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5 Reason’s We Need Little Breaks

October 21, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Lets face it, this life can get really busy at times. Being a Mom to young children can get really crazy at times, busing the kids around to their various activities, packing the lunches, bathing them, washing the clothes, making the meals, shopping. Oh my, I didn’t realize how glamorous all of the motherhood duties sounded until I wrote them down.

I don’t know if you are like me? Sometimes I have to admit, I am not always excited about making their lunches day in day out, or sitting in a cold arena watching my son’s hockey game, as I hear other parents screaming at their kids to do better.

I have to admit I like to daydream of far away places at times, and think of perhaps the last time I treated myself to vacation or a girls night away. OK maybe I do indulge in a few girls night’s away. I must say I am rather lucky to have a wonderful support system for my kiddies. I know lots of women with or without children, who could certainly use a much-needed break from the everyday demands of living in this fast paced world.

Don’t get me wrong, I am in love with my 2 little people, and I LOVE THEM TO THE MOON AND BACK! But being an older Mom, I truly appreciate “little breaks” and some time off from my duties to recharge and relax a bit.

Here are 5 reasons we all need a little bit of a BREAK.

1. Recharge your Batteries

2. Perspective

3. Gratitude

4. Take Care of Yourself

5. Have Fun

These are my top 5 reasons why a little break from the ordinary is needed. What are your 5 tips for taking a break from reality, I would love to hear your tips. Stay tuned I am in the process of creating some cool excursions to help busy people like yourself take a little break, and have a little FUN!

NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST

Talk soon ~

Nancy

Cirque Eloize Saloon

October 15, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

The performance of the Cirque Eloize Saloon was riveting for all in the audience who were lucky enough to attend a sold out performance at the River Run Centre in our Royal City. The theatrical musical acrobatic play began with the sound of a train coming into town with just the sight of a headlight in the darkness, centre stage was a cowboy hat western musician playing the banjo. It certainly set the tone of a good ol Western frontier with all of the elements you would expect a saloon, train, horses and unlike a lot of Westerns an amazing cast of acrobatic performances who’s performance left you on the edge of your seat.

The Montreal based Cirque Eloize has been entertaining crowds since 1993. The inspiration for this award-winning leading contemporary circus is lead by ringleader Jeannot Painchaud, who is President and CEO of this amazing group of over 100 individuals who make up this talented touring show. Mr. Painchaud said in an interview once, “I got into the circus because I used to dream of traveling the entire globe. It’s the most accessible, most beautiful way that I’ve found to do it.”

Watching the audiences reactions I noticed a middle-aged man in front of me, who had a smile and an almost child like grin on his face the entire time during the performance. This was the magic of the 90 minute performance it transported you to another world, the Wild West Circus world!

My 12-year-old daughter belongs to the Centre Wellington Children’s Drama Club, performed a play called the Great Canadian WEastern last year and she shared with me this brought back memories of her Western play. She nudged me on a few occasions and commented, “Wow, they must really trust each other”, as the amazing artists displayed impressive strength and agility when they performed the many acts.

We watched a performer twirling inside a Cyr wheel, which was invented by co-founder of the Cirque Eloize and graduate of the Montreal’s National Circus School. I cannot imagine the sheer strength & many hours of perfecting their trade it takes to maneuver the many moves they did, with the Arial straps, Chinese Pole, wooden planks and juggling.

My girlfriend who attended the performance with me said one of her favorite parts was the slow motion reverse and forward which was all in perfect timing during their saloon fight scene. The performance included much of the Canadian history of building the railroad, gold rush, infused with lots of humor and don’t forget every Western needs a good romance too. The entire show included live music with banjo, fiddle, guitar, piano and amazing vocals.

This performance is the first of The Wooly Pub Family Series, check out the River Run Centre for a full list of all of the performances taking place this 2018-2019 season, http://riverrun.ca/.

Talk soon ~

Nancy

Fergus Highland Games

August 12, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

This community is so amazing there is just always something going on! Centre Wellington was once again hosting the Annual Fergus Highland Games this August weekend. I had the privilege of attending the opening ceremonies on the Friday evening.

Ahhhh… the sound of those bag pipes, it was truly soul-stirring and when the Tattoo began, my heart seemed to have skipped a beat. I found myself getting rather emotional, almost in tears which surprised me, however I don’t think I was alone in my thoughts as I looked around everyone was standing still and appeared to be just as in awe as I was.

I had the honour of meeting and chatting with Graham McTavish, the Scottish Actor who portrays Dougal MacKenzie in the popular Outlander series. Check out my chat with him on my FB social media, https://www.facebook.com/wanderingwellingtoncounty/?hc_ref=ARQNbIui3YV67rLi_OYe7MeqChO8gLxPQwWHonNU2InD-bhxNFeaiHNgHhgw6PeBSig

Last year when I attended the Fergus Highland Games I had the opportunity to meet the popular author of the Outlander series who was a special guest, http://www.dianagabaldon.co m/ Diana Gabaldon. She was full of grace, elegance and appeared humble amidst her immense popularity. Meeting both of these two talented public figures I believe is definitely the universe’s way of sending a message; it is time to dust off the book I had purchased at last years event and delve into another world.

