Exploring Downtown

For my days off this week, Hayden and I did not do any monster bike rides, instead, we checked out downtown after catching a movie. When my husband and I bought our house almost 9 years ago, we wanted to be in an established neighbourhood, we like having sidewalks, having stores near by and it's great to be able to walk or bike downtown (where I work). It is very easy for us to get by with one vehicle, not to mention cheaper! While I did have the car today, it sat in the garage and Hayden and I opted for foot power this afternoon. There's something about walking that allows you more time to observe all that is going on around you and is more conducive to having a conversation with your walking partner.
On our way to the movie we saw lots of tents set up for Kids Fringe, part of the Fringe Festival taking place this week which will wind down on the weekend. The price is very reasonable and well worth checking out.
After the movie, we wandered around the downtown area for a bit and ran into Syl which was a nice surprise. It's always such a neat experience to run into a fellow blogger and see them in person. We plan on getting together for a photo walk. Oulette Ave is being torn up right now, so we had to watch the construction vehicles as we wandered in and out of the shops downtown, not having any money to buy anything with was a bummer, but it was fun to check out the local shops. No day is complete without a photo shoot and I forogt how many neat things there are downtown. Windsor does have some blemishes and issues, but there are many wonderful things to enjoy. One of my favourite things are the lovely water sculptures that dot the city and it does feel good to be able to put your hot, tired feet in cool water and take a break.
I think one of my favourite things about Windsor is the amount of sculptures you can find in and around downtown. There are so many memorials and statues that really add to the ambience in this city. This woman is one that makes me think and wonder why she is so solemn and serious.

As frustrating as this city is to live in right now, I am seeking out the things that make me smile and make my time here more pleasant, whether it be the multitude of festivals, the construction to make our city a little better, the sculptures and fountains that are pleasing to the eyes and senses or just being out and about watching others enjoy this city too.

Another wonderful find

This morning Hayden was the one who queried "Wanna go for a bike ride Mum?" So, once again, water bottles, snacks and camera bag in tow, we set off on another grand adventure. Yesterday we went west, today we headed east. Our first wonderful find was a mother duck with all her little ducklings, and you thought you were busy!
Can you believe that Momma has 11 little ones trailing after her wherever she goes? I just want to know how she can get all of them to stay in a straight line following along!
Hayden and I made it all the way to the Ganatchio Trail, quite a ways from our house! We followed the paths all the way to the back and then went baja-ing on our bikes through a narrow, little path through the woods. Wow! The last time we were there, Hayden was a few years younger and wouldn't go down some of the steep hills, today, that didn't stop him and he didn't even wipe out. Mind you, I have a few bruises and scrapes but it was worth it in the end to be able to keep up with my 10 year old son! It was another gorgeous day, sunny with a cool breeze and we weren't the only ones out there either. It was heartening to see so many other people out walking, biking, and pushing little ones in strollers. I have to say it is a very well-kept up area, clean and the paths are nice and smooth. On our way back to the trail, Hayden spied a large hill (very hard to find in this very flat area we live in) so I told him to go up it and bike down. Of course, he wanted me to go, but I insisted he do it on his own.
Here he is at the top of the hill waving down to me before he heads down. I have to admit, I was very excited to see him standing tall at the top of the hill, he's always wanted to ride down a big hill and today, he was getting his wish. What parent doesn't want to see her child's wish come true? I had complete confidence that he could do it without major injury but I was glad I had my cell phone with me, just in case! I'm so glad I brought my camera, the look of sheer terror on his face is priceless!
We spent over 3 hours riding around on our bikes and I have to say that if yesterday I was wistful watching my son grow up and missing the little boy he once was, that seeing him in action today made me glad to have such a healthy, happy kid. A few years ago, we had to load up the bikes onto the bike rack on the back of the van and today, we biked there all on our own and back home again, sore, but very proud of ourselves! Sometimes it just takes a small thing to make us aware and grateful for what we have, our health, the health of our family and being able to get out and enjoy a perfect summer's day. My only regret is tomorrow I have to go back to work and I won't get to see what adventure my son wants to go on and be a part of. Ah well, c'est la vie! I'm excited to see what my next weekend will bring!

