Maria Lisa Polegatto                                                                December 2025

                                Maria Lisa Polegatto                                    October 2025

It's the weekend and I'm looking forward to bathing in the forest where beauty, magic and stillness abound!  The fall is such a lovely time to be in nature as the leaves turn from greens to hues of reds, yellows and browns preparing for winter.

Leaves are nitrogen for the soil. They blanket but also fertilize and nourish as they decompose over the seasons waiting for new growth buds to peek out and stretch up in the springtime. There is no need to rake up leaves from your lawn - nature's free ecosystem nutrients. Instead go out and marvel at their beauty, play in the leaf piles, mow them if you must to shred them, but let them do their job they take seriously as they cover the ground for it's winter slumber.

As I drive to my destination deep in nature, I enjoy the trees that line the roadways and seem to have even more brilliance than last year. At my destination I prepare for my trek with proper clothing for the season with layers that breathe, comfortable boots for hiking, and snacks for a long immersion in nature. 

The birds never disappoint with their song and calling each other. I join in to talk to them in their language as best I can. As I call to the squirrels, I hear the whirl of the wings of a raven fly over and above me. While the forests are living ecosystems, we are often oblivious to life that exists among them. The fungi networks are running below the surface along with tree roots feeding and connecting to protect their family. It's a way of life that supports life on earth. Every organism and species having a purpose and benefit.

The wildlife, while not always seen, is sometimes heard - chickadees, ravens, squirrels, sometimes howls from coyote, both delight and can scare. It is their forest and they know it inside and out - the cracks and crevices hidden from sight. They have protection, awareness and food source we have since forgotten with the conveniences of urban lifestyles. 

Walking along the bed of leaves on the trail, listening, breathing, experiencing, connecting with nature allows for resilience and the mind to relax and have new thoughts and ideas to pop in. It replaces the  thoughts and stresses of everyday life. It's no wonder we walk away from the forest with such a refreshed and vibrant mind, body and soul. 

While I am never alone, I can feel the warmth and invitation of nature reach out to me. Paws roam to experience every inch of the forest floor from trails to water with scents to delight. Snacks are better in forest and sometimes if you know for sure what you have found, nature can provide a banquet of berries bursting with flavor. 

I recently heard - you only have to eat something once to know if it's safe! When in doubt, leave it there. Except for anything that doesn't belong in nature - plastics and such, we take along a mesh bag to collect and remove from nature that which can harm it. 

My trip back home is never fast - it is slow and relaxing. Our breath is clearer as is our mind. While our body is sometimes tired from a long trek, it is refreshed and ready for the world. Until next time, we can wander into the forest and delight in its wonder. ​

                             Maria Lisa Polegatto                                                               October 2025

       By Maria Lisa Polegatto                                                                                   July 28, 2025 ​

by Maria Lisa Polegatto

Are the days getting longer or are we getting older and slower?  
I've seen some articles lately on this and the age old (pun not intended) question might have some answers. As 2025 rolls by like a day went by and now it's nearing the end of January already, I think it's time for some timely (pun intended) answers. 

First, lets look at us getting older as the has been the belief through the years.
According to Coffey (2025), age does have a factor in time measurement and we all don't measure time the same way. Our ​minds are different. As youth we run through life catching and learning like sponges everything we can. Every little new thing is a new experience. As we get older and more experienced, the things we encounter are not new anymore. They don't excite us anymore. We tend to get used to the hum drum of the world and pay less attention to things. Our minds send neurons zapping around our brains at different speeds. What was once new and exciting is now dull and draining. 

Next, do you know about the earth's rotation change?
I have read the world is spinning faster now. The ebb and flow of the tides, the moon and the earth have constant pressures and are now reacting differently than they used to some 50 years ago. Instead of slowing down the earth rotation is now speeding up. Leap seconds have been added in the past to correct time but in future we may be using "negative leap seconds" (Science Nature, 2024)) instead. While this change might not be extremely noticeable to people daily, it is noticeable when time is needed to be measured to milliseconds.

Have you noticed the change? 
​What do you prefer to believe in relation to those two views? Is it us getting older or the earth rotating faster? .... Or both. Oh my gosh! It's both!

So what do we do to combat these changes?
We need to take a look at our lives at various stages and decide if the status quo is satisfactory or if we want to do something and start learning new things to bring back the zippity do da we had as kids and spark some excitement. Give us a reason to get up in the morning and run through the fields of life. Who says you can't teach an older person new things? We can all learn as we grow. It might just help us from some health issues as we age also.  I'm willing to give it a try. How about you?

