I’m back volunteering in classrooms again this year as part of the Linking Generations program in Strathcona County. As the title suggests, the purpose of our group is to connect children with seniors and vica versa. Some children do not have a grandparent in their lives for a variety of reasons-distance, estrangement, death. We are … Continue reading The Pleasure is all Mine! →

Halloween used to be my favourite holiday. These days, I do not even dress up, and since we are in a condo, we don’t have kids coming trick-or-treating. It’s not like the good old days, but it is still a day for great fun. As a kid, we made plans a week or so ahead. … Continue reading Down Memory Lane-Halloween →

You knew me as a child But I am no longer that girl In the real world You knew me as a woman But that person’s gone Moved up and on You knew me as a friend Why did I let go I don’t know You knew me for a while Time changed me somehow … Continue reading Know Me Now →

An introspective rambling here. I had an old acquaintance comment that I was very different from the Mary-Lee she knew in the 'good old days', and it got me thinking. I have changed over the years. One’s personality, beliefs and behaviour are not set in stone. Dependent on our life experiences, encounters and attitude, we can … Continue reading Surprise! I’m Normal! →

Roy and Dixie were going to have their long-awaited boy! Their four-year-old daughter was a bright, healthy child, but in 1950, an offspring of the male species was a basic requirement for every family. Dixie would try her best to comply, despite the fact that the gender of the baby was not in her genetic … Continue reading Here’s Your Boy, Roy →

(with apologies to Julie Andrews) Jalapeños on nachos, cilantro or curry Drivers when always in such a big hurry Dressed to impress with sequins and bling These are not some of my favourite things I couldn’t care less about Tiger or Conner Kardashians too are not people I honour The Queen and the Royals and … Continue reading Not Favourite Things →

A One-Act Play SCENE 1: A Beauty Salon Mom 1: After my color, I’m going to get my nails done, and then I’m out for lunch. Hairdresser: So nice. What’s the occasion? Mom 1: My son treated me for Mother’s Day. Mom 2: (in chair next to Mom 1). You are very lucky. Being a … Continue reading The Monday after MOTHER’S DAY →

The crisis in Ukraine is in its second week and, like everyone I talk to, I am so sad, worried, and angry. I cannot fathom how any human being can direct others to kill fellow human beings; nor can I understand how someone can carry out those orders. How can you see the suffering you … Continue reading On My Mind and In My Heart →

I enjoy writing, but the more I read, the less I am convinced I have what it takes. I've been reading Margaret Atwood lately. I didn't care for her back in my University English days; I much preferred the style of Margaret Laurence and Alice Munro. But I've had an awakening and find Atwood to … Continue reading My Next Novel-Help Wanted →

Depression has long been a topic that I have been interested in. I have been in the grips of this powerful disease periodically over my adult life and have struggled to manage its debilitating effects. I am not ashamed to admit this. I have had therapy in many forms, pills of every description, and now, … Continue reading Let Go of Depression →