Author Archives: ruthalanna

Spring blows in, with warmer winds, chirping birds and blooms galore. We can hear, feel and smell the change all around us. The sun beats down and the heat radiates up from the ground beneath us. We enjoy the longer days, the warm breeze coming off the water and the carefree ways of summer. FallContinue reading “Seasons of change”

I recently learned that a common idiom used by so many – myself included – was actually an abbreviated adaptation of said expression. However, the moral conveyed by the shortened version is a distortion of the initial idea.  It actually eradicates the essence of the fundamental message. How many times have you heard or usedContinue reading “Pearls, Oysters and… Swords”

What drives you? Where are you heading? When will you arrive? How is your engine fueled?      But most importantly – who is at the wheel? What is it, exactly, that is guiding you through this voyage? Things change, people evolve, but our moral compass should remain relatively steady, providing guidance and sending us signalsContinue reading “Moral compass”

As I set out on a half-marathon training run the other day – the first since Covid and the onset of a lingering knee injury – I hesitated. For a split second I debated grabbing my air pods – in order to give me a boost during those few hours of running. Disclaimer: I haveContinue reading “Digging Deep”

I am reminded as of late of the importance of roots – and the fact that these lifelines even exist.   A tree’s roots provide it with water and nutrients allowing it to grow and bloom. A tree’s roots also anchor it to the ground, securing it firmly in place, so that it can standContinue reading “Deeply rooted”

We are born into family or placed into them without much input. But we choose our friends. (Sidebar: Wow – did I ever choose wisely?!?!) Some friendships are fleeting. They serve a purpose in the moment.  They are born of circumstance and may not have the wherewithal to withstand the trials and tribulations of aContinue reading “The one about Friends”

Things are not always as they appear. The rip current that can sweep you out to sea isn’t that obvious from your beach chair. Yet, appearances hold such a prominent place in our lives. That view from your beach chair – WOW – this has to be shared! We rely heavily on first impressions, tendingContinue reading “Silver Lining.”

Hi, my name is Ruth and I am 48 years old. Nice to meet you! Our West Highland Way adventure began in the picturesque town square of Milgavie. As we set out with 50-pound backpacks tightened carefully on our hips and nothing but many kilometres of hiking ahead, I reflected on age, aging and theContinue reading “Ageless”

Dreams. They come to us at night, when we are in a state of rest – when the mind is open to the disturbance, the diversion, the dream. Quite the opposite of controlled thoughts, the ones that run rampant all day, everyday: order and discipline; right and wrong; black and white. These are the onesContinue reading “Coffee in the park.”

Yesterday was pretty exciting. And also, a bit anxiety provoking, but mostly full of giddy anticipation. I was on my way to Europe…for the first time. As I prepared to leave yesterday, I was struck by the dramatic role reversal: the vision of the parents leaving home with our carefully stuffed backpacks while our childrenContinue reading “Back to the future”