Samantha's Saltwater Joys Museum & Cafe
2 Gulch Rd A0K2M0 Fleur de Lys, NL, Canada

Halloween is far away as ever!!! I was excited to have some kids knocking on my door ( young and older) It’s great to know the childlike adventure remains with some older youths November 1st... growing up in a staunch Catholic home I would be reminded that it’s All Saints Day! I smile and recall that many of our christening names would include a Saints name! Trust me I’ll never be canonized ; Yesterday while making dinner for my family and preparing preserves I was reflec...ting on older people long gone from our community! Often I get sentimental remembering.. I could see the beautiful face of Mrs Mag Noftall; cherubic looking and a heart filled with kindness! My sister Dottie and I would be very excited to deliver a parcel to her home ; warmly welcomed inside and told to sit down for a moment! She’s humming continuously and comes closely to us ; reaching inside her penny apron pocket she gingerly puts into our hands 1/2 a stick if juicy fruit gum! She’s always smiling and we’re ecstatic ( I can smell it as I text) I would keep the wrapping to smell the delicious sugar much laters! We loved her! I say Imagine giving out 1/2 sticks of gum for Halloween treats ! Whooo I’m astounded at the amount of treats posted ! The generosity of our communities never fails to amaze me! Pitiful me gave out juice packets I have so much to be grateful for.. still I think the world has much to offer. Look at this beautiful day; recall the beautiful night with the moon casting shadows and giving light where needed . Today Is a day of no plans; tomorrow I’m visiting with my Mom to help and watch her make black currant jelly! A special giveaway gift for her friends. On Friday my mom and I went to Westport to visit a dear friend of mine; my mother especially picked 2 gallons of Partridge Berries for her ; picked with love and experienced hands. visiting reminded me the importance of taking time to stay connected to people we love.. Autumn rules me and my friends are the berry grounds, the soft turf on my knees and rough lichen on my knuckles while lost in my wonderland of peace. I still love you.. In between burning wood; listening to old music tunes I’m watching or reading the News.. especially tuning into the American election . I pray that the American people will do the right thing , cast their important vote for Biden.. to regain the respect on a global level. It’s a serious situation.. difficult to absorb the lack of empathy by a leader.. sadly changed hearts take time. Each person can make a difference... a grain of sand was once a mountain.. It’s Sunday my friends far and near in heart . Tomorrow is All Souls Day ; another story . I was petrified on this night ! Mrs Mag Noftall is a beautiful soul.. I know you’ve given light to many; not to mention Juicy Fruit Gum. Have a beautiful day. See more

Nope ; I haven’t been in hibernation but I’m hoping the BEARS got the hint! Yes there’s still fresh bear scat around the berry picking hills; Monday May have been our last day traipsing and squatting and stretching for the ultimate Partridge berry! If by chance the sunshine melts the snow and one wants to look for berries where we picked our last12.5 gallons.. Just bring a Thimble We had a beautiful day wrapped up in hats , vest and mittens!! You could feel Winter steal...ing Autumn into a deep sleep! Yesterday she donned her coat of white and like a child I rejoiced in the first snow fall. Winter will put on a spectacular show.. Take time for the season! Just take time to live; life is fleeting. So many are recipients of hearing bad news about their health; loved ones .. The struggle is real for so many people. Keep good energy moving....I’m staying optimistic that 2021 will bring answers for the Covid pandemic and hopefully humanity will recognize the lessons we learned in this journey. I’m busy after a days rest preparing for the Fall Fair on November 7 at the Fleur De Lys Dorset Museum. My sister Dottie and I will be showcasing a variety of items including preserves, baked goods, knitted items; jewelry etc. Proceeds are for Samantha’s Saltwater Joys. I’ll be posting pictures soon Also there’s soup and sandwiches to enjoy! Our Dorset Museum appreciates the much needed support!!! There’s still time to put a table in. And HATS off to the Fleur de Lys Recreation Committee And Town for sponsoring our Annual Seniors Event ( delivery style due to Covid) My coffee and quietness this morning seems compounded with darkness.. my least favourite thing about this time of the year is losing daylight! Guessing my fire will burn until June I love the wood heat ; my mom is still burning wood at 94 yrs... Lol! Her stove is burning all year! Thank you Sal and Mary for stacking the wood at Mom’s.. you are both 2 gems! Our world needs more of your kind I have work to finish my friends!! I’m grateful I recover fast from lots of exercise!! My hands are comical Now bring on Winter and I’m ready to shovel and scoop; and push snow out my path... I’m particular about even how my snow is piled! Before we know it you’ll be singing Jingle Bells... but please my friends lets bow our heads and Remember November 11th ... before. Have a beautiful day.. I’ll be back on the weekend See more

