It's Been Tooooooo Long

I'm not going to even mention that I've not written anything on this Blog in months--I'm not even going to try to make up for time lost, or words not spoken. Let's just begin a new page.

Sometimes God pulls a fast one and draws us out where we wouldn't otherwise go--know what I mean? He places people and events in your life to bless you in so many ways, you are totally blown away and think, "I did NOT expect or deserve any of this".

That has been my "scenario"--let me explain.

On September 3, at around 7:15 that (Wednesday) evening, as my Hubby and I were basking in the warm sunshine on our back screened-in deck, the phone rang. "Probably a telemarketer" was the look we gave each other, and stared at the phone. Hubby, at the last minute, decided to answer and it was "the" call that forever changed my life as I knew it!!

The previous Saturday, (Aug. 30) I had, under great pressure from that (loving) husband of mine, auditioned for a singing competition called, "Gospel's Dynamic Duets". Just let me tell you that I am NOT a competitor--never have been. I like to enjoy life as it is--just let me stay in my box where I"m comfortable and content--you know that place?

Anyway, I (kicking and screaming) agreed to go to this audition, all the way listening to that old devil tell me, "This is not for you, so don't expect anything". And that quite often works if I let it--the old devil knows me, but doesn't have as much power over me as the migthy God I serve--Amen!

So, with this picture in your head now, I walked into a hotel in Halifax, telling my Hubby I would (honestly) do my best, sing my heart out and that would be that, right? We, after all, had a mini holiday planned right afterward and would be staying in a B&B in Lunenburg (that was the "carrot" that Arend dangled in front of my nose--sneaky but it worked).

The judges gave me favourable comments, and told me they would be in touch with me, probably via e-mail. Secretly, I checked my in-box for the next few days and nothing new or starling appeared so the enenmy had apparently won this round. I shrugged it off ( in front of Arend that is) and said, 'Life goes on after auditions"--no big deal."

But, God had a plan, and that September 3rd phone call proved that. Oh, yeah, who was on the phone, you ask? It was one of the producers of GDD, telling me I had the opportunity to go to Ontario (Lake Simcoe) and be part of "Camp" week along with the other people who had auditioned at the 3 major cities across Canada and had made it to the next round!!! I also need to tell you right here that as I was hearing this from the reciever glued to my ear, I was thinking, "Is this a mistake--maybe he's called the wrong number?" But he did have my name right. I calmly told him "Thank-you for calling--Yes, I will come to Camp week, yes, I understand I will have the opportunity to audition (again) to make the top 20, and yes, I will see you in a couple of weeks".

I hung up the phone, shook my head and walked into the kitchen to tell Arend the details, more or less asking him if I had done the right thing by agreeing to go to Ontario. Well, if you've gotten anything from the past Blog posts, you know that husband of mine is my "Dreamer" of dreams for me and never gives up on encouraging me every day to sing and write. I tend to not take him seriously (at least some of the time) but on this occasion he responded in true "Arend" style. "YES"!!!!!!! That was his confirmatin I had indeed "done the right thing".

There were appointments to be made, phone calls, arrangements for our cat to be cared for, shopping (for me) and chores to be completed around our property if we were going to be away for a while.

On Sunday morning (September 20th) at 6:40 AM, we pulled out of our driveway and pointed our van in a westerly direction, with the final destination being Jackson's Point on beautiful Lake Simcoe, about an hour north of Toronto. And as they say, the rest is now history. I will tell you more about our adventure in the next post--I must get to work now--lots to do around this big ole house. Besides, I need for you to drop by again, now that I've gotten back in the writing mode. Pray that I will continue to tap these keys.

Until the next time, Blessings to you and "Yours',
Barb

Bithdays are treasures

I called my Dad this morning to sing Happy Birthday to him--it's a family tradition I like to keep going by calling as many family members as possible on "their" special days, no matter where they are.

