Zellers disappoints, but thank you for the popsicle.

There has been quite a controversy about Zellers returning.   Today was the opening day at Orfus Road which contains an entire road of whole sale buildings.   People were wondering, why Orfus?  Well, because me thinks it is another warehouse.   The Press said it had a restaurant of the past.  Nope, it has a food truck and if there were some benches and chairs set up, I may have had a grilled cheese.  The Press promised us surprise treats and when I was at the lineup for a cashier I was told no.  I asked about the promised restaurant.  I was informed that the food truck is a restaurant.  I informed her that I would note that.  All the freebies I was informed happened earlier.  It was about 11:30.   There was lots of Press busy with their cameras and there were balloons and lots of Zellers souvenirs.  I parked next to City Pulse news and on my way out I was informed by a member of the press that my popsicle looked good.   It actually was good, so I got my treat.   If we bought anything there was a sign indicating we can get a strawberry or blueberry popsicle or water.  I chose the strawberry - so the girl directing us to the cashiers lied to me.  I got my treat - so there.  They didn't really have much that impressed me.  Their prices were jacked up and it was made to appear that we were paying half price.  I did buy two Italian microwaveable small dishes for the same price that I would pay at Homesense.   They had overpriced bath face cloths which I would have bought, but didn't.   I needed bed sheets for the summer and didn't see any.   They had the same capri's which I already have an abundance of and bought years ago, dresses, all casual and I did buy a night gown which had pretty flowers and comparable with something from Walmart.  I had to get a helper to take it down from the wall.  All in all, there was nothing to inspire me to return and I wasn't over joyed.  I was asked if I wanted to buy a zellers bag to put my items in for a dollar something and I declined.   I didn't bring a bag from the car because I thought they would give that for free.  No way hosay.  At least I got my popsicle and it was good.  I nodded when the Press man mentioned it looked good and wish I had continued to say something because a woman approached him right after and told him how familiar he looked and she wouldn't stop talking to him.  I actually felt bad for him.   It was amazing that she never seemed to stop, to take a breath, not even as I drove away and I thought he was going to cry.  Anyhow,  I went to Home Depot right after because I needed some oil for a chain saw I bought to cut my bushes and tree branches

and I hope I don't cut off my skin.  I told the saleswoman helping me to find the oil about Zellers opening today.  She insisted that Zellers had closed years ago.  Another woman stepped in, said she had just arrived from Zellers and told us not to go.  She continued that she would give them six months before they would close.

You know that is too bad.  Zellers is an icon.   What were they thinking?  A commentator was stating that they are seeking a younger crowd.  Not going to happen, me thinks.  They did have one happy senior with purple hair at the front of the store singing and dancing to a 70 or 80 song.  Bye Bye Zellers.

(If I am all over the place - sorry.  I am exhausted but promised you a blog)  I missed a meeting with Sisters of Crime to go to Zellers.  I think I shall watch a movie.  I listen to my body when it states rest!

What have I been up to?

 A lot!  I cannot imagine how time just flies.   I have my heels on the floor to slow down but it doesn't seem to work.  I haven't forgotten you and I know I am falling behind.  This weather that has changed from snow has me going out and making fun a priority.  I am still watching the market and it hasn't gone up so I sit patiently as I crave pets and vacations away.   I have attended more writing webinars from my two associations and the American Guild.  Recently I watched a talk about agents but after listening to their introductions, I left since they seemed more interested in minority groups.  I am always lucking out there since the beginning of time.   Others didn't fit my genre.  So, I left the room.  I am always learning of more scams targeting authors.  There is more that could be done about these annoying small time criminals.  Every time I insult the midgets something happens, but it is so annoying.  Anyhow I did go see Steven Spielberg 's Disclosure.   I will watch anything that Steven touches.   A tv show based on a true story named "Soul on Fire"  is based on a true story about John O'Leary who received burns covering 100% of his body.  There is a book out, "On Fire".   This is well worth watching.   I also found a new restaurant I really like and will write a review for you with some photos because it is worth a visit.   I know I still have to continue to tell my story about my holiday and I still have lots of notes to provide for you.  It shall come.  I am also thinking of writing a blog elsewhere because I was swarmed here with ads that did not belong to google.  Quite frankly with all the the years I have been here I have received about $20.00 and nothing recently.  Considering I have up to 4000 readers monthy I have to wake up and smell the coffee and try to make some money.  I am still in the learning and thinking stages, but it shall come.   I will probably drop shopify and though it is a Canadian company I am charged in American dollars.  I will probably transfer to Go Daddy which is an American company which charges me in Canadian dollars.  Shopify doesn't seem to help Canadians so I will probably say bye bye.   Please be patient with me while I sail into transition.  Good talk.  See you tomorrow.

University of Toronto Magazine - Spring 2026 edition, p33

 Caitlin Maikawa an assistant professor at U of T's Insititute of Biomedical Engineering, co - develped PRIM, a swallowable pill that releases harmless blue dye when there is inflammation in the intestines and the toilot water will turn blue when inflammed.  The pill will cost less than 50 cents (let's keep it from being exploited).  Seven million people live world wide with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).  Earlier detection can now result in adjusting treatments faster, potentially preventing serious harm and improving quality of life.

Remember when I tried to sell my house last year? Well people still want it but are waiting (for me to decrease price) Not going to happen people.