Since we are only 4 days away from releasing #NakedGarden we thought it would be the perfect time to share the song that started it all! #TurnOffTheNewsAndBuild...AGarden Performance is from the Luck Reunion #tilfurthernotice broadcast last Thursday, where I got to sing this song with my dad and brother Micah (Particle Kid) Even if you don’t have your own physical garden right now, I hope you will join us, close your eyes and find the garden in your mind See more

Happiest of Friday’s to one and all !! Halloween is around the corner and I’m guessing Trump will be prepping for Trick or Treatin !! Now that he’s BIDEN time ! Just sayin.... in between living my good life I catch snippets of the news.. which most often causes me to frown and purse my lips ! I wore a big Smile for the Americans this morning in hopes that a change is coming!! I am perplexed at persons whom believe Trump is a great human... and question the logic behind t...his thinking! Always one has entitlement to opinions!!! I’ve learned that opinions are not Facts The sooner our leaders and Fence sitters realize the key to a successful economy and peace is first and foremost believing in fairness and practicing fairness. Anyways let’s not let politicians steal our sunshine today.. I’m taking a break from traipsing and right now texting in the warmth of my window ! Feeling happy! Dropped my mom off for her daily walk and I know she’s praying as she walks for all walks of life. She never fails to amaze me. Thank you Mom. I’m reading articles on staying positive; knowing that so many are suffering mentally and feelings of exhaustion and hopelessness during the Covid pandemic. The road is long and desperate for many... And with our Canadian winter arriving soon just adds to some people’s despair. Remember my friends to show gratitude.... it helps us experience a more positive life. When I do tune in to the Global Affairs ; my head hurts with frustration ( trust me I’m aware of what’s happening) I’m reminded of how insignificant it is for us to be chasing such aspects as;, wealth, fame, power, good looks, romantic love.... and on and on.. Always trying to find happiness; The most beautiful experience I’ve had with becoming older is the Ah ha moment of knowing I’d rather try and catch the wind, watch a sunset, listen to birds singing, Plant a garden, listen to music, hold the hands of my grandsons and my mothers... picking berries laying in a bed of moss shimmering with frost. You see the thrill of what we are chasing what society promotes doesn’t last long .. to fulfill long term happiness. Choosing to notice and appreciate our blessings is a powerful gift to inner happiness. So today if you’re feeling lonely and low .. focus on your blessings be it great or small! And stay connected to people who truly care and desire to make your life brighter. A small circle of friends is beautiful. Carve out time in your busy life.. to show gratitude. It’s such an uplifting act... to give back. Anyways my friends I’m trying to normalize my berry picking hands.. Around Christmas time I’m guessing they will look a little more polished.. Happy Friday from my heart .. Stay safe and healthy. See more

Book your tables early for the Fall Bazaar !!

