This past week, my writing has been focused exclusively on my thesis. Even with that focus I still didn’t get much done. That is because it was a “bad head week”–so writing, which never comes easily to me, was more of a slog than usual. In my head injury group, everyone was saying the same thing. It was a bad head week. It didn’t matter if the head injury was caused by accidental trauma or was caused by illness. No one could pin down why it was such a “bad head week,” everyone just said–it was a “bad head week.”

These bad weeks are getting fewer and further apart for me–I hold this as a sign of ongoing recovery. My way of dealing with them now is to push myself to do what I feel I must do and also to push myself to do what I’ve been looking forward to for such a long time, it would break my heart not to do it. Then I rest as much as my head says I need to rest. So, I decided to use one of the other “tips and tricks” I’ve been given and I switched from doing lots of daily writing to recording my experiences vocally. I was often seen with my phone to record observations and reflections. Being oral rather than writing is itself a bit of a different experience. But here goes…

My week began with a medical appointment in Toronto. I was fortunate that I could get it this past Monday because I had already determined I was going to go to Knox College for its 180th anniversary and meet with my advisor on the Tuesday. Whenever I have a two-day excursion in Toronto, my good friends Erin and Jay put me up. They even have one of my favourite lower-alcohol IPAs in the house for each of my visits.

This past week, Jay was out of town and so Erin said I’d have to go to “Theology on Tap” with her. This is a group that she and I initiated 12 years ago, where people from the church and community can gather together to discuss theology and have their favourite brew. I say brew because tea, ale and everything in between is enjoyed. Most often, the group starts by reading a book, 1-3 chapters at a time, and then the members discuss their thoughts and responses, although the jumping-off points have also been articles, lectures and movies. This is one of the few activities in Toronto that I really miss. It’s great to sit and talk with informed people about theology. This was even true on Monday night when I had not familiarized myself with any of the subjects they were discussing. It was still so nice to be there and hear thoughtful discussion.

The next day was the 180th birthday party at Knox College, University of Toronto. It was a lovely day with an incredible service of worship led by the chaplain Rev. Tim Kennedy, who combined the anniversary with All Saints Day. It was attended not only by faculty and students but also by alumni, and some individuals from both Toronto School of Theology and UofT. We were reminded that we are called to go forward living the faith passed to us by the Saints who have gone before.

Of course, like any great birthday party, there was cake–and what a cake.

I returned to Port Dover immediatley following my meeting with my advisor. Tuesday night, a good friend of mine stayed over at mine. It wasn’t a visit, as such, but rather I was a place to stay while she attended a luncheon reunion with several of her elementary and secondary school chums near here. However, since we were together we decided we had to order pizza for dinner and watch the American election results together. We flipped back and forth between CBC and CNN because we like to see and hear different aspects of elections when we are watching the results. She’s about numbers, I’m about analysis and consequences. Unfortunately, PBS sound broadcast was not working properly for several hours, and that was the station on which we could compromise. When it was finally restored we rejoiced.

On Wednesday I woke up in my own bed with two little faces staring at me. They made it very clear that they do not like me to go away overnight. I took my friend to a local diner for breakfast and then another mutual friend drove her to the nearest GO station, so I could go into my writing group. That day also saw the final haulage of demolition materials from the bathroom in the morning and because of the noise, I joined my writing group from the kitchen. The good news is, the destruction has been completed, and the construction is about to begin.

I had a business luncheon meeting to attend after my writing group, and I joyously found myself eating in Riversyde83 Foodhub. I had never been to this lovely little food and coffee place. It describes itself as:

“Riversyde 83 is a project of Church Out Serving, a unique-to-Norfolk charity with a community focus. Experience our hospitality in the café eatery! Explore with us all-things food in the community kitchen! Browse the array of products in the marketplace! Or host your event at one of the on-site spaces! And, because we are a charity, foodhub proceeds and donations will support community food services and programs.”

Riversyde83

I would recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a place for a good lunch, but remember to make sure you go when you’re not in a hurry. It is a place of opportunities.

Thursday and Friday were regular writing days with my banjo lesson thrown in for good measure. I don’t know why my teacher continues to put up with me but I am most grateful that he does. It’s one of the great joys of my weeks. Friday after lunch there was an online meeting, and then I relaxed for the evening with my hand quilting and a good mystery.

Saturday was a day of housework. That’s quite a challenge when you’ve got a renovation on the go–even a small one. My little washroom reno isn’t that monumental, but it’s at the top of the stairs, and that means the debris gets dragged through the house. But as said above, we are now on the upside of the work. Part of the day’s housework included some shopping, and while doing that shopping I had to buy feline diet food. Poor Scotch was told to lose a pound in August and somehow, I don’t know how she has gained 1.5 pounds. We will try this and hope it works. I swear the poor little girl feels mortified. Butter is fast, agile and strong, just like all sleek cats. I can tell Scotch is feeling a bit jealous.

Today, I questioned whether I should go to church or stay at home and rest because it was another “bad head day,” but in the end, I decided I’d go. I’m so glad I did. It is a very dreary and wet day here in Port Dover, and walking into the little church filled me with both physical and spiritual comfort.

Today is Remembrance Sunday, and the service was respectful, thoughtful and emotional. Bishop Barry made a point of stating that this day is not one for celebration but for commemoration. His sermon was also political as he reminded us of the various responses, including his own, to the results of the election south of the border, that Christian Nationalism is not Christian and the importance of fulfilling our Christian responses to the oppressed, the poor, 2SLGBTQ+ people, and others. The Remembrance, the readings and the sermon combined to instill a message of call, comfort and being in a community loved by the great I AM, upheld by Christ and guided by the Spirit.

As usual, following the service we had a wonderful time in the Church Hall with food, coffee and fellowship. The calories, as usual, were wonderful. I also bought my dinner there. It was a delicious home-made pea soup. I have enough for tomorrow too. I also bought a red pepper spice soup for later in the week.

The final surprise of this wonderful morning was that the people who arrange the flowers on the altar decided I should get to take them home today. I was stunned and touched by their kindness. I arrived home to discover my beautiful Waterford cut glass vase has a crack in it, so I resorted to using my beautiful Nova Scotian cut glass ice bucket. I did my best, but it doesn’t have quite the height these flowers need to show off their real splendour.

My “bad-head week” forced me to approach the past seven days in a different way than I usually do. I’m appreciative of that change. It was good to see my life and its relationship with the rest of humanity, and the earth with new eyes.