Words
Posted on March 5, 2023 Leave a Comment
Words can…
Crumble a nation
Or build the bridge.
Seek to understand
Or turn away from truth.
Or mend a fence.
Plunge as a dagger
Or comfort the soul.
Fight for freedom
Or smother the flame.
Invite violence
Or stand in peace.
Float on air
Or weigh down the mind.
Build a wall
Or give a voice.
Paint like an artist
Or leave a blank canvas.
Ravage a forest
Or plant a seedling.
What we say to others,
How we speak to ourselves,
Our words have power.
We choose what kind.
Nikki Bergstresser
March 2023
(Photo from our trip to Cordoba, Spain)
WHEN YOU GIVE AN AUTHOR A DEADLINE
Posted on October 17, 2021 Leave a Comment
WHEN YOU GIVE AN AUTHOR A DEADLINE
(Inspired by When You Give a Mouse a Cookie series)
When you give an author a deadline, she sits down at her computer to begin to compose.
The author remembers she never writes well without a cup of coffee beside her and goes to the kitchen.
Opening up the fridge to get the cream for her coffee, she notices there’s leftovers that need to be thrown away.
The procrastinating author puts them into the garbage, which now makes the garbage bag overflowing and needing to be taken outside.
After putting the garbage bag into the collection bin, she sees large weeds to pull in her flower pots.
Pulling the large weeds causes leaves and soil to fall onto the steps. This now needs to be swept.
While sweeping, she looks at her hands, dirty from pulling the weeds. They need to be washed before she gets back to her writing deadline.
Washing her hands, the author looks down at the garbage can and remembers she didn’t put in a new garbage bag.
Putting in a new garbage bag, reminds the author she needs to pick up more garbage bags and goes to the grocery list on her fridge.
While writing on the list, she gets the most fabulous story idea and does not want to forget it.
Picking up her phone to record the story idea into her notes, the author notices a plethora of social media notifications.
Deciding she really needs to respond, the author is now lost down the Twitter rabbit hole until she comes across a friend’s tweet about a new book release.
Ordering the book online, reminds the author that she forgot to leave a review for another book she had just finished.
After leaving a review on Good Reads and Amazon, the writer remembers to request the book at the library so others could enjoy it too.
While in her library profile, she sees that the books she put on hold are waiting.
Driving back from picking up her books from the library, the author passes Tim Hortons and remembers she still has money on her coffee card.
Picking up her coffee from the drive thru, it reminds the author of the cold coffee waiting for her back at home….to help her while she worked on meeting her author deadline.
Which causes her to think….
This would make for a great post on social media.
-❤️Nikki Bergstresser
Fall into a Season of Gratitude
Posted on November 25, 2020 Leave a Comment
Daily we are inundated with a multitude of information and often it is left cluttering our minds where we are not even sure how to sift through it. The news stories, latest statistics and various people’s opinions…family, friends and complete strangers…it all can be somewhat overwhelming in the best of times, let alone during THIS time. All of that compiled with our own worries about health and well being of our loved ones, financial uncertainty, social disconnection and even the simplicity of the every day routine that has now become unknown.
No wonder stress, anxiety and depression have skyrocketed in all ages. We are all grieving. Each of us in various stages of grief. Building in daily practices of gratitude, just simple moments of reflection into our lives can assist with our ability to process what we are going through. By choosing just one or two of these ways to grow our gratefulness, it can change our perception, boost our mood and give us the opportunity to move forward.
Gratitude Journal Keep a notebook by your bedside and at the end of each day, list three things you were grateful for about the day. It could be as simple as a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. By reflecting on the positives from our day it can help us with not taking the ordinary for granted. Focusing on the positive aspects can also promote a better sleep and re-frame our thoughts. You could make gratitude a family focus and use a white board with fun colored markers, for anyone to write down what they are grateful for as they walk past it. The physical act of writing it down is sometimes easier than verbalizing our gratitude.
Music Playlist Whenever I begin a new writing project I create a music playlist. I only play it when I’m working on my project. It helps to keep me focused and trains my brain that when I hear those sounds, it is time to write. Music is a powerful tool for our brain. It can calm us, boost a mood or conjure up a memory. Develop playlists to soothe your soul or cause you to bust out your dance moves. Let music move you to a grateful place.
Looking Through Photos During these past months, our family has spent time looking through old photos. Since we live in a digital age, so many of our photos are not stored in albums to page through. It’s that old saying, ‘Out of sight, out of mind’. So we made a determined effort to look back over family trips, special memories and just the goofy or ordinary photos taken over the years. It caused much laughter, nostalgia and realization how quickly time goes by. It definitely instilled within us grateful hearts for those moments captured in photos.
