WILMA'S WHIMS

Collecting Moments

[wtv123]

THIS AUTUMN

I am so in awe of this year's autumn beauty. The trees are so colourful that I can't stop looking at them when I'm out and about.

[wtv123]

[wtv123]

A GIFT

My older brother has pancreatic cancer.  This cancer usually takes its victim quickly. but my brother has been living with it for five years now.  He has had continuous chemotherapy.  He has been well supported by his twin sister and other family member who are close by.  His routines are comforting to him and he keeps himself active in body and mind.  His attitude has always been positive and upbeat.

A week ago, he was told the cancer has moved into his brain.  He will start radiation treatments in a few days and have a round of five. 

He called me today.  It was so good to hear his voice.  He is jolly as ever.  There was lots of laughter and we shared memories of when we were children.  

His voice was excited  He was happy to speak with me  I detected no fear, no anxiety, no agitation.   It was a joyous conversation.  He’s making me a birdhouse.  He shared his daily routine, which is a calm but purposeful one.  

These last fives years he has been showing us how one can live with cancer. with dignity, with the simple enjoyment of each and every day, calmly and quietly. .His call today was such a gift.

[wtv123]

Just a little something beautiful today.

(Source: Tricia Michael, Sketchbook Revival)

[wtv123]

FRIENDS

I belong to a virtual walk/run group and I am amazed at how they are changing my thinking for the better.   It is absolutely wonderful to belong to this family and to feel welcome and cared for.  It’s a safe place to share our vulnerabilities about our efforts, or to ask for opinions or help, or to cheer each other on.  It reminds me of “why” I need to be active.  It also makes me ask the question, When and why did I let go of the responsibility of caring for myself?  They show me the power of being energized and excited in all weather; the power of walking with a friend or a group of friends.  They post photos and very rarely is someone not wearing a big happy smile.  It is awakening something within me, a light that has dimmed over time.  They are a good dose of medicine and hot chocolate!

[wtv123]

Ever heard of “snow kayaking”?  It’s a real thing here in Nova Scotia.

[wtv123]

Yesterday, I went for a walk in our winter wonderland and saw many colourful birdhouses.  This picture reminded me of them.

(Source: Angela LeBlanc, Yarmouth County, NS.)

[wtv123]

We had a snowstorm yesterday.  Today, I woke up to a winter wonderland.

[wtv123]

[wtv123]

[wtv123]

[wtv123]

Summarizes January pretty well.

[wtv123]

RESONATING DEEPLY

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Simon & Garfunkel

When you're weary

Feeling small When tears are in your eyes I'll dry them all I'm on your side Oh, when times get rough And friends just can't be found 

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down 

When you're down and out When you're on the street When evening falls so hard I will comfort you I'll take your part Oh, when darkness comes And pain is all around

Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down

Sail on silver girl Sail on by Your time has come to shine All your dreams are on their way See how they shine Oh, if you need a friend I'm sailing right behind

Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind

[wtv123]

JANUARY

I’ve walked 48 kilometers so far this year, not missing one day yet.  Alternatively, I have only read one book so far.  Vast difference from last year at this time.

I may have to find a way to incorporate both.

[wtv123]

[wtv123]

EYES  OPEN

I saw a lot of kindness today.  It was effortless and, yet, so beautiful.

[wtv123]

'Light Pillars' in North Bay, Ontario Light pillars are an optical phenomenon that typically occurs in arctic regions due to the temperatures required for such an event. When the atmosphere becomes extremely cold, flat ice crystals form in the air close to the ground. These crystals reflect natural and artificial light, taking on the color of the light source. Photo: Timothy Joseph Elzinga