tracyschruderblogspot

The Writer in Me

  • 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.

    💫😊💫

  • A Life Coming Together

    What will your life be like in three years?

    By Tracy Schruder

    “As I gaze into the next three years, I see my life unfolding in perfect harmony with my goals and dreams. With my book, “Journey To A New Self,” launching next month, I’m thrilled to share its message of ultimate wellbeing and success with women worldwide.

    The coming year will be a whirlwind of activity, as I dive into promoting my book while nurturing my Reiki practice and school, “A Lighter Touch.” Our brick-and-mortar clinic is set to become a reality, offering a holistic haven with services like Reiki, pelvic health, Qi-gong classes, hand mudras, meditation, grounding, herbal remedies, crystal energy lessons, and specialty programs in tarot and spell crafting. At its heart will be a warm, welcoming space that fosters connection, growth, and healing – a true sanctuary for body, mind, and spirit.

    As I continue to teach Reiki online and in-person, I’m excited to see my students flourish and grow. My vision is to create a supportive community where women can discover their passions and live their best lives.

    With my husband’s upcoming retirement in three years, I’m looking forward to sharing more quality time together, hand in hand.

    Ultimately, my greatest goal is to know that my work has positively impacted others. I hope the women who read my book will find inspiration and success on their own journeys, and I’m eager to see the ripple effect of my efforts.

    The next three years are full of promise, and I’m ready to take the leap, embracing growth, learning, and connection.”

    💫✍️💫

  • Laugh, Love, Laugh

    Invent a holiday! Explain how and why everyone should celebrate.

    By Tracy Scruder

    “A smile stretched widely across my face with the corners of my mouth dug deeply into my cheeks, when I read the daily prompt today. I relish the opportunity to invent a holiday that everyone should celebrate and explain why?”

    I’m laughing right now because this prompt brings to mind the Jerry Seinfeld episode where George’s dad created the a holiday called Fedtvus 😂. The episode was called “The Strike”. “The Strike”, was the 10th episode of Season 9 of Seinfeld, where Frank Costanza, who played George’s father, introduces the holiday Festivus.

    Festivus is celebrated on December 23rd and involves several unique traditions –

    • The Festivus Pole: An unadorned aluminum pole serves as an alternative to the Christmas tree.
    • The Airing of Grievances: During dinner, each person shares their grievances with others, highlighting ways they’ve been disappointed throughout the year.
    • Feats of Strength: The celebration concludes with a wrestling match between the head of the household and another member, typically George, to determine if the holiday can continue.

    Side note : The episode’s writer, Dan O’Keefe, based Festivus on a similar holiday his father created in the 1960s. While some aspects, like the aluminum pole, were invented for the show, others, such as the airing of grievances, were part of the real-life celebration.

    I will create a holiday called Laughalot Weekend

    Laugh-a-lot weekend is a 3-Day Celebration of Laughter and Togetherness. This holiday weekend will take place on the first Friday in February every year.

    Laughalot weekend

    Day 1: Friday – “Laughter Day”

    1. Outdoor Games:
      • Scavenger hunt with funny challenges
      • Water balloon toss with silly prizes
      • Lawn games like giant Jenga, cornhole, or a giant slip ‘n slide
    2. Board Games:
      • Cards Against Humans or Cards Against Humanity
      • Jenga, Pictionary, or other party games
    3. Round Table Discussions:
      • “What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?”
      • “If you could be any cartoon character for a day, who would you choose and why?”
    😂✨😂

    Day 2: Saturday – “Sitcom Saturday”

    1. Sitcom Binge:
      • Choose a favorite show (e.g., Friends, The Office, Seinfeld) and have a marathon viewing session
      • Provide funny snacks and drinks
    2. Karaoke Contest:
      • Sing your favorite comedy songs or silly lyrics
      • Offer prizes for best performance, worst performance, and most entertaining
    3. Props:
      • Funny hats, wigs, and accessories
      • Inflatable guitars or microphone

    Day 3: Sunday – “Sunny Sunday”

    1. Outdoor Activities:
      • Host a comedy picnic or BBQ
      • Play outdoor games like capture the flag, tag, or frisbee golf
    2. Gratitude Circle:
      • Gather around the table and share things you’re grateful for
      • Discuss how laughter has positively impacted your life
    3. Props:
      • Funny sunglasses or oversized novelty glasses
      • Smiley face balloons or props

    Additional Props:

    • Joke books or comedy scripts
    • Funny masks or costumes
    • Silly string or whoopee cushions
    • Laughter-inducing games like “Would You Rather” or “Two Truths and a Lie.”

