Author: Pam
Stay in Your Lane of Continence Recovery
Comparing Your Continence Recovery with Others Can Slow Your Progress After prostate surgery, while a guy is waiting for the outcome and stressing about receiving news from the surgical team, another key thing most men want to know is, “How is my recovery of continence going compared to everyone else?” You went through something major,
Summer is Here…especially in the garden….
Every year, I celebrate the returning blossoms and quiet magic of my perennial garden, where roots deepen through the seasons and beauty faithfully returns each spring and brightens and grows throughout the summer and early autumn until it sleeps under the snow throughout the winter. I found a couple of beautiful poems to celebrate these
The Sunflower and Ukraine
The Russian-Ukrainian War has had two phases – the initial invasion in February 2014 and the full-scale escalation in February 2022. Can you imagine North America in full-scale (or even partial escalation) for this many years? As far as I can see, the state of the world is minimally impacting h0w we do business in
Why I Started Rise & Restore Coaching
Men Who Take Action, Not Men Who Wait The men I work with aren’t passive. They’ve already done what they were supposed to do. They’ve seen the doctors, followed the treatment plan, and gotten the all-clear. And then they’ve been left standing in a gap nobody warned them about: medically stable, but not functioning the
Thoughts About Fathers
Fatherhood is a huge challenge. Recently, as I was reading Scott Galloway’s “Notes on Being a Man”, several statements jumped out at me. One is that being a good dad means being good to the mother of your children. Did you raise a son who would insult a woman and then laugh? Why would anyone
When Life Gives You Lemons….
Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation. -Viktor E. Frankl Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passess the time. Vision with action can change the world. – Nelson Mandela Pain is inevitable. Suffering
The Joy of Creating – Dishcloths
Two weeks ago, I hosted a Bridal Tea for my future daughter-in-law and I was able to give away lots of dishcloths and homemade socks as prizes. I think most of my friends and family here are so used to receiving them that it has become “old hat” for them so, it was fun to
How Can I Help? Showing empathy is hard.
We have been through lots of challenges in our over 30 years together. We have basically seen what I would consider to be a lot of the big stressors in life – death of our parents at a young age (my mom at 57 years old), job loss and abuse at work, serious illness, etc.
Progress – Knitting a One-of-a-Kind Sweater
Have you ever had someone create something for you by hand? How do you feel about receiving something that has been made – usually over several hours or even months – by someone who loves you and cares for you? How do you show appreciation for a homemade gift? 1. Use it or wear it
The Easy Weeknight (or Weekend) Meal Tofu Stirfry
This meal is a family favourite. Tofu has many benefits: Complete Plant Protein: Tofu provides all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent primary protein source for vegetarians and vegans. Heart Health: Unlike animal proteins, tofu is naturally cholesterol-free. It is rich in polyunsaturated fats (omega-3s) and isoflavones that help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
Introducing: Penelope’s Palace and a Beautiful Bridal Tea for Lady Angel
Sunday, June 7th was a celebration to be remembered hosted by Penelope’s Palace Tea Room. https://penelopespalace.com/ Our hostesses are a mother and her 3 daughters who have been running the tea room for about 2 years. They went above a beyond to create a Bridgerton-themed experience from start to finish. The decor was equisite, a
Lupins in the Garden
We grew our lupins from seed several years ago. We planted them in our front garden and they have spread like wildfire. Lupins are striking members of the legume family known for their vibrant, towering flower spires. Native to both the Americas and the Mediterranean, these plants are popular garden additions that feature palmate leaves
Knitting Socks
Knitting socks is a highly rewarding, portable and versatile craft. Whether you are looking for a relaxing project or a way to level up your skills, here are 10 reasons why hand-knitting socks is the perfect hobby:
May Reading List 2026
Non-FictionEssentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeownHow do you do less but accomplish more? How do you choose the right things by using a selective criteria for choosing priorities? Don’t give away your power of choice. Change your outlook on the world. Women Who Spark After 50: Inspiriation to Reinvent and Reignite Your
Finding Beauty and Calm in Chaos
Do you ever have a moment where you just feel overwhelmed by the chaos around us? What do you do when you feel this way? I start with hydration and then I look around for something to be grateful for and then, I choose a meaningful task. I might exercise, go outside, complete a project
Rise & Restore: Coaching for the Recovery Nobody Sees
