tracyschruderblogspot

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  • A Canadian Favourite

    Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met?

    By Tracy Schruder

    Wayne Rostad

    “The Most Famous Person I’ve Ever Met: Wayne Rostad!

    Merrickville Fair

    I still remember the day that I met Wayne Rostad, it was at the Merrickville Fair. I was about eight years old , I believe. He was incredibly friendly and took the time to talk to me about his music and career. When I told him my name was Tracy, his face lit up with a huge smile, and we ended up having a wonderful conversation about his singing companion, Tracey Brown, from Family Brown Country. A very wholesome and entertaining, TV show that aired on Friday nights, on CJOH.

    Wayne Guest Stars on the show
    Family Brown County

    To my surprise, he asked me if I could sing, I responded with a shy nod. “I’m not the best but I’m not the worst.” I replied. Next thing I knew, he pulled out his guitar, and we practiced his set together! We spent a couple of hours singing and chatting. By the end of the night, he gave me his autograph. But the best part was when he mentioned my name on stage during his performance that night – it was such a thrill! He thanked me for our wonderful visit and for helping him prepare for his performance. My cheeks burned with both shyness and excitement. It felt really good.

    Over the years, Wayne made several trips to Merrickville, and he always made a point to say hello whenever he saw us. He even joked that he loved eating pizza from the Merrickville Restaurant and would often visit to see Mano and Maria, two wonderful people from Greece who had settled in Merrickville and built their dream.

    I was a huge fan of his show “On the Road Again,” and I never missed an episode. Nowadays, I see Wayne on hearing aid commercials and doing charity work for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. I feel a sense of pride knowing that he’s still making a difference and staying true to himself.

    Wayne’s personality has always been kind and inclusive, and he never let fame get to his head – his heart is just too big! He’s still the most famous person I’ve ever met, and I’m sure that if I were to cross paths with him today, he would remember me. I’ll never forget that awesome day at the fair, singing and laughing with Wayne Rostad!”

  • The Pure Love Experience

    What is good about having a pet?

    By Tracy Schruder

    “I often find myself thinking, if it’s possible to love a pet this much, having an actual child must be an out-of-this-world experience! If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you already know about my beloved pets, Gracee and Tygrr. For those who are reading for the first time, let me introduce these two furry loves of my life!

    Gracee
    Tygrr

    I think one of the best things about sharing my life with these pets is that they’re clean animals and relatively easy to care for. Of course, I won’t sugarcoat it – vet care, food, and hygiene are ongoing expenses that can add up. I’m not sure it’s as costly as raising a child, but I imagine the cost of caring for my two cats for a year is comparable to paying for a child into the first two years of life.

    Gracee and Tygrr have brought so much joy and love into my life. They have soft fur, they purr, they cuddle, and they meow (sometimes loudly!) to communicate with me. They even knead my thigh (ouch!) to show affection!

    One thing I’ve noticed is that if you’re conscious enough, your pet can take you deeper into reality. They have a way of neutralizing negative energies and warning you when you’re getting too upset or if you’re in danger. Gracee, in particular, is an excellent communicator. She’ll tap me on the shoulder or walk on me if I get upset, and meow loudly if she needs her litter box cleaned. She’s a master at getting my attention!

    Tygrr, on the other hand, is a bit more feisty. He hates to be groomed and will wind up a swat and strike if I go too far. But despite his rough exterior, he’s a softie at heart. He takes his medicine twice a day without a fuss, and if I forget, he’ll sit in front of me all day until I remember.

    What I love most about owning pets is the love and energy they bring to my life. They’re great company, they love to play, and they keep me active. But most of all, they make me feel needed and appreciated. They’re good pets, they bring good moods, and they make for a good life!”

  • A World Where Food and Water are Human Rights: A Hypothesis

    By Tracy Schruder

    My students and I, recently explored a bold hypothesis: what if food and water were considered fundamental human rights, being accessible to all?

    This idea sparked this blog post within we discuss the possibilities and implications of this vision, and how we can work together to make it into a reality.