Another bonus of attending the Festival, is of course learning more about the culture and customs of different countries. When one of the speakers shared some of his insight into the various clans in attendance, it is like I had a light bulb moment! I am rather embarrassed to admit this, however I had never seemed to fully comprehend the meaning of the Scottish Clans. He explained it in a way I finally could understand a little more about this interesting culture. Clans as I understood it for the first time in the Scottish context is another word for family. If you are like me and need to understand a little more about the definition of the word, here is the Wikipedia definition below.

A clan is a group of people united by actual or perceived kinship^[1] and descent. Even if lineage details are unknown, clan members may be organized around a founding member or apical ancestor. Clans in indigenous societies tend to be exogamous, meaning that their members cannot marry one another. Clans proceeded more centralized forms of community organization and government, and exist in every country. Members may identify with a coat of arms or other symbol to show they are an independent clan. The kinship-based bonds may also have a symbolic ancestor, whereby the clan shares a “stipulated” common ancestor that is a symbol of the clan’s unity. When this “ancestor” is non-human, it is referred to as a totem, which is frequently an animal.

The word clan is derived from the Gaelic clann^[1] meaning “children” or “progeny”; it is not from the word for “family” in either Irish^[2]^[3] or Scottish Gaelic. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word was introduced into English in around 1425, as a label for the nature of the society of the Scottish Highlands

As I sat at a table with people watching the Tattoo, I felt more welcomed as the night was nearing its end. Perhaps this is a glimpse into what the Scottish call a Clan, as it felt like we were part of a family.

As I have learned this life, there are various types of family, not always blood. What ever you call it, I love my “CLAN”. You know who I am talking about, “those people who get you!”, “they have your back, they fight for you, they cry with you, they are family, they are your clan!”

Sláinte or until we meet again!

Talk soon,

Nancy

Adventures In My Backyard

June 22, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Why do I sometimes think I should travel far & wide to discover more about myself? With the end of the school year upon us and the kids beginning their summer holidays, I pondered this thought. I was brought back to reality when after the kids were safely on the bus, I stepped out onto my backyard which has a forest like feel & look to it. It is in on the outskirts of the City limits and we are moving shortly to a new home.

I know already how much I am going to miss this fabulous backyard, but thinking of the new place, it does have a pond close by and I have always wanted to live close to the water. I am getting closer I guess, although it is an irrigation pond and it located by the kids playground area. I did discover one of my favorite birds flying overhead as I was walking around the pond. It was the Blue Heron(s) who were flying back and forth and may live in the vicinity.

Summer officially began yesterday, (June 21, 2018) and with that came the longest night of the year. My mother was eager to inform us, that yesterday had 15 hours and 36 minutes of daylight. She then said, “After today the days are going to get shorter”. OH no, not shorter days already, we just had winter with blowing snow and cold. OK back to today, it was a gorgeous summer day and night!

I sat on the sidelines of the CW Sportsplex along with my parents cheering my 11-year-old daughter, who truth be told needs a few soccer tips. I was a proud Mom, as this is the first sports team she has ever wanted to join. She is building her confidence and is blending into the group nicely. I am becoming a sports Mom cheering her on the sidelines. She is getting a little older now and when we arrived she immediately got out of the Jeep and went over to her team, not even a see you later. It seemed as if she didn’t want us to even be there, but we had to say a few cheers when she kicked the ball. We tried to respect her coolness factor and not make a spectacle out of her or us.

Her grandfather and I chuckled and I understood how she must have felt, I was that preteen girl not long ago. Ok maybe it was quite a long time OK, but who is counting? That one who when I got dropped off at high school dreaded the thought of my father and brother blowing the horn and yelling out the window “Bye, Have a Good Day at School Nancy!”

AHHH….summer so darn short and sweet, the sky looked like a photo from a postcard by the end of the night. The thought of wanting to travel to far away lands disappeared because when I looked around I realized I had everything I needed, right in my own backyard!

Amazing what a little perspective can do, and sometimes it can be a little more economical than booking an airline ticket. Although they just introduced a new economical airline flying in Canada this June. That’s another story.

Talk soon ~

Nancy

5 THINGS to Do this WEEKEND

May 17, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Hey Canada … It’s the official May 24 weekend upon us! Yeah… for me and many more Canadian’s that always signifies the unofficial start of the SUMMER. I hope you enjoy your long weekend and the many adventures which await you this start of the season ahead of us. Perhaps your jumping in your car heading to your cottage or camping at one of the local provincial parks. Or maybe you are hanging out locally and just chilling. Here are some great local events going on in Wellington County this weekend.

