Good Morning from Prince Edward Island,
Is the kettle ready, and is there cake in the fridge? Any candles in the cupboard?
For those away, here is the latest COVID19-Update for the Island brought to us by CBC.
In last week’s blog, I mentioned that I was to going to attempt to share a little something I learned or appreciated each day of the week.
Reflection
“Serious reflection is needed. Unfortunately, today we live in a world without a common dream. The coronavirus was a wake-up call, a punch in the gut to a prevailing sense of narcissism. We need to look at development in a new way that includes all human beings, that gets us back in touch with a necessary sense of solidarity, rejecting a society that does not take care of the disenfranchised. This system that generates riches for few, leaving many in poverty, is cruel.” ~In error, I forgot to get the author’s name, sorry.
Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”
If You Can...the wisdom of Winston Churchill.
Getting to another birthday this quote by Michael J. Fox reminds me to stop thinking about what could have been or should have been.
"I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business." - Michael J. Fox
The cellist, composer, and conductor, Pablo Casals states in his book, Joys and Sorrows.
"Each second, we live in a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that never was before and will never be again. And what do we teach our children in school? We teach them that two and two make four and that Paris is the capital of France. When will we also teach them what they are? We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all of the world, there is no other child exactly like you. In the millions of years that have passed there has never been another child like you... You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is like you, a marvel? You must cherish one another. You must work—we must all work—to make this world worthy of its children."
Leo Buscaglia shares reflection through his words.
Life is God's (or life‘s if you prefer) gift to us. The way we live it is the gift we give back don’t settle for anything less than the most beautiful gift you’re capable of being. - Leo Buscaglia
And to Accept...
“You are driven by your heart, you’re driven by your talent, and you’re driven by your instinct. And if you start to question and look at what people are doing to the left of you or to the right of you, you are going to lose that clarity of thought. Listen to the information. In the end, it has to come from who you are. Own your decisions and own who you are but without apology.” Anna Wintour
Treat life as a game and a gift.
Emma Smreker does as she hunts for photos and other treasures left in used books — then returns them to their owners. Love this Washington Post story.
Be Inspired...
Go Rahan Go...you inspire me to never stop trying to improve daily.
“There is no education like adversity.” -Benjamin Disraeli
Speaking of inspiration, thank you to Voices Rock Medicine, a choir of women physicians came together to make this heartfelt tribute, We Rise Again, dedicated to the superheroes of Canadian healthcare, singing this great song by Leon Drabinsky, a singer-songwriter from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
Last but not least, when I am 100 years old, I hope to do something spectacular as well…
This week, I have been listening to Taylor Swift’s new album, very nice. Sample listen here. She certainly has come along way since playing on Prince Edward Island during the summer of 2010.
And this is too beautiful not to share. Our Canadian songstress and awesome mother, Alanis Morissette.
Have a wonderful weekend, stay safe and take care of each other.
Today is my birthday, a day to reflect and be grateful. I am happy to be on planet earth and give thanks to the family, friends, staff and readers.
With Love from Prince Edward Island,
Bruce & Millie
ps.
The insurance agent was having quite an easy time selling Mrs. Cunningham insurance on her husband's life. In fact, he thought it was too easy.
When all the details were finalized, Mrs. Cunningham casually asked, "Now, if my husband should die tomorrow, what would I get?"
"That would depend entirely," the insurance man replied, "on how the evidence is presented to the jury."
Comments
Gina said:
Happy Birthday! Your blog is always such a wonderful respite from the difficult news of the day. I have shared it with others—who have also shared with their friends. Paying forward your insight from beautiful PEI.
Thank you!
Gina
August 16, 2020
Murdock Morrison said:
Indeed a Happy Bithday Bruce and many more as you bring us so much in the way of news from so many sources in your blogs. Today’s blog was wonderful as we can appreciate the writer’s, the musicians and those that contribute to your blog as I already have to congratulate many others who are on Facebook as today is their birthday . Murdock
August 16, 2020
Elaine said:
Happy Birthday Bruce! I enjoy your blog. I especially enjoyed the Women’s Physician Choir this week. So uplifting in these uncertain times
August 16, 2020
Peggy Freeman said:
Happy Birthday, Bruce! As always, your blog leaves me inspired and motivated! Thanks for forcing me to ignore the outer forces that seem so overwhelming, and instead, look within myself for the strength and fortitude to endure. May you have many, many more happy birthdays and I look forward to seeing the amazing thing you do when you are 100!!
August 16, 2020
Nari said:
Happy Birthday, Bruce! Your weekly blog brings us so much joy each week. We look forward to it arriving in our inbox. Sincere thanks from Australia!
August 16, 2020
Brynhilde Roth said:
Bruce, wishing you a very Happy Birthday! We hope you had a lovely day and may you have a wonderful year ahead!
