mind you.
So today, on my latest birthday, there is much to celebrate: I am
- walking, talking, smiling (sometimes simultaneously !);
- sipping on a Tim's (if you're a Canuck, you know what I mean) - thanks for the gift card, Auntie Vi;
- being treated to yet another lunch and dinner, each with a different good friend. There have been many such meals, of late, which tells me that I have established a good circle of friends in this small town of mine;
- planning Mum's yahrzeit - that's a whole story in itself, of new angels in my life.
And last but least....I am amazed at the grace that is constantly insinuating itself into my life....wow!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
In One More Day, Week
In one more week
- my teaching contract will be over.
- I will be unemployed.
- summer will be in full bloom.
- my calendar will be filled with lunch dates with good friends.
- I will be back at the gym, and it will be a pleasure.
- it will be one week closer to my 2-week holiday in Nassau.
In one more day, I hope I will be wiser, happier, smarter, and
...grateful to have one more day.
- my teaching contract will be over.
- I will be unemployed.
- summer will be in full bloom.
- my calendar will be filled with lunch dates with good friends.
- I will be back at the gym, and it will be a pleasure.
- it will be one week closer to my 2-week holiday in Nassau.
In one more day, I hope I will be wiser, happier, smarter, and
...grateful to have one more day.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Springing into new things, this Spring
Snow is gone.Warm weather.
Mum's book and documentary discussed round table with the players a few times. Slow but lovely going.
Joined L.A. Weight Loss.
Am dabbling with the idea of a new job.
Got income tax refund. (!)
Life good. Call now.
Mum's book and documentary discussed round table with the players a few times. Slow but lovely going.
Joined L.A. Weight Loss.
Am dabbling with the idea of a new job.
Got income tax refund. (!)
Life good. Call now.
Monday, March 31, 2008
History Comes Alive
Yes, many moons since my last blog, but this was worth the wait.
My teaching contract ends in a few months. I've enjoyed the work and people. We'll see what happens next re that.
But here is the big - really big, news:
My mother. Dorrit Nash, will soon be a chapter (not a page...a chapter!) in a book about Canadian war brides..!
And this very year, some of her letters, photos, and other effects from WW2 will be displayed in a panel at the local museum.
She does not go gently into that good night, after all.
That's my Mum..!
My teaching contract ends in a few months. I've enjoyed the work and people. We'll see what happens next re that.
But here is the big - really big, news:
My mother. Dorrit Nash, will soon be a chapter (not a page...a chapter!) in a book about Canadian war brides..!
And this very year, some of her letters, photos, and other effects from WW2 will be displayed in a panel at the local museum.
She does not go gently into that good night, after all.
That's my Mum..!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
As Autumn Leaves Dance in The wind
It is a cool, crisp morning. Swirling leaves outside my apartment window send a quiet message that today will soon spin into a new week.
No matter at this moment.
I have spent the weekend in blissful repose, for the first time, easily, in a few months.
Of course Mum is still everywhere. But now, she's a whisper that brings with... a smile and maybe sometimes just a tear. Time to get on with living.
And so I do. And so I shall.
Recent events are a case in point:
I met a gentleman friend for coffee.
Took in an afternoon matinee, spur of the moment, on the weekend. (Have I mentioned I LOVE movies?)
Signed on to eHarmony after getting word of a 3-month special offer.
Spoke to one dear friend in a nearby city, another in a nearby country, and a third, all 3 this morning, from yet another country. I am reminded how lovely it is to speak with people who care about me. They have kept their distance out of either discretion or compassion, and now we are making tentative steps in both directions.
I am emerging into my newest self.
I like me.
No matter at this moment.
I have spent the weekend in blissful repose, for the first time, easily, in a few months.
Of course Mum is still everywhere. But now, she's a whisper that brings with... a smile and maybe sometimes just a tear. Time to get on with living.
And so I do. And so I shall.
Recent events are a case in point:
I met a gentleman friend for coffee.