I knew from talking to my Mom that Dad is getting less and less enthusiastic about celebrating the "candle count" and would just as soon forget about the years adding up. Well, I tried to convince him that this day is, always has been and should continue to be applauded and welcomed with joy. "You're still here Dad, you can still walk and talk, jump if you want, garden, see and hear, spend time with your family and friends--what more could you ask for?"

He got kind of quiet on the phone and I thought maybe I had overstepped my bounds--I hope not. As a lady (daughter & mother) who's going to be counting 55 fingers and toes this year, I've figured out that age is not just how you feel anymore, it's all about attitude. And I have to admit I may have more of that than I should.

Having said that, if I can keep it (outlook, mindset, perpspective--AKA attitude) in the positive lane, by encouraging others, lending a hand (and a shoulder now and then), loving those who mean everything to me, I'm certain I can live (if not longer) happier and more comfortable with each year than I was with the last.

But this post isn't supposed to be about me--I wanted to wish my Dad and any others who may be reading this today (or anytime) a blessed day of not just counting candles but counting blessings.

Look around you--what do you see--what do you hear? Who makes you smile, who challenges you to learn new things, what has enriched your life over this past 12 months? I don't believe any one of us could not think of at least a few times when we realized it was "grand" to just be alive.

Yes, there is a lot of sadness, sickness, turmoil and on and on it goes, in this world, and we know there always will be. Unfortunately we have no power to stop misery as long as we live. However, we can choose to seek the "sunshine" on a dark day; sometimes all it takes is for us to pick up the phone and talk to a friend. Or, in my case on birthdays, sing.

Birthdays can, and are meant to, be a perfect opportunity to reflect on our lives, on the "living" that we've done and the living left to do.

I know you may be thinking, "Get off your soap-box lady", and so I will now. I still want my Dad and you too, to have an amazing time on the day of your birth. Spend time with someone you love or perhaps someone you don't even know (volunteering). See just how meaningful this day can be.

Blessings to you and "yours", as always,
Barb
PS: I don't have a picture of Dad blowing out his candles, so I decided to post a few favourite flower photos--enjoy And Dad, if you're there, I haven't told anyone how old you are--only my age. And remember, you're still young--only 19 years older than me

Grandma "Firsts"

After almost 55 years here on this earth, there're lots of "snapshots" in my mind of memories that are unique to my "scrapbook" if you will.

I've become a grandmother, and it seems like a brand new "era" in the life and times of Barb Prosser Winder. How did I get to this point and what lies just beyond the horizon? We all know that only God has the answer to the future, but upon reflection of the past, I can certainly share a few moments that stand out for me. And I don't mean I'm going to try to recall my "life's story" in a 600 word Blog post. No, I have a specific goal for today, as the title of this entry suggests.

Last April 17th, I got a phone call that started me on a journey that not only changed my life, but changed how I look at the span of time that God has given to me, to do with it as I will (with plenty of guidance from Him of course).

I heard the words, "Mom, you're a grandmother" and my heart's natural rhythm sped up, my hands started to shake, I couldn't speak English (kidding). I could NOT get in the car fast enough and make the 50 minute trip to the hospital where I would meet this newest member of our family and fall in love at first sight (You can actually refer back to June 3, 2007's post entitled "Grandma Time" to get a sense of those warm fuzzy feelings).

Riley Derek Johnston has taken hold of his Nanna's hand and heart and has given new purpose to this grateful soul who now can NOT imagine life without him.

From his first visit to our home, to this very moment on this stormy March evening, there's this tenderness that just "happens" whenever I think about his little chubby fingers reaching up to touch my face. I don't think I could ever really explain it to my son, or anyone other than maybe another Grandma. "It" turns us to mush, makes us act sillier than usual and just plain flips our boring life upside down.

The first time I held him in my arms, the first time I got to show him off at church, the first time I sang onstage with Riley in my arms, the first time I dipped him in our pool, the first time I recorded with him on my lap (this past November I released a Christmas album and Riley's picture is in the insert).

