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Brain on Music, Maternal Bonds, and Important Rituals

Brain on Music, Maternal Bonds, and Important Rituals

Good Morning from Prince Edward Island,

Standing on our front deck, at 7 a.m. I managed to capture this photograph with my phone camera.

Something tells me we are in a long winter, but...

If beauty continually reveals itself, then nothing will be long, it will all be too short.

Adoption

Today is National Adoption Day in the United States. Check out facts and figures, here. 

Locally, on the Island, there has been a lot of news regarding the opening of adoption records, and to this, the province has agreed to open the files to those seeking to connect, though the birth mother or adult child can veto the request to meet.

Families don't have to match. You don't have to look like someone else to love them. ~ Leigh Anne Tuohy

Wishing not to wade into the debate. I certainly can’t speak for the mothers seeking the whereabouts of her child but I can speak as an adopted person.

I understand first hand the sense of feeling like you don’t belong, and there can be an ache. As this report suggests, Psychological Issues Faced By Adopted Children And Adults

Perhaps because the maternal bonds broken at the mothers moment of decision, or perhaps of the new family experience contributed to the sense of belonging or not.

We must understand and recognize it may well not have been a decision made by the mother, it may have been families succumbing to societal or religious pressures of the day, it could have been medical, financial or many other reasons. 

If the veto works against you as an adoptee might I suggest giving thanks for the Mother who chose to provide you with life? 

I am so grateful for the chance at life and very appreciative for my birth mother who may have made alternative decisions that would not have allowed this heart of mine to beat.

Life is complicated at times, and I find it best to find peace of mind through gratitude and forgiveness and...

Thanksgiving

Our American cousins are busy preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, and there are lots to be thankful about. 

My wish is for the political rhetoric that is affecting life in the communities of the world will be put aside around the table and in the home to enjoy the fact that nothing should be taken for granted. 

Regardless of one's bias, all we have is each other.

The American Psychological Association reviewed 50 years of research and concluded that family routine and rituals are critical to the health and well being of families more than ever as they try to meet the increasing demands of juggling work and home. Rituals and traditions have become more, not less, of the rock that offers us stability and reassurance in more frenetic, demanding and stressful times. They create a much-needed sense in today’s increasingly isolated world of togetherness and belonging.

Music

Those of you who have been following my blog know that I love music, I am growing especially fond of classical music. As I write today, I have been listening to Hilary Hahn. 

The music of J.S. Bach has long sat at the centre of Hilary Hahn’s repertoire. As for many musicians, it exerts a fascination, both intellectual and emotional, that inspires playing of very appealing elegance and insight. At times it feels as if she’s playing just for you, so enjoy the best seat in the house for three masterpieces for the solo violin.

Listen here

I struggled for many years unable to read books.

My own theories were enhanced this week whilst reading neuroscience found a clear relationship between music and language acquisition. Learning music in the early years of schooling can help children learn to read. If you wish to read more, do so here or at least watch this short video on music research. 

Music education was not an option for us at school or at home.

Never too late...

Not classical music in the truest sense, but I have always enjoyed the harmonica sound and have attempted to play it from time to time. So to expand my brain, I am 80% committed to going to Jam Camp here in late April to learn how to.  

Taking care of business...

Our hardworking staff are busy doing work they are proud of for people we care about.

Check out our Taste PEI options, where you can add a wide range of Island quality food producers to gift boxes to be shipped and or our best sellers. Next week will be offering to ship live or cooked lobster and fresh oysters within Canada. 

Before signing off, I do hope this finds you well and able to enjoy the weekend.

To our Amercian cousins, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving Day and week ahead.

With love from Prince Edward Island,

Bruce

ps. We have two very smart daughters. 

“Daddy, I inherited my intelligence from you, didn’t I?”

“That’s right my clever girl!”

“That makes sense because mommy still has hers.”

Previous article Happy News + Rewilding + Magicians Dilemma

Comments

Betty Morgan - November 25, 2018

I have ticked off almost everything on my ‘bucket list’ – A visit to your restaurant is on there, but at 88, I am not expecting to be able to go. So I am grateful to be able to read your blog. You are such a lovely man. I hope to get to PEI sometime this summer – maybe use up my points!
My mantra – “If you see somebody without a smile, give them one of yours.”
Thanks for your blog.
B.

David White - November 22, 2018

Bruce,
I received your replacement for my sugarless blueberry jam yesterday. Two bottles were unnecessary but we’ll make up for it in August. Meanwhile I shall get my Christmas order in soon. Thank you for your attention to this and your timely blogs. The very best of the coming season to you and yours.

Dave

MURDOCK MORRISON - November 22, 2018

Bruce – glad that you got up at 7 a.m. to take that glorious picture and then write the many thoughts that were in your head as you developed your blog. All of the themes were so , so interesting and each one had special connections that we can appreciate especially the adoption article and music- Cold here in Dartmouth and winter is upon us. Thanks – murdock

Dale Harman - November 22, 2018

We visited Prince Edward Island for the first time in 2002 and fell in love. We moved to North Rustico in 2016 after I retired. It is so beautiful here in every season.

Thank you for your blog. We enjoy it and your music. The Island Preserve Company has long been our favourite restaurant. We bring all of our visitors there and come ourselves in between. We always are anxious for your opening. I suppose it is even more special since it is not open all year.

Sherrilyn loves winter so she is always sad to see it end. The happy thought is that as the snow departs we know it won’t be long until we can enjoy your wonderful restaurant. You and Shirley have created a truly remarkable place, at the water’s edge, surrounded by acres of gardens and pathways.

Thank you for sharing from your heart!

Blessings!
Dale & Sherrilyn Harman

Bill and Jane Martin - November 22, 2018

Thank you Bruce for your bright outlook on life, &your warm greetings when we see you in Sept. most years, since 1984. You amaze us by remembering us from those early days. We ached for PEI this year, but WILL be there next year with luck. Meantime we love “Anne with en E” as it transports us once a week, to “the Island”. Best of health & happiness over Christmas & in 2019.
Jane & Bill in Toronto.

Cathy - November 19, 2018

In regards to music I think it is important for all of us, I miss going to concerts of classical music as my kids were in the orchestra and band at school, I believe it helped them to develop. One of my favorites is by Holst a total album with each section for a different planet, I would play it and it would inspire me while painting, no masterpieces but total into the creative zone! I am also attached to Hans Zimmer, his music I can literally feel, it inspires me at well. Star Wars, 20001 etc some these sound tracks are wonderful if you are not totally into the classics! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New year!

Norlynda Cook - November 19, 2018

Thank you so much for posting that gorgeous photo! Down here in the American south that is a rare site indeed. It is so very beautiful. I love PEI.

una m hingston - November 18, 2018

Still miss you at the Craft Shows here in Halifax. Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas.

Wendy DuBois - November 18, 2018

We adopted privately, directly from our son’s Birthmother. She has always been a part of his life, as we chose to include her as part of our family’s life. This relationship blessed all of us, and helped our son to see that the loving choice she made, allowed him to be blessed with a Dad, siblings, opportunities, and stability. It blessed her to be able to return to school, build a life, find hope for the future, marry and have another child, and still be an important part of the life of the son we both love. No child can have too much love, and adoption doesn’t have to be one VERSUS the other, but rather choices that bless both. One Mom gave him life, and the other nurtured that life, and raised him to manhood.

Bev S. - November 17, 2018

Bruce, thank you for opening your heart today with your personal sharing. I treasured it. My Dad use to play the Harmonica. I love it. May your 80% increase to 100% and your learning begin. I also love to read and hope that it will help you with that too. Thanks for your good wishes for Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. Be well. Bev S.

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