Took in an afternoon matinee, spur of the moment, on the weekend. (Have I mentioned I LOVE movies?)
Signed on to eHarmony after getting word of a 3-month special offer.
Spoke to one dear friend in a nearby city, another in a nearby country, and a third, all 3 this morning, from yet another country. I am reminded how lovely it is to speak with people who care about me. They have kept their distance out of either discretion or compassion, and now we are making tentative steps in both directions.
I am emerging into my newest self.
I like me.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Psychic Phenomenon
I just looked at the entry I made online before Mum died.
Considering hers was a sudden death, that is freakin' freaky.
Considering hers was a sudden death, that is freakin' freaky.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Change
It's two and a half weeks later and I still hurt.
And I know she would want me to go on and be happy, so I am working on that.
The world seems a lot quieter.
And bigger.
I miss her.
And I know she would want me to go on and be happy, so I am working on that.
The world seems a lot quieter.
And bigger.
I miss her.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Bye, Mum
She moved from this world into the next at 6:20 p.m. Friday, September 7.
I was with her when she released her last sigh.
What a gift was Dorrit Nash, especially during these past four years I have been nearest her...
I am blessed.
I was with her when she released her last sigh.
What a gift was Dorrit Nash, especially during these past four years I have been nearest her...
I am blessed.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
More Things Change..
Septembers are always filled with the electricity of change.
Next week is the Harvest Jazz and Blues Fest. I get to see Dr. John in concert. Not to mention some 30 other greats during the entire week. The downtown core is going to be closed to car traffic and will have live jazz and blues on every corner. Great weather for the outdoors.
Sounds then to be soon followed by the sight of the leaves changing colour - a different and even more lush and spectacular show.
Fall: my favorite season.
I have the sense that something is coming up that will change the direction my life. Have no clue exactly what that is. Only that it's coming. Speaking of which...have accepted French teaching/tutoring work until year end. I am going to learn as I teach..great gig!
So I am now committed for a little while. Roots sinking in deeper.
Next week is the Harvest Jazz and Blues Fest. I get to see Dr. John in concert. Not to mention some 30 other greats during the entire week. The downtown core is going to be closed to car traffic and will have live jazz and blues on every corner. Great weather for the outdoors.
Sounds then to be soon followed by the sight of the leaves changing colour - a different and even more lush and spectacular show.
Fall: my favorite season.
I have the sense that something is coming up that will change the direction my life. Have no clue exactly what that is. Only that it's coming. Speaking of which...have accepted French teaching/tutoring work until year end. I am going to learn as I teach..great gig!
So I am now committed for a little while. Roots sinking in deeper.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
"If there is no wind...row"
...or, as that great American comic Milton Berle once said, "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door"...!
So that's where I'm at, after last month.
Am back in the land of job / career exploration, and still enjoying the ride.
Amazing my own self, at how much I am managing the unpredictability of every morning.
Much more fun than being a caregiver, I might add. (Mum's doing great these days...whew..!)
Absolutely LOVED teaching both English AND French, second language courses, to a cross-section of folks from both linguistic profiles. What a great way to be reminded of my teaching skills...!
Met some super new francophone friends this month.
Watched La Grande Séduction, completely in French, without even once switching to sub-titles..yay...!
Feeling the pull of la langue.C'est si bon.
Stay tuned for the next adventure...I know I look forward..!
So that's where I'm at, after last month.
Am back in the land of job / career exploration, and still enjoying the ride.
Amazing my own self, at how much I am managing the unpredictability of every morning.
Much more fun than being a caregiver, I might add. (Mum's doing great these days...whew..!)
Absolutely LOVED teaching both English AND French, second language courses, to a cross-section of folks from both linguistic profiles. What a great way to be reminded of my teaching skills...!
Met some super new francophone friends this month.
Watched La Grande Séduction, completely in French, without even once switching to sub-titles..yay...!
Feeling the pull of la langue.C'est si bon.
Stay tuned for the next adventure...I know I look forward..!
