A Walk on the Wild Side….

When the freshness of Summer colour fired into a blazing Autumn, peoples’ senses seem more alert and the feeling is somehow expectant. Boat traffic and skinny dipping are decreasing activities,  curls of woodsmoke can be seen above the trees on a chilly cottage morning, and hikers appear in earnest!

I made it a point to stop at the Algonquin Park Visitors Center over the Thanksgiving weekend. No fewer than eighteen tour buses were evenly parked in the lot, and several more arrived in the few short minutes I was there.

On the chalkboard inside the main entrance one can decipher notations made regarding the time of day, date and location of specific wild creatures – such as “08:30  Oct. 8  Moose   near km. 13”.  This time there were only three sightings marked – but wildlife thronged nonetheless!

After despairing of even getting a toe inside the Gift shop – where the lineup stretched nearly to the main entrance of the building;  or having a munch in the overcrowded restaurant, I shouldered my way out to the Observation deck. Hunching short I was able to attain a place at the rail, scooting below innumerable elbows and long-lenses of impressive cameras. Smiles were everywhere despite the drizzle and stiff wind!

Never in one location have I ever observed such a varying collection of ages, sizes, and shapes of people; nor the stunning array of colourful outerwear. Everything from patterned zodiac-image leggings to spandex tights with bulky sweatertops reaching the knee! Puffy windbreaker jackets, hoodies clutched close, and even a parka with fur trimming! The excitement was palpable and brought a smile to my own face…reserving months ahead, arising very early to meet up with the tour bus, and travelling several hours from Toronto took a lot of determination.

It was indeed a walk on the wild side!

Which One Is Pesky, Which One's a Pest...

Within the past three weeks I had occasion to ask my family physician for a referral to a specialist. He would be more than happy to oblige I was quite sure; especially being that I am not a pesky patient!

In my business as a REALTOR® I know clearly the importance of following up with clients – especially by telephone, and  timing can be a sensitive issue.

Just by coincidence, because I wasn’t clear whether the specialists’ office would call me with the appointment or whether my own doctor’s office would call, I thought a follow up enquiry might be in order.  Turns out that the “bee sting man” had apparently not received the request…and their office was already booked for this entire month!

It’s a certainty that our health care system is overwhelmed, and my own small issue is not of paramount concern – after all – the probability of getting stung by another bee in the midst of a cool autumn seems unlikely. My quest to resolve which bee is a pesk makes me query now if I should have followed up sooner?

Nonetheless, my brain is buzzing! Nearly everywhere I look there are bees seeking shelter for the coming Winter months, and my timing brought stinging results.

I could’ve and I should’ve but I didn’t.

Which one is pesky, which one’s a pest?

Looking Brash and Flashy...

On a recent weekend foray out of my Muskoka area, I was looking forward to seeing a close girlfriend at a family rendezvous. It had been awhile and one of the greatest pleasures is to have a stroll, a “girl-talk” and generally vent our frustrations into the air.

Both of us know better than most that each other is each carrying a heavier-than-usual weight of concerns on our back; but realizing  that complaining accomplishes naught, we’ve soldiered on with the best of intentions.

This particular friend I hold near and dear to my heart – she’s a proven thoroughbred in her chosen profession and races with heart and determination. Always dressed to the nines and truly chic…she is a real head-turner for admiring women and salivating men! Not brash, not flashy – just radiating confidence!

A sense of anticipation flickered as the roads melted by;  rather than resignation that has felt too prevalent lately. Feeling a trifle worn with concerns, I knew that as soon as we laid eyes on each other it would all feel brighter and a few laughs would be such fun!

Over the years I have acquired a certain sense of tact – and generally avoid foot in mouth occasions – so imagine my horror when, at first glimpse of my friend – I reacted badly - exclaiming “Oh my goodness, you look like I feel!”…

 A long hug, teary eyes and crooked grins could not dispel the bald truth, when we feel overburdened and unable to transfer our load of trouble for even a short time, the effects are guaranteed to render anyone not looking brash and flashy!

Winkin', Blinkin' and Batting...

Women of the western world and some parts of Europe are beset with television and glossy-mags advertising which promote youthfulness and anti-aging cosmetics. It matters not our occupation – whether businesswoman or not – the message is intended for all women.

Several months ago I had the distinct pleasure of being introduced to a truly accomplished high-flying business woman – a Team Leader in her own right, published author and well-respected in her field of commercial real estate.

On the several occasions we met, I marveled at how she multi-tasked with her phone and  laptop-style of computer; with vivacious flair, while addressing architectural choices and contractor interviews to proceed with a specific project already in-hand.

Cosmetics perfectly applied, jewellery tasteful, attire stylish but not over-the-top – everything about this lady was to be admired -  sculpted brows, hairstyle and hue included! Eye contact in all social, personal and business occasions is essential – but I gotta say – her eyelashes were the most exquisite and memorable!

Looking as fresh as a petal whilst maintaining a harrowing schedule is challenging indeed – for some a nightly ritual of makeup remover pads, cleansing/toning and final application of night-cream is a routine, and indeed is essential even if basic….

 Some evenings the weary face that peers back from the mirror hardly resembles the look of my youth – if I’m winkin’/blinkin’ and batting it’s only because there’s something in my eye!

When Tears Flow...at the office

Overhearing someone’s boo-hoos can be truly disconcerting – whether to approach with a tissue box in hand or remain discreet and wait is a difficult choice.

If one has been included in the ongoing events that might have lead up to the sobs it could be wiser to just sit tight and wait for the person to come to you; but possibly not.

If there’s trouble on the homefront sometimes the privacy of one’s own office is the perfect retreat where one can just let it all go. Better there than while driving or grocery shopping!

Conflicts with colleagues can also bring tears to one’s eyes –  while some people prefer to weep alone in frustration others may want a hug or other comforting expressions of care.

Illness, accident, death/dying or other serious issues are tiring to cope with and feel harder to carry on one’s back the longer the time frame. In frustration or loss, we must remember that words uttered by the person who is suffering are not always their usual form of expression – we must not bark back or otherwise show our teeth, for it is then that our own tears may flow…at the office.