Sharing the magic of Christmas in Quebec City 2019

Sharing the magic of Quebec-city ... Merry Christmas!

Anitcosti Island 2019

We recently returned from a wonderful week on Anticosti Island with Photographer and Guide Rene Bourque of Anticosti Photo Safaris

Some of my photographs of our journey around the island ... a place to connect with nature, relax and unwind, fish, hike and swim (if you're brave, as the water is cold!).

Neighbourhood Sign

Summer pleasures of cycling and books!

See the world from all sides

Last Sunday afternoon J and I were interviewed by Julia Caron, of CBC Radio at the Maison de la littérature in Vieux-Quebec.  

We were standing in front of a poématon machine, having just written and photographed a poem.

see the world from all sides

This morning our interview aired on CBC Radio 104.7FM in Québec.

Children never cease to surprise us!  J encouraged listeners to see the world from all sides, to look beyond their noses and try new things. 

Poetry could even change the world, if it's possible.
he says
J  (10 years)

Thoughtful Thursday: Blessing in a Teacup

My new favourite vessel, and blessing in disguise.

One of a set of four Ralph Lauren teacups

discovered while out shopping.

Being wise.

Tucked away on the bottom shelf of my local friperie;

the entire set acquired for just $Three!

Life is full of surprises

when you get down on your knees 

Letting the old stuff go,

there's room for something new.

I like to drink tea first thing in the morning, 

before moving on to a good coffee or two.

Thank you for letting me share, 

my blessing in a teacup story with you!

Proud to be a Kiwi

God Defend New Zealand 
(New Zealand's National Anthem)

God of Nations at Thy feet,

In the bonds of love we meet,

Hear our voices, we entreat,

God defend our free land.

Guard Pacific's triple star

From the shafts of strife and war,

Make her praises heard afar,

God defend New Zealand.

Men of every creed and race,

Gather here before Thy face,

Asking Thee to bless this place,

God defend our free land.

From dissension, envy, hate,

And corruption guard our state,

Make our country good and great,

God defend New Zealand.

Peace, not war, shall be our boast,

But, should foes assail our coast,

Make us then a mighty host,

God defend our free land.

Lord of battles in Thy might,

Put our enemies to flight,

Let our cause be just and right,

God defend New Zealand.

Let our love for Thee increase,

May Thy blessings never cease,

Give us plenty, give us peace,

God defend our free land.

From dishonour and from shame,

Guard our country's spotless name,

Crown her with immortal fame,

God defend New Zealand.

May our mountains ever be

Freedom's ramparts on the sea,

Make us faithful unto Thee,

God defend our free land.

Guide her in the nations' van,

Preaching love and truth to man,

Working out Thy glorious plan,

God defend New Zealand.

First Week of Spring and St. Patrick's Parade

celebrating part of the city's heritage with a St. Patrick's Parade ...

 

78th Fraser's Highlanders a regiment who founded the first Scottish church in Canada

Philadelphia Police band

waiting for our bus home from parade 

arriving home

hard to believe that it's spring!

Remembering the people of Christchurch and New Zealand

I woke yesterday morning to news of the deaths of 49 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, and I am still trying to process what has happened.

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Christchurch who have lost family members and friends.

The people of Christchurch are resilient, having already suffered much during two major earthquakes and the loss of 185 lives in their community in 2011.

With the support of New Zealanders, and the world, the people of Christchurch will carry on, turning their backs on such an evil act of violence this week.

Are you struggling to know what to say to young family members.  Here is a useful link from New Zealand on how to talk to children about trauma in the world

https://www.theparentingplace.com/how-to-talk-about/world-trauma/

To the people of Christchurch and New Zealand, I remember you.

Quebec City in Winter

Welcome to the magical city of Quebec in winter!

Copyright: photography by Kiwi Living in Quebec

Winter Festival

baking bannock bread on a stick ... always tastes good!

Supermoon February 2019

view from our garden

Last week's major snow storm Quebec City

snow day... no school day!

took a while digging out ...

back yard trenches ...

Socks for the homeless!

In December members of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Quebec City decorated our Christmas tree with winter socks!

A friend and her daughter, together with my son and I, delivered these socks to the Salvation Army in Old Quebec on Sunday afternoon.  As we arrived, we gave a pair of socks to an old man crouched on the steps of the Salvation Army, and he gave us a big toothless grin and many words of thanks!

Socks are appreciated by the homeless, together with kind words and an acknowledgment they are there.  If you see a homeless person, say Hello!  It will brighten their day, even if you do not have anything to give.

A gift of new socks is a small gesture of kindness and helps protect and prevent nasty health issues and infections.





Icebreaker are my favourite socks to wear.

When giving socks, give two pairs!

Adult male cotton socks are the most requested by homeless shelters.

For other tips go to:  socks4soulscanada.com

Snow snow snow ...

view from my window
222cm of snow, and at least 6 more weeks of winter!

Good Mystery Reads

Do you like a good mystery novel?  

Louise Penny and Kathy Reichs are two authors with roots in Québec and Canada.
Their fiction novels will give you real glimpses into life, culture and places in Québec.

Let me know what you think.

Celtic Music to love by Cassie and Maggie

Two sisters, Cassie and Maggie MacDonald from Nova Scotia, Canada will lift your spirits when you hear them play.  They're from a large extended family of Celtic musicians.  If you get the chance, go to one of their shows!  They're playing in Nova Scotia as support for Alan Doyle in March 2019!

cassieandmaggie.com