Page 2

Jens and Teenie Jensen

I was not only blessed to find my soul mate when I married Scott, I was given a gift that I never expected. I was given unconditional love from his grandparents Jens and Teenie. These two wonderful people made me feel like I was the most precious person on the planet. I loved every moment that I was able to spend with them. Their stories made me laugh, cry and gave me an understanding of seeing people in a different view than most people saw.

Every Sunday Scott and I go for a jeep ride out into back country to see what we can discover. We are always looking for an adventure. Today we went north and ended up on Jens and Teenie’s original homestead. I thought what a better day than today to share their story of their journey from Denmark to Canada.

Teenie was working as a cooks helper, as one meal was in progress Tennie reached for a bun and stole a pad of butter on the tip of her knife. A hand slapped her hand as she was caught and caused the butter to fly through the air and land on a young man’s shoulder. That young man was Jens Jensen.

Jens and Teenie fell in love. Jens had a dream of bettering his life, he told Teenie that he heard Canada was the land of opportunity and had seen posters advertising wages up to 50 cents and hour. Teenie agreed that he should go. In 1926 Jens left Teenie behind and promised to send for her once he was settled somewhere. 2 years later he sent for Teenie. Many many letters were sent between Canada and Denmark by the two young people. It was true love, 2 years is a long time to be apart from each other.

September 26, 1930 Jens and Teenie were married. Their first child Joyce Estelle was born on July 27, 1931. Their house was finally finished in 1934. The family history book states that this home cost approximately $200.00. This family didn’t have a lot but what they lack for material goods they made up for with love. They shared whatever they had with their neighbors and friends.

August 27, 1939 another daughter Joan Denise was born. ( today was the first time I realized that Auntie Denise first name is really Joan not Denise). June 12, 1944, Cheryl Elaine was born (my amazing Mother in law).

I think in 2019 we take too much for granted. We have opportunities all around us that people like Jens and Teenie didn’t. The Jensen family had to build their own home with very little for modern tools and material, grow their own food and travel for hours to go 12 miles to town for groceries. The Jensen’s will always be an inspiration to me, in their perseverance in life and their love for their family and friends.

**Still standing. Built to last. July 7, 2019**

Grandmère – Elise Hall

People

Today, my Mom Viviane and I went to Regina to celebrate her birthday. We decided it would be nice to meet up for lunch with a cousin that we hadn’t seen in awhile. During our visit my cousin Arlene asked me a very interesting question, “how did you get to be so introspective at such a young age?” Well it took me about 2 seconds to answer this:

My Grandmother/ Grandmère – Elise Hall

For some people it takes years to find a heroine/hero in their lives for me I was born and there she was. For my childhood years she was the woman I looked up to for her no nonsense way of life, her love of reading and passion for life. In my teens we developed into a kinship of being able to talk about anything without any judgement on either side of the conversation. In my twenties I realized that my Grandmother was my best friend, now how may people can say that. Some weeks we would phone each other 3 – 4 times to talk about major issues and sometimes about what we had for lunch.

What many people don’t realize that it was my Grandmother who really molded me into the woman I am today. You see my father and I never ever got along. Many of you would say well that’s how every father/daughter relationship is. No, I really mean we drove each other crazy. He would say something was black and I would do my damnedest to make him say it was white, well maybe not just white, brilliant white. I didn’t like the way he viewed the world and he didn’t understand my views any better. My Grandmother was the person that I would call and tell her about all of the injustices I thought that I had to live with. She would always listen carefully never taking either of our sides in the conflict (she also loved her son in law). I believe it’s time for the world to hear her amazing advice that changed my life forever:

“You don’t have to like someone to love them” Elise Hall

Holy crap that hit me hard. She just gave me permission to accept and recognize that I really don’t like my dad and his judgments but at the same time I can still love him because well, his my dad. Wow I know mind blowing isn’t it!!! Well I wish I could say things with my Dad changed overnight with this revelation, that would be a lie but over the next few years and up to when my Dad passed away life was a little easier.

Elise had a special way about her. Her gift was listening to others and making people feel like they were the only person in the world that mattered to her. If you mention Elise to someone that knew her you will likely hear a story about how she helped them or took the time to get to know them when they really need a friend to talk to.

Scott and my 2 sons, Nicholas and Kade were also very blessed to know her. Sometimes during our weekly phone call the 3 of us would fight over who would get to talk to her first to tell her some excited news. We always looked forward to Grandmère’s Christmas visits to our house were the conversations went on and on for hours.