Most people know what prostate cancer treatment is supposed to save. Far fewer understand what it can quietly take away afterward. For many men, recovery after prostate surgery is not just physical. Even months later, some are still dealing with leakage, sexual changes, tension, embarrassment, or the exhausting feeling that their body no longer responds
A Prescription is not a Conversation
After my prostatectomy, I was referred to a urologist for the predictable erectile dysfunction. The referral was fast and the conversation was clinical, which was appropriate, but there was a prescription, a follow-up at six weeks, and that was the whole interaction. That visit, in compressed form, is what most men get for ED —
The Guy Who Played Tennis at Week Six
Somewhere around month four after my prostatectomy, I heard a story that really left me down-hearted. A friend mentioned a guy who’d started playing tennis six weeks after his prostate surgery. Six weeks! I was still using pads. I was still flinching when I coughed. I was still sitting in the car after appointments trying
Introducing Rise & Restore Coaching for Men
Some recoveries look complete from the outside long before they feel complete on the inside. After prostate cancer treatment, a man may be told that the cancer is gone, the surgery went well, the bloodwork looks good, or the medical team is satisfied with his progress. And all of that can be true. But at
Getting Ready for Summer…Moving out the Plants…
Every spring, I move my plants outside around the 24th of May weekend. All the reading I have done states that you should acclimatize your plants and I have never done that. I haven’t done it because I really didn’t have a place to acclimatize them. This year, I do! My son, Zachary and my
The Funfetti Dishcloth
Summer is coming and so this set of dishcloths is getting ready for the lazy, hazy, crazy days ahead. 10 Ways to Have Fun in the Summer (without breaking the bank):1. Most local libraries have a projector you can borrow, so you can plan a backyard movie night. Pop some popcorn, put out some chairs
Is it still cool to be kind?
Lately, I have been struggling with the idea of kindness. Cruelty and lying seem to have risen to the surface, as well as dehumanizing acts and the inability to just simply stand up (especially to power) and do what is right. I am currently putting everyone on notice that I am bringing back kindness –
Vegetarian Eggplant Ricotta Casserole
This is a simple a delicious lasagna-style meal that goes with a salad (or a little Italian sausage). I was able to get two small casseroles (one to eat and one for the freezer). It is SO important that when you are cooking, you need to consider making just a little bit more for a
Sunny Day Dishcloths
The sun is out today and so it is a perfect time to post these fun dishcloths that celebrate sunshine, warmth, blue skies and summer! Wake up each morning with gratitude in your heart for something, even on the difficult days. Walk in nature and most of all, invite positivity into your life. I used
Happy Mother’s Day!
I have learned that being a mom is just a lot of waiting in the end. You start waiting for nine months, in some cases you wait and wait just to get pregnant. You wait for your baby to sleep through the night, teeth to come, first steps – and then, you start waiting for
The Slow, Simple Crochet Life – 2 New Dishclothes
Hope lives in small, slow moments, in each compassionate choice. When we move with sincerity and gentleness and you will be able to navigate whatever comes your way. Never cease from exploring or trying new things. Authenticity – the true home within yourself – is a lifelong journey. Ground each act in presence. What is
Log Cabin Quilt – Complete
The final step in completing the log cabin scrap quilt is to put the binding on the quilt. I used bias binding. I sewed the initial edging of the bias binding to the right side of the quilt. I then wrapped it the back of the quilt and blind-stitched ALL the way around the quilt
The New Sock Pattern – April 2026
Another beautiful pair of socks using the new pattern. I have a box of sock yarn upstairs and I am slowly working my way through it. I am combining colours and continuing to create socks that make my heart happy. I am sure, along the way, I will be able to give them to someone
April 2026 – My Book List
Read, read, read! I am absolutely convinced that our world would be a different place if every single person from birth to death read (or listened to) at least one book every week. That would mean spending at least one hour per day reading or listening to fiction or non-fiction. that would be about 50
Archetypal Feminine Symbols
With Mother’s Day around the corner, I have been thinking a lot about the strength of women and how we can be better at supporting each other as friends, mothers, coworkers, aunts, mothers-in-law, grandmothers, etc. It is always surprising to me about the difference between how men and women are treated in the world. How
A Woven Look – Crocheted Dishcloth
These dishcloths are completed by changing yarn colour row by row. The crochet pattern has a stitch called “shell” and when you have completed a row of shells, you create the woven look by crocheting into the top of the previous row’s shells. It actually takes a lot of time (for a dishcloth) but, the
What is on your list this spring?