My first go to is always nature. Go outside and enjoy the natural environment that is always changing and growing around us. From day to day there are new delights to trigger your senses. From a walk on the beach to a walk in the forest.  You can even sit and enjoy a picnic outside, even on your deck and watch the birds, squirrels and bees at work. 

Get out of your comfort zone and try sometime new. A new hobby, a new recreational activity, a new friend, going to new places. What is your new something for the year that you have been thinking of doing but have been too stuck in your comfort zone to do?  Now is the time.  Ophs, it's now a new day. Don't miss out on new opportunities.  Make a plan, stick with it, try it out. 

Earth is now spinning faster than it did 50 years ago (Coffey, 2025)

The scientific reason years get faster as we get older – and how to slow them down (Science Nature, 2024) ​

by Maria Lisa Polegatto

Happy New Year! Another year comes before us and here we are. Blessed to be given a new day, a new year. 2025 unfolds.  What is the year going to hold? Only time will tell in reality but we can do our best to be our best this year. Spend your time in the present moment so the days don't whiz on by too fast. 

On the world stage is an interesting year ahead. The war between Russia and Ukraine is ongoing :( Trump is beginning office soon with tariffs in mind to be placed against Canada and vice versa. Canada's Prime Minster, Trudeau, who had to step aside as did the USA, Biden. I thought Biden's comments about Trudeau were so fitting for a President to convey to another world leader - "the world is better off" because of Trudeau. Even if you don't like either leader, respect the fact that they are/were world leaders who know what it is like to have that kind of pressure everyday and still show up everyday. I'm not going to get political with this post as life is not about politics but rather being a good person.

And as if we need anymore wars or tariffs or taxes or price hikes. As citizens we are already taxed at alarming rates. Food is outrageously priced but we buy it anyway to eat. We need to stand up and refuse to pay these prices but what are the alternatives to eating? Especially if you want to eat healthy.  I love to buy on sale as I work hard for my money. Spend your money wisely. 

Today, society values material things. Auctions with items going for millions of dollars on famous people's clothing, instruments, and things, just things. We can't take any of it with us when we go. It gets left behind for others to throw out or sell off or keep as mementos. What would the millions of dollars do to feed hungry people, house families, help wildlife and nature. Healthcare is in critical state. There are any number of things a million dollars could be used for. Is it enough? Probably not. But there are many millions of dollars being spent on frivolous things.  Could we spare some to help others, animals, wildlife, nature? It takes each of us to make a difference. Make 2025 a year you decide to live with passion, meaning and purpose to do things that make you feel good inside not just look good on the outside.

Fake news, of course, will continue on. I think that's why citizens have taken to their cell phones to convey real visions and messages to the world. I always love taking political classes to discuss world issues and, political jargon and predicting future endeavors. Gossip and rumors run faster than any truth. Let the wolves howl at night. Always tell the truth anyway. It's the only way to go. It's free, easy to remember and lets you sleep at night.  

Covid has subsided, or has it? Has it just become another day with sickness in the world with the virus spinning out into new viruses or old viruses leaking still?  Are we so caught up with winning that we forgot human decency. Love thy neighbor. Do onto others. Be kind to other humans, animals and nature.

This year will go by just as fast as last year and while each year seems like it goes by faster, does it? Are we just getting older and slowing down with aging?  Or are we just getting busier and not noticing the time ticking by.  Today cell phones, glued to our hands, are not just distracting with instant messages and social media but it sucks you in and time passes by with what seems like seconds could be minutes, then hours later. It can be good if you are in the waiting room for hours to have something to do though. Take the good with the bad but focus on the positive.

This year, I have some plans to organize and use social media less in terms of scrolling.  My house is changing locations of items and even between floors. Decluttering is bliss when it's done. In between it's just a whole lot of mess, lol.  Get creative and let your mind refresh while you do your own kind of art.

I have started using an app to refresh and learn more French.  My Mother was French and knew the language. It was different than what school is teaching these days. It was Acadian French. The original French from France. Learn about your heritage and you will discover many things that will amaze you.

I have also started a new health journey to lose a few pounds - 10 at least would be nice, 20 even nicer. I'll take what I can get and not stress about filling out my clothes - as long as they fit, lol.  I am eating more of the foods that burn fat, like ginger, cinnamon, lean meat or fish, food nutrients but some chocolate has to be in the mix. Feed your body with healthy nutrients. 

I always wake up in the morning feeling blessed to have another day.  Be yourself everyday and you will find good things in the world when you look for them and appreciate when you find them. Spend some time in nature everyday if you can. Nature is full of surprises and rejuvenates you as you marvel in its glory.

