by Ruth Griffiths

Hope is a gift that you give to yourself. You can be inspired by many things to feel hopeful, but ultimately, you have to allow yourself to receive the gift of hope. You choose hope over hopelessness. No one else can do it for you.

I choose hope when I believe that my life has purpose. It doesn’t matter what I choose to do. It matters only that I take the gifts I have been given and use them to improve my life and the lives of those around me and in my community.

My father tells a story about me when I was a toddler. As we gazed at the twinkling stars, I asked, “Why are we here, Daddy?” Indeed, it’s a question I’ve asked my whole life. “Why am I here?”

Often, I am satisfied by the formula offered by the prophet Micah: “to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” But in the midst of the jangling insanity of our war-mongering world, sometimes the peaceful path doesn’t seem like enough.

I can also give myself hope when I find the courage to start over. Taking a new path, is not defeat; it’s a sign of strength. Staring over recharges our spirit and keeps us moving forward in life.

Perhaps because the anniversary of his death is approaching, I have been thinking about the lessons my father taught me by living them out. He changed careers at least six times during his life. Perhaps he hid his hesitation and fears from me, but I remember his life as one courageous move after the other… something like the chess game at which he excelled. When I have had to make career changes that looked like defeats, I have continued to have hope, a gift from my father that I have chosen to accept.

Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. Forgiveness provides hope for a new start. When we fail to forgive, pain still has power over us. It doesn’t matter if we caused that pain through our own actions, or if we felt injured by another. When we forgive, we give ourselves hope for a new beginning.

The themes of Advent, the season leading to Christmas, are hope, peace, joy and love. Next week, I will write about peace.

by Ruth Griffiths

Hope is a gift that you give to yourself. You can be inspired by many things to feel hopeful, but ultimately, you have to allow yourself to receive the gift of hope. You choose hope over hopelessness. No one else can do it for you.

I choose hope when I believe that my life has purpose. It doesn’t matter what I choose to do. It matters only that I take the gifts I have been given and use them to improve my life and the lives of those around me and in my community.

My father tells a story about me when I was a toddler. As we gazed at the twinkling stars, I asked, “Why are we here, Daddy?” Indeed, it’s a question I’ve asked my whole life. “Why am I here?”

Often, I am satisfied by the formula offered by the prophet Micah: “to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” But in the midst of the jangling insanity of our war-mongering world, sometimes the peaceful path doesn’t seem like enough.

I can also give myself hope when I find the courage to start over. Taking a new path, is not defeat; it’s a sign of strength. Staring over recharges our spirit and keeps us moving forward in life.

Perhaps because the anniversary of his death is approaching, I have been thinking about the lessons my father taught me by living them out. He changed careers at least six times during his life. Perhaps he hid his hesitation and fears from me, but I remember his life as one courageous move after the other… something like the chess game at which he excelled. When I have had to make career changes that looked like defeats, I have continued to have hope, a gift from my father that I have chosen to accept.

Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. Forgiveness provides hope for a new start. When we fail to forgive, pain still has power over us. It doesn’t matter if we caused that pain through our own actions, or if we felt injured by another. When we forgive, we give ourselves hope for a new beginning.

The themes of Advent, the season leading to Christmas, are hope, peace, joy and love. Next week, I will write about peace.

by Ruth Griffiths

On this day in 1877, the North-West Territorial Council in Regina passed a law for the protection of the buffalo. But it was too little too late.

When European explorers first visited western Canada vast herds of bison dominated. As many as 60 million roamed the North American plains. By the late 1880s they were almost extinct. The herds that once stretched from horizon to horizon had been reduced by excessive slaughter to a few scattered survivors.

The Buffalo Protection Act provided for a closed season on cows from Nov. 15 to Aug. 14. But enforcement was almost non-existent.

The wood bison of the north were threatened too, but hung on a little longer. The North West Mounted Police helped to enforce the bison-hunting season and the wood bison populations recovered slightly. It is ironic that the NWMP wore buffalo coats in winter.

The bison were the mainstay of the Plains aboriginal people. The wood bison were also important to the First Nations living in the boreal forests where the fur trade was most active. Bison meat was the best for making pemmican that was sold to the fur traders. Some suggest that for northern peoples the income from selling pemmican was more important than income from furs.

