Cousins

Jill and Peirce went camping with a swarm of Ackroyd cousins this week and had a great time.I have been thinking about cousins lately and what happiness I have had because of cousins. I think it began with hearing that Kara and her family were going to Sparwood for a week. Jealous!! Summer and cousin fun still seem to go together!

I was also thinking about Scott. Someone in our neighborhood practices bagpipes lately. It brings back a flood of warm memories of many summers with Scott. Scott played the bagpipes and took lessons one summer in Calgary and stayed with us. Well, he stayed with us lots of summers actually. I also spent some time working for him when I was in University when he was running his own travel agency. He passed away a few years ago. I miss him. Hearing the bagpipes in he summer seems especially nostalgic for me. I love it.

This Saturday I am going to a baby shower for Brad's first grandchild. He is my oldest cousin. I can't wait! Nickee will be there too as she is here for her annual pilgrimage. So many fun memories with Nickee!

I have lots of good memories with Shane and Renee, and other cousins too. So blessed!

The Friendship Doll by Kirby Larson

I loved this book. Why? There was just something about it.

Something about the magic play with dolls. "My wish is that you will find a doll's true purpose: to be awakened by the heart of a child" (page 4)

Something about friendship. The doll helps build a friendship in each scenario. It made me want to be a better friend!

Something about coming out on top despite hard times. Most of the stories are set in the depression. Man those people went through a lot!

Something about happy endings. "If you want a happy ending that depends of course on where you end your story." - Orson Welles (p.179) I loved where henauthor chose to end the story. Beautiful!

Shhhh! Did you hear that?

Today I am all alone in my house....well, just me and Chico. It's a beautiful thing. No one is talking. There isn't any music on. Neither the TV now the radio are on.....just me tapping away on my iPad. Allen is gone to Scout camp. Jill and Peirce are camping with their cousins. And I am here all alone.

Too bad it is only for one day!!

I have a long list of things to do. Hmmmm.....whee to start. Where to start?

I think I shall start with finishing my book.