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Whew
It's been an unpredictable summer horriblis...
Mum has just been discharged from hospital.
This, after 7 frightening weeks instead of the one we anticipated.
I am glad I was here for her. I sure do appreciate the meaning of family now, more than ever..!
Have no clue what I'll be doing in the fall. Maybe working for the Feds, maybe teaching French full time. Fingers crossed for either / both.
Otherwise, it's a lovely Canadian summer. I am well. Catching my breath.
And still emerging.
Mum has just been discharged from hospital.
This, after 7 frightening weeks instead of the one we anticipated.
I am glad I was here for her. I sure do appreciate the meaning of family now, more than ever..!
Have no clue what I'll be doing in the fall. Maybe working for the Feds, maybe teaching French full time. Fingers crossed for either / both.
Otherwise, it's a lovely Canadian summer. I am well. Catching my breath.
And still emerging.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
The Best Things...
Today's the kind of day the phrase "The best things in life are free" comes to mind.
My sister flew in from Nassau for a whole week, and bought me a new summer / fall wardrobe while we wined and dined and reconnected in the way that sisters do. She is a queen.
This morning I will zip over to hospital, to tell its favorite patient aka my mother how grateful I am that she brought me into the world. Mum's had some real life-and-death events these past few weeks. I do not take for granted the time we have together.
I have received a ton of email greetings from pals from Winnipeg to Freeport - all of whom I cherish dearly and to whom I will send updates later today.
I am being treated to birthday brunch by the first friend I met when I resettled in Fredericton. Quality time.
My health is still great. I love my gym time. I am still looking for a full time gig... and still have no debts.
Such abundance, on my birthday..!
My sister flew in from Nassau for a whole week, and bought me a new summer / fall wardrobe while we wined and dined and reconnected in the way that sisters do. She is a queen.
This morning I will zip over to hospital, to tell its favorite patient aka my mother how grateful I am that she brought me into the world. Mum's had some real life-and-death events these past few weeks. I do not take for granted the time we have together.
I have received a ton of email greetings from pals from Winnipeg to Freeport - all of whom I cherish dearly and to whom I will send updates later today.
I am being treated to birthday brunch by the first friend I met when I resettled in Fredericton. Quality time.
My health is still great. I love my gym time. I am still looking for a full time gig... and still have no debts.
Such abundance, on my birthday..!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Doctor, Doctor..!
Quick update...me Mum is having surgery in a few days, and coincidentally, I am having day surgery same time, same place.
Shazam...(!)
My French tutoring gig is on hiatus until August, so the timing is actually good.
The queen mother will need a few months for recovery time, so caregiving will be my prioriy for the next little bit.
Shazam...(!)
My French tutoring gig is on hiatus until August, so the timing is actually good.
The queen mother will need a few months for recovery time, so caregiving will be my prioriy for the next little bit.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Will be.
I am not a has-been. I am a will be. ~Lauren Bacall
(Wish I'd said that...!)
Well, I have been so ...um..."delinquent" in getting back to this blog, that I actually got tagged this week by a pal whose blog I read regularly...So...about face..!
In a nutshell, the months since my last post have been filled with all sorts of job search adventures. I have traveled, written more qualifying tests than I ever did at university, got interviewed for a handful, with results pending, of course...and experienced two more seasons of the calendar year.
If there is indeed a God, She has a wicked sense of humor: The language school I surrendered to last fall, to improve my French, actually hired me...to give private French lessons! I am part-time, as I tutor elected government officials, on both sides of the Legislative Assemby. This media gal is having a ball as I actually meet one-on-one with six of them, an hour or two a week. Good brain food.
My E.I. ended recently, so I now fly by the seat of my pants.
Big plus: Still have no debts.
...and another miracle...through thrice-weekly trips to the gym (great for clearing away fog) have shed 10+ pounds since January. Intend to drop a few more, too.
So now I really really love shopping. Good thing I am on a budget..