August 16, 2020
Audrey Wilde said:
Love reading you blog each week. Each day is a Blessing, but Birthdays are a special Blessing so Happy Blessed Birthday Bruce !!! I especially love the “If You Can” -Winston Churchill one. We all can learn a lot from our dogs. I saw in a video clip from Leo Buscaglia were he had a group of students that had been meeting for a number of weeks. He had one young lady who wasn’t happy with the group. During one of these meeting a dog wondered in off the street and the class members began petting and making a fuss over this dog. The young lady started yelling and telling everyone she was really upset because they were all making a fuss over that dumb dog and she had been in that class and no one made a fuss over her. His answer was——-But you didn’t come in wagging your tall. Happy Birhday—-Blessings, Audrey
August 16, 2020
Anne Gillis said:
Another wonderful message. It is later on the 15th and wishes continue for a great day, week, month, year. Thanks for a wonderful ‘pause’…
August 16, 2020
Susan E-J said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Bruce! I sent you birthday greetings early this morning but my message seems to have been lost? :(
Hope you had a wonderful day!
Best,
Susan (Ontario)
August 16, 2020
Marian Brophy said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRUCE and thank you so much for your weekly ray of sunshine (even when it is cloudy) We have visited PEI seventeen times in September, bringing some family members and friends along with us. We are very sad that we won’t be able to make it this September. I love your different videos with music. Loved the one years ago with Michael W Smith. I have one I would like to share with you and your family. Don’e know if you are familiar with Keith and Kristyn Getty. Go on YouTube and put in A Mother’s Prayer. Enjoy! Grace and peace, Marian
August 15, 2020
Susan W. said:
Happy Birthday, Bruce! My weekends aren’t complete until I have read your inspiring blogs. Wishing you many more years of good health and happiness from scenic Rhode Island.
August 15, 2020
Evelyne Beaudry said:
Bonne fête Bruce. As I am celebrating my Acadian roots today August 15, I have the pleasure to find out it is also your birthday. I will forever remember how special you are as much as my community is to me.
August 15, 2020
Bonnie said:
I love the Choir of Women Physicians.
Birthday Cheers!
August 15, 2020
Lynn said:
Happy birthday Bruce! I’d sing to you, but that would be hard on your ears, so suffice to say happy day. May your year be peaceful, full of love and joy, good friends and happy times.
Birthday blessings from Alberta!
Lynn
August 15, 2020
Claudette said:
Happy birthday, Bruce. You your wife and Millie have a wonderful day with a “few” candles the cake. Love your blogs I look forward to them every saturday morning.
August 15, 2020
Marion Sawatzki said:
Happy birthday, Bruce and for many more! 🥳🎂
August 15, 2020
Mikel and Kay Stevenson said:
Please add our Happy, Happy Birthday greetings to those above, along with the words of gratitude for your spirit of love and care expressed in your blogs. May your days and years bring blessings in abundance. With our love and care from Spokane, WA
August 15, 2020
althea said:
Hallo Bruce, May this new year, your very own year beginning today, bring you sunshine to warm you. May some rain fall as well, remembering without rain there are no rainbows. May you be blessed with love and friendship enough to be able to spread same willingly and expansively. May you receive most of what you wish and all that you need. As always, be peace, be love. Blessings.
August 15, 2020
Jan Matthews said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRUCE……Hope you are having a wonderful celebration on my favourite place this side of Heaven. Look forward & love your blogs.
August 15, 2020
Bunny Wortman said:
Happy Birthday, Bruce! Your blog is always such a joy and comfort, especially this summer when when travel “home” is not an option. I miss being able to see family, and the visit to the the Preserve Company restaurant for fish cakes and chow. Your blog is a gift to us all, especially during these challenging times.
August 15, 2020
Sharon Kalich said:
Là breith sona dhuit to you Bruce! Your blog brings me peace every Saturday. Today I hear the hawks soaring above my backyard forest wishing you all the best.
August 15, 2020
Cindy McAllister said:
I am wishing you a happy and blessed birthday, and for many more!
I look forward to Saturdays and your blog. You encourage us all to examine and reflect upon our lives. All too often we run on automatic and wonder why we are all so stressed! The one positive outcome of isolating ourselves from COVID-19, was that we were gifted with time to reflect on our lives.
My daughter and I speak often about ours vacations in PEI and our visits to your shop and restaurant. It has been a couple of years since we visited and I hope we can get back there again!
August 15, 2020
Dr Bob Griffin said:
Life is of great value. I’m glad you’re investing it wisely by sharing it with others.
Celebrate your birthday responsibly. Remember, that many candles on a cake constitute a fire hazard.
August 15, 2020
Raegan Marsh said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRUCE!!
I hope you have a wonderful day filled with love and laughter. I always enjoy reading your weekly blogs…they bring a smile to my face. Enjoy your special day!