    The Hypothesis

    Imagine a world where every person has access to nutritious food and clean water. A world where communities come together to grow and share food together and independently, fostering solid connections and a sense of accomplishment. To manufacture a new world where crime rates decrease, and people are free to pursue their dreams and goals, rather than struggling to survive.

    This vision is built on the idea that every individual has the right and entitlement to basic necessities like food and water. It envisions community-led initiatives, urban agriculture, and green spaces that provide fresh produce and promote environmental sustainability.

    The Power of Collective Consciousness

    As we explored this hypothesis, it became clear that a change in consciousness is necessary to make this vision a reality. We need a complete shift from a scarcity mindset to one of prosperity and abundance. We clearly recognizing the inherent value of all individuals and the interconnectedness of our world.

    Just by envisioning and discussing this possibility, we’re contributing to its emergence into reality. Through our thoughts, emotions, intentions, and conversations can shape the world we live in. As one of my students put it, “This dream starts with me.” I seconded that motion with a confident “Me Too!”

    Creating Change

    So, what can we do to bring this vision to life? We can start by cultivating a change in consciousness, recognizing the value of community and cooperation, and prioritizing human well-being and planetary health.

    Some potential strategies include:

    • Community-led initiatives and urban agriculture projects such as planting fruit trees along sidewalks and in public parks
    • Education and training in sustainable agriculture and food preservation such as revisiting how grandma canned food and dried food relearning how to preserve
    • Cooperative models for community gardens and food systems such as building the technology to organize and assemble sustainable watering systems and greenhouses
    • Advocating for policy changes that support food and water as human rights by recruiting members of parliament or becoming members changing policies and laws

    The Role of Spirituality and Personal Growth

    As we work towards creating systemic change, it’s essential to prioritize personal growth and spirituality. By cultivating inner peace, compassion, and clarity, we can sustain ourselves through the challenges of creating change and become more effective agents of transformation.

    A Call to Action

    We invite you to join us in exploring this vision and working towards a world where food and water are human rights. Share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences with us. Let’s co-create a future that prioritizes human well-being, community, and the health of our planet.

    Final Thoughts

    As we conclude this exploration, we’re reminded that the power to create change lies within each of us. By envisioning a better world and taking action, we can bring about a brighter future for all. Let’s continue to imagine, visualize, inspire, and co-create a world where everyone has access to the basic necessities of life.

  • My Favourite Piece Of Jewelry

    Name the most expensive personal item you’ve ever purchased (not your home or car).

    By Tracy Schruder

    “The most expensive personal item I’ve ever purchased is my diamond bracelet, a gift from my husband for our 25th anniversary.

    The morning of our anniversary my husband surprised me with a trip to our favourite jewelry store, Burns Jewellers.

    I decided that I would like to get another sapphire ring for my gift. I looked through the images on the website, on our drive there and found one I really liked.

    While we were at the jewelry store to buy the ring, I spotted this stunning bracelet in an another display case. The jeweler smiled and asked if we’d like to take a closer look, and I was immediately drawn to it.

    As she handed it to me, I couldn’t help but comment on its weight, and she smiled knowingly. I’m sure she was torn between revealing the price or letting me fall in love with it first! Either way, I was smitten. I tried it on and it was perfect. I asked the price and my husband hushed me told me not to worry about that. He told her to wrap it up he will take them both.

    My ring

    Five thousand dollars later, I left with two beautiful pieces of jewelry that hold a value far beyond their cost.

    I wear both pieces daily, and they’re a constant reminder of my husband’s love and appreciation. It’s a gift that will always be priceless, a symbol of our years together and the memories we’ve shared. It’s truly the most expensive personal item I’ve ever owned, and I’m so grateful to have it.”

  • Becoming An effective Reiki Energy Conduit: Supercharging My Practice

    By Tracy Schruder

    “Every Reiki and meditation client is a unique individual, with their own story, needs, and sensitivities. I design each session to honor their personality and preferences, asking upfront if they prefer music or silence. If music is their choice, I share my curated playlist – songs I’ve integrated into my subconscious through meditation and personal resonance. I’m familiar with the intensity of the vibrational resonance therefore, the results will be more intense.