The first thing on my list this summer is gardening. My garden has really woken up in the last week. I am going to be taking the covers off of my roses this weekend and doing some more raking and cleaning up of sticks, etc. from my gardens. I will be ordering some mulch and
Pretty Flowers Dishcloth
The joy of putting together colours of yarn to represent the beauty if the garden is very satisfying. Take a breath, enjoy the simplest things in life, even the dishcloth you are washing your dishes with.
Pillows – The Finishing Touch
After completing my twister quilt, it was evident that the current pillows would not match. I wanted to continue to only use fabric from my stash. This was important to me because I have LOTS of fabric and though it is sometimes easier to buy fabric, I want to continue to work on sustainability. Pillows
My Podcast List
Who do you listen to? When I listen to a podcast, I want to hear people with educated, intellectual opinions who disagree and talk about issues. The podcasts that I have listed are the ones that I listen to weekly. I listen while I walk, ride, sew and work. These podcasts are informative and entertaining.
Hanging Out the Laundry…and other lost arts…
Often when I hand out the laundry, I think about my mom. She has been gone 30 years. She worked very hard all of her life and she did not have many modern conveniences for most of the time that she was raising 4 children (including indoor plumbing). I remember her handing out laundry all
The Shamrock Dishcloth – Faith, Hope, and Love
The shamrock a three-leafed clover, is one of Ireland’s most treasured and recognized symbols, deeply woven into the country’s history, culture, and faith. Its name derives from the Irish word “seamróg” (pronounced sham-rog), meaning “little clover.” Many mistakenly believe the shamrock s simply a lucky charm, but its true meaning runs much deeper. The three leaves of the shamrock old great significance,
Hope in the Spring Flowers
That is a beautiful sentiment. Spring flowers are a powerful symbol of renewal, resilience, and hope – representing the ability to bloom after a long, cold winter. Resilience and New Beginnings: Just as flowers push through cold, barren soil to bloom, they symbolize the ability to overcome hardship and start anew. A Symbol of Hope:
My Log Cabin Quilt – Sashing
All the rows of my log cabin single bed quilt are complete. I have not purchased any material to complete this quilt and I am really happy about that. I am now starting to sash the pieces together. I have attached a video on sashing to help you if you want to try this yourself.
Small Habits That Bring Joy
Sensory Pleasures: – warm sunlight on your skin– the smell of coffee– a warm fire – inside or out– smell of baking bread or cookies– a warm bed, cool sheetsSimple Acts: – a hobby -sewing, knitting, crocheting– exercise – yoga, pilates – stretching– doing something kind for someone– waking early – watching a sunriseCozy Comforts:
Bunny Dishcloths for Easter
Just can’t stop hopping around through my dishcloth crochet pattern book….Happy Easter!
March 2026 Reading List
I am now 3 months into my 175 book reading challenge. I am currently 2 books behind so, I am hoping for some warm, porch reading weather. I actually read 16 books this month and I am already 3 books into April. Teaching your children to read by themselves, quietly – the drop everything and
The NEW Sock Pattern…Large Size
I am really enjoying this new sock pattern. This time, I made the largest size. I love the pattern – it is called the hibernal stitch pattern and it is a 4 row repeat. This is also a top town pattern – it starts at the cuff and works its way down to the toe.
Cycling Season
Do you believe that our last day of cycling was December 5, 2025? It feels like SO long ago, but it is really just a little less than 4 months. This weekend, we took our bikes to Downtown Bike Hounds in Hamilton for their annual checkup. https://www.bikehounds.ca/2021/ This shop is the ultimate in bike purchases
How do you crochet a flower?
I have crocheted lots of different flowers. I have had great success with some and less success with some. What is success for you? For me, success is satisfactory achievement of a goal or project (sometimes it is “good enough” vibes), personal growth, overcoming challenges and feeling authentic. Challenging myself with projects is a growth
Sweet Potato Spanish Tortilla
This dish is Spain’s version of the frittata. Sweet potatoes add both colour and nutrition to this dish. The sauce is delicious and adds so much to this dish. This is an easy midweek meal that can include a number of different vegetables. You will enjoy every bite! Cube two large sweet potatoes, chop up
Where is Spring?
