As we decluttered books this week, my daughter found her copy of The Rainbow Fish. To my surprise, she told me this beloved children’s book is now controversial. Learn why in this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark, along with IKEA’s progress on eliminating plastic packaging, my word of the week, how Texas is repurposing used EV batteries, and air drying laundry.
The Sunday Spark – Choosing memories over photos
Cellphone cameras make it so easy to capture and share every moment of our lives. But research shows we create better memories by putting down our phones and being present. Along with choosing memories over photos, this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark looks at the non-linear progression of aging, protein requirements for older women, and the origins of the word boycott.
It’s Rain Day – How will you celebrate?
Rain Day on July 29 celebrates the importance of rain for survival and the pleasure it brings. The post shares interesting facts about rain, such as its varied amounts globally and its unique aroma, petrichor. It also suggests fun activities to enjoy on rainy days, enhancing appreciation for this essential element.
Hope by Pope Francis – Book review
I recently read Hope, the autobiography of the late Pope Francis. It was an inspiring read that provided perspective on the world’s troubles and what it will take to heal the divisions in society. Learn more in today’s blog post.
How to stay young? Embrace your inner child!
Are you looking for the secret of how to stay young? If you are, it’s your lucky day! It’s Be A Kid Again Day—a day to let go of the stresses of life and return to the carefree days of childhood.
Read on to learn what research says about how adopting a youthful attitude can help you stay young and even live longer. And if you need ideas, you’ll love my 21 ways to embrace your inner child today and every day.
Keeping things positive in the face of bleak environmental news
In 2025, bleak environmental news is everywhere we turn. This month’s lead post for the Climate Change Collective provides insight on how to manage overwhelming climate change topics. Along with thoughts on the lead article, today’s post has a roundup of reliable sources of positive environmental news.
The Sunday Spark – Survivor guilt and life’s big questions
Have you ever experienced survivor guilt? Hearing about the lone survivor of the recent Air India crash was a reminder of the fragility of life and the need to keep seeking answers to life’s big questions. Learn more in this week’s Sunday Spark, along with bioswales, compostable meat packaging, and the powerful 2-minute tidy.
The Sunday Spark – Create or consume? What’s your thing?
An inspiring sign recently prompted some thought about the positive impact of creative endeavours as opposed to passive consumption. This week’s edition of The Sunday Spark explores this create or consume question, along with foods that protect us from microplastics, a new YouTube channel to educate kids about climate change, and degrowth as an alternative to consumption.
The Sunday Spark – Empathy puts problems in perspective
When wildfires 3000 kilometres away disrupted my travel plans this week, it provided a lesson in how empathy can help us keep our own problems in perspective.
In addition to thoughts on empathy, this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark looks at the power of mindset, the slippery slope of weight-loss drugs, and the loosening of Ontario’s recycling regulations.
May 2025 roundup – Great reads and goals update
June is here, although we’re still waiting for the weather to warm up consistently here in southern Ontario. In addition to my goals update, my May 2025 roundup has terrific posts on the wisdom of age, making light of our technological challenges, and reclaiming our hope and joy.