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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.
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.
As January started, so did the snow! That's ok with the dogs as they will enjoy a good beach outing any time of the year. Another year unfolding and hope springs eternal.
As Russia invaded Ukraine in February, I doubt anyone in the world was unaffected. War in these days of age, come at a high price globally as war always does. While we pray for this event to be over, it still rages on. With it are increasing gas, oil, food prices and so many more. My wish is for communication and peace to prevail. While Ukraine will never be the same, neither will the world. On the brink of nuclear war at times, is not a place our world needs to stand. I stand for peace, love, not war, yet, here we stand as many citizens of both Ukraine, Russia and surrounding countries are affected to the point of leaving their homelands. We can't imagine what that feels like until we go through it. While Canada is welcoming, I can't imagine what a shock it must be for people to move and live here in our harsh winter climates not being used to the same - the freezing old, ice, snow, raw winds and the combination of all. Even we Canadians have a hard time of it but we persist as we must and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. While the weather is gloomy and snow storms, I started growing tomatoes inside - I love cherry tomatoes. I could eat them one after another.
The ides of March is always a time to watch. Oh Caesar! This year I turned it around and joined Cape Breton Search and Rescue. I thought I could take my dogs but that's not part of this service. I'm staying anyway! I thought I knew how to hike in the woods but this is so much more and with people who like to hike in the woods at night. I've found my people!
April had Dad back in the hospital. Such a busy time visiting morning, noon and night but such a blessing looking back to have had been able to spend this time with him these next few months chatting about everything and anything. He seemed to gain some kind of knowing about world events before they happened. He'd tell us about an accident or event and then within a few days we would hear it on the news. I learned not to question.
In July, my Superhero died, my Dad, after a long battle in and out of the hospital since last year. Coincidently he was in the same room as my mom many years ago in ICU. I am still deeply affected by this loss as anyone who has lost one or both parents are. I could always count on my Dad for the best advice, his knowledge, his compassion, his experience growing up in Mira. He worked on his family farm and at 12 he was recruited to run a Crusher/Wash Plant. I did an assignment on him in University and when I asked him if the men listened to him as a boy leading them, he said he never had any problems. He was a quiet but strong man in spirit and family love. When my mom passed on in 2008, none of us would ever be the same. While I miss both of them dearly, I am comforted that they are both together again in spirit form.
At the end of August was Dad's birthday. I thought I was going to be alright but the tears started to flow and weren't stopping anytime soon so I took the afternoon off and picked up dinner and headed to the cemetery to have lunch with Mom and Dad on the lawn right in between them. I took some of my Doterra essential oils to drop onto his grave - the ones his Dad would have used as a child - bergamot from Italy and lime as they had lime juice all the time growing up. I also found out lemon and peppermint in the toilet help keep it clean and also flush when it doesn't want to. Don't ask for story on that! lol.
Fiona came to visit in September and did she ever make her presence known. As she swept up the coast and into Canada, she took Cape Breton hostage and whipped her winds around the communities taking away our power, some homes, trees were uprooted all over town, power masts were torn off homes, emergency shelters were set up, Red Cross was called in with food and the list goes on. Volunteering for Red Cross was a blessing. I have the best neighborhood that helps each other out. I can't imagine being a wild animal in the woods that night. I was lucky to have my son come and fix me right up. I still have damage that needs to wait to be fixed until the spring of 2023.
Our Queen Elizabeth, died this September. She is now resting with her dearly beloved. We have a King for a change. Paperwork is flying as Her Majesty the Queen - HMTQ changes to His Majesty the King - HMTK.
In October, I thought my birthday would be fun. I did spend it with family but it was very different than past ones. I just surpassed 36 years this fall at work as a Paralegal. Where did that time go? Living the dream! Then I got the dreaded virus. I had wondered prior if I had it and didn't know it. Now I know I didn't as it is truly unique in how you feel. I felt like 1000 elephants were on top of me all piled one on top of the other. I was lucky to have Rob call me during the day and night to get me moving and drinking liquids. My favorite drink now is hot water, lemon, honey and ginger that he suggested. Yummy and healthily!