What are your plans for 2025? What resolutions did you make?  Did you make any or are you going day by day? Spend each day with meaning and enjoy your time from morning until night, stress less, love more. 

Namaste - the light in me recognizes the light in you.  Be humankind - the kind of human that is kind. 

​

by Maria Lisa Polegatto

She lurks in wait
Calculating when to strike
Like a scorpion
Tail held high, chest out, head up, ears on
When silence comes
And happiness abounds
Productivity at it's best
The scorpion takes aim
"How dare you be happy!"
Enjoying even life's little pleasures
Everything appearing to flow
So the onslaught begins
The careful approach out of thin air
Correction gone too far
Belittling over board
When that does not work
Slam! Right in your face the tail strikes
The scorpion turns and runs back home as if innocent
Anything but
The bear is now awakened
"How dare you come into my den and strike!"
It growls but is unwilling to fight
It just wants peace
As the overseer comes in with insufferable damage cries out, "Get out!"
The scorpion is happy now
Turmoil is all she knows
Happiness comes from inside but has alluded her grace
The bear confused and shook to depths of soul
Wanders off wondering why
After losing family has barely took hold
Awakened now to the terrible plight of humanity
To control not only their own domain but others
Reaching for more drama is all the scorpion knows
The forest falls quiet for no one dares step foot
The air is dense, misted over with drama so thick
Waiting for night fall when all go to sleep
A better day tomorrow?
The bear shakes off yet again
Waiting for the inevitable next the scorpion is planning
Retreating back to den to take comfort in nature
Where life is lived with purpose in mind
Then the bear wanders off in search of honey 
Talking to the birds as they chirp
About how humanity has got it all wrong
It is not about the fight for survival
It is about the collaboration
Unity to bring us together to protect and conserve
The forest and species from destruction
So all ecosystems can blend together in synergy
The web of life can be cruel
So why make it worse?
Look inside for your passions
Help one another
Momma bear now off to search for her cub
To protect and nurture as a momma bear does
No need to retaliate
That just pulls you into the mud
Instead build up walls of confidence 
Stand tall, no ego, on guard
For the scorpion quietly waits
Her anger better put forth in doing her own work
Heed others advice and change with the wind
Nature is revolving, every morning
Patience is a virtue
While we are all the same
We are all unique so just be yourself
Let the green monster fall away
Instead of destroying you as it wills
Strive for peace, love of others and mind your own place
The grass isn't greener
The yard full of leaves is not messy
It is a yard full of life
Take hold of the love in your heart
Before it falls down like the tree with no roots embedded in His grace
Let His light shine in
Rejoice in His presence
Skip through your path with joy in your heart
Your day will be lighter
God created it that way.
​

Maria Lisa Polegatto                                      July 2024

by Maria Lisa Polegatto

This year has been a year of many challenges and changes and yet, there has been joy to give hope for a better tomorrow. 2022 started off no different than 2021 ended with viruses we don't wish to name anymore, but at least there was some reprieve with relaxation of restrictions this year. As the world opened up, so too did our hearts begin to have hope.

by Maria Lisa Polegatto

As I stand at the foot of my ill father's bed, I see a man that at 12 years old went to work in the community to run a wash plant and an asphalt plant at the same time. I am in awe of him. What were you doing at 12 years old?

He didn't finish all his schooling but accomplished great feats and heights. He successfully started and ran his own construction business in partnership with my Mom, both from little towns and with no formal college education but rather life experience. I have always been proud to call him "Dad". As I see the feeble man he is lying in his hospital bed waiting for test results and bed pan, I know the true man he is as it has shaped me into the woman I am today. 

A hard working, loyal, dependable woman who can stand up for herself. Unfortunately those that don't benefit or don't want to see that may say other things about me. As Jane Goodall says, "It actually doesn't take much to be considered a difficult woman, that's why there are so many of us". 

If by difficult they mean, seeking peace, not war, communication instead of insult, appreciation not disrespect, helping others not holding back, then, "Yes, I am a difficult woman and proud of it! Thank you Dad! I love you!"

#women #womanpower #empoweringwomen #EmpowerGirlsNOW er #JaneGoodall #fatheranddaughter #fatherdaughter ​

by Maria Lisa Polegatto

Who ever said you need a dog was right! Words cannot express how much dogs can bring to your life. The bountiful unending joy starts as soon as you see them and stays with you forever. While dogs don't talk like we do, they reach us beyond mere words.​