Good Morning from New Glasgow, Prince Edward Island
At 6:30 am., this morning, I did a Zoom call to over 40 people in various parts of Japan.
It was a pleasure to answer their questions about our business.
They were intrigued by the spiritual nature of the Gardens of Hope.
Videos filmed by our graphic designer, Katherine MacLaine were sent before the live chat.
The three short videos were:
Gardens of Hope
I visited Japan three times around the year 2006, 2007, 2008.
What I remember most is the efficiency of the transportation system. The quiet subways, the food and the over-the-moon kindness of the people.
This week I had the pleasure of meeting Martin Rutte, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work.
A mutual friend suggested that we would have a lot in common discussing spirituality at work. And we did.
During a few pots of tea; we discussed a great deal around the topic.
I love his latest book. Project Heaven on Earth...three simple questions that will help you change the world.
He asks:
- Recall a time when you experienced Heaven on Earth.What was happening?
- Imagine you have a magic wand, and with it, you can create Heaven on Earth. What is Heaven on Earth for you?
- What simple, easy, concrete step(s) will you take in the next 24 hours to make Heaven on Earth real?
More about his project here: http://projectheavenonearth.com/homepage
Over the last seven weeks, I have been sharing stories of my life experiences. I am trying to decide whether to continue with this type of writing.
For busy reasons this week though, the blog is short and sweet.
Our newest adventure is the Garden Cafe. And it is getting busy. All hands on deck.
Below are photos taken by Katherine MacLaine, our graphic designer and photographer. Thank you, Katherine. They are beautiful.
The materials in 90% of the decor are items collected over the years and stored in one basement or another. It is beautiful to see what they created with old doors, old window frames and pallets.
A BIG thank you goes to Shirley MacNaughton, Tracy Gallant, Cheryl Thompson and Trudy Gilbertson created.
Click the blue link to see a wonderful blog post written by Coreen Hildebrand, aka The Maritimes Maven about our place. There are a lot of great photos to admire as well. Thank you Coreen, it looks great.
I have to run for now, and the story will continue next week.
Till then take care and let joy be your friend.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
With love from Prince Edward Island.
Bruce + Mille
ps. Your Morning Smile
“Your underwear is much too tight and very revealing,” I said to my wife.
She said, “Wear your own then.”
Comments
Marilyn Earle said:
Your Zoom call to Japan and your three visits there warmed my heart. Right after our younger daughter graduated from Saint Mary’s University she went to Japan (alone, not knowing anyone nor speaking the language) to teach English in a private school for a year. Thinking she would only be spending a year in Japan, we went to visit her before she came back home to go to Acadia to get her BEd. She fell in love with the country and immediately returned to Japan after getting her BEd. That was over 20 years ago! She married a Japanese citizen 10 years ago and we now have an adorable grandson who will soon be seven years old. Normally we have been lucky enough to have regular visits each August, with the exclusion of these past two summers as a result of Covid. I am sharing this info with you because both our daughter and grandson love the Butterfly House and it was an annual visit. They have been taking caterpillars from their garden and nurturing them in a special area in their home until the butterflies hatch and are released. My daughter has taken numerous videos and posted them on Facebook where comments are received from around the globe. This passion was the direct result of their visits to your Butterfly House. Bruce, you and your wife inspire so many people in so many ways and I wanted to share our family story with you.
August 26, 2021
Carol McKnight said:
While I was looking forward to more of your story, these videos more than made up for it. I have walked the gardens many times in past years and hope to do so again soon. The cottage is absolutely beautiful and I am sure has been a welcome change of scene for many families. If only the blueberry preserve video had smell-a-vision. Fortunately I am blessed with a very good imagination. Thanks for sharing.
August 03, 2021
Jack & Lillian Paul said:
Thank you Bruce for the videos.. The Cottage is beautiful.
Take care & stay safe.
August 01, 2021
Linda King said:
Please do not stop sharing your life’s experiences. There are so many things that I relate to and get a man’s perspective. Being a widow, I love what you share. God Bless you and many thanks.
August 01, 2021
Anonymous said:
Blog received here successfully, Bruce – many thanks! Heading to the Island soon… can’t wait to sample the Garden Cafe. And conversations with 40, in various parts of Japan? You continue to amaze! :)
Have a wonderful weekend!
S.
July 31, 2021
Kay said:
Thank you for your blogs, always look forward to reading them. The Garden of Hope is so beautiful, makes me want to sit & enjoy everything. The Respite Cottage looks so comfortable & inviting, a wonderful place to spend some time. While watching the blueberry production it made my mouth water as I know the taste of those blueberries!!
July 31, 2021
althea said:
Bruce-san. Ohayo. Perhaps some adventures in Japan in a future blog? And why Japan? Thanks for this peaceful start to the weekend. Arigato gozaimashita-ne.
July 31, 2021
Marian Brophy said:
I look forward to our weekly visit, loved the videos, especially the one about the Garden of Hope cottage. It is an incredible blessing. Do you still have the butterfly house? Is Judy Clarke still working there? Pat and I have tickets to come to our favorite place. Hope to see you then.
July 31, 2021
Angie Q said:
Beautiful Bruce❤️💚🍀
July 31, 2021
Angie Q said:
Beautiful Bruce❤️💚🍀
July 31, 2021
Sally Brown said:
Thank you for the blog post from Coreen Hidegarde. What amazing pictures! Cannot wait until my next trip to return to The Gardens of Hope. Now, on with your story.
July 31, 2021
Valarie LaBore said:
I’m getting ready to teach some Zoom classes myself this morning and tomorrow morning, on Ladies Accessories from the 1800-1850 & 1850-1900. But I’m coming back to watch the videos you’ve attached here, And it gave me a minute to think about what my Heaven on Earth was. :)
Val
July 31, 2021
BETTY KREAGER said:
I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR SATURDAY MORNING BLOGS. . ALWAYS INTERESTING AND I AM ALWAYS LEARNING FROM YOUR WORDS OF WISDOM.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
July 31, 2021
Suzi said:
Oh Bruce, what a beautiful blog! I’m dashing through because I’m going to a funeral of a dear friend of mine. But, will be back to savor the pictures, words and heart ❤️ that goes into your writing! I did miss the continuation of your story!
Blessings to y’all!
Suzi
July 31, 2021
Julie MacKenzie said:
I loved the 3 videos. When I get the opportunity to make it back to PEI….I will have to come by for a visit. The grounds look absolutely beautiful! I would love to see where the products are made. I look forward to your blog every weekend. Thanks for sharing. 👍😊
July 31, 2021
Deborah Powell said:
Yes Bruce,Please keep on the same writing path. So many of us are loving it. 😊
July 31, 2021