Hey everyone it’s Monday! Possibly one of the most dreadful days for many who work ... And do not love their jobs! Actually I miss teaching; especially the students and camaraderie with staff! It’s amazing how little social connection one can have outside their working environments! However I’m enjoying everything about my new chapter in life!!! And like many wondering where I found the time to do everything including berry picking every chance I got in between baking and pr...eserving in Autumn!! Our weather is phenomenal and I’m feeling so grateful for the abundance of berries I’m finding to pick! My sisters call me the BERRY FAIRY... it’s like I have a Partridge berry radar ! Actually it’s my favourite time picking when most everyone is finished picking and the woods is quiet! I hear the leaves fall from trees and I’m smelling the sap from evergreens.. and the sun warms my wrinkles; but twinkles my eyes into laughter lines! It’s my meditation. I realize it’s not for everyone and without a doubt sometimes people reading my posts tut tut tut; but I’m just an extension of Nature... not as great as the trees. Every time I tread on the ground or I kneel to pick the berries I’m humbled by how beautiful the world is ; and how amazing our creator can be. I always think I’m making my soul for my final journey.. Home where many hearts await. So today my friends.. I hope you’re ok and if not; Remember it’s ok not to be okay always. Reach out to someone.. often people are smiling but have a broken heart ! The best language is LOVE.; wrapped with a bouquet of kindness. See more

What have I been doing and where have I been?? Well rest assured I was not housecleaning all week! A few days of rest to enjoy some family time with my sister visiting from St John’s; making jellies and jams and taking time to celebrate my Sister Dots Birthday! And picking beautiful berries among the goo widday beds, and ones hidden under bushes and on stumps ! Continuing to get lots of exercise and fresh air and praying and giving thanks for such an abundance of goodnes...Continue reading

Monday morning brings cooler temperatures but going to have sunshine later! I’ll be roaming with my bucket later today! This is truly my favourite time to pick Partridge berries.. the hills are mostly empty; just quiet noises of birds and leaves falling from trees. Soon, very soon there will be stark nakedness... Yesterday; Sunday supposedly a day of rest ; however I was busy packing the last of my firewood in my shed; delivering a load to mom; mowing grass... and packing... away fish for my brother and family!! Come on Winter I’m waiting to take the shine off my shovel and scoop it’s great exercise and I’m never daunted by the amount of snow; Just one scoop at a time; and repeat and repeat until April Yes I’m ready!!! This morning I’m enjoying a breakfast of a delicious smoothie ( lemon, celery, frozen mango, Partridge berries, spinach, plain yogurt, and honey) it’s truly delicious and satisfying! Of course I had my morning coffee while waiting for daylight to break! There’s smoke rising from a few chimneys this morning!! For me there’s no replacement for wood heat ( no doubt I’ll be like my mother; burning wood until I’m not physically able to) I hope everyone had a nice weekend and took some time for the outdoors! I’m putting away the last of my summer items: and I’ll need a couple of days to weed my ground and fertilize in anticipation of Spring! Some of my flowers are still blooming and I’m enjoying the fantastic colours of my peonies leaves!! If you’re repainting your interior home; and can’t decide on what colours match.. just look a little closer at the Artful colours woven by Nature! I’m loving the beautiful photos people are posting of sites in community and other places! And the new baby pictures Life is beautiful on so many levels. Take time to stop and breathe in the beauty of the season.And just a friendly reminder that Samantha’s Saltwater Joys will be at the November 7 , Fall Craft/ fair at our Dorset Museum! Most likely I’ll have a few carrot cakes for sale ( just sayin) Let me know if you want one See more