    I believe that music is a powerful catalyst for healing, especially love songs that evoke strong emotions and visualizations.

    My clients’ curiosity and feedback inspires me to deepen my Reiki connection, and I’m excited to share this synergy with them.

    I encourage clients to explore music that resonates with them, meditating and visualizing as they breathe in the energy. Try different genres – Solfeggio to rock and roll – and rest in silence afterwards, feeling Reiki energy flow through your body and brain, dancing with the vibrations.

    For me, ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’ by Meat Loaf was a game-changer. As the tempo built, my inner body pulsed with energy, recalling joyful memories. My heart pounded, blood coursed through my veins, and energy flowed in and out from my hands, feet and the top of my head. This experience supercharged my Reiki practice and teaching, adding a unique layer to my services.

    Witnessing clients transform from pain to relief is a reward in itself, always reminding me of Reiki’s mysterious power. I’m grateful for this journey and thrilled to share it with others, supercharging their healing and growth.”

  • My Favorite Subject : French with Mrs. Bushby

    What was your favorite subject in school?

    By Tracy Schruder

    French Class

    My favorite subject in school was French class, and I owe that to my teacher, Mrs. Bushby, a remarkable Francophone woman who taught me not only the language but also about life. She was an exceptional educator who had overcome the challenges of polio to become an inspiring teacher.

    Mrs. Bushby was an extremely intelligent woman who seemed to know a little bit about almost everything. She taught French, as well as kindergarten through grade three, and was also our school librarian. She wore a leg brace and sometimes drove an electric scooter, but that didn’t stop her from sharing her passion for the French language with us.

    I remember our French classes as more like drama classes! We’d have to get up in front of the class with a partner or group and act out French dialogues and conversations. Mrs. Bushby would test us often and coach us on our pronunciation. It was a fun class, and you could often hear laughter coming from her classroom, which was located in the library.

    But what struck me most was the way Mrs. Bushby saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. She would smile at me and say, “Tu peux faire plus que ce que tu te permets de faire” (“You can do more than you allow yourself to do”). She even had a pet name for me, “petite mademoiselle jolie” (“little miss pretty”). I loved spending time with her, and she’d let me stay in the library during recess. We’d talk about books and how to take care of the library.

    One day, she asked if I wanted to work in the library rather than just hang out. I gladly accepted and learned the ISBN system and the Dewey Decimal System. I’d collect books from the cart and shelve them, check books in and out for students, and keep the library tidy.

    For me, French class with Mrs. Bushby was the ultimate favorite – not only did I get to learn a beautiful language, but I also got to learn from a beautiful human being who left a lasting impact on me.

    Parlez vous Français?

    Mon Cours Préféré: French avec Mme Bushby

    Par Tracy Schruder

    Mon sujet préféré à l’école était le français, et je le dois en grande partie à Mme Bushby, une Francophone exceptionnelle qui m’a enseigné non seulement la langue, mais aussi la vie. Elle était une femme remarquable qui avait surmonté les défis de la polio pour devenir une enseignante inspirante.

    Mme Bushby était une personne extrêmement intelligente, qui semblait connaître un peu de tout sur presque tout. Elle enseignait le français, mais aussi les classes de la maternelle à la troisième année, et elle était également notre bibliothécaire scolaire. Elle portait un appareil orthopédique à la jambe et conduisait parfois un scooter électrique, mais cela ne l’empêchait pas de nous transmettre sa passion pour la langue française.

    Je me souviens de nos cours de français comme d’un véritable cours de théâtre ! Nous devions nous lever devant la classe avec un partenaire ou un groupe et jouer des dialogues et des conversations en français. Mme Bushby nous testait souvent et nous coachait sur notre prononciation. C’était un cours amusant, et on pouvait souvent entendre les rires provenant de sa classe, qui se trouvait dans la bibliothèque.