Raegan (from St. Catharines, Ontario)
August 15, 2020
Carol said:
Happy Birthday Bruce from Winnipeg! I look forward to reading your reflections every weekend. Thank you for the inspiration you provide!
God bless you and your family!
Carol
August 15, 2020
Joyce Rhead said:
Always good to read your blog, Bruce, and see what’s going on PEI, and at Preserve Company, my favourite place on the Island. I wish you a happy birthday and may God bless you and your family.
August 15, 2020
Patricia Jones said:
Have a great birthday! Sadly this is the first year in many I’ve not gone to PEI! I miss it! 😢
Patricia
August 15, 2020
Molly Devlin said:
Happy Birthday, Bruce from Missouri.
Have a peaceful, wonderful day!
I love your blogs. Always a great way to start my day.. or end it!
Today’s voices Rock was indeed special.
Molly
August 15, 2020
Sue M. said:
Happy Birthday and thank you for your blog. I look forward to receiving it every week. Very uplifting.
August 15, 2020
Melanie Taormina said:
Happy birthday, Bruce! May all the light you bring to each Saturday morning multiply and be yours today.
August 15, 2020
Zyna Boyes said:
Ah Bruce…what a lovely uplifting blog for your birthday morning! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear friend across the miles.
Every Saturday you continue to give us food for thought, moments of joy and reasons to rejoice and be glad, even though our lives are totally unpredictable – particularly now.
At this moment my husband and I should be dashing around, excitedly putting the final touches to suitcases, ready to fly to
On Monday morning, instead of waking up to the Malpeque Bay sunrise I must – I WILL – be content to look into my Manitoba garden and watch the goldfinches come for breakfast, and think of you all, and hope that you all remain safe there.P.E.I. tomorrow. But it isn’t happening. Sadly, we have had to be prudent. We are senior seniors! Head has had to rule over heart. Our lovely month on our beloved clifftop will have to be next year (?) but cannot be this. If we could have ‘beamed’ our way to you we would still be coming, but there isn’t any Star Trek magic available. The travel regime, and the flights alone would be too daunting for us.
We were SO looking forward to seeing you all again at “The Company”, indulging in the pleasures of your lovely place, and meeting Millie. Sigh.
Your next four blogs are going to be even more important than ever. No pressure!
Much Manitoba love from Zyna and Alex Boyes
August 15, 2020
Cathy Hammond said:
Really enjoyed the blog this morning. Thank you.
August 15, 2020
Jean Weiss said:
Happy Birthday Bruce! Have the best day ever.
August 15, 2020
Julie said:
Happy Birthday Bruce! Enjoy your day & spoil yourself! Wishing you an awesome day & a wonderful year ahead! ;)
August 15, 2020
Susan E-J said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRUCE!! Wishing you the happiest of days and an awesome year ahead too. Keep on keeping on!
Best always,
Susan.
August 15, 2020
Julia L Carey said:
What a beautiful blog to start my day, Bruce & Millie. Happy Birthday, my friend in PEI! A friend had just told me about the young man from Maryland who was accepted into Harvard after much struggle throughout his life. All I can say is there IS a God! I used to be a deep thinker much like yourself. I need to start doing it again. I’ve been retired 5 years and since that time have had some health issues that have “aged” me. Thank you for bringing me back from those dark moments into the light of a hopeful life. Enjoy your special day!
August 15, 2020
Mary-Julie Adamowicz said:
Happy Birthday from New Hampshire!
August 15, 2020
Tati said:
Congratulations and wishing you a very happy birthday! The gifts you share with us near and far, like your beautiful gardens, bring hope to us each week! Thank you for being the person you are and sharing your light and the love of this life with us. May you enjoy many happy birthdays!
August 15, 2020
Wendell Hennan said:
Best wishes for a peaceful birthday filled with the love of family friends employees and customers and neighbors. May the year to come provide you health and joy.
August 15, 2020
Jen Cash said:
Happy Birthday Bruce! Hope you have a blessed day! Thank you for your posts. Smiles from Maine, Jen.
August 15, 2020
Debbie Wynne said:
Thanks for brightening another Saturday morning for me Bruce. So look forward to this email every week. Loved the Pablo Casals excerpt…“You are a marvel. You are unique.” Reminded me of my Dad tucking me in at night and saying " Be generous with your spirit. The world needs more spirits like yours."
Your blog never fails to warm my heart and uplift my spirit and for that I thank you. Have a wonderful week.
August 15, 2020
Michele Sparling said:
“Let us never know what old age is. Let us know the happiness time brings, not count the years” (Ausonius).
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Bruce. Enjoy all the special moments that life brings you.
August 15, 2020
Marie Fudge said:
Happy Birthday Bruce, from one Leo to another! Thanks for all your beautiful blogs, sharing beautiful pictures and your hard work with the Preserve Company!
August 15, 2020
Miles said:
Happiest of birthdays to you Bruce!
Enjoy your day!
August 15, 2020