By the end of the month in October, I had a visitor, my real life Travis (as in my book), and boy did we do a lot of work at my house, enjoyed the great outdoors with the dogs and kindled a great relationship. We had so much fun. We even planned and did some outside work on my yard to compost and work on saving the planet one step at a time. When I was off in November, he came back again and we got even more things done. We did sleep but looking back, I think it was because we did so much we had to, lol. We worked, ate great, visited family and friends, took drives, took the dogs to the ocean, changed out my old furniture with new used pieces we were lucky to find, recycled some other pieces I had and so much more. I love a great deal. Why buy new pressboard when you can buy old solid wood pieces with character.
By the end of November, more family was in town. Unfortunately another death, my Aunt Jean. It is always so great to have a family reunion but so sad as to the reason why. Catching up with friends and family was a bonus and seeing how kids grow up so fast. Where do the days go?
Inflation is on the rise. Don't get me started. We already have high prices for supplies and now the interest rates are going up to try to fight the increase in housing prices!!!???!! Could the people who make these rules, reach out to the common folk to get a real opinion? Increasing interest rates is not stopping people from moving to Nova Scotia who are paying cash after selling their homes in other provinces. Homelessness is on the rise while the wealthy get more interest on their money in the bank. Shhh, least me complain and get kicked out of Canada as a French Acadian as the Expulsion was never rescinded in Canada as it was in England.
I started doing craft shows this fall with my art from the heart. I love meeting people so it was a great adventure. I had tried watercolor as a child and never did get it right but trying again, it took my delight. I took my paintings and introduced them to the world. I was pleased at the response as an artist never really knows without feedback. I also started crocheting and while I'm no expert, I can do dishcloths. What a great stress buster in every stitch. Maria Lisa Polegatto Creative Studio was born. I learned my new niche - visual artist on top of author. Oh how wonderful it sounds to be so but there's a reason they refer to such as starving artists, lol. It's a great hobby and I'd be happy to help you get started sketching, drawing, doodling, art, meditations and more.
Christmas was quiet but I love that. Relaxing is under rated. After falling on the street after a snow storm and busting up my ribs, I was due for some rest and healing. Besides, Christmas is best spent with family and I truly look forward to seeing my son's big blue sparkling eyes and beautiful smile every time I see him. He makes my day. He is truly my greatest blessing in life. Having time to learn to play my harp better is so relaxing and harmonious even to the dogs.
We were looking at the trip to Trinidad with Canadian Sea Turtle Network until I remembered I can't take my dogs with me. Boy would they have fun romping though airports and beaches! Ha. Tilly is such a darling at 6 years old and Bella is still growing and testing her limits at 1 1/2 years. Lucky for me they both sleep well at night and keep me warm, one on each side of my bed at night. While Tilly would lick someone to death, Bella is not to be messed with - true to her german shepherd roots a bit too much. More training for me.
Volunteering has been busy this year. With Marine Animal Response Centre I had an opportunity with friends to go to a dolphin find recovery for necropsy for science. All the information can lead to discoveries about the species, their diets, food sources and more while at the same time so disappointing to see one not survive. With Cape Breton Search and Rescue, we had many events this year and while I can't talk about the searches, I can say we did lots of training, wellness checks, bbq, and had our first annual ATV run in August. It was a beautiful hot day. There was a great turn out and lots of laughs where had by all and new friends were made. We pride ourselves on being an inviting group of people.
I am excited going forward into 2023. I just created an Ocean Planner & Journal that I will be launching very shortly in connection with my whales research project. I'm just waiting for the publishing to be finalized. If you want one, I'll get you hooked up. It's got lots of animals included along with some education and activities to relax you on your busy daily life.
I will be working on the sequel to my first book, "Thundering Mountain Ranch, As Feathers Fall", to publish this year. I just published the first edition to hard cover. Another project I'm working on is a Mosaic Tile for the Canada Connects- Global Roots project. I haven't decided what I'm going to paint on my tile yet but I'll have to find out before January 31, 2023 deadline to send it in.
We are all in this world together. Let's all get along and help one another. Be kind, be humble, be unapologetically you! Don't let people try to change what makes you truly you.