    Mais ce qui m’a le plus marqué, c’est la façon dont Mme Bushby m’a vue, moi et mon potentiel. Elle me souriait toujours et me disait : “Tu peux faire plus que ce que tu te permets de faire.” Elle m’appelait même “petite mademoiselle jolie” ! J’adore passer du temps avec elle, et elle me laissait rester à la bibliothèque pendant la récréation. Nous parlions de livres et de la façon de prendre soin de la bibliothèque.

    Un jour, elle m’a demandé si je voulais travailler à la bibliothèque plutôt que de simplement y être. J’ai accepté avec joie, et j’ai appris le système ISBN et le système décimal de Dewey. Je collectionnais les livres sur le chariot et les rangeais, je les enregistrais et les sortais pour les étudiants, et je maintenais la bibliothèque propre et ordonnée.

    Pour moi, le cours de français avec Mme Bushby était le meilleur, non seulement parce que j’ai appris une belle langue, mais aussi parce que j’ai appris d’une belle personne qui m’a laissé un impact durable.

  • Setting Boundaries with Screen Time

    How do you manage screen time for yourself?

    By Tracy Schruder

    “For me, managing screen time is about setting clear boundaries and being intentional with my technology use. One of my personal rules is to keep my phone and computer off-limits when I’m spending time with others. It’s a way to be present and fully engage with the people around me.

    I also make it a habit to shut down my devices every night, and I don’t turn my phone back on until I’ve had my morning coffee. This simple routine helps me start the day feeling grounded and focused.

    I’m also a firm believer in the power of human connection, which is why I’d rather make a call than send a text. There’s something about hearing a friendly voice that makes a world of difference.

    When it comes to responding to messages, I try to give others the same respect I would like to receive. I don’t feel pressured to respond immediately, and I believe it’s okay to take my time. If it’s truly urgent, I’m always happy to receive a call or a visit.

    The great thing is, screen time has never been a real issue for me. I use my phone and computer as tools, not the other way around. It’s all about finding a healthy balance and being mindful of how technology fits into my life.”

  • The Vibrational Energy of Singing

    By Tracy Schruder

    “I’ve always had a sneaking suspicion that singing brings desired realities into form. This intuition likely stems from the songs of the Irish elderly women in my family. They embodied the rich tradition of singing while they work. Their songs were an instrument that amplified the power of music. Through the songs that accompanied every task, everything from domestic chores to working in the fields.

    As I sit back and remember, I can almost hear my mother’s voice. Every word – up beat and full of charm, and chime.

    I remember the way she would sing while cooking, adding her voice as a special spice. Mom always sang over the food she was preparing. Her songs sang during cleaning, or tending to the garden, often had word’s filled with inspiration and instructions. Our days were often filled with song. Even her criticisms and humor were laced with melody. It sounded as if music was woven into the very fabric of her being. It was a way of life that infused every moment with meaning and connection.

    Me and mom

    This tradition of singing while working is a legacy that dates back centuries in Ireland, where women played a vital role in keeping music alive.

    They would sing while spinning, weaving, and working on traditional crafts, their voices lifting the spirits of those around them. The songs they sang told stories of love, hardship, and everyday life, preserving Irish culture and tradition. For these women, singing wasn’t just a way to pass the time; it was a way to create, to manifest, and to connect. It was a way to bring desired realities into form, to weave magic into the everyday. And it’s this legacy that has stayed with me, influencing my own understanding of the power of music and its ability to shape our lives.

    In the end, it’s clear that singing is more than just a form of self-expression – it’s a powerful tool for shaping our reality. When we sing, we tap into a vibrational energy that resonates with our deepest desires and intentions.

    We weave a spell of possibility, casting a net of sound and vibration into the universe. And as we do, we begin to notice synchronicities, coincidences, and unexpected opportunities unfolding before us. It’s as if the universe itself is responding to the frequency of our song, bringing our desires into form and manifesting our dreams.

    In this way, singing becomes a sort of magic, a way to alchemize our intentions into reality. And it’s this magic that I believe we all have the power to tap into, whenever we choose to sing.”

