Unbeknownst to me, I can’t quite pinpoint the exact moment when my fascination with poppies began. Beyond their significance as a symbol for Remembrance Day and my personal affinity for the color red, it’s only natural that I would be drawn to poppies. My home is adorned with poppy pictures, my couches are adorned with lovely poppy pillows, and I even have a poppy-themed duvet cover and shower curtain. Poppies seem to make appearances in various corners of my life.

For me, poppies serve as a powerful reminder to honour not only those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedom but also the generations that came before us. The color red, which I hold dear, is a poignant symbol of the love with which I remember them. This isn’t a sentiment reserved for Remembrance Day alone; it’s a daily practice. Poppies, in their quiet elegance, constantly remind me to be grateful for the gift of life that has been bestowed upon me.

As Remembrance Day approaches, I encourage you to reflect on how you will acknowledge this important day. Whether it’s wearing a poppy pin, attending a memorial service, or simply taking a moment of silent reflection, let us all find our unique ways to pay tribute to the brave souls who have paved the way for our freedom and to keep their memory alive.

It’s worth noting that poppies come in various colors. What color are the poppies in your collection, and which ones resonate with you the most? Let the poppies that appear before you in some form serve as a symbol of enduring gratitude.

To be continued . . .
Light and Love,

Autumn has arrived, and as always, it graces us with its breathtaking beauty! It’s that time of the year when we’re invited to turn inward, seeking solace and peace amidst the changing seasons. After the hustle and bustle of summer, it’s an opportunity to rediscover ourselves. It’s also the perfect season to put new recipes to the test, ones that might soon become cherished additions to our winter rotation.

I understand that discussing death can be challenging due to superstitions, fear, and uncertainty. However, it’s important to make sure your affairs are in order to avoid causing your loved one’s undue stress and burden during a difficult time. By getting your “ducks in a row”, meaning preparing all the necessary details in advance and being well-organized for the future, you can ensure that your loved ones are not left in a difficult situation.

February- the Month of Love? Unfortunately, for many, it could represent the Month of Grief.  In January’s Blog I wrote about Living with a Broken Heart by Gary Sturgis and to reiterate the first part, it starts off with:

 “Remember what the Tin Man said in the “Wizard of Oz” after he finally got a heart . . .

“Whew, did I miss it? Did I really miss the Christmas season going through without my loved one(s) that have died and left this world on a one-way ticket? Why did they leave me behind? Didn’t they realize how hard this was and I can’t bring relief or let go of this unbearable pain. I don’t like this feeling and I just can’t shake it. It hurts to the core of my very being and here I am in January – I’m not sure I can do this!”