Grandpa 's Journey

  By David Au  Every year on July 1st , Canadians at home and around the world come together to celebrate Canada Day . For many, it's a time of joy—filled with fireworks, family picnics, concerts, and national pride. But beyond the red-and-white flags and cheerful parades, Canada Day is also a time to reflect on our country’s history, identity, and the road ahead. A Look Back: The Birth of a Nation Canada Day marks the anniversary of the Confederation of Canada on July 1, 1867 , when the British colonies of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia , and New Brunswick joined together to form one country—the Dominion of Canada . This union was formalized under the British North America Act , a major milestone in the formation of an independent Canada. The holiday was originally called Dominion Day , until 1982, when the Constitution was patriated and Canada fully severed its legislative ties with Britain. That same year, the day was officially renamed Canada Day , symbolizing a more m...

  In today’s digital age, many of us—especially those who started blogging later in life—have built a rich collection of memories, thoughts, and stories online. Whether it’s a personal blog, photo albums, or email conversations, these digital footprints tell a meaningful story of who we are. As someone who recently turned 80, I’ve been thinking more seriously about how to preserve my digital assets, particularly my blogs hosted by Google Blogger . It made me realize that many of us may not have thought about what happens to our blogs or online accounts when we’re no longer around . So I’d like to share what I’ve learned—not only as a personal reflection, but also as helpful advice for fellow bloggers and digital storytellers. 💻 What Is a Digital Legacy? Your digital legacy includes all the online content you’ve created or shared: blogs, social media posts, emails, photos, documents, and even login credentials. Just like photo albums or handwritten letters, these digital record...

  Introduction Bruce Lee remains one of the most influential martial artists and cultural icons of the 20th century. His philosophy, physical prowess, and charisma transcended the world of combat, leaving a lasting impact on film, self-improvement, and personal discipline. Among the many interviews he gave, one of the most insightful was his conversation with Harold Jennings, a respected journalist who delved into Bruce’s thoughts on martial arts, philosophy, and life itself. But for many of us who grew up idolizing him, Bruce wasn’t just a distant legend—he was a part of our lives. And then, suddenly, he was gone. A Personal Memory: The Morning Hong Kong Stood Still I still remember July 20, 1973. The morning air in Quarry Bay was thick with humidity, but nothing compared to the weight of the news spreading through Hong Kong Island: Bruce Lee was dead. At first, no one believed it. How could a man so full of life, so invincible on screen, just vanish? I rushed to the newsstand, fl...

As we journey through life and reach our late 70s, 80s, and even 90s, it's only natural to reflect on how our bodies change—and how our health needs evolve. Many of us grew up hearing that "normal" blood pressure is 120/80, that bone strength must match that of a 30-year-old, or that regular cancer screenings are essential. But should we still be using the same health standards designed for young adults? The short answer is: not always. In fact, applying young adult norms to older adults can sometimes lead to unnecessary worry—or even harm. Let’s explore how aging changes our bodies and what that means for how we monitor our health. 🩺 Blood Pressure: A Little Higher May Be Healthier You've likely been told that 120/80 mmHg is the ideal blood pressure. But as we age, our arteries naturally stiffen. A systolic pressure between 130–140 may actually be safe and acceptable in older adults, especially if you feel well. Overly aggressive efforts to push blood pressur...

Singing is one of the most natural things we do. From humming softly when we’re happy to belting out a tune in the shower, singing is a universal expression of emotion and creativity. But beyond enjoyment, singing offers powerful benefits for both body and mind —and it's something anyone can do, regardless of age or experience. Let’s explore how this simple act can transform your physical health, uplift your mood, and connect you more deeply with yourself and others. 🌬️ 1. Physical Benefits: Breathing Life Into the Body ✅ Strengthens the lungs and breathing muscles Singing requires deep, controlled breaths. This helps expand lung capacity, improves oxygen flow, and strengthens the diaphragm—especially beneficial for older adults or people with breathing conditions like asthma. ✅ Improves posture and core stability To sing well, we naturally stand or sit upright. Over time, this improves posture and strengthens core muscles, giving the body better alignment and balance. ✅ G...