Nature for Nurture Often I don’t remember the nurture nature gives to me, until I’m desperately in need of it. If I could make that effort to get outdoors consistently, it would make a big difference in my mood. Just stepping outside, moving, breathing in the outdoors and breathing out the stress replenishes the mind and body. Listening to the birds, feeling the earth beneath my feet, gazing up at the natural world around me reminds me of the beauty amid the chaos. Naturally, I feel grateful.
Meaningful Messages The power of a handwritten note or thoughtful text message to check in on a loved one or friend doesn’t only impact the day of the receiver, it touches the heart of the sender, too. Letting others around us know that we have been thinking of them or how we are thankful for them allows us the opportunity to pour into the lives of others. When we acknowledge how much someone means in our lives, it reminds us of the gratefulness in authentic connections.
In the comments below, I would love if it you shared some ways you build an attitude of gratitude into your day.
As we journey this road together, may you look for the simple ways to grow gratefulness in a season that can feel hard. Love, Nikki
Snuggle Up to Reading Over Christmas,
Posted on November 19, 2018 Leave a Comment
Did you know there are 36 days until Christmas? Now check your pulse. Did that realization make your heart race, fill you with panic or did it bring a smile to your face with anticipation? We all face the lead up to Christmas with a different attitude. And sometimes different years bring added stress or busyness to the season. Our children also experience the varying emotions brought on by the holidays and they can definitely sense how we react as well.
When my daughters were younger, they loved bringing in the special bin filled with treasured Christmas picture books that we would read and reread every year. We also added to our pile each year and they anticipated new Christmas stories. This was a tradition to them, something that brought them comfort and joy. It was also routine. Establishing a routine during a season that brings many activities that are out of routine will give stability to a child who has anxiety over the many unexpected or new experiences.
So what are some creative ways to establish a reading routine through Christmas?
For younger children create an Advent Calendar of books:
1. Go to the library or used book store without your child. Pick out some new to them stories. They could be Christmas related or on a theme that is completely separate from Christmas. Choose some different genres. Don’t forget to include non-fiction books as well.
2. Look for book sales online or local authors selling books at Christmas events.
3. Create an element of excitement about these books for your child. You could wrap each book up individually and choose one package a day to open. Or if you want to limit the wrapping paper waste, you could write each title down on a separate piece of paper and have it in a Christmas decorated bag where your child could choose one title a day. Make sure to have the bin of books hidden so the books are kept secret until they are chosen to read.
4. Snuggle up as a family with pillows, blankets, favourite stuffed animal friends and maybe even a Christmas cookie as you share the new story.
5. Don’t forget to introduce your child to the author or illustrator of the book by maybe telling a little fact about them such as where they live, other books written or illustrated etc. A quick Google search about the author/illustrator before reading will give you and your child a connection to the story and the person who wrote or illustrated it.
For older children:
Choose a family novel that you all can sit around listening to a chapter or two each evening. It could even be an audio book. You can turn off the lights, have the fireplace going and enjoy a mug of hot chocolate as you journey along with the characters on adventure.
This year my teen daughters and I will be reading Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. After we finish reading it, I’m looking forward to having a pj movie night with them and watch the 1949 movie.
So as the Countdown to Christmas creeps closer, find your family a reading tradition around the holidays that brings anticipation, comfort and special memories.
What are some special Christmas books that you loved as a child? Share with me in the comments down below!
May your holidays be filled with books and stories to share.
Nikki
REMEMBERING TO BE A VOICE
Posted on November 11, 2018 Leave a Comment
This past May our family had the opportunity to travel to Europe, visiting Germany and Denmark. On the first leg of our journey we drove from Frankfurt to Berlin and I noticed beautiful patches of wild flowers along the way. I marvelled at the quaint little towns we would pass with church steeples standing tall. The cobblestone squares as gathering places to share stories and laughs with friends and family. Such a beautiful country side; tranquil, peaceful. Yes, I could easily find myself living here.
Arriving in Berlin we began touring the many historical sites, where not so long ago there was no peace. It was hard to believe there was a time where the beautiful land we were travelling now was not always such. Here we were, standing in history; on ground where battles were waged. Not only physical battles but battles of strength of mind, heart and perseverance. Those days were heavy days as we read about personal stories of families torn apart, those taking a stand and being a voice, knowing what it would cost and yet still willing to risk everything. Seeing photos of the faces, physical landmarks, tunnels dug for freedom and buildings of shelter or worship destroyed. It had a huge impact on my family. History that we had read about in books was now where we placed our feet. The bravery of those who told their stories, those who stood up for the unjust ways in the most difficult of times was something that we took away with us, forever in our hearts.
Today, Remembrance Day, we remember the many lives changed forever by war, I think of the men and women who fought to protect, for those to have freedom. They gave so that many could live. We will not forget.