Making pemmican was, of course, women’s work. The bison meat was cut, dried over a cool fire, pounded into a powder, mixed with rendered fat and dried berries and sealed into a skin bag by pouring fat over it. It was something like making sausage. If the pemmican was kept dry, it would keep for months. It was easily transported and could be stashed under piles of rocks for emergency use.

The pemmican could be fried or crumbled into boiling water to make a soup. It must have been a very monotonous diet for the voyageurs that transported furs from the interior of Canada to markets at Red River or further east.

Wet pemmican became moldy but they would eat it anyway. I guess if you’ve been paddling a canoe all day, even bad food is better than none.

by Ruth Griffiths

Singing in the choir is a very important part of my life. It’s energizing. It’s relaxing. It helps me to feel like I’m contributing to something bigger than myself. It’s fun.

While I’m working around the house I hum to myself. I sing in the car. I dance to the radio in the kitchen. But singing with other people is quite different than singing by myself. So every Thursday evening, for as long as I can remember, I head out to choir practice. It’s an important part of my life.

You can lose yourself in a choir. It’s not that you need to hide your vocal weaknesses (although that can be good too). But singing with a group helps you to feel less self-conscious. It helps you to stretch yourself musically.

I was fortunate to sing with a mass choir at Knox United in Saskatoon. The 300 voices and the massive organ shook that venerable Spadina Avenue church. When we hit the final fortissimo, the stained glass windows shook. It was fabulous.

A choir is greater than the sum of its parts. Choral singing allows us to combine our less than perfect voices to create an energy — a spirit —that lifts us beyond ourselves.

Psychologist Nick Stewart of Bath University conducted a survey that showed that people who participate in a choir enjoy a greater feeling of togetherness. The benefits of singing together are similar to the benefits of playing team sports.

Research has also shown that the hearts of choir members beat in unison. The breathing and heart rate are directly affected by the speed and pulse of the music. Reducing the variability of your heart rate has a positive impact on your health. It was also suggested that the ability of choral singing to regulate a nerve responsible for emotions and communication with others strengthens the feeling of cooperation.

Several studies have shown the mental health benefits of singing. Singing in a choir appeared to relieve symptoms of depression. Singing boosts oxytocin levels, which help control stress and anxiety.

Surprisingly, singing has a positive effect on lung disease. Cardiff University researchers showed that lung cancer patients engaged in choral singing had greater expiratory capacity than people who did not. Improve feeling of social wellbeing

Studies show that singing may help you live longer. Even if you won’t win any prizes for singing by yourself, you can still benefit from singing with others. The prize you win might be a longer, healthier and happier life.

by Ruth Griffiths

The mythical Dr. Doolittle thought he could talk to the animals:

“…think what it might mean,

if I could talk to the animals, just imagine it.

Chatting to a chimp in chimpanzee

Imagine talking to a tiger, chatting to a cheetah

What a neat achievement that would be.”

Most people talk to their pets and many believe that their pet understands them to some degree. Although we might not make up a new language to communicate with animals, like Dr. Doolittle did, we create words for animals sounds.

In kindergarten, the cat goes “meow” and across the hall in French immersion, the cat goes “miaou”. In fact, most languages have similar sounds for our beloved kittens: German “miau”, Italian “miao”, Swedish “mjau”, Russian “myau”, Vietnanmese “meo” and in Estonian, a nasal “nau.”

English is a language that freely borrows and assimilates words from many languages. For example an “English speaking” dog might go “bow wow”, but it could just as easily go “woof woof” like a Hebrew dog or even “ruff ruff.” (Perhaps it is a Scotty.) That French poodle goes “ouah ouah” and the Finish version is “vuff” or “rouf”. The German dog goes “wuff wuff” and his Spanish cousin says “guf guf”.

Sometimes the sounds animals make vary greatly from language to language. A North American pig goes “oink” but in Japanese it says “buu,” and in Swedish a pig makes a rather logical “noff” at the trough. In German a pig grunts “grunz.” In Albanian the chunky pig goes “hunk.”

Although English ducks merely quack, Danish ducks go “rap”. A French duck goes “coin” and a Turkish duck says “vak.”

