Author Archives: bloomingreverend

A bird in the hand is worth…

On a sunny September weekend I held a tiny bird in my hand. Months later I’m still thinking about it. In my new role as the Director at Crieff Hills Retreat Center I get to do all kind of fun … Continue reading

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I have so much less and I couldn’t be happier

A year ago our family made a drastic change. We got rid of almost half of what we owned, sold our 3300 sqft home and moved into a 1200 sqft rental. It was one of the best things we’ve ever … Continue reading

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The Beauty of War Flowers

My generation does not know war. At least, not the way our grandparents did. The first and second World Wars are little more than black and white photographs and, if we are lucky, a few stories handed down to us. … Continue reading

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Advent 4/Christmas: Listen for Laughter

I love being up early in the morning. My children, all home for Christmas, do not. Now that we are in a smaller house, it’s hard to be quiet at 7am when I’m ready to get on with my day. … Continue reading

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Advent 3: Take to the trails

I went for a walk this morning along the streets of my neighbourhood. It was snowy underfoot and raining overhead. The dog and I had to walk carefully because it’s a typical suburban street with houses, front lawns, and lots … Continue reading

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Advent 2: Learn from Saint Lucy

December 13th is the feast day of Saint Lucy. Legend has it she was a young Italian woman who secretly took food to persecuted Christians in Rome in the fourth century. Under the cover of night, she would make her way … Continue reading

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Advent 1: A season for a saunter

This week I visited the home of a couple who have just moved to the country. The house is as comfortable as it is beautiful. It has plenty of places to bask in sunshine, curl up with a good book or … Continue reading

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Anise Hyssop and Bay Fortune

This summer I grew a beautiful new-to-me herb, Anise Hyssop.  It’s a plant I never would have experienced if I hadn’t taken a meandering trip to PEI and had a beautiful–even spiritual–experience at The Inn at Bay Fortune.  Last August, my … Continue reading

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A Gardener’s Midsummer Dream: Wild and Cultivated

Garden tours are always lovely, especially for those of us who are a little nosy. What better way to spend an afternoon than peeking behind fences and waltzing through strangers’ backyards? Last week, I found the best one yet: The 2017 … Continue reading

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Bring on spring! And fiddleheads!

Yes, I know it’s raining. Still, spring is the best. From where I’m sitting I can see the beautiful white blossoms on my neighbour’s trees and the buds of my backyard lilac bush. Everything is lush and green–even my groceries! … Continue reading

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