Can still not explain this perpetual optimism, but am glad of it. I am the only unemployed (almost a year?!) person in my circles, and I still believe nirvana is coming.
Am convinced superb friends and family explains it. Que sera, sera..!
It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to. ~W.C. Fields
(Wish I'd said that...!)
Well, I have been so ...um..."delinquent" in getting back to this blog, that I actually got tagged this week by a pal whose blog I read regularly...So...about face..!
In a nutshell, the months since my last post have been filled with all sorts of job search adventures. I have traveled, written more qualifying tests than I ever did at university, got interviewed for a handful, with results pending, of course...and experienced two more seasons of the calendar year.
If there is indeed a God, She has a wicked sense of humor: The language school I surrendered to last fall, to improve my French, actually hired me...to give private French lessons! I am part-time, as I tutor elected government officials, on both sides of the Legislative Assemby. This media gal is having a ball as I actually meet one-on-one with six of them, an hour or two a week. Good brain food.
My E.I. ended recently, so I now fly by the seat of my pants.
Big plus: Still have no debts.
...and another miracle...through thrice-weekly trips to the gym (great for clearing away fog) have shed 10+ pounds since January. Intend to drop a few more, too.
So now I really really love shopping. Good thing I am on a budget..
Can still not explain this perpetual optimism, but am glad of it. I am the only unemployed (almost a year?!) person in my circles, and I still believe nirvana is coming.
Am convinced superb friends and family explains it. Que sera, sera..!
It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to. ~W.C. Fields
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Enough, Already...!
Job update.
Flew into Ottawa for job screening with the Feds - should hear yeah or nay within a month.
If successful, I may relocate to either Ottawa or Montreal..at my own expense..ouch. But the money's good and nice benefits involved. The job fits me like a glove. Let's see if the HR people agree...
Am still in the running for a Freddy job - some $15 thou less a year, but also Federal, and therefore benefits, so am musing over all three potential scenarios.
Am ready to get an offer. It's been a good few months of getting things together in all ways..
So any time soon....
NOW is good...
Flew into Ottawa for job screening with the Feds - should hear yeah or nay within a month.
If successful, I may relocate to either Ottawa or Montreal..at my own expense..ouch. But the money's good and nice benefits involved. The job fits me like a glove. Let's see if the HR people agree...
Am still in the running for a Freddy job - some $15 thou less a year, but also Federal, and therefore benefits, so am musing over all three potential scenarios.
Am ready to get an offer. It's been a good few months of getting things together in all ways..
So any time soon....
NOW is good...
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Each Day New
That's my mantra these days.
I will be taking my French tutor out for breakfast in a few days, for our final ...um...class. She's been wonderful and I know the bilingualism exams I have done so far have her to thank for whatever good I do in them.
So yes, I am still looking towards the Feds for my next gig. I've written maybe seven or eight assessment tests for them, with not one exam resembling an other. Fascinating, actually. I'd love to see how they anayze the stuff..
But I digress.
Health good. Maybe even bordering on excellent. Wonderful feeling. I've sweated off 5 pounds and hope to continue till 10 are gone.
Finally we got the cold blast and snowfall one traditionally experiences in Januarys in Canada, albeit briefly.
Spring is coming on. I'm still debt free.
And each day still new.
Life short. Call now.
I will be taking my French tutor out for breakfast in a few days, for our final ...um...class. She's been wonderful and I know the bilingualism exams I have done so far have her to thank for whatever good I do in them.
So yes, I am still looking towards the Feds for my next gig. I've written maybe seven or eight assessment tests for them, with not one exam resembling an other. Fascinating, actually. I'd love to see how they anayze the stuff..
But I digress.
Health good. Maybe even bordering on excellent. Wonderful feeling. I've sweated off 5 pounds and hope to continue till 10 are gone.
Finally we got the cold blast and snowfall one traditionally experiences in Januarys in Canada, albeit briefly.
Spring is coming on. I'm still debt free.
And each day still new.
Life short. Call now.
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