Elora PLEIN AIR : http://grandandgorgeous.com/event/elora-en-plein-air/

Grand River Raceway Fireworks: https://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/index.cfm?page=detail&itmno=3272

2Rivers Festival: https://www.guelphmercury.com/events/8594070-701051-2rivers-festival-2018/

The Royal Wedding at the Secret Garden Tea House: http://www.thesecretgardenteahouse.com/upcoming-events

Hillsburgh Garden Club Plant Sale: http://www.erin.ca/whats-on/details?id=ff84113f-e7f2-41b5-974b-d4024b9b1466

Happy Birthday Queen Victoria!

Talk soon ~

Nancy

Chatting with, Lisa Browning – 2018 Guelph Y Women of Distinction Honoree

April 16, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

WHO ARE YOU?

Name: Lisa Browning

Birthplace: Toronto

Where do you live? Guelph

Career: Assistant Manager, Graduate & Professional Programs, Ontario Universities’ Application Centre

PLUS

Owner & Publisher, One Thousand Trees

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU, TO BE A “2018 GUELPH Y WOMEN OF DISTINCTION?”

It means the world to me! Being selected as a Woman of Distinction has given me such a feeling of acknowledgement.

It’s funny … at first I felt very uncomfortable (those old “Who do you think you are?!” messages were loud and clear!). But I’ve challenged those messages, and now, to be in the company of so many incredible women, my co-honourees, is such a blessing! I am deeply grateful to those who nominated me, and to the selection committee for having chosen me for this honour.

“IT TAKES A VILLAGE”, is this year’s theme. Describe who / what your village is like?

I am blessed to have a community of like-minded people, who have been through their own struggles, and because of that, are passionate about empowering others, and spreading the message that there is always light after the darkness.

WHERE do you find Inspiration?

I find my inspiration in nature. I walk my dog twice a day, on a trail through the wetlands surrounding my subdivision. It is there that I find peace, and that ideas and inspiration just naturally come to me. The energy of the trees is amazing, and it gives me peace. When my mind is quiet, I am able to dream.

Favorite quote / and or a favorite person?

This one is easy! My favourite quote of all time is by Marianne Williamson:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others”.

WHY did you choose this career, or did it choose you?

When I started One Thousand Trees, I had planned for it to be only a monthly on-line magazine, even though my background is in publishing. But one thing led to another (as it always does when we are doing something that we are passionate about), and the company has taken on a life of its own. I know that my purpose in this life is to empower others through telling their stories and speaking their truth, so I think I can say I chose the career, but it also chose me.

Tell us something people usually don’t know about you?

Hmmm … that’s a tough question. I think I’m pretty transparent.

WHAT did you want to be as a child?

VERY interesting question! (Or, perhaps, my answer is very telling!) I went back and forth between two different things: a writer, and a psychologist. (Maybe not as a young child – for the psychologist for sure – but certainly by high school.)

The interesting part is that now my passion is empowering others by telling their stories! I guess I’ve melded both of those aspirations!

Contact Information: * (Where can people find your business/organization)

Email Address: lisa@onethousandtrees.com

Website: http://www.onethousandtrees.com

Phone: 519-362-5494

Thank You Lisa for taking some time out of your busy schedule to chat with Wandering Wellington County!

Lisa is one of the twenty women who you will meet May, 3rd at the River Run Centre, Guelph Y 2018 Women of Distinction Honorees at the Fundraising Gala. Please join us at this great fundraising gala for the Guelph YMCA/YWCA, here the link for more information.

https://www.guelphy.org/en/community-events-and-programs/women-of-distinction.aspx

Talk Soon ~

Nancy

Dreaming of Far Away Places

March 9, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

It is the start of March Break, and this is one of the first years in a while my daughter and I are not going South. I know what your probably thinking, BOO HOO. I just spoke with my daughter and said, “Are you excited for March Break?” Her response was, “OH yeah… March Break…” I think the little people will probably be happy just to stay home and take a break from the day-to-day busyness of school life and extracurricular activities.

It is always nice to go away for a little adventure and a little break from reality if even for a day or two. When I read this little gem of a quote, it really made me pause and reflect. Today I choose HAPPY wherever I am and today. I am in Guelph at work. Tomorrow I will be in Fergus for the weekend, and then Guelph for the work week next week. You know what, that’s OK, because, that is where I am supposed to be for the time being. You know what I am kinda of excited the workday is almost over.

I have a night to myself. My plan is to put the Tea Kettle & Fireplace on, grab my cozy blanket, light my candles and watch a few episodes of my current favorite Netflix series, “Grace & Frankie”.

You might catch me dreaming of faraway places this weekend; climbing mountains, discovering little treasures on the beach, or drifting off into the sunset holding my daughters hand in a hot air balloon. Or maybe that was Grace & Frankie carrying on with their antics?

Life is good!

Talk Soon ~

Nancy