The first live radio gig with my precious grandson sitting on my lap, reaching for the mic--It's all captured in snapshots. In fact, I made an album for my son and his girlfriend, gave it to them for Christmas and Riley's Mom sat with tears flowing down her cheeks as she turned the pages in that album. I had enlagements framed for them and Jackie had them hung as soon as we walked out the door that day I think:o)

Whatever life holds from here on out, whatever "stuff" happens, nothing can ever compare to the new "firsts" that have been given me over these last few months. God has blessed me in ways I could never have imagined or dreamed of, and all the money or fame in the entire world could never even come close to topping that.

I'm so thrilled to be a grandmother--it's a title I carry with bliss etched forever on my face and down to my very core.

Maybe it's because I've been reading a book by Karen Kingsbury this week--the father of the Baxter family makes scrapbooks of letters that his wife had written over the years to him and their 6 children--that has made me appreciate my own "place" in this world. The place where love lives and keeps us going, where "firsts" mean more love and appreciation for the blessings we can count, starting with the awakening each morning to a new day.

And, if you've read any of my previous posts in the last few months, you also know that my Hubby's daughter has given us a beautiful grand-daughter to love and spoil. She'll be 3 a few days now and is the light of our lives (I did NOT want to leave her out of the picture because she's so very special to me--just as special as Riley). We've enjoyed many visits from her as well--"play-dates" they call them now.

I will include 2 or 3 photos of these darling grandkids. Just before I close though, I must thank these children of "ours" for bringing these delightful little humans into the world. Life will never be the same, since that "first" look at those new grand-babies--Love it, love it........Blessings to you and yours......Barb
okay, there are 5 or 6 photos-- Grin

Long, Long Winter

It's March 5th--can you believe it? Outside my office window, freezing rain pellets, mixed with a fine snow, are being swept across the fields by a blistering Arctic wind. How's that for a Maritime picture this "pre" spring Wednesday morning?

Yesterday when I ambled down our long driveway to get our morning newspaper, I was basking in the 40 degree (F) temps, loving the sound of those finches, and savouring the feel of the warm air on my face. Not so this morn--I had to pick my way over the ice that lays underneath this freezing "mess" that we're being pounded with, yet AGAIN!

My point to all this grumbling? There is none really. It's that "pre" spring thing I mentioned. It's the onset of spring fever, that yearing that "springs" up from the lowest part of our bellies, where we dream of "green" (and I'm not talking about St. Patty's Day), where we start to imagine the smell of the fresh earth and envision the new buds popping on our trees and shrubs. It's that urge to yell, "Enough of this Mother Nature--we've had enough!"

My husband has taken more photos this season than ever before, simply because the scenes that have met us at the breakfast table have been awe-inspiring, incredibly breath-taking, stop-you-in-your-tracks beautiful. But, we've now got all of those photos we could ever want or need.

It's time for a "turn"--a new corner that takes us away from these stinging north winds and freezing pellets. We want "warm", sand, beach walks, colour back on our faded "northern" skin. And, that said, Hubby picked up the phone yesterday and made reservations at Myrtle Beach, for a 2 week holiday for us. Can I yell now? YES! YES! YES!

For today and the next few, I can focus on my "to-do" lists, sort through my "beach" clothes, start my packing, dream, dream, dream. Okay, Lord willing, the dream will become reality in a few weeks, as we load up and head south, to a one-bedroom efficiency, just across the street from an Atlantic Ocean beach that will be our home for a glorious 12 days--I'm going to yell again; YES!!!!!

I do also have to mention that we've both been hit with a nasty bug, giving us sinus pain, buckets of "you-know-what", coughing fits and over-all "blahs". Top that with storms that won't quit and you have a recipe for the "get-away" blues. Well, we also have to say that we are blessed to able to travel to somewhere warmer, if even only for a few days. We can dip our toes in the salt water, gather shells and sharks' teeth (yes, sharks' teeth), gently brown our legs and arms with Myrtle Beach sun on a beach that's just steps away from our lodging--HOW CAN YOU HATE THAT??