Spring lands in late March, but that doesn’t stop the snow from falling, the winds from blowing and the cold weather and cold rain from greeting us every day. Today, there are huge snowflakes falling outside AND Easter is around the corner. After a long snowy winter, we are all wishing for warm sunny days
Scrap Log Cabin Quilt – Step 2
In the process of creating my quilt for the second spare bed, I had to decide how to “quilt-as-you-go”. I am quilting it in strips using a diamond pattern. I have three different backings that I am using. I used three different backing fabrics because I didn’t want to purchase any fabric. Everything I have
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
It was time to do a little research on the “wearing of the green”! We commonly think of St. Patrick’s Day, 4 leaf clovers and corned beef and cabbage and Irish soda bread. Leprechauns and rainbows and pots of gold pop up everywhere. I always buy shamrocks for my house and I even have a
Dishcloths with Details
Have you ever planned a big event? I make lists, plan each detail and then remember that you do the best you can and then sit back and relax. Take a breath – remember, whenever you make plans, God laughs; Does that stop me from planning? Never, but I have learned over the years that
A “Quilted” Twister Quilt
I am so excited to share my completed twister quilt. I really wanted to have homemade quilts on all the beds in my house. I designed this quilt myself and used the “twister” ruler to create the blocks with ALL scraps and fabric from my stash. I purchased fabric for the backing. I am so
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies are absolutely delicious! Throw everything in a bowl, add chocolate or butterscotch chips and brew some tea and enjoy! Combine 1 cup of butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2/3 of a cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of peanut butter – mix until smooth. Add 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of
Just An Ordinary Little Dishcloth
Do you appreciate the ordinary things in your life? That has been one of the things I have focused on during 2026. This allows us to be grateful and kind and to stay. It also allows you practice mindfulness and living in the moment. I try to focus on one things at a time, savour
Easter Bunny Pockets
Every year, I enjoy creating a fun little treat for the people in my circle to celebrate holidays as the occur. Easter is around the corner and I found this cute little pattern. I am going to make a bunch of these (they take about one hour to make) and put a little treat (a
Spruce Mittens
This beautiful pair of mittens is being knit by Charles for me. I knit the same pattern for Angel in green. It is a beautiful pattern – NOT a beginner pattern. I like to try knitting patterns that are a bit more challenging. The time for knitting mittens is almost over as spring is around
Books I Read in February 2026
So far, I am two books behind this month. I am sure that I will catch up – the sun is out and warmer weather is on the way. Curling up in a chair (even with a blanket) in the sun is one of my favourite things to do. The snow is melting and I
A New Sock Pattern
I have been knitting one pair of socks every month for the last several years. I have shared pairs of socks with lots of people. This month, I started a new pattern. This pattern was sent to me by my Aunt Sue. Aunt Sue and I write letters back and forth almost every month. A
Flower Dishcloths for February
The first day of spring is Friday, March 20th – 23 days away. We are all ready to start seeing green grass poke out. The bulbs that I planted last Autumn will start pushing up through the still-cold soil – tulips, crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths. This dishcloths depict the flowers that are on their way
Happy 30th Birthday Cake!
Turning 30 is an amazing milestone, especially for Angel and Zachary as in 6 months, they will be married and begin their life together. We were so thrilled to be asked to create a birthday cake for their celebration. I used my now infamous lemon bundt cake recipe (gluten free). You can find it below:
Sewing Tutorial: A Sturdy, Quilted Pouch for Your Airwrap + Accessories
When it comes to sewing projects, making something three-dimensional is a fun challenge. Our future daughter-in-law, Angel, has a Dyson Airwrap hair curling tool. It comes in a rigid container, but for travel, she wanted a soft case for it and asked if we could make one. She picked a lovely pink denim for the
Uplifting Thoughts for Mid-Winter
Happiness is an activity.1. Go outside – feel the sun or wind on your face. 2. Try to fix something by yourself. 3. Water plants, repot plants, create a garden plan…anticipate spring and gardening and planting. 4. Help someone. 5. Staying on top of my finances. 6. Doing something nice for someone – random act