Nurse. Teacher. Crafter. Photographer. Canadian; I am a woman who wears many hats, but what defines me the most is being a New Zealander and a mother. — “Why on earth did you leave New Zealand?” This is often the first question I am asked after the inevitable clarification of where my accent is from — usually confused with being English or Australian; even after almost 28 years living in Canada, I can’t shake the twang!

Ever Encountered Egrets, Earthquakes or the Eiffel Tower? — If you’re reading a story of mine for the first time, I’m an avid photographer and have jumped on JoAnn Ryan’s writing/photography challenge here at In Living Colour to showcase pictures from my rather large stash. My furless grandbaby’s ears are the perfect opening photo for the letter E. She’s…

The idea of having a pristinely clean house dissolved the second of three bairns fled the nest.

Some folks have an amazing ability to attract friends or lovers. Their personality is magnetic and intoxicating. They demand attention…

In response to Karen Schwartz’s number challenge — I’m usually in for a challenge, but I’ve been slack with my writing lately. It’s not that I don’t want to connect my fingers to a keyboard, but rather I simply haven’t had the time. I’ve been galavanting or working…! This prompt by my dear friend Karen Schwartz tweaked my…

Travelling to a new city in a foreign country is exciting but intimidating. Even though I had visited Paris twice before, it felt new as I navigated its narrow, often cobblestoned streets by foot, bus and car last week. During my week-long stay, I was fortunate to be in the…

I’m back from an incredible week in the most beautiful city that I’ve ever visited. Despite being my third time, my jaw still dropped at the magnificent architecture that just keeps coming at you from every corner you turn. I’m so enchanted with this city I could live there and enjoy a completely different lifestyle from what I’m accustomed to. I took over a thousand photos, walked 65 kilometres, ate sumptuous food from simple to gourmet and loved the coffee and wine. Best of all, I spent time with my wonderful daughter, her partner and their furless baby girl!

It was a wonderful trip down memory lane — and the nurses were happy! — My first job after finishing my refresher course to become a Québec nurse was in a fast-paced general surgical unit in a trauma hospital in Montréal. …

But strumming and pressing strings was painful! — My fingers hurt as I pressed the wire strings to the neck of the guitar in school music class. I was excited to make some sounds as I strummed with the plectrum — instead of my stubbly fingers. Playing the guitar isn’t just about the finger work of one hand…