    💫✍️💫

  • A Tribute to Wild Grapevine

    By Tracy Schruder

    The wild grapevine’s woody vines so long,
    Climbing swiftly, never wrong.
    It wraps around each tree so tight,
    With silent snares, a wondrous sight.
    Through red pines, fences, and spruce so tall,
    It claims its space, never to fall.
    The thin tendrils curl and stretch with ease,
    Grabbing branches, covering all with expertise.

    Its flowers are pretty, sweet as can be,
    Transforming into berries for you and me.
    But oh, dear grapevine, your beauty shines,
    Not just in fruit, but in autumn’s designs.
    Gather bundles, soak them in the night,
    Dry for a day, and craft with delight.
    Weave baskets, crowns, and wreaths so fine,
    A symbol of life, entwined.

    Wind it round and round, a work of art,
    A wreath for Christmas, or any season’s heart.
    With gemstones shining, a treasure to behold,
    The wild grapevine’s beauty never grows old.

    Grapevine crown
    Grapevine crystal encrusted wreath Rose and clear Quartz
    Grapevine Basket
    Crystal encrusted wreath Amethyst and Clear Quartz

    Making Christmas Wreaths tomorrow 😊.

    Unfinished Grapevine Wreaths
    💫✍️💫

  • The Old Creepy Clock

    Do you need time?

    By Tracy Schruder

    Grandma thought we needed time, or possibly maybe she needed more time…. We inherited an old gingerbread clock from my husband’s grandmother. It was blackened with the hands of time. The colour resembled tar, and it had the same consistency when we took off a test scraping. My husband told me of the history of the clock and how his grandmother brought it to Canada from Germany just before the Second World War. “It always sat centrally, above the fireplace on the mantle,” he continued. “My grandmother would wind it every day and then she would fix its hands to make up for the lost minute or two.”

    The clock was handled every day for eighty-plus years. It was a wedding gift from Dora’s (grandma) father. Grandma and Grandpa were married in the early nineteen hundreds, so I believe the clock to be at least a hundred years old.

    When we got the clock, we didn’t know much about patina, save for what we’d seen on the show Antiques Roadshow. We decided to strip, stain, and varnish it. We wound it up and used it for about three years. This clock would ring every hour on the hour for the amount of times of the hour.

    Yes, twelve rings at midnight, and all through the night. This never bothered my husband because he grew up during his summer breaks at Grandma’s. I got used to it in about three months and came to welcome its bell. It was soothing during sleep, for some reason.

    We would wind and set it daily, up into the second year of owning it. Then, for some reason, we could go a few days without winding it. Lucky strike, we thought.

    On occasion, I would come out of my bedroom and find the clock with its door wide open and the key on the floor. My husband would joke, “Grandma is keeping time for us.” I’d chuckle and try to see the humour, but deep down, I had a chill. I already have a sixth sense for these things, so I knew jokes or not, she was visiting us.

    The clock never needed dusting, either. The glass door remained crystal clear. Granny was keeping it clean, I thought. Although, based on the patina that was on the clock in the first place, I don’t imagine she was concerned about the dust.

    Clean clock

    It must represent the time warp that we’re experiencing, I thought.

    I cleaned it the once. I guess the goofy part is the clock itself stayed in that zone. With this clock, anything is possible. I read somewhere that keeping an old antique or non-functional clock in the main hub of your house could create a time warp of sorts. That time would be distorted in some way. I personally experienced unexpected delays and missed important deadlines. I felt as if time itself was haunted. Some days, we even seemed to lose time; others, we seemed to gain. It was like we lived in a time outside of time. Like déjà vu was becoming the norm. There was tension and arguments between us, for reasons we could not fathom.

    With this clock came a negative force of some sort; whether it was Grandma or something else, it didn’t matter – we had to give it credence. We decided to see if what I read had any truth to it, so we placed Grandma’s clock in the basement. And, what do you know, time became manageable again. No more delays, no more missed appointments or deadlines. The atmosphere of the house became joyful, loving, and understanding. We both excelled at living and growing.

    We still hear the clock chimes echoing up from the basement from time to time, and the door will be open on it some days, with the key laying on the floor. I just replace the key and close the door and whisper, “Thanks, Dora, we don’t need any time – we’ve got this.” And carry on.

    💫😊💫