Spendin' Time

What a beautiful surprise to receive “Spendin’ Time: A Picture Book about Family and Slowing Down” on my special day. But what made it even more meaningful was having the chance and privilege to sit with the author himself and listen to him read the story aloud to our Grade 2 students.

There was something deeply comforting about the way he shared this story. Warm, gentle, unhurried. He welcomed me with such openness and kindness during the book talk, and you could feel that same heart woven throughout every page of the book.

The story follows a grandfather and grandson on what should have been a quick trip to town for Nan’s dinner ingredients. Yet along the way, they stop to talk with neighbours, pick blackberries, fish by the stream, and enjoy ice cream together. The grandfather keeps reminding the boy, “We’re spendin’ time.”

And perhaps that is the message so many of us need to hear. As I listened to the story, I kept thinking about how often we rush through life without truly noticing the people beside us, the conversations happening around us, or the beauty hidden in ordinary moments. This book is not only about grandparents. It is about all of us. It is about slowing down long enough to truly connect.

In a world that constantly tells us to move faster, this story gently reminds us that some of the most meaningful moments happen when we pause.

The small chats.
The unexpected detours.
The quiet togetherness.
The simple joy of being present.

This book wrapped around my heart in the loveliest way, and I know it will stay with me for a long time.