 Quaint Toronto house is a rare find for under $1 million but still needs work http://www.blogto.com/real-estate-toronto/2025/04/510-northcliffe-boulevard-toronto/

Had fun at Motive event

     The first photo you see here is our poster boy.  Actually, he is an author who was keeping our tent from flying away.  Nice guy.  You also see three young intelligent women enjoying the event and I thank them for buying two of my books.   I hope they enjoy.  I am sure I shall be notified.  Then there is me holding one of my Christmas gifts -  a writer's coffee cup from my baby sister.   I always enjoy the university environment full of inquisitive brains.  I had a nice weekend and the fun hasn't stopped.   You'll learn more about that tomorrow.
 

Hope to see you tomorrow or Sunday at Motive - I shall be signing and selling my books

     I am all ready for tomorrow or almost.  I just have to load books in my brand new plastic containers bought at Walmart.  I usually keep my books in their original boxes but it shall rain and perhaps thunderstorms to boot so I am trying to be as prepared as possible.  The good thing is that we will be under tents this year and that is a bonus.   I don't have my lovely poster this year because it went missing last year at the same event.  I do have a cartoonish image of me and that will do for this year since other places don't want bulky signs.  I haven't made up new book markers because I am still not sure which web site I want to continue with.  However, I do have my new business cards made up which came in the mail yesterday.  So, today will be somewhat of a relaxing day, just tying up loose ends.  

     I do hope you come and visit me.  You don't have to buy a book, but do come and tell me that you read my blogs and if you follow me on facebook. 

So, again,   I shall be at table nine sharing a table with fellow Crime Writers of Canada Authors each day,  Sat Jun 6, 26 and Sunday, Jun 7, 26,  from 1100 hrs - 1700 hrs (5pm).  I am usually early because I give myself plenty of time to find parking close to the event.

It is at 73 Queens Park Crescent,  University of Victoria, in the University of Toronto.  It would be off St Charles, East side.

See you tomorrow!!!!!!!Bring an unbrella.  Sunday may not rain.  Eitherway I shall be there!

Good talk!!!!!!!!

  

Loneliness (AAMFT Conference 2023) USA

 

22% of Adults report feeling lonely and isolated most if not all the time.  47% of people report having no meaningful relationship in their lives.

Challenges and Barriers

Money -  17 % of adults declared bankruptcy or lost their home as a result of heath care costs.

33 % stopped therapy soley because of cost.  38% of adults or family member did not seek health care because of cost.  Insurance pays 14% less while making billions.  350 individuals looking for therapy for every one mental health clinician.  Where do we go from here?  How Marriage and Family Therapists shape the future.  The kids are not ok and neither are the adults.  Mental health disorders have been on the rise since 2020.  

Mood Disorders -  21% of adults have a mental health condition.  Second leading cause of deaths for children 10-14 years of age is suicide.  31% are adults between 18-25.  One of eight emergency room visits are mental health related.  Loneliness is a global health crises.  

Loneliness, loss of connections and its impact on Mental Health -  39% more are getting some type of MH  in 2022 vs. 2019.  Innovative new way to take therapy to the people.  Relationships matter.   Intergenerational trauma and the impact of parental/family of origin has made its way to mainstream.  Harvard “happiness” study makes another resurgence to the popular media.  Tuning inward, tending to the healers.  Prioritizing our wellness as a model of sustainable care.  52% of therapists reported feeling burnout this year.  Self care is not enough.  Cultivating self - compassion - mindful awareness, self kindness, common humanity.  Shortage of professionals - financial challenges with payers- a challenge and often inequitable road and licensure.

-inadequate support systems for clinicians and students (for professors).  Systemic oppression and bio permeates all our professional layers.  Health disparities show up in every aspect of treatment.   How do you cover for something that never ends?  Representation doesn’t exist for most.  Things are changing.  Therapy speech is everywhere.  Mental Health disorders and relationships are being openly discussed by celebrities and the general public; social media.  

We need more professionals.  There will be graduating MFT’s but will not practice because they are already burnt out.

     When I decided to retire in December 2025 it was after asking the College Regulator questions and having different people answering differently.  Needless to say I was frustrated.  The college decided to provide tests, to all every five years on top of all the required extra education.  With all the intensive education we have had,  I began to lose respect for the College (Moral Injury).  Even though I believe that the public needs to be protected, that alone should be their job.  They imposed more work upon themselves therefore requiring more people thus some not really knowing what they were doing from my perspective.  They were also insulting and condescending inspecting files and when handwritten calling it chicken writing or something to that effect and letting us all know that.  I found that disrespectful to the therapists out there.  Days before I retired I was informed at a group event that the college stated no one retires from psychotherapy.  So, when I decided to retire, I was informed that retirement is not acknowledged and won’t be in the future or words to that effect and that my title would be that I resigned.  Really?  My advice from mentors in the past was to stay under the radar and why which I won’t share.  Now I have the time to study the Toronto Housing Market to make the right decision of when to sell without worrying about accommodating clients or the high cost of Registration, Insurance and courses.  That is all for now.  I shall continue to provide my notes to you until I am all done and then just focus on Writing Corner.  This weekend I will be selling my books at Motive in Toronto and will provide you with at least one more blog about that event.  I do hope that if you are in Toronto you will visit me.  Take care fo now.  Always feel free to ask a question.