There are still battles waging around the world today, maybe not all are physical battles, but those just as powerful. Ones speaking of hatred and greed, seeking power by attempting to make others powerless. But we can be the voice for the voiceless, even if it is in the small things around us on a daily basis. When we hear words of hate being used, say something. When we see those struggling, do something. Small steps taken will lead to miles gained as we journey a road to freedom for all.
Where it is possible to sow kindness, there is peace.
Small Voice
I am just a small small voice sometimes never heard.
So listen very closely to my each and every word.
Each of us can make a difference, each of us can touch a heart.
Each of us can hold a hand, each of us can do our part.
I am just a small voice wanting all people to live free.
It’s up to every one to change the sadness that we see.
Each of us can say a prayer, each of us can shed a tear.
Each of us can share with others, whether far away or near.
I am just a small voice but I will make my message clear.
All children should be safe and never have to live in fear.
Each of us can take a stand, each of us can make a choice.
Each of us can speak together and have a louder voice.
-Nikki Kroetsch Bergstresser
Journey On
Posted on April 12, 2018 1 Comment
Tomorrow my dad has his birthday. And living provinces away, I am not able to celebrate with him face to face. It is sometimes difficult being so far away from family. My dad has given me a love of reading, writing and nature throughout my life and for that I will always be grateful. He loves to write so I thought this year I would write him something as part of my gift. He battled cancer with strength and determination three years ago, it was a hard journey but he chose to journey on. So Happy Birthday to a wonderful dad!
With much love, your daughter. xxoo
When the path laid out before you bends and turns and twists,
journey on.
When majestic trees stretch up to the sky, casting shadows down below,
journey on.
When moss fallen logs and broken branches try to stop you in your tracks,
journey on.
When feet begin to tire and you think it’s time to stop,
journey on.
When the trail rises up and you climb and climb and climb,
journey on.
When you stumble on the rocks and you feel yourself slow down
journey on.
When wind blows hard and rain beats down and almost knocks you over,
journey on.
When the path of travel splits ahead and you have to make a choice,
journey on.
When you meet the rushing river and need to cross the bridge,
journey on.
And when you finally reach the end, stop and look around.
See where you have been, each step and struggle has made you who you are.
For each journey makes you stronger and gives you something new.
You look at things much differently than when you first began.
Took the risks, learned and grew on a journey made for you.
And in the end stand tall, be proud because you chose to journey on.
-Nikki Bergstresser
(April 12, 2018)
Look for the Signs
Posted on February 18, 2018 4 Comments
Yesterday I left an acting audition in North Vancouver. It was a miserably dreary and rainy day coupled with a long drive from Abbotsford. I was tired and had a number of things on my mind. In my own little world, trying to think of what I needed to get done at home, things individual family members were counting on me for and various other miscellaneous items piling up. Normally I love February, but this year it has been a tough month for a couple of reasons. Just like everyone else. My mind felt muddled. All I wanted to do was get in my vehicle, crank the soundtrack that many of you have been listening to lately (The Greatest Showman) and sing my way back to Abbotsford. In the process of fumbling to get my keys out of my pocket and balance an umbrella, I dropped my phone. When I bent to pick it up, it was then I noticed a small clump of greenery beside the curb with the most brilliant purple. Crocus flowers were ready to bloom. There against the hard concrete was a small, but beautiful sign. Spring was coming. Hope. Soon more blooms would be bursting forth. I stopped to take in the small beauty, enjoy the moment and capture a couple of photos.
Today as I woke up to snow on the ground and gusting winds, it was disappointing to see. Winter has seemed rather long this year. Then I remembered the sign from yesterday, the little gift of a glimpse into what is coming. A crocus is a hardy plant. They have a waxy film on the cuticle that protects them from early spring or late winter frost. Persevering hardships of cold temperatures they are among the first signs of spring. So maybe your winter has seemed long. Maybe it has been a difficult season for you. Take hope, look for the signs, no matter how small. Spring is coming. Time for new growth and beauty. Are you looking for the signs?
May your day be filled with hope and your cup with coffee.
Love,
Nikki
When Nature Calls
Posted on December 18, 2017 1 Comment
Getting a good night’s sleep. What’s that you ask? Here I thought once our children were older and sleeping through the night, we would just fall back into a pattern of sleeping well and waking rested. No, getting older brings a whole new set of sleeping challenges (Another issue for a different blog post). But what has kept us awake this past week is small, furry and sleeps in our bed. Delilah, our little Dachshund dog. We adopted her from a rescue a couple of years ago. Delilah usually sleeps the entire night, snoring away and snuggled up tight to me. But this week she had woken in the middle of the night needing to go outside frequently. Living on the coast at the bottom of Sumas Mountain, wildlife is a common sight. So Delilah is not able to go outside by herself for fear of her becoming a sausage dinner to a critter.