Finding a Hidden Gem

I talked Hayden into going on a bike ride with me, he was reluctant, but the day was so sunny, the air was so cool and I was aching to move and watch the birds, the wind in the long grass, basically I just wanted to be OUTSIDE! I grabbed my camera bag, water bottles and we headed out along the riverfront trail. We weren't the only ones who were out enjoying the weather and it felt good to be zipping along watching so many others doing the same thing. We made it to the bridge and as we were picking up pieces of beach glass and counting dead fish, a small group of kids and adults passed by us and continued along another path. Hayden turned to me and said "Where does that path go?"
"I don't know, I've never taken it." I replied and then Hayden was off in hot pursuit to see where the trail would lead us. We walked through a large group of geese, Hayden was a bit intimidated by them, but I persuaded him to keep walking and the geese would get out of the way. We walked our bikes along for quite a while and then we came upon a wonderful little place hidden behind apartment buildings, so we parked our bikes and went exploring.
We found a wonderful little beach, right in the heart of the west end of the city, I'd never been there before. There was a children's playground in the back, a quaint little boardwalk and further down was a ramp where some men were launching a small boat. Hayden rolled up his pants and began to play in the water and I combed the beach for more smooth, worn beach glass. After a while, I sat down in the sand and just watched my son playing. I know these moments will become more and more infrequent. Hayden will be 11 soon and he is growing up so fast but I wanted to treasure this moment, sear it into my memory. We watched sailboats glide past, gulls flying overhead and we just enjoyed the day. As I sat on the warm sand, enjoying the weather, the wind in my hair and seeing my son build a sand castle I realized how perfect everything was in this exact moment in time. I let my cares and worries fade and I revelled in the feeling of contentedness and the feeling of the sand in between my toes.

Fumbling towards gratitude

Anyone living in this city knows the overall feeling of anger and frustration, the sense of hopelessness and wondering when, if ever, things will be different. There's a saying about the "elephant in the room" which is basically a problem that is larger than life that nobody wants to discuss but what do you call something that everyone and I do mean everyone talks about, debates about and has an opinion on, the "scorpion on your face?" My family has been dealing with some tough times emotionally more than anything which I will not get into on my blog but one day last week when I was waiting outside my son's school I was sitting and journaling about my feelings of frustration and anger, basically feeling sorry for myself when I was addressed in a friendly manner by a man I work with. He was wearing his usual happy grin as he too, waited for his son to get out of school. We had a wonderful conversation and he was full of flattery for me and gushing about how much he loved his wife and son. His son came out and gave him a big hug and my son came out shortly after. I looked down at my feet, wiggled my toes then grabbed the bike helmets from my bike and handed my son his I heard a little voice call out to me "Bonjour Madame". I looked over to see my friend's son climb onto his father's lap and they both waved good-bye to me as they sped away in my friend's motorized wheelchair and thought "what do I possibly have to feel sorry about myself?" I am able to bike with my son, I am healthy and so is he, there really isn't anything I can't do for my son. I watched my friend zip across the sidewalk with his son on his lap, hearing them laughing and watching them wave to everyone they know. If my friend with MS can find joy in the simple things, then surely I can too. Sometimes we all need a good, swift kick in the pants and I'm glad I received mine that day. I haven't stopped thinking of my friend and his positive attitude, his daily struggles and how he is raising such a sweet, spirited child. I'd like to say that I've completely changed my attitude and I am filled daily with gratitude but I am human and learning to change so it has it's ups and downs and I am trying, I am fumbling towards gratitude and giving thanks for all the little things I take for granted in my life. My world may be filled with emotional turmoil, people in pain but I do not have to sow the seeds of anger and bitterness. I am learning to see what is good, savour the joy and sweetness in my life and to cherish each small moment as it comes up. Whenever I get too down, I remember my friend Kevin and try to be brave and enjoy my life, no matter the obstacles.

I finished a very good book tonight too, "The Diary of Ma Yan: The Struggles and Hopes of a Chinese Schoolgirl". It left me wanting to appreciate how easily we are able to get an education in this country and how easy my life is compared to this poor peasant girl. I am always amazed at the power keeping a dairy has, this poor girl went without food so she could buy a pen to record her thoughts and hopes. I don't think I'll ever look at a pen the same way again. I'll be returning it to the library soon if anyone else wants to read it, it was in the young adult section but I definitely reccommend it to people of all ages, especially children who question why they should keep a diary.

Lost Cat

My son's cat has gone missing and trips to our local Humane Society have proved fruitless. I'm hoping someone in the area can help us find our cat, Mr Potato Head aka "Chubby". If you've seen him, please contact me or leave a comment. I have a very sad boy who misses his cat. He is a large brown tabby with sparkling green eyes and a short tail due to having to have it amputated years ago. He is extremely friendly and we're hoping that someone took him in and won't let him back out.

Can you Help?

I have a friend who does animal rescue, Jen, who would love it if you could "vote" for her rescue. All it takes is a simple click and she's a little further ahead. You can go here to click and please check out her website here. I know she and the animals greatly appreciate it. I know first-hand how hard she works to keep the animals safe and it would mean so much if she could win some extra cash to keep her afloat. On behalf of Barlee's, Jen and all the animals, thank you. Please feel free to tell your friends to click as well, the more clicks the better for the animals.

Become a Joy Rebel with me...

I found this site a ways back (thanks K) and have been so inspired that I decided to share it with everyone. If you still aren't sure about becoming a "Joy Rebel" please read this post and decide if you want to join. It just might change your life.
“Joy lies in the fight, in the attempt, in the suffering involved, not in the victory itself”
~Mahatma Ghandi