My Opinion. Your Comments. 

Engaging in intelligent conversation about things that matter (and sometimes even if they matter only a little) is one of life's most enjoyable pastimes.

So if you care to comment on anything in this blog or if you want to initiate a conversation on something dear to you, I welcome your participation.

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Since the late 80’s I have made it a habit to read a newspaper or two each day.  For the past ten plus years I read the Calgary Herald online.  I loved the convenience of accessing several days’ worth in one sitting without having that dreadful pile of newsprint to recycle each week.

I recently gave it up.

I thought I would miss it but I haven’t.  (continued in read more)

Once again I had an abundance of literary experiences as I reached my goal of reading two books per week in 2011.

I scrambled to reach it.  At the end of October I realized I had just nine weeks to read 32 books.  You see, I had abandoned my reading routine to play in my garden this summer, which put me behind.

Reading books became THE priority; on holidays I read a book each day. (continued in read more) 

An acquaintance of mine has a vanity license plate that says NVRLKBK, Never Look Back.

In many ways, it is a sensible statement.  Imagine the folly of driving while focusing solely on the rear view mirror.  Only very talented or lucky drivers would ever arrive at their destination.

But isn’t it equally foolish to drive without ever checking the rear view mirror? (continued in read more)

Further to my previous blog on un-shopping, I’ve been worried that I didn’t give you enough ideas for alternate giving this Christmas.  So here are 100 ideas for un-Gifts to get your own creative juices flowing.

1. Time: Spending time together is one of the best gifts you can give somebody.  You can:
2. Go to a Movie
3. Play a game
4. Take in a concert
5. Attend a festival (music/art, etc.)
6. Browse in a library
7. Explore a museum
8. Experience a zoo
9. Visit a Science Centre   (continued in read more)

Remember Alice in Wonderland’s wonder at the un-Birthday concept?

I propose “un-shopping” for all of us this Christmas.  (continued in read more)

In One Woman’s Opinion a parent has one only one job: to prepare children for adulthood.  Sadly many parents don’t do that job. 

It’s hard.  When children are young, it’s easy to do everything for them because watching them struggle can be really painful.  It can also be time consuming and many adults lack patience to allow their children to learn things on their own.

Parents get in the habit of doing everything, robbing their children of the joy of living.  Yes, there is joy in cleaning one’s room or vacuuming the living room, perhaps not so much during, but certainly by surveying the finished job!  (continued in read more)

Throwing a baby shower for a friend who is having twin boys was very likely a once-in-a-lifetime event for me, so I wanted to do something really memorable.  The added challenge was that she already has two children so she has most of her baby needs covered.

Somewhere nestled in the recesses of my mind was the idea of a statue or display made of diapers.  A quick search on the internet revealed a number of interesting sites with instructions and pictures of “diaper cakes” readers had made.

After studying the process and looking at scores of images I jumped in and created Raegan’s Diaper Cake.  (continued in read more)

“Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” We’ve all pondered this age-old question.

But I propose something even more profound, “Which came first, feathers or flight?” (continued in read more)