Digressions by D’reen

by Doreen Uren Simmons

Well now …I am searching for reasons for optimism…
although why there should be ‘justification’ for an obviously positive emotion is a good question.
I won’t answer it, except to say that it makes me feel better…so THERE!

February Blues seem to have come early this year. It’s a truly ‘old-fashioned’ winter, eh? Yes Orillia, even Toronto is ‘snowed under’.  Add to that the frigid temperatures and mobility is quite limited. I’m speaking from the perspective of the elderly, true, but we ARE a large portion of the population. Even a relatively new furnace can’t get the temperature of the older house up to normal and even if the neighbours have done the necessary shovelling, walking to the car or taxi is hazardous. 

So… why optimism? Well ..the daylight hours are getting longer minute by minute, every day! The sun occasionally shines. We get our supplies in ahead of storm warnings. We are not yet disabled.  The TV and computer and all electrics are still working. There. A positive list is a good thing. 

Our Christmas was quiet and sweet. We had a lovely Nigerian refugee from our church for dinner, and the conversation was fascinating and illuminating. Family came in small and separate doses and gifts were tiny and lovely. The highlight was perhaps a small, simple, but BOSE CD player which facilitated the removal of all the antiquated non-working equipment. Empty shelves and beautiful music! Add to the positive list.

You do believe that spring will come. There also seems to be an increasing awareness, world-wide, that the ‘regime’ to the south of us is…not working. Mild word …and …what to do. Carneys’ speech at Davos got rave reviews, as it should. Positivity again, and a feeling of togetherness. We are not alone in snow and frigid temperatures. People do need warmth for survival and that comes in the form of togetherness and…dare I say it…Love.  

So, dear readers, be brave and warm and loving. Together we’ll make it to spring and a really better world. Blessings…D’reen