Frogs have a bewildering variety of sounds: English “ribbit”, Turkish “vrak.” In German frogs croak “kwaak” , in Turkish it’s “vrak” and in Hungarian “brekeke.” Cbinese frogs go “guoguo”, Korean frogs say “gae-gool.” In Japan it’s “kerokero”  and Thai frogs say “op op” as they hop. A Polish frog calls “kum kum” and Italian frogs say “cra cra.”

We may not be able to talk to the animals, but they certainly seem to be talking to us.

by Ruth Griffiths

I participated in two women’s camps this summer. At both camps, I was privileged to lead nature walks. We strolled through the forest, admiring the trees, flowers and mushrooms. We heard birds and squirrels. We watched curious deer, partly hidden by branches. Although it took some energy to conduct the walks, I found the experience energizing.

Studies show that a half-hour walk in nature restores memory retention. Ongoing exercise improves memory processes in older adults and children. Exercise helps build better brains.

Walking, especially walking outdoors, also improves our mood. My senses are awakened and stress seems to slip away when I stroll through my flower garden or walk in the park. Nature heals my soul.

Tired from a stressful day, I might think that streaming Netflix would be relaxing. Instead, extended screen time is actually fatiguing.

Instead of plopping down in front of the TV after supper, why not go outside for a walk instead? Even a walk around the block in the cool evening air will help to relax the mind and get the body ready for a good night’s sleep.

Think of walking as an activity. Help children get enough exercise by walking them to the playground. Go walking as a family group. I recall a wonderful stroll through Little Red River Park on a glorious Thanksgiving weekend.

When we encounter our parks through walking, those green spaces will become more valuable to us. We protect the things to which we have an emotional attachment.

Many city dwellers cannot name the plants and animals with which they share space outdoors. Take along a simple nature guide when you go on your walks. Make friends with the birds, trees and flowers by learning their names. Your memory will improve as you challenge yourself to name things along the trail.

Even if you don’t remember the names of the plants you encounter, the simple act of walking outdoors will energize your mind.

by Ruth Griffiths

The fall/fowl supper is an icon of the Prairies. It’s as traditional as Mom’s apple pie, or maybe pumpkin pie, if you prefer.

When the Saskatchewan Pavilion at Expo ’86 in Vancouver picked a menu, they recreated the fall supper complete with saskatoon berry pie, rhubarb pie and raisin pie. People lined up all the way around the pavilion and stood in line for hours to sample traditional roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, garden-fresh vegetables and home-baked buns. And keep the coffee and tea comin’!

Talented singers and dancers from Saskatchewan entertained those who ate at the pavilion. It was like a hometown talent show that totally won the hearts of everyone who attended. Many attended more than once, the food was that good. The pavilion got rave reviews in the local and national press. It was a smash hit.

That Expo pavilion succeeded because they didn’t need to reinvent the wheel. The community supper has been popular for generations and continues to be so. It’s a great place to meet your neighbours and make new friends.

Calvary United Church is holding one of the first fall suppers of the season on Sunday Sept. 17. There will be sittings at 4:30 and 6:15 p.m. Buy tickets in advance: adults $12, children 12 and under $6, preschool free. Tickets are available at the church office 306-763-8695. Families with young children get special treatment.

Years ago, when I worked full time as the Lifestyles Editor for the Daily Herald, I would prepare a full page of listings for the fall community supper season. Most featured turkey, but some included ham or beef. Some added cabbage rolls and perogies. All of them served pie. But the women (and men) who prepared those huge meals are getting older and are no longer able to produce the mountains of delicious food we have come to expect. There are fewer fall suppers today than there used to be.

I no longer go into the Herald office to write this column. I’ve retired and now work from home. So I don’t know if other groups have sent in information for the listing of upcoming events to publicize their fall suppers. I hope they will. I certainly wouldn’t want to miss one of those icons of the Prairies.

by Ruth Griffiths

Whether or not you have children in school, September is often the time we take up the challenge to live healthier and get fit. January may be the traditional time for making resolutions, but for many people the beginning of the school year is also the beginning of a self-improvement program.

The City of Prince Albert offers many fitness options on its website citypa.ca. For a description of programs and prices at the Margo Fournier Centre search for MFC Program Guide – Fall 2017. Drop-in classes at the Margo Fournier Centre are also included in your membership at the Alfred Jenkins Field House.