    Why Celebrate Laughalot Weekend?

    Laughter is indeed the best medicine! Laughalot Weekend is a chance to:

    • Relax and unwind: Take a break from the stresses of everyday life and enjoy quality time with loved ones.
    • Create memories: Share funny moments and make new memories with family and friends.
    • Boost mood: Laughter releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and overall well-being.
    • Foster connection: Laughing together brings people closer and strengthens relationships.
    • Spread love and positivity: Share laughter and joy with others, and watch it spread like wildfire!

    So, mark your calendars for Laughalot Weekend and get ready to LOL, giggle, and guffaw your way through a fun-filled three-day celebration!

    Let’s make Laughalot weekend a national holiday! It’s power will lighten the load on a heavily burdened society. Deep belly laughter is strongly encouraged 😂!

  • Exploring The Web

    What are your favorite websites?

    By Tracy Schruder

    “The platforms that inspire me are:

    “Being a passionate writer and online curious, I’m always on the lookout for platforms that inspire creativity and encourage connection. Some my favorite websites are WordPress, Facebook, YouTube, Google, and Wikipedia. Each platforms offers unique benefits that amplify my online experience.

    WordPress is my all-time favorite platform for blogging. I’ve enjoyed reading blogs from talented writers since 2015. I appreciate the flexibility and customization options that WordPress offers. Whether I’m seeking inspiration or sharing my own stories, WordPress provides the perfect space for self-expression.

    Facebook

    Facebook keeps me connected with friends, family, and like-minded individuals. I enjoy staying updated on current events, sharing personal experiences, and engaging with others in thoughtful conversations.

    YouTube

    YouTube is my go-to destination for video content. I love watching tutorials, vlogs, and educational videos on a wide range of topics. The platform’s vast library of content ensures that I can always find something that interests me.

    Google

    Google is a valuable tool for research and information gathering. With just a few clicks, I can access a wealth of information on any topic imaginable. Whether I’m looking for answers to specific questions or exploring new interests, Google is always there to help.

    Wikipedia

    Wikipedia is another valuable resource that I frequently turn to. I appreciate the platform’s commitment to providing accurate and unbiased information on a vast array of subjects. Whether I’m researching a specific topic or simply browsing, Wikipedia is an invaluable resource.

    Overall, these websites have become an integral part of my online experience. They provide me with endless opportunities for learning, connection, and creativity. I’m grateful for the role they play in my life, and I’m excited to see how they’ll continue to evolve in the future.”

    💫✍️💫

  • Crones Amongst Us

    By Tracy Schruder

    “I come from a long line of spiritual and holistic women, whose homes were centered around the warmth and love of the hearth. In our ancestral homes, cauldrons would simmer on wood-burning cook stoves, filling the air with moisture and fragrant aromas. Every item was handmade with love and care, from the brooms to the remedies.

    My birch bark Bassoon (broom)

    Our family’s treasured book of teachings was passed down through generations, containing recipes, notes on natural plants and their healing properties, and secrets of teas and potions.

    Homemade Tea
    Some herbs and spices
    Homemade smoke sticks
    Lavender smudge
    Spell kits

    This sacred book was typically entrusted to only two female members of each generation, and my mother was one of them. She passed it down to my sister and me, and with it, the responsibility of carrying on our family’s traditions. As holders of the hearth, we’ve been blessed with special abilities that have been passed down through our lineage.

    My Tarot
    My pendulums
    I make bracelets
    My Red Pine wand

    We can see auras, read tea leaves, and tap into the wisdom of tarot cards. We’re oracles, sensing things that others might not, and we’ve learned to cultivate kindness, empathy, and compassion.