I wish you all many blessings, joy, happiness, good health and prosperity throughout this year.
Cheers,
Lisa
As Russia invaded Ukraine in February, I doubt anyone in the world was unaffected. War in these days of age, come at a high price globally as war always does. While we pray for this event to be over, it still rages on. With it are increasing gas, oil, food prices and so many more. My wish is for communication and peace to prevail. While Ukraine will never be the same, neither will the world. On the brink of nuclear war at times, is not a place our world needs to stand. I stand for peace, love, not war, yet, here we stand as many citizens of both Ukraine, Russia and surrounding countries are affected to the point of leaving their homelands. We can't imagine what that feels like until we go through it. While Canada is welcoming, I can't imagine what a shock it must be for people to move and live here in our harsh winter climates not being used to the same - the freezing old, ice, snow, raw winds and the combination of all. Even we Canadians have a hard time of it but we persist as we must and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. While the weather is gloomy and snow storms, I started growing tomatoes inside - I love cherry tomatoes. I could eat them one after another.
The ides of March is always a time to watch. Oh Caesar! This year I turned it around and joined Cape Breton Search and Rescue. I thought I could take my dogs but that's not part of this service. I'm staying anyway! I thought I knew how to hike in the woods but this is so much more and with people who like to hike in the woods at night. I've found my people!
April had Dad back in the hospital. Such a busy time visiting morning, noon and night but such a blessing looking back to have had been able to spend this time with him these next few months chatting about everything and anything. He seemed to gain some kind of knowing about world events before they happened. He'd tell us about an accident or event and then within a few days we would hear it on the news. I learned not to question.
In July, my Superhero died, my Dad, after a long battle in and out of the hospital since last year. Coincidently he was in the same room as my mom many years ago in ICU. I am still deeply affected by this loss as anyone who has lost one or both parents are. I could always count on my Dad for the best advice, his knowledge, his compassion, his experience growing up in Mira. He worked on his family farm and at 12 he was recruited to run a Crusher/Wash Plant. I did an assignment on him in University and when I asked him if the men listened to him as a boy leading them, he said he never had any problems. He was a quiet but strong man in spirit and family love. When my mom passed on in 2008, none of us would ever be the same. While I miss both of them dearly, I am comforted that they are both together again in spirit form.
At the end of August was Dad's birthday. I thought I was going to be alright but the tears started to flow and weren't stopping anytime soon so I took the afternoon off and picked up dinner and headed to the cemetery to have lunch with Mom and Dad on the lawn right in between them. I took some of my Doterra essential oils to drop onto his grave - the ones his Dad would have used as a child - bergamot from Italy and lime as they had lime juice all the time growing up. I also found out lemon and peppermint in the toilet help keep it clean and also flush when it doesn't want to. Don't ask for story on that! lol.
Fiona came to visit in September and did she ever make her presence known. As she swept up the coast and into Canada, she took Cape Breton hostage and whipped her winds around the communities taking away our power, some homes, trees were uprooted all over town, power masts were torn off homes, emergency shelters were set up, Red Cross was called in with food and the list goes on. Volunteering for Red Cross was a blessing. I have the best neighborhood that helps each other out. I can't imagine being a wild animal in the woods that night. I was lucky to have my son come and fix me right up. I still have damage that needs to wait to be fixed until the spring of 2023.
Our Queen Elizabeth, died this September. She is now resting with her dearly beloved. We have a King for a change. Paperwork is flying as Her Majesty the Queen - HMTQ changes to His Majesty the King - HMTK.
In October, I thought my birthday would be fun. I did spend it with family but it was very different than past ones. I just surpassed 36 years this fall at work as a Paralegal. Where did that time go? Living the dream! Then I got the dreaded virus. I had wondered prior if I had it and didn't know it. Now I know I didn't as it is truly unique in how you feel. I felt like 1000 elephants were on top of me all piled one on top of the other. I was lucky to have Rob call me during the day and night to get me moving and drinking liquids. My favorite drink now is hot water, lemon, honey and ginger that he suggested. Yummy and healthily!