  A Personal Reflection with Practical Tips for New Explorers As a non-native English speaker and retiree with a love for storytelling, I’ve always aspired to make my blog posts clear, engaging, and thoughtfully structured. But expressing ideas smoothly in English used to take considerable time and effort—until I discovered the power of AI writing tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek . These tools have not only improved the quality of my writing but also made the process more enjoyable and efficient. Today, I spend less time worrying about grammar or phrasing and more time diving into the creative side of blogging. AI Writing: A Companion, Not a Replacement Some may worry that using AI takes away from one’s personal voice or makes writing feel robotic. My experience says otherwise. The essence of my stories—my thoughts, reflections, and values—remains fully intact. AI simply helps me express them more fluently and confidently. It’s like having a smart, reliable writing assistant...

  Reaching 80 is not just about getting older—it's a celebration of living. It’s a journey built on decades of experiences, challenges, relationships, and growth. At this milestone, one doesn’t just look back with nostalgia, but forward—with clarity, freedom, and renewed purpose. 🌿 Embracing the Legacy Mindset At this stage of life, we carry not only stories but legacies. The values we've lived by, the traditions we've passed down, and the wisdom we've quietly shared—they all continue through the lives we’ve touched. Now may be the perfect time to write a memoir, share family stories, or document lessons for the next generation. In doing so, we leave a legacy that outlives us. ✨ A New Chapter of Freedom With the obligations of work and parenting mostly behind us, this chapter is full of possibilities. It’s a chance to pursue long-held interests or discover new ones—painting, gardening, volunteering, or even starting a travel blog. This is our time to live on our te...

  From Struggles to Smiles -  A heartfelt reflection for old friends and readers "We had little, but we had hope. And with that, we built everything." 📸  Hong Kong in the 1950s  — bustling street with rickshaws and street vendors.  Modern-day Hongkong skyline - progress, and time. As I sit back and reflect on the past decades, I often think of the years following the end of World War II. Life back then — especially in Hong Kong and China — was undeniably rough. Many of us still remember those early days. People were focused purely on survival. There wasn’t much luxury or comfort, just the daily grind of making ends meet. We worked long hours — six, sometimes seven days a week — with no such thing as a weekend or holiday. Everything was manual: our hands and feet were our tools, our strength and determination our only assets. It was hard living, but strangely enough, people were content. Why? Because there was peace. After the trauma of war, that alone mean...

In a world increasingly marked by geopolitical turmoil, many are feeling a deep sense of unease. The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, the ongoing war in Ukraine, tensions in East Asia, and the emergence of new global alliances have led some to ask the once-unthinkable question: Are we on the brink? While experts remain divided, the uncertainty alone is enough to make people wonder how to protect themselves and their families should the situation spiral out of control. This post isn’t about fearmongering—it’s about preparedness and resilience . Below, I share a grounded look at the current global climate and offer practical steps everyday people can take to prepare for any serious crisis. 🔎 The Global Situation: Dangerous but Not Doomed It’s true: the world hasn’t felt this tense in decades. The  Iran and Israel  conflict threatens to draw in surrounding nations and international powers. The Russia-Ukraine war continues to destabilize Europe and test ...

Over 70% of Earth's surface is covered in water , yet most of us rarely stop to wonder: Where did it all come from? Is it the result of ancient volcanoes? Icy space rocks? Or something even more mysterious? In this post, we’ll explore the origins of Earth’s water , tracing its path from deep within the planet to the far reaches of outer space — and uncover why this ancient story matters more than ever today. 🌍 The Mystery of Water: Why Earth, and Not Mars or Venus? Earth is the only planet in our solar system known to have liquid water on its surface — essential for life as we know it. But our planetary neighbors, Mars and Venus , are bone-dry by comparison. So, what made Earth so special? Let’s dive into the science and history. 🌋 1. Water from Within: Volcanic Outgassing When Earth first formed 4.6 billion years ago, it was a blazing hot ball of molten rock. Deep inside, water molecules were trapped in minerals and magma. Through constant volcanic eruptions in Earth’s early ...