Delilah gave me the nudge to get up. No amount of coaxing was going to get her back to sleep. I clumsily reached for my glasses…another issue with getting older. 4 am on the clock. Using the sweetest voice I could muster at 4am, I woke my husband. He mumbled, “Why can’t you take her out?” He already knew the reason but was biding himself a few more seconds under the covers. I tend to be a big ol’scaredy cat to go out in the middle of the night.
Don’t get me wrong, anyone who knows me knows that I love wildlife; but not the unexpected encounters in the dark.
Partly to reassure and partly out of frustration, my husband said, “There’s not going to be any animals sitting on our lawn waiting for you.” He searched for his shoes. Taking Delilah out, he continued to mutter to himself about the lack of sleep he’s been getting. Poor guy had not signed up for middle of the night pooch potty duty. Looking out the window from the living room, I saw something on the lawn about 10 feet from my husband and dog. At closer observation, I realized there hunched up on the lawn was an owl! An owl was on my lawn! Picturing this owl attacking my dog, I frantically called out to my husband. This scared the owl away. My husband came back inside with her. He had seen something when he went out but was not wearing his glasses so had not realized it was an owl. I felt a twinge of guilt when he asked if I was more concerned about his safety or was it just Delilah I was worried about. Oops. Of course I was worried about him too.
After the excitement, Delilah and my husband went back to sleep. Unfortunately, I could not fall back to sleep easily. So I stayed up researching owls. I came to the conclusion that the owl was a barred owl. I also did some research about owls eating pets. Putting my whole “an owl is going to eat my dog” worries aside, it was pretty incredible to see it soar off from our yard with silent wings.
Delilah is back to snoring and sleeping through the night again. Same thing can be said for my dear husband. But me, I keep getting up, sneaking downstairs, hoping for a glimpse of the owl, because you never know what you may see…..when nature calls.
What encounters with nature have you experienced recently? I’d love to hear about it.
May your day be filled with unexpected surprises and your cup with coffee.
Nikki
It’s a Small World
Posted on November 21, 2017 1 Comment
When going on vacation, one of the things I look forward to is connecting with other people. Hearing their story. It is amazing when you show someone you are interested and invested in the conversation, how much she or he will open up and share life experiences, the joys and the hardships. After all, we all have a desire to feel like someone is interested in us, our story. One of the places I have found to meet a diverse group of people with unique stories is when we vacation at DisneyWorld. And this past trip to Orlando did not disappoint.
At the Animal Kingdom resort, we met a lovely young lady from South Africa. Graduating from high school she chose to delay her post secondary education, leave her family and friends for a year to join in the international program. What a journey! She has spent the year meeting people around the globe and sharing her passion for animals with Disney guests. Not only gaining leadership and communication skills, it has given her direction when she goes back to South Africa to pursue a career related to her passion of educating others.
On the other end of the spectrum, we met an employee that has been with Disney for 40 years. Now that speaks volumes to job satisfaction. And you could really tell how much he enjoyed what he did. To stay in the same job for that long is becoming much more rare. Imagine all the stories he could tell from his days at Disney.
Then there was the little boy that came up to me. I was sitting in the lounge with my husband and this little guy walked right up and just looked me in the face and stared. I gave him a little smile and that was all that was needed. He spent the next while sharing with me all the things he was good at doing. Looking up at his smiling mom across the room, I got the impression that maybe others did not always give her son the opportunities to carry on such lengthy conversations. We spent the next while talking about what he liked to do. When it was time for him to leave, we said our goodbyes and I continued on conversing with my husband. After a few minutes, this little guy came running back up to me all out of breath. He hands me an origami washcloth snail and was beaming. “This is just for you!” My heart melted. I gave him the biggest high five and thanks, he skipped off to his waiting mom. She mouthed “thank you” to me and off they walked.
Another evening, sitting around the bonfire, we met a comical crew from southern Louisiana. They were a retired group of four, off on an adventure. Well, they kept my daughter and me in stitches for the entire visit. Not only was their accent a little hard to decipher at times when they talked quickly, but they also all talked at once! They were a hoot! I will admit there were times when I just had to smile and nod, not fully understanding what they were saying and hoping I wasn’t agreeing to something I would regret. After we left them still sitting at the bonfire, walking away my daughter leaned over to me and said, “That was the show, now time for dinner!”
So this was just a little snippet of amazing people I chatted with during vacation. My life has been enriched by the people I meet on my journeys. Listening to their stories allows me to be a better writer and hopefully a better human being. The world doesn’t seem quite so large or so scary when you take the time to connect with the people around you.
I’d love to hear from you, too! Feel free to drop me a comment for connect with me on Twitter.
NIKKI BERGSTRESSER 