    These gifts came naturally to us, and I’ve been honored to continue my mother’s legacy.

    Moms staff -an ancient Hollywood tree root

    When mom passed away, I received her trusty staff, her poetry, and her writing. I inherited her recipes and secret spice list, and I’ve been working to preserve her traditions. But what’s even more remarkable is that my mother stayed with us for at least two years after she passed, watching over us from just out of sight. We’d catch glimpses of her from the corner of our eye, and I even captured a sign from her in a photograph – a message in the clouds that let us know she was okay.

    Look closely says mom and I see an image of her in there too.

    My mother used to share with us her dreams of her mother and grandmother, who would visit her and guide her through life’s challenges. During a surgery, she told us that she saw her mom and grandmother, who waved goodbye and told her it wasn’t time yet. These experiences have deepened my connection to the spiritual realm and my understanding of the mysteries of life and death.

    My beautiful mother

    For me, the hearth represents a place of love, nourishment, and spiritual growth. Besides my Reiki practice, I find joy in creating teas and homemade remedies, and I love crafting spell packages for my clients and customers.

    I’m guided by my reverence for the universe and the divine power that flows through me. Though I’m just a spark of the divine, I’m proud to be a part of this lineage, carrying on the traditions and wisdom of my ancestors.”

    Meandering Oil and acrylic on canvas painting by me

  • Terrible Teens

    Is there an age or year of your life you would re-live?

    By Tracy Schruder

    There’s one year of my life that I’d love to relive – my sixteenth year, but only if I could do it with the knowledge and wisdom that I have today. You see, I believe that knowledge is power, and knowing better enables us to do better.

    Back then, I was a lost and confused teenager, navigating a tumultuous phase that I affectionately refer to as my “Terrible Teens.” During this time, I made a host of bad decisions that dramatically altered the course of my life. I wasn’t mature enough, nor was I wise enough, to make informed choices.

    The consequences of those decisions were far-reaching, and it took me the better part of my twenties to repair the damage. However, I’m grateful to say that I’ve since shed the guilt and shame associated with my actions. I recognize that I was just a kid, and at sixteen, everyone is still very much a child. Looking back, I feel a sense of anger towards the adults in my life who convinced me that I was old enough to live on my own and make adult decisions.

    Some of those decisions hurt me deeply, and I didn’t understand the consequences at the time. I certainly wasn’t mature enough to navigate the aftermath without causing more harm to myself and others. There were times when I felt like giving up, and I would often skip school or disengage from my responsibilities. Despite struggling in school, I managed to show up for work, likely due to the fact that I needed to earn a living.

    It wasn’t until I hit the age of eighteen that I began to smarten up, but I wouldn’t become truly responsible until I turned twenty-two.

    If I could relive my sixteenth year with the knowledge I have today, I would have made better choices. I would have stood up to the adults in my life and told them that they should be ashamed of the path they encouraged me to take. I would have thrived in school, finished my education, and possibly pursued higher education earlier in life.

    I might have become a young parent, and maybe even built a different life. I wouldn’t have turned to drugs to numb the pain of my decisions, nor would I have sought validation and security in unhealthy relationships. Instead, I would have been able to help other teenagers in similar situations make better choices. I would have listened more to the responsible adults in my life and respected their guidance.

    My “Terrible Teens” were a frustrating and depressing time in my life. It was a period that should have been filled with joy and exploration, but I just wanted to escape. I know now that I was just as capable and deserving of happiness as my more successful peers, but back then, I didn’t feel that way about myself. I was too hard on myself, and I let others dictate my path. None of this would have happened if I knew then what I know now.

    “The catch-22 of this change is a paradox I’ll never fully resolve – would I have become the adult I am today if I hadn’t struggled back then? While the answer remains unknown, one thing is certain: I’m grateful for the person I’ve become and the journey my life has taken. The struggles, though difficult, have shaped me into who I am today, and for that, I’m truly thankful.”

    💫✍️💫