Cynthia Reyes's Blog, page 3

How to Give Feedback to Anyone

Now that people are back at work, school, voluntary commitments, I thought I’d post this advice from a few years back: A team member, working on a project with me years ago, had seen me give feedback to others.  She noticed that I always pointed out ‘the positives’ before getting to what needed improvement, and… Continue reading How to Give Feedback to Anyone

Known for my Cooking

First written about five years ago I’m known for my cooking. How I wish that were not so. I burn things, miss some of the ingredients, or forget what I added then put them in all over again. It’s right there in my books, on my blog, and in the memories of everyone who knows… Continue reading Known for my Cooking

I Got Tripped Up

I have written 3 memoirs and done author readings to countless audiences. You’d think I’d be a pro at speaking about my own life. But recently, I surprised myself. Each month, 2 members of the public art gallery board to which I belong are asked to give personal presentations so we may all have a… Continue reading I Got Tripped Up

Rain and Other Blessings

There’s so much rain here this morning, the tree branches are drooping low above the deck – so low that I would have to dodge them if I went outside. But you’ll get no complaints from me – as my mother would remind us children when we wouldn’t eat our vegetables: “Be thankful! Children in… Continue reading Rain and Other Blessings

An Interview with Paula de Ronde

Paula de Ronde dreamed of writing a book – but never this book. Q: You were a senior librarian with the Toronto Public Library. What is your relationship with books? I love books.  I am in love with words. Reading has been my number one pleasure all my life. Still today I wake up with… Continue reading An Interview with Paula de Ronde

Early July

I always say the best time in my garden is early-mid June. That’s when everything is lush and green, and the peonies, iris and other spring flowers are at their best. But how could I forget the garden gifts of early July? The red bee balm, several shades of phlox, the clematis and hydrangea? It’s… Continue reading Early July

Life’s Like That

If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Life’s like that. Luckily, most of those things have been good. Even the amaryllis bulbs I forgot in the cold room are now blooming, 6 months after their intended bloom date at Christmas. But let’s just get the bad thing out of the way then move on, shall… Continue reading Life’s Like That

Does a Bear Poo in the Woods?

As you know, I try to hold on to a shred or two of dignity. I’m not claiming it works all the time, but my self-image is of a woman with a fair amount of well-behavedness. But as you may recall, I also have a grandtoddler. And therein lies an ever developing tale, as I… Continue reading Does a Bear Poo in the Woods?

The Unpredictable Jelly

The thing about making jelly is It’s a risky thing. The experience is unpredictable. One minute you have a spoon in your hand Stirring the sticky liquid in the pot Staring at the smooth surface Wondering when it will gel ** Without warning, you find yourself  Thinking about your worries Worrying about your thoughts Forgetting… Continue reading The Unpredictable Jelly

Hide and Seek & Other Things

My sister said: “You tun drunkard!” Which is Jamaican for: “You’ve turned into a drunkard”. All because, over the first four weeks of Russia’s war on Ukraine, I drank a total of 9 bottles of beer. Doesn’t sound like much, I know, but for me, it’s a lot – and my sister knows it. Which… Continue reading Hide and Seek & Other Things