Thank-you Lord for winter--I mean, thank-you Lord for warmer places, and for our warm summer, which we will (no doubt) be complaining about before too long. Help us NOT to grumble but teach us to love where we are and who we are--Amen!

Blessings to you and "yours" today and we'll chat again soon.... Barb
I've included a few of those "awe-inspiring" photos I was talking about, and yes, there is lots of beauty in winter-I do have to be honest here--grin:o)

Always Learning

Whenever I think about Winnie Laagland Winder and her trek to Canada back in 1955, I frequently try to put myself in her shoes--I can NOT speak the language (one of the biggest hurdles she had to overcome perhaps), I do NOT know a single soul, I have no other family in this area, I'm pregnant and probably need a doctor. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. My husband has got to work day and night to not only feed us, but he's also striving to build our first new home in Canada. How am I ever supposed to cope with this mountain in front of me?

Winnie's inner strength (and the well must have run deep) carried her through many struggles I know, but her faith in God was also put to the test. When she had seemingly no one to turn to, she would pray, on her knees, with all the children tucked in bed--she would pray. "Heavenly Father, you brought us to this big land and I know you'll keep and protect us. Help Cor and I to always do your will, help us to raise our children to believe and trust in you, watch over them Lord. I love them as you love us and help me to be a good mother. Amen"

God surely answered her prayers, and I believe even Winnie was amazed at just how He answered. The friends Winnie made in Marysville were a great support system for her, helping her with so many little things. By extending invitations to their homes, they offered advice, a shoulder, and an arm chair to sit in while they shared knitting patterns and recipes.

Winnie's baking expertise became one of her "signature" identification traits, right up there with her infectious smile. And those 2 things conjure up so many stories, and I'll share a few in the upcoming posts. Suffice to say at this point, that the learning never stopped, and neither does it for any of us. Winnie may have started her life in Canada with many obstacles, but that didn't prevent her from becoming a delightful friend, faithful servant of God, and a loving Mother.

I can recall countless times when Winnie would be sitting at my kitchen table, asking for the recipe of the muffins I was serving, and she would tell me, "I can always learn to make new things--that is good". Her independant spirit was evident even in her final days with her struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. She never gave up; her inner light never faded, not until her last breath. I so loved that about her!

To me, Wijtske Laagland Winder was an inspiration; someone who gave of herself tirelessly and never complained. Writing about "bits" of her life is (admittedly) helping me to personally cope with our loss. But even more importantly, what you read here just may be inspiring for you. That's my hope today.

I'll not wait too long to share more--Blessings to you and Yours, Barb

As a tip--I think I'll recount a story from my husband's point of view (since he was there) in the next post. He is after all, my key research assistant:o) I am posting this today and will add photos later:o)

Welcome to Canada

Settling in, with 4 boys, ages 10-2, I'm certain was an acconplishment deserving of at least "Mother of the Year" for the young Wijtske (then almost 29, in 1955). And I must also add here that baby # 5 was on the way and would be the first (daughter) born in Canada.

So, with less than $100 and only a few personal belongings, Winnie and Cornelis had already determinied this wasn't any holiday abroad. Challenges they perhaps hadn't even thought of were awaiting them. There would be no turning back, no giving up. They would make this work.

As Winnie regaled me with tales of those initial days of adjustment, one memory stands out for me as sweet, yet profound. Early on she quickly saw how members of the community of Marysville reached out to these new Dutch neighbours, inviting them to church and ladie's groups with the hand of friendship.

As Winnie's 4 youngsters explored the neighbourhood and learned English with relative ease, it became quite apparent that a new baby was on the way. The ladies of the Reformed Baptist Church got together and organized a baby shower for the young mother, deciding they would go to her house with food and gifts, as is the custom here in the Maritimes.

Let me just interject at this point that in Holland, at that time, there was no such thing as a baby shower, so the concept was another totally foreign idea to the Laagland Winders.

Can you just picture the astonishment on Winnie's face when hearing a knock, she opened the door to several women standing on her front step (of one of the brick houses on "Brick Hill"), gifts and containers in hand, asking the bewildered Winnie if they could come in.