Today was a retreat day from wandering in the woods! However I wandered around my house , clean sweeping and doing Dusty Dancing! My floors had twigs and berry leaves and berry juices A full morning flat out with music blaring until my space was normalized for OCD moi! I picked flowers from my garden; took photos of items that speak of love and magic to me! Tomorrow my sisters and I are are going to seek the ultimate Partridge Berry ... perfect in size and colour and s...leeping magnificently in long leaves!!! I’ll let you know how tomorrow pans out.. And no matter we will still enjoy the traipsing around over knolls and bogs; breathing in all Nature offers!! Not a sound we make ; just the rustling of our footgear making contact with the earth beneath them. The weather today would make anyone fall in love with Nature; I hope you stopped to enjoy a moment! Everything is simply happy; the seagulls dipping and diving against the wind; trees bending but not breaking.. blue jays are collecting bits of nourishment ... I do not see only with my eyes but with my heart I’m kinda missing baking and cooking routine; However I did make a delicious bean soup with veggies yesterday! I crave protein especially if you’re active lots ; muscles need replenishing to stay strong. There’s something about Autumn that causes me to want to be productive with preserving; I love having my counter top flowing with goodies for winter! Psss I’m making Rosehip jelly next week... I’m waiting for the Rosehip to become a deeper colour!! It’s delicious and soo good for your... toast ( Lol ) And your health of course. It’s October 1.... Thanksgiving and Halloween is just around the corner; both nice celebrations; one masked and the other not and possibly both this year. It’s nearly bedtime.. I’m sitting looking at the water through my kitchen window; Covid has caused a quietness... seems like the whole Harbour is getting ready to tuck in... we are so very blessed to live here.. My heart breaks for so many unfortunate people who have to face each day .. In fear of contracting this virus. Continue to take care of yourself and loved ones... practice a little more patience and understanding.. Take time... before time takes away all the beautiful aspects of our lives .Take a stroll.. no hurry.. no race to win... just try and catch the wind Within nature lies the cure for humanity Anonymous See more

Good Monday Evening! Nearly my bedtime ! I’ve been picking, picking and more picking tomorrow! I’m happy but my body is a tad tired The trees and all the plant life is speaking Look at my new Autumn wear Hurry everyone enjoy the beautiful display of colours before the winds of winter sweep in and rob the trees of its dress! It’s amazing knowing everything will sleep with a blanket of white to protecting its life deeply into the earth. Well I have to share this.... Ca...n you believe that someone stole 2 gallons of berries from the cab of my old beaten down truck! ( 2 days ago)Much to my sisters dismay... I was still on the hills picking while they made a second trip!!! We grumbled for a bit and then I laughed ; thinking the poor soul might desperately need the berries or his missus ( yes it was a male) I’m pretty good at detective work too ... I’m patient SIR..) yes or his missus was wanting jam . Anyways I hope that the person enjoyed the stolen berries and the jam wasn’t too tart for his palate Stealing is wrong.. I would have happily given him the berries ( not everyone had the patience we have for picking berries) You see one time Long long ago I stole.25 cents from my brother! He was sleeping and the change was on his dresser ! All I could think of was going to Leo Sheas convenience store to buy pickin ninnies bubble gum ! (Hoping to get lucky yellow ones to redeem extras bubble gum) Of course mom figured it out... she said a little birdie told her I got chastised with a good smack , had to bring water from the brook house and bring in wood for a week and no outdoors; not mentioning the extra Hail Mary’s and Act of Contrition... I never forgot how ashamed I felt and the bubble gum wasn’t worth it!! So when we sit around Mom’s table picking out berries we tell stories of growing up and we laugh lots! Family is important.. making beautiful memories is more important! It’s the glue to hold things together when waters are rough! Guessing we are watching Covid creep back into our cities and towns! The world is sad.. but it’s important to stay focused on good things and continue to do our part in protecting ourselves and our loved ones. We have a responsibility to each other.. in time this pandemic will be a memory too.. Unfortunately not a happy one for many families. Going to pack a small lunch for tomorrow ( just a dry lunch , no fire ... Weather is amazing! Indian Summer we would call this! Not sure if this name is politically correct nowadays.. Good night! Morning comes early for me! Another day wandering in wonder like a child! My natural world is beautiful.. I’m grateful I love you all See more