By the end of the month in October, I had a visitor, my real life Travis (as in my book), and boy did we do a lot of work at my house, enjoyed the great outdoors with the dogs and kindled a great relationship. We had so much fun. We even planned and did some outside work on my yard to compost and work on saving the planet one step at a time. When I was off in November, he came back again and we got even more things done. We did sleep but looking back, I think it was because we did so much we had to, lol. We worked, ate great, visited family and friends, took drives, took the dogs to the ocean, changed out my old furniture with new used pieces we were lucky to find, recycled some other pieces I had and so much more. I love a great deal. Why buy new pressboard when you can buy old solid wood pieces with character.
By the end of November, more family was in town. Unfortunately another death, my Aunt Jean. It is always so great to have a family reunion but so sad as to the reason why. Catching up with friends and family was a bonus and seeing how kids grow up so fast. Where do the days go?
Inflation is on the rise. Don't get me started. We already have high prices for supplies and now the interest rates are going up to try to fight the increase in housing prices!!!???!! Could the people who make these rules, reach out to the common folk to get a real opinion? Increasing interest rates is not stopping people from moving to Nova Scotia who are paying cash after selling their homes in other provinces. Homelessness is on the rise while the wealthy get more interest on their money in the bank. Shhh, least me complain and get kicked out of Canada as a French Acadian as the Expulsion was never rescinded in Canada as it was in England.
I started doing craft shows this fall with my art from the heart. I love meeting people so it was a great adventure. I had tried watercolor as a child and never did get it right but trying again, it took my delight. I took my paintings and introduced them to the world. I was pleased at the response as an artist never really knows without feedback. I also started crocheting and while I'm no expert, I can do dishcloths. What a great stress buster in every stitch. Maria Lisa Polegatto Creative Studio was born. I learned my new niche - visual artist on top of author. Oh how wonderful it sounds to be so but there's a reason they refer to such as starving artists, lol. It's a great hobby and I'd be happy to help you get started sketching, drawing, doodling, art, meditations and more.
Christmas was quiet but I love that. Relaxing is under rated. After falling on the street after a snow storm and busting up my ribs, I was due for some rest and healing. Besides, Christmas is best spent with family and I truly look forward to seeing my son's big blue sparkling eyes and beautiful smile every time I see him. He makes my day. He is truly my greatest blessing in life. Having time to learn to play my harp better is so relaxing and harmonious even to the dogs.
We were looking at the trip to Trinidad with Canadian Sea Turtle Network until I remembered I can't take my dogs with me. Boy would they have fun romping though airports and beaches! Ha. Tilly is such a darling at 6 years old and Bella is still growing and testing her limits at 1 1/2 years. Lucky for me they both sleep well at night and keep me warm, one on each side of my bed at night. While Tilly would lick someone to death, Bella is not to be messed with - true to her german shepherd roots a bit too much. More training for me.
Volunteering has been busy this year. With Marine Animal Response Centre I had an opportunity with friends to go to a dolphin find recovery for necropsy for science. All the information can lead to discoveries about the species, their diets, food sources and more while at the same time so disappointing to see one not survive. With Cape Breton Search and Rescue, we had many events this year and while I can't talk about the searches, I can say we did lots of training, wellness checks, bbq, and had our first annual ATV run in August. It was a beautiful hot day. There was a great turn out and lots of laughs where had by all and new friends were made. We pride ourselves on being an inviting group of people.
I am excited going forward into 2023. I just created an Ocean Planner & Journal that I will be launching very shortly in connection with my whales research project. I'm just waiting for the publishing to be finalized. If you want one, I'll get you hooked up. It's got lots of animals included along with some education and activities to relax you on your busy daily life.
I will be working on the sequel to my first book, "Thundering Mountain Ranch, As Feathers Fall", to publish this year. I just published the first edition to hard cover. Another project I'm working on is a Mosaic Tile for the Canada Connects- Global Roots project. I haven't decided what I'm going to paint on my tile yet but I'll have to find out before January 31, 2023 deadline to send it in.
We are all in this world together. Let's all get along and help one another. Be kind, be humble, be unapologetically you! Don't let people try to change what makes you truly you.
I wish you all many blessings, joy, happiness, good health and prosperity throughout this year.
Cheers,
Lisa
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