This is where I couldn't stop smiling and asking Winnie, "What did you do, what did you say?"

"Well, I stood back and said, welcome, welcome, come in". I remember Winnie telling me there were probably 20-30 women, all crowding into their very small living room and kitchen area, setting out food, laying presents--somewhere. Some of the details were sketchy at best, but I can imagine Winnie as she said, "Very nice" after opening each gift, still pondering why these women would do such a thing.

For me, the new custom not only presented Winnie with gifts for the new baby, it was the beginning of many new friendships, long-lasting and unconditional. That baby shower introduced a young Dutch mother to Canadian ways like no other event could have. She realized that her neighbours saw her as one of them and not the "foreigner" she may have thought they would have.

She was accepted into their lives and their ways, and she would have felt deeply the love and kindness extended to her. Yes, it's one my favourite "Winnie" stories, being a mother myself and remembering the baby showers I attended over the years for friends and family. I don't think any could compare to Winnie's "induction" into the Canadian "mothers" club". Her first (Canadian) daughter would also experience the baby shower parties, giving birth to a son and daughter, blessing Winnie and Cor with grandbabies to love and cherish.

I have lots more to share with you, but I'm saving these chronicles for later posts. Drop by again to Bits & Pieces, and don't forget to sign in and leave a comment. I love hearing from readers--lets me know this Blog isn't just floating in space for naught.

Blessings to you & "Yours",
Barb
PS: The 2 photos at the top are of Nellie, aged 7 months, and the other is of Cor with Nell and Hans

A Beautiful Lady

There are special people that God has placed in our lives, to enrich our own little corners of the Universe, and today I'd like to pay tribute to one such extraordinary lady.

Her name was Wijtske (fondly known as Winnie by her Canadian friends & family) Laagland Winder. If anyone had asked her to describe herself, I'm sure she would have said there was nothing remarkable about her or her life. She gave birth to 8 children, was a stay-at-home Mom and a loyal and loving wife.

There's not a star on the walk of fame in her honour, nor is she known to the world. Her achievments were nothing out of the ordinary she would tell you; she was just a mother who loved her family and did the best she could.

But to those who loved "her", she epitomized the courage and strength it took to adapt to a new culture and a new beginning after the Second Great World War.

Immigrating to Canada with her husband and 4 young sons, Winnie surely must have struggled to leave her beloved Holland, all remnants of "familiar" (except what they could fit in a large wooden crate) and board a huge troop ship bound for Halifax, taking them to a land of "unknowns", but also opportunities, so they were told.

I imagine, if I close my eyes, Winnie's first glimpse of the shores of Canada, as her 4 boys and husband stood by her side, her excitement building even while her stomach did flip-flops. What would have been her first thought as she tried to quiet those rambunctious "Dutchies" as they climbed up to get a better look?

Fear, I'm sure, must have gripped her heart, but wonder and an intense longing to touch her feet to soil after a 7 day journey on the open seas would have flooded her young mind. How would she manage the language barrier, how would she ever get used to new customs, meet strangers who would look at her with perhaps pity. But maybe those would have been my fears.

I think Winnie Laagland Winder trusted God to take care of her and her family, buckling up for the road ahead. Even as her husband headed off on a train to Fredericton, where he would find work, Winnie did what she had to do to get through those first days at Pier 21, living in dormatory surroundings. Listening to her tell the stories, it would seem she took hold of the adverture in the same manner her children did. "Let's settle in, make the best of things and see what happens".

And on that note, I'm going to leave "the rest of the story" for another post--perhaphs several more posts, as I fondly remember the woman who became my mother-in-law, the stong and capable woman who pulled me into her generous and loving heart.

Stay tuned for more and till the next time (I will try to not keep you waiting too long)--Blessings to you and "Yours",
Barb
PS: The picture at the top is of Winnie and her 2 oldest sons, Arend and Marten. This photo was taken in 1947.