Good morning! And happiest of Friday’s one and all! I’m busy busy picking Partridge berries on my hands and knees ! Yesterday was beautiful tagging along with my two sisters; for awhile and then I wander away from all the small noises. My heart was in tune with little birds singing and the wind causing the rustling of the leaves ( especially the beautiful Aspen) I’m counting my blessings and listening to a gentle voice inside my head guiding me to focus away from the short...comings of our world; and embrace all the beauty our world still offers!This positive outlook gives me ENERGY to keep moving and wandering and not wanting anything more than the berry in front of me. Like most I’m assuming I’m catching glimpses of the news and believe; That the Covid challenge ahead is real; so as families and communities we have to embrace this challenge and try to find meaning inWhy we are stopped...we must continue to reach out to people who need our strengths!! Be kind... And remember more than ever we can play a part in ensuring that everyone feels they belong.. A Time to practice patience; extra kindness and non judgmental understanding to others as well as oneself! Be compassionate with yourself.. Self care is important and not selfish; There is no one more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself; and that person is not to be found anywhere. You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection (Buddha) I read lots about humanity and how to change for the better Living a full simple lifestyle; feeling peace and love in our hearts! So many humans are too critical of oneself and others! Remember we all have an inner guiding voice!! I believe this voice influenced by our childhood upbringing and connections! My parents were strong and strict; but taught me real values and morals! with lots of smacks in between! Next week I’ll share a story on how my mom taught me a lesson about life... She impacted my self worth in a positive fashion! Happy Friday; Take time to listen to your inner guiding voice. There’s berries to pick!!! Oatmeal for breakfast and warm socks I purchased on my shopping spree to wear! I am grateful for hiking boots , Strong legs and flexible fingers for picking and picking until I wear a glove to brush away a little snow ... I’m in love with Autumn. Reach out to hug someone... send a message or a card;or simply smile while passing by! See more

Tuesday my friends; Friday isn’t too far away nor is 2021; Let’s think positive and remain optimistic that our world will find a balance once again! I have these thoughts about the present crisis our world is dealing with; The human race is racing for too much; too fast; and; without consideration for future consequences! We cannot rape and take from this Earth without fall outs! Greed and narcissistic greatness has added to our problems!! What if Mother Nature is tired from...Continue reading

Happy beautiful Sunday morning... May your day be filled with peaceful moments. You know waking up is a little harder for me these days My sleep wake cycle is interrupted the light cue to my peepers is later ! Awe winter is coming soon And bears are yawning their ways back into their dens with fattened bodies for a comfortable hibernation period! Oh to be a bear sometime ( lol maybe my next life) But I’m up at 5: o’clock because I keep a routine no matter the season; I a...Continue reading

A glorious morning! Happy happy Friday everyone! Happy Friday to all who are working and looking forward to downtime on your weekend Today I’m home rejuvenating from picking what I believe to be the Final Blueberry ; yesterday so many were already giving up the season; I smell frost this morning yesterday was wonderful picking with my 2 sisters and Mom ! Windy; however mom was able to hold her ground and picked 3 gallons! Her determination and love for simple livin...g is comforting to us sisters. She likes to give what she can call her ownberries . And we were welcomed home with a past visitor from Sam’s Place traveling by boat to beautiful Red Bay ( Take a trip there it’s a magical place) This gentleman and his lovely daughter found safety in our Fleur de Lys harbour. He was wanting blueberries.. I happily gave him a gallon! One of many we as a family will give over the winter months. Nothing makes me happier than giving.. Now this morning my friends I’m going through my deep freeze and making sure I don’t waste anything preserved from last year! I’m bottling moose; doing some curry moose and yes going to make 100 fish cakes . Clean freezer; clean and organized surroundings! A weekend to put away summer in preparation for picking Partridge berries until the snow flies ! These berries are by far my favourite to pick and actually like the scrounging around time for them! I wander lots and not impressed by huge patches! It seems there’s always some for me to find even when people say there’s none to find So Happy Friday... Enjoy this day. And as Gandhi would say Be the change you wish to see in the world . If you are feeling emotionally unhinged today; Take a deep breath; center yourself around true friends; Stop comparing yourself to others .we need to mutually respect our uniqueness. See more

