Momsey's Fifth Anniversary Blog

Today is the fifth anniversary of The Momsey blog. It should not exist as blogging is so old news, last decade, with no photos or videos to watch, I was informed. Those opinions, however, have no meaning in The Momsey blog world. The Momsey editor, a part of the brain trust that encourages this old lady to write, has said so. Use your instincts. That is a good rule to follow. It makes sense. Second guessing is so time consuming and such a waste of time. (Momsey does not follow trends. It is a form of control).

Since beginning The Momsey Blog - 5 years ago - I turned parts of family history into interesting stories, some of them possible life lessons. I have learned the importance of soaking grains, toasting nuts, before using them, for cooking, eating and baking. Under the guise of 'new recipes' or 'menu changes', in the dining-out world, food changes have taken place to reflect a new dichotomy, higher prices for smaller packages, menu portions and perhaps changes in 'ingredients' to reflect an unexpected assault on our taste buds.

When we dine out, we leave our health up to the discretion of the restauranteur not knowing if he/she understands the health ramifications of it all. Does too much salt mask an underlying problem? Sugar is still our nemesis, regardless of how it is used. A decades old recipe for tarts, found recently, listed 2 cups of corn syrup and 2 cups of sugar. Oh, my, how scary is that? Organic sugar is better but it is still sugar. Reduce. Reduce. TheMomsey does not drink soda pop. I used to, as a teen, and it was orange crush. This 'sugary' fizzy drink is not a food group, never was. It was a party beverage or mix, nothing more. I watched a documentary recently, about The Family Farm - (Canadian). A quote popped up on the television screen comparing the cost of buying organic versus the cost of cancer. The answer was obvious. Cancer costs more! We all knew that.

The videos of animal abuse never ends. Why? Why? I wondered about my ability to remain topical or current. But my young editor, at 25, thinks I am one of the best. I try to be. Lucy had a baby two weeks ago: mid-wife and no medication. She refuses to let me stop as the world needs to hear about what I have to say, she says. I'm not sure. I am only one voice. I write about those things I strongly believe in, know and have experienced. I have no social media foot print, no Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook. Nothing. Not interested. There is no time for that. I have a very normal, busy life that suits me just fine and requires me to be fit, engaged and laughing. I am so grateful. During the past five years, I have raised Mr. Wiggles, and his sister, attended to an aging pet who died the day after Christmas in 2012, and am caring for a 'chronic' cat who is carrying on as though time has stood still. She has faced impending death on two occasions. Do cats really have nine lives? I'm not sure how many I have. Tiggy has taught us all lessons about never giving up, ever!

Writing the Momsey blog has given me insights and courage. I am an old lady intending to pursue a double degree - masters, doctorate - on my terms. Several universities will be approached. I will probably be declined. That is O.K. My spirit will not be deterred. I might be, though. At this point in my life, I really don't care. I'm odd, I get that. But we're all different, in some ways. I am caring and boring, too,  interested in people, a lover of animals and home-made food. I think I would love to work in a zoo, part-time. I would probably be reprimanded for kissing the animals. The rest of the day would be spent cleaning the 'stuff' off myself.

The music video will happen, dispelling the stereotypes of special children. It must be done.They are not slow. We are. Writing a blog has been both a delight and hard work. I do not take my audience for granted. I have a job to do so I try to do it. I am honoured and have learned much from any research undertaken to fully understand any topic, even when I knew the subject well. ... I'm becoming impatient. It's about time. I want to bar hop and drink occasionally. I used to do it. I can handle it because I am mature, for the time being.

My children are brilliant people. Nothing is left to chance and they have taught us well. Three are biological; the other three, 'adopted'. I never imagined that the future would bring three bright young women, up close and personal, to adorn my elaborate personal landscape. We smile together, eat together and laugh, too. Sometimes, we dine out as ladies sometimes do. We listen to each other, encouraging one another along the way. One is tops in her field of finance; another, a teacher with a masters degree, and the third, a singer and president of her own music company. How did I get so lucky! Such dynamic women are now a part of my 'domain'. Our animal 'family' raised our boys to be ready for these young ladies. They had to be. I was waiting for them.

Fermentation, GMO, animal health, hyperthyroidism - ( the chronic illness of our precious 'discarded', in -25 degree weather, 14 years ago, kitty cat), apples, pre-biotics, celery, pro-biotics and the 'plays' of government have all taught me that we must listen and learn while taking nothing for granted. ... What do clinical trials really mean? And who are the test subjects, anyway? Do they know? And who is in charge? Are they qualified, any day of the week? Are results being fudged?

I'm suspicious of everything now. Is our 'Mr. Wiggles' a cute pink retriever or the newest daughter I've always wanted. Oh, My. I am so silly. Which brings me to the end. Read, read, read and think some more. Ask the questions that need asking. Never stop thinking. Then ask questions of the answers you were given. Do they sound plausible? Do they all make sense? Scientists are lifelong masters of the question and get paid to do it. We should be, too. Never waste the skill. It really matters, more than we could have ever 'thought'.