If you spend a little time on Cape Breton Island, chances are you’ll encounter someone in your daily travels being asked the familiar question: “What’s your father’s name?” Yes, it’s quite common. But, have you ever observed that with this gentle inquiry, the asker and everyone around them hold their breath in earnest anticipation; as if the answer carries its weight in tartan and gold? For the people of Cape Breton Island, this age-old interchange is precious. It is a community … [Read more...]
My Dementia Caregiver Journey: An Unexpected Path to Enlightenment
I’ve read plenty of articles about how dementia changes the person diagnosed with it; but a commentary on how the dementia journey changes you, a loving family member, friend or caretaker, is much harder to come by. That being said, I've come across valuable guidance on how to interact with a person with dementia (Teepa Snow), the benefits of caretaker “self-care” (it is a marathon, not a race), the raw emotional impact (Jann Arden), and insights regarding all stages of the condition … [Read more...]
From Cape Breton to California: Beauty Redefined
Sometimes it takes a few years, and several off-island encounters, to appreciate the many qualities of our “living” Cape Breton culture. I say living because the spirit of Cape Breton, our collective heritage, is very much in the present tense — and often shows up in unexpected ways. For example, did you know that we have a unique and colorful way of expressing beauty? A sense of belonging Let me explain. Growing up in Glace Bay, my earliest recollection of beauty was defined not by … [Read more...]
Feeling Overwhelmed? Better to Climb the Mountain Than Carry it
Not long ago, I remember feeling like the person in this photo. On the outside, everything looked normal (hey, maybe even fashionable). But inside, I felt the weight of the world upon my shoulders. In the midst of feeling overwhelmed, my inner stoic surfaced and I carried on. Like many people do. Day after day. Thump-thump-thump. How a poem helped me Then, one afternoon I came across this quote by poet Najwa Zebian: "These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to … [Read more...]
Connecting with a Deer Animal Totem, Heart-to-Heart
I love working with Animal Totems. They give me a deep sense of comfort, guidance, and direction. For example, a couple of days ago, a young deer arrived in my parent’s backyard. Just before I took a photo, the deer looked straight at me and held my gaze for several seconds. It was as if time stood still. We connected. Since I know from experience that this encounter with Nature was no accident, I googled “Animal Totem Deer”. Then, eagerly read this message: “When you have the deer as … [Read more...]
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