These days I’m checking the weather forecast ! This morning it says maybe frost! We are still picking blueberries ; alongside the bears ! I whispered that the race is on. A beautiful day yesterday with Mom roaming around picking at her own 94 yr old pace. I watch her and I’m reminded that once again life is short and having the blessings of ones mother with her daughters causes me to choke up. I imagine how many berries have rolled through her hands and how many cups o...f teas have she enjoyed. She often mentions days long ago but still seems like yesterday. Time is like this you know.. So my 2 sisters are still picking blueberries (19 gallons yesterday !!!! One never knows who might appreciate a bottle of jam over the winter months.. Anyways this picking frenzy is my meditation ... I’m absorbing all the beauty for my soul to enjoy if I have the privilege of growing old; and if not I’m doing what makes me happy today. Now this morning my friends I’m on a roll like a few more in our community ( according to social media) I have cabbage rolls in the oven! Morning time is when I am most productive I’m missing the routine of Sam’s Place... But I’m sticking to my plan and refuse to obsess over anything that prevents me from my much needed personal downtime! Everyone should take time for oneself! I love my aloneness at times; quiet solitude with candles a glow and music to relax with. Summer is elegantly bowing out for her season and Autumn is beginning to show her true colours. I stop often when I’m roaming to observe the changes in nature! There’s nothing more beautiful than having the 4 seasons! Each bringing its own gifts to our earth. In Autumn I’m reminded of how beautiful gifts die .. a dear friend lost her husband early this morning.. her gift will return ; this I know. May peace fill your heart my dear.. No matter what we have to face; it’s still life. The world is filled with sadness; griefs; deaths, diseases; corruption and the list goes on.... But when a butterfly flies past me or a little bird is chirping alongside side me in the woods... I am reminded that life is good and beautiful.. Happy Wednesday.. September is flying by!! Psst... winter is around the corner! And I love winter!! A season that reminds me that the earth is just sleeping and restoring itself for another cyle of rebirth. Have a beautiful day.. Take Time See more

Well I’m readjusting my sails this Monday morning; no notes to make; no prepping for this weeks menu; no cakes to bake ; but there’s berries to pick ! I do a lot of thinking while picking berries about Sam’s Place and all the beautiful people that I have encountered. I smile and often whisper a prayer of gratitude. My surroundings speak to me and lift my spirits always. I’m thinking this morning about the students returning to a regular school week and so hoping that in sp...ite of the necessary regulations in place to protect everyone; it will be ok! I can say with confidence that the colleagues whom I worked alongside will tenderly care for the children they are responsible for. Teaching is challenging at the best of times; but it’s what teachers do best ; is readjust their sails when the winds of change blow in a storm! Thank you my teacher friends for your unrelenting resiliency! Someday you can too pick berries and wander hills to and fro like a child!! No matter 30 years or turning 55 to decide on retirement.. time will pass. Continue to enjoy those moments with your students and find time to laugh together.. some days I miss the classroom and my social network . Autumn is on its way ; and this season will bring such beauty and colour and a mixture of weather. As I’ve said so often; my favourite season. Today I am still picking blueberries; so instead of prepping for Samantha’s Saltwater Joys Museum/ Cafe ... I’m gonna smother my bread with butter and molasses and cut up my last zucchini ( shhh yes I eat veggies in the woods ) No matter I try to keep a balanced diet. Laugh if ya want Anyways Happy Monday Love to all And once again I wanna say Thank You to anyone and everyone whom supported Samantha’s Saltwater Joys Museum this season! Good people continue to reassure me that our world is filled with lots of love; despite the fact of our present situation ! Stay humble and be true to ourselves. See more