Celebrating Winter At The Winter Carnival

Saturday we had a wonderful time, though a bit frosty on the fingers and toes,as we joined the crowd wandering about beautiful Rice Park and marvelling at the intricate ice sculpture designs which were scattered about the area.

There was a carved design of a grandfather clock surrounded by carnival button replicas of the past years,which was quite amazing. It was done by two friends who were chefs by trade, which was where they became interested in ice sculpting. They have been at it for the past twenty eight years and still love the art. Also to be seen were large snowflakes of ice, figures, chairs and a long ice wall celebrating the 125 year anniversary of the Winter Carnival, and so many more delicate sculptures.

The tantalizing smell of hot dogs permeated the air making us hungry. Families were sharing family time as the children played in the snow and the family dog was being a happy spectator as he walked along on his leash, curious and playful, at times.

The King Boreas parade presented itself at 2 o'clock and hosted fire trucks and whistles, police cars, and colorful Klondike Kate with her ladies, who were bursting with song. There were a few colorful floats but due to the economy, the parade was much smaller than usual, they said.

All in all, it was fun to be amidst a joyful group of people celebrating the simple things in life. It is always good to get into new surroundings , especially if it is a once in awhile happening, because it is so easy to get into a rut doing only familiar things. Looking around at the crowd, I told my companion that we were the only seniors to be seen and we got quite a good laugh to think we braved the cold along with the the younger folks.

The feeling that I carried away with me from our day, was one of warmth, laughter, friendship and the happiness that comes from sharing an event with a loved one. It was one of the early pages in our memory log which is just being built.

A New Year and New Beginnings

Here it is, a brand new year once again and a time for new beginnings, fresh and bright, like the first few pages of a promising new book. January is always an exciting time for me because, with another birthday in a just few days, I look forward to all the wonderful things that the year could bring. First of all, in January the sun seems to be brighter in the sky and I gather thoughts of springtime which will come after winter slips away. Looking to the bright side, with joy in my heart, energizes my spirit, so that each new day holds a promise of life's continuity.

This past year has brought about many changes for me and I now find myself travelling a new path, on the road of life. I have closed the door on events that shattered my very being and rediscovered the person that God created me to be, happy, optimistic, loving and willing to make changes that will enrich my life and the life of others. It is such a good and peaceful feeling to know that I am on a road that leads to a brighter tomorrow where love and healing permanently reside.

It is sometimes difficult to adapt to changes in one's life, when it means uprooting the predictable and secure present, and moving onward to entirely new surroundings and lifestyle, but when love comes calling, as did happen to me, it is easy. Slowly, day by day, I have come to know that my choice to move on and take a chance on following my heart, is the right way to venture.

There will be many opportunities to grow as a person, make new friends, while keeping the old who are dear to me, and share my life with another person who loves me, as we see new places and find harmony in our daily life. We will live side by side, yet not in each other's shadow, and know the warm feeling of being needed and loved. Love is the greatest gift and I wish that each life may be blessed with peace and love.