Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About More Differences Between Canada & the USA

Yesterday I wrote about some of the differences this "Lost Canadian" is learning about with the USA and Canada. Today I want to share a little more about what I'm learning about how they are different - and there are some significant and important differences in how their Governments function.

illustrate my own - Check Out this Series

  

Quite a few years ago I wrote a series of books for children about Bible people. I was motivated to do so because when you see books about Bible people, they are usually about just a few Bible people and there are so many more people in the Bible with fantastic accounts of how they were able to know and walk with God. I enjoyed writing the Bible stories, but am not an artist, so I thought maybe it would be fun to write a series of books with an "illustrate my own" "twist" - the children - and/or families - could illustrate their own books!

Chihuly is Here!

From time to time I write about the amazing things in store for you at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, MI. Today I'm very happy to let you know about something incredible which will is now at Meijer Gardens until November 1, 2026 - Chihuly is here! Yes, Chihuly - and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is the only place in the USA where you will be able to enjoy the amazing art of Chihuly in the USA this year (the only other place in the world you will see Chihuly this year is in Venice - Italy)!

Today is National Play Your Ukulele Day

My exposure to people playing the ukulele has been limited - I thought it was a simple instrument which people just strummed to play. But, my middle grand can get actual real music out of their ukulele - music which is actually pretty! So, since today is National Play Your Ukulele Day, I thought I'd share some info about ukuleles.

If you are looking for a fun, unique gift, or just because, a ukulele might be just the thing. I contacted Kala and they sent me their wonderful Kala Learn To Play Color Chord Ukulele to review; today I am very happy to let you know about this wonderful ukulele.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" on the Differences Between the Governments of USA and Canada

Yesterday I wrote a brief "overview" of Canadian Government and some of the ways it is different from the US Government. Today I want to look more at how Canadian and US Governments differ - and this "Lost Canadian" has learned some of these differences are significant. I learned the following on-line - "While Canadians and Americans share fundamental democratic rights, they do not have the same rights, as their laws differ significantly. Canadians are protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, offering rights like universal healthcare, official bilingualism, and stronger collective rights. Conversely, Americans have distinct constitutional rights, notably the right to bear arms and stronger protections for free speech." So, what does this mean?

A Family of Her Own for Candy

  

I often review books for children from a number of publishers and always enjoy the books which tell a great story and have colorful illustrations. If the books also find a way to involve the children in the story, then the book is likely to get a high review from me. So, when I write stories for children, I work to be sure all these things are covered in my stories and my Candy the Kitten . . . and Me books definitely do these things! Today I want to share with you one of the books in this series - A Family of Her Own for Candy.

Summertime Fun - Build a Water Wall!!!

Since Summer is just around the corner, now is a great time to get ready for some Summertime Fun! I am really happy to share a new idea I found on Pinterest - of course - with you today . . . Water Walls! What is a Water Wall, you ask? Well, it is a place where your grandchildren can, play, discover, have fun, oh and yes, get wet!!!! What could be better on a hot Summer day???

Today is Global Love Day

Certainly every day is a day to be sure we love all others, but today is especially a day set aside to do so. Nationaltoday (dot)com says, "Dedicated to the spreading of love and peace to all mankind, Global Love Day is observed annually on May 1. This day was created by The Love Foundation to encourage unity and celebrate humanity through unconditional love. The world would be a much better place if we all showed just a little more love to each other, and this day is a big step in this direction." I'm sure we all agree with showing love to others, so let's look at some ways to do this . . . 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canadian Government

Growing up in the USA, I am familiar with a Constitutional Federal Representative Republic where the Constitution is the highest law of the land and each of the fifty states shares power with representatives elected by citizens. At least, this is how it is supposed to function in the USA, there are supposed to be "Checks and Balances", but at this time it doesn't seem to be working very well. Time will tell if our Constitutional Representative Republic stands or is replaced by an authoritarian government.