They say that losing someone gets easier with time maybe that’s true but it still doesn’t take the sting out of my heart when I pick up the phone to call and tell her something important only to remember that she’s no longer with us. My heart will always be missing a piece until I meet her again someday.

Love you always Grandmère . Your Pennie

p.s. Arlene, thanks for asking me the question and reminding me how lucky I am to have such amazing women in my life, including you, my soul sister!!!

p.s. Mom thanks for being an amazing woman, Scott and I agree you are always welcome to live with us. Happy Birthday Mom, love you always.

The Moon/Luna

Places, Things

I never really took notice of the sky and all of her glory until I met Scott. Scott has shared his love for the universe with both me and our children. He has showed us that when you take some time outside at night and really look at the moon you soon realize how lucky we are to be alive on the strange planet called Earth.

Kade saved money for a very long time to purchase a beautiful telescope and ever since that day we have enjoyed venturing outside to gaze at the cosmos.

I believe like the moon we take a lot of the little amazing things in our life for granted. I mean how often in your crazy busy life do you take a moment to watch a mother bird feed her new babes, watch a baby fox romp in the field, talk a walk in the rain or watch a spider spin a web.

Life is getting busier and busier but it is up to each one of us to take a step back, take a breath and look around and enjoy nature. I always feel really relaxed and more centered after spending even a few moments in nature.

**This picture was taken by Scott using Kade’s telescope**

**A cute poem I found about the moon. Author unknown.**

The next full moon is July 12, 2019. Who knows maybe you and I will be both looking at the moon at the exact same moment. If you take any picture please send them my way, I would love to see what you have been able to capture.

Take care my friends.

Not This Time – David Myles

Music, People

Some days I feel like I’m being torn in so many different directions whether it’s with my family, friends , work, community or whatever other responsibilities I may have. Now to be honest I do take on a lot that may not belong to me, I’ve always been that way. I’ve always felt responsible for everyone and everything around me and it weighs heavily on my soul.

I turned 48 years old this year and it’s taken me until now to learn that I can and should take time for myself and not feel guilty. Well I should say that I’m working on learning this. I’m not sure if it is me being a woman, a mother or me just wanting to help everyone I come in contact with but I have a problem with putting me, my time above what other people need/want from me.

I heard this song this past weekend and it was a big aha moment for me. I feel like it has given me permission to say no once in awhile. Not that I won’t be that cheerleader for my family and friends or the person that someone can come talk and feel safe that their secrets will stay only with me. I love to be that person people can lean on but I also need to make time to recharge and spend some time on the things I love.

My hope is that all of you, my family and friends will take time out of your week and spend time on something you love. Whether that’s taking a walk in nature, meditating, going for a swim, painting, riding your motorcycle, writing your novel, listening to music or anything your heart desires. We all need something we are passionate about to keep our hopes and dreams alive.

Life is too short my friend. Choose to make the most of everyday you are given!!!

Lyrics from Not This Time

I’m dreaming of a time
I could lose my mind again
I’m dreaming of a day
That I could just waste away

Cause that don’t happen anymore
There’s too many people
Knocking at more door
There’s too many people
Asking me for more
Asking me for more

But I’m saying, no
Nah, nah, nah, nah
Not this time
Nah, nah, nah, nah
Not this time

Give me a night
I just might not remember
A little Earth, Wind and Fire
Dancing in the month of September

Cause that don’t happen anymore
There’s too many people
Knocking at my door
There’s too many people
Asking me for more
Asking me for more

But I’m saying, no
Nah, nah, nah, nah
Not this time
Nah, nah, nah, nah
Not this time,
Time, time, time

Give me a moment to myself
Then pass me a drink and take a record down from the shelf
And for all those other people who’ve been asking me for more
Knocking at my door, knocking at my door

I’m saying, no
Nah, nah, nah, nah
Not this time
Nah, nah, nah, nah
Not this time
Nah, nah, nah, nah
Not this time
Nah, nah, nah, nah
Not this time
Time, time, time

Lightning

Places, Things

My family and I love a good lightning storm. With the first bolt of lightning Scott and the boys will grab their camera gear, jump in the jeep to try and capture that split second moment of glory.