I help to contribute to that rich offering of fitness classes at the Margo Fournier Centre where I lead a program for older adults each Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at 9:30 a.m.  This drop-in program, called Easy Adult Fitness, is suitable for adults of all ages. The program is designed for people 55 and older, but several of the regular participants are in their eighth decade. At our age, we don’t have anything to prove, so we work at our own level to the best of ability and gently support the efforts of other participants. Easy Adult Fitness begins Sept. 6.

Canadian guidelines suggest we get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week plus muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week. That’s why every session of Easy Adult Fitness includes exercises that strengthen the legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms.

If you have a chronic health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease, talk with your doctor to find out if your condition limits your ability to be active. I’m not a physiotherapist or a personal trainer, so I can’t prescribe specific exercises for you.  But I can offer you an hour of fun on weekday mornings that will ramp up your metabolism and get you ready to take on the day.

Every Monday we do strength training using hand weights and a resistance band, then we relax into the week with chair-assisted yoga. You don’t have to get down onto a mat to reap the benefits of yoga.

The Wednesday and Friday classes rotate though a series of time-tested classes that provide some aerobic activity, some strength training and a lot of stretching. Some of the classes incorporate exercises on floor mats; those classes are clearly marked on the printed schedule. Because the class is drop-in, you can just skip the classes you don’t like and only pay for the classes that you attend. It’s a win-win situation.

Socialization is a big part of group fitness programs. You can come early and enjoy walking in the gym to warm up and chat with a friend. After class, many participants stroll down the hall to the Heritage Centre and enjoy coffee and conversation. Coffee is still 50 cents!

 I also lead a chair-assisted yoga class each Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Calvary United Church, 114 25^th St. E. The first class of the season is on Sept. 12. Come when you can and pay what you wish. You’ll find it is a pleasant pause in the week and a great time to take care of yourself.

by Ruth Griffiths

For the past 15 years, I have enjoyed attending Serenity Camp. It’s a four-day retreat for women at Heritage Lake Girl Guide Camp. During this wonderful weekend, we renew acquaintances and make new friends.

This year, Lillis Lawrence was the Guider in Charge, and Susan Prakash filled the role of first aider. Karen Hindle is usually our nurse, but was unable to attend this year, however her presence was felt because she had prepared in advance crafts and inspirational materials that many enjoyed.

Joanne Jansen and her daughter Jessica Jansen provided wonderful meals including blueberry muffins and pancakes utilizing the bumper crop of blueberries that are growing at the camp this year.

Elaine McMillan and Lindy Thorpe facilitated canoeing from early morning until sunset on clear water that was barely more than rippled. A daring few tested their balance on a paddleboard as part of the water activities facilitated by Elaine and Lindy. It was a wonderful weekend to be on the lake.

Even the stars co-operated to entertain us with the Perseids meteorite shower. We sat on the beach and oohed and aahed as falling stars flashed past the dancing northern lights reflected in the dark waters of the lake.

Mary McLeod again provided reflexology and massage for a minimal fee throughout the weekend. Laurie Fabrick returned to help participants produce colourful glass-inlaid stepping stones.

Pam Shynkaruk led a workshop on natural products. She helped participants make a healing lip balm and natural bug repellant.

Jan Olesko showed campers how to make willow wreaths and decorate them with found objects.

Margaret Mehler demonstrated an old-fashioned jam-making technique that requires half the sugar of modern recipes.

As usual, I led nature walks and led yoga sessions on the beach. In addition, I assisted campers with the campfire programs and morning reflections as we raised the flag to start the day.

On the closing day, we used an inspirational ceremony that had been created by Karen Hindle.

Each person standing around the flagpole was given a circle of fabric, representing this material world in which we live. People live for appearances, judge others by their exterior, but it’s what inside that counts.

Next, each person was handed a small rock. The stone represents the earth, our strong foundation.

Each person received a feather, representing the wind, the air we breathe and the spirit of our faith.

The last item each received was a snail shell, representing the water… an essential element of every living thing on this planet.

The cloth was gathered into a pouch containing the stone, shell and feather. The closing ceremony ended as we were reminded “it’s what inside that counts.”

 Next year’s camp will be Aug. 10-13, 2018. Maybe you will join me?