So, as a "Lost Canadian", I wanted to know what type of government Canada has, and have learned in some ways it is similar to what I'm used to here in the USA, but is different in other ways and has its own way of making their government work.

The "Buzz" About Praying Deeper!

Over the years, from time-to-time, I've shared Scripture prayers with you which you can pray for yourself and for your grandchildren. Today I'm letting you know about a book which provides a year of Scripture prayers for you - Praying Deeper Through the Old Testament.

It is available in our bookstore and on Amazon, but I thought today I'd share with you some of the fun things people are saying about this book . . . 

Just for Fun!!! More "Sand" Facts!

 As you go through this day, take a moment to share a few more fun "sand" facts with the children you love! Did you know . . . 

grandma's cookbook . . . Caramel Corn!

  

I thought it would be fun to share a special popcorn recipe with you today! From time to time homemade caramel corn makes a delicious treat to share with your family  . . . add a movie and you have the makings for a wonderful evening with those you love! Try this recipe (I found it on  allrecipes.com) -

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the Arrival of Europeans

Yesterday I shared what I learned about the First Nations Peoples who migrated from Asia to Canada up to 16,500 years ago, so today I'm sharing what I've learned about European peoples who migrated to Canada about one thousand years ago. You may be surprised at what I learned - I was.

grandma's cookbook - Heart PB & J

Sometimes when my grands were younger and I was deciding what to fix them for a meal, I forgot the one important thing to remember . . . keep it simple. Children usually do not care if something is elaborate or took a long time to prepare. They are often delighted with simple things . . . such as heart PB & J sandwiches!

Pair Eyewear Limited Edition Topper - The Denim Heart Crystal Glitter

A year ago January when I had to get new glasses, I decided to try Pair Eyewear. This line of glasses was designed to have magnetic top frames which you are able to change out for an entirely new look and style - it is SUCH a fantastic idea! It is like getting an entirely new pair of glasses for only $25 or $30 - the cost of a new topper. I have to say, I absolutely LOVE Pair Eyewear!

grandma's chuckles - a "Normal" Sandwich!

Today I am remembering a time when my then sweet three-year old grandson was over to my house for a few hours and, as he typically did, he had me laughing and filled my heart with joy. I thought it would be fun to share one of our conversations with you . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Respecting Canada's First Nations Peoples

For the past two weeks I've been writing about the land of Canada. As a "Lost Canadian" it matters to me for me to learn about this incredible country of which I am actually a citizen! Growing up in the USA, of course I learned a lot about this country, but I knew very little about Canada - even growing up in Michigan, which is very close to Canada. But now I have learned some very interesting information about the country of Canada by learning about its thirteen Provinces and Territories.

But there is much more for me to learn about Canada. So, I thought I'd look at the first peoples who lived in this land - the First Nations. I have learned . . . 

Once Again, Please Stand Up & Speak Up - Especially if You are a Mom/Grandma

I recently wrote about "hope" and while I do believe it is essential for us to have hope, there are many days when I feel like hope is far away with all the corruption and lack of justice going on in this country. I do believe it is essential for us to all stand up and speak up because if we do not, then we are being complicit with the evil happening in this country. While we all likely were able to breathe a short breath of relief when the massively corrupt war criminal who currently occupies the white house didn't carry though on his war crime threats for the, "whole civilization to die, never to be brought back again." those two weeks are long gone and now none of us know what will happen next and an end to the violence and war in Iran seems far away, which once again brings us all to a place where none of us wants to be.

Just for Fun!!! Even More Animal Mom Facts!

There are so many interesting and amazing animals in the world, so learning about them is usually lots of fun! When you add in the "mom facts" . . . these animal mom facts are even more interesting!  Check these bits of animal mom trivia I found on-line . . . 

just for fun - Today is Blueberry Pie Day!

Mmmmm! Blueberry Pie Day! What a delicious day to celebrate!!! I am personally a fan of blueberries; I like them pretty much any way they can be fixed and just plain, "as they are" is delicious, too!