There is nothing better for me than to feel the rumble of the thunder and the sizzle of electricity in the air. Even as a child I have fond memories of watching wonderful light storms with my Mom. There is something magical about storms. Storm season never lasts long enough for me.

Photo by Scott

Definition:

light·ning/ˈlītniNG/noun

1.the occurrence of a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud, accompanied by a bright flash and typically also thunder.”a tremendous flash of lightning”

There are actually six types of Lightning, each having its own individual characteristics and colours:

Sheet Lightning
Cloud-To-Ground/Ground-To-Cloud/Cloud-To-Cloud (Fork) Lightning
Heat Lightning
St. Elmo’s Fire
Ball Lightning
Red Sprites, Green Elves, and Blue Jets

Sheet Lightning is seen when it is close to the horizon, and is in fact Cloud-To-Ground/Ground-To-Cloud/Cloud-To-Cloud (Fork) within a cloud. The strikes can’t be seen individually, but simply light up the cloud in the distance.

Cloud-To-Ground/Ground-To-Cloud/Cloud-To-Cloud (Fork) Lightning is a result of two strikes that are travelling quickly up and down the same path (the leader stroke and the return stroke).

Heat Lightning is virtually identical to Sheet Lightning. Called Heat Lightning, the name is a result of the time of year it is seen most often; Summer.

St. Elmo’s Fire is a green or blue glow caused by the negatively charged particles in the cloud above a positively charged object on the ground.

Ball Lightning is a very rare occurence. Lasting less than five seconds, Ball Lightning is best described as small (4″ – 8″ in diameter) luminous balls that appear to leap from storm clouds, and quickly vanish.

Red Sprites are discharges that have a wide range of shapes. They discharge upwards, often in clusters, and will last longer than a normal lightning strike, leaving tendril-like branches for a few milliseconds. They look reddish orange in color.

Green Elves appear as flat, dim, greenish glows that expand out like a doughnut or saucer. They last for only a moment. They look greenish in color.

Blue Jets are cone-shaped bursts that project up from the top of a thundercloud in a cone shape at a very high speed. They are very bright. They are blue in color.

Train

Music

Calling All Angels

I first heard this song on a day that I really needed a sign that I was on the right path for my life. It was about 7 years ago I was on my way to a job interview with the company I have been with for the previous 15 years. My anxiety was trying to get the best of me and I was wondering if this was worth all the stress and worrying.

Then this song came on the radio and made me realize that I’m never alone. There is a greater plan for all of us if we choose to believe. Some people will call this force God, Allah, Universe, to me it doesn’t matter what the name you choose to call it. It matters to me that you understand that you never have to struggle because there is a plan for your life.

You may think it’ s coincidence but when I am having a rough day this song will play on the radio and believe me I know it’s a sign meant for me because it’s an older song not usually played on the local radio stations.

My challenge for you today: Take notice of your surroundings, when you slow down and breathe you will start to notice signs all around you. It may come as a butterfly, rainbow, a bumble bee or a smiling face. If feeling overwhelmed, lost or alone remember there are many people like myself who are always willing to lend a helping hand.

“Calling All Angels”

I need a sign to let me know you’re here
All of these lines are being crossed over the atmosphere
I need to know that things are gonna look up
‘Cause I feel us drowning in a sea spilled from a cup

When there is no place safe and no safe place to put my head
When you feel the world shake from the words that are said

[Chorus:]
And I’m calling all angels
I’m calling all you angels

I won’t give up if you don’t give up [Repeat x4]

I need a sign to let me know you’re here
‘Cause my TV set just keeps it all from being clear
I want a reason for the way things have to be
I need a hand to help build up some kind of hope inside of me

[Chorus]

When children have to play inside so they don’t disappear
While private eyes solve marriage lies cause we don’t talk for years
And football teams are kissing Queens
and losing sight of having dreams
In a world that what we want is only what we want until it’s ours

[Chorus x2]

Calling all you angels [Repeat till fade]

Inspiring Pennie

“You don’t have to like someone to love them” Elise Hall

My family and I love a good lightning storm. With the first bolt of lightning Scott and the boys will grab their camera gear, jump in the jeep to try and capture that split second moment of glory.

There is nothing better for me than to feel the rumble of the thunder and the sizzle of electricity in the air. Even as a child I have fond memories of watching wonderful light storms with my Mom. There is something magical about storms. Storm season never lasts long enough for me.

Definition:

There are actually six types of Lightning, each having its own individual characteristics and colours: