Retrograde motion is a phenomenon that actually occurs quite frequently. Our Earth is tilted on its axis at 23 ½ degrees and the planets are in a continuous motion in the skies. They rise in the east and set in the west due to our Earth’s rotation. The planets in our solar system travel along the ecliptic and because of our Earth’s rotation move from west to east. At some point in this rotation the planets appear to slow down and actually stop their movement in the heavens. This appearance of non-movement is known as the stationary position in Astrology. The planets then appear to move backwards and this is termed as retrograde motion. This is an illusion and does not actually happen. It only appears to happen. These times of retrograde motion can last for a period of a couple of weeks up to several months depending on the planet involved. If the placement of the planet which is in retrograde makes an aspect to one of the planets in our birth chart energies are triggered. The type of energy that is triggered depends entirely on the aspect between the planets and the planets involved along with the houses that becomes activated during the contact. Quite often a Planet such as Pluto will go into retrograde motion and then begin to move forward again and then go back into retrograde two or three times before it returns to direct motion and passes beyond the connection with the planetary force it has touching. The first contact when a planet goes retrograde is always the most intense energy period. It is as though something has been activated and we act accordingly. Each subsequent contact is less intense and the final contact is usually associated with coming to terms with whatever took place as a result of energies of the initial contact. When Pluto makes a contact to an angle in our natal chart, especially the Ascendant or the Midheaven, its energies can have a profound effect in our lives. Often the retrograde motion lasts a month or two and then passes over the same degree only to go retrograde again and pass over the same degree again. The total orb of influence can last six months to one year. This will transform whatever is being suggested through the sign on the angle and the aspects from other natal positions. Great transformations occur during such events and individuals will go through changes both internally and externally that alter their lives, often permanently. To find out more on retrograde planets in your birth chart or retrograde planets affecting planets or angles in your chart, you should locate these movements in your ephemeris. A transit and progression chart can be prepared and will provide great detail of the affects of the exceptional current number of retrograde planets - Mercury, Mar, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog –www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

Our journey has led us to this exact point in time. Our higher self knows when and what we are ready to deal with in our voyage. Many of us have aligned ourselves with the awakening that is taking place with so many people in our world today. Although there are vast numbers experiencing awakening, there are many more that do not recognize much beyond their basic survival requirements and material comfort. Many are caught up in everyday living and are being held hostage by ego without recognizing the chains that bind them. They are lost in their search for happiness and do not understand that happiness cannot be found as it is a choice. Each of us is one of the lucky ones. We have found the key to unlocking the door to our happiness. We are ready to move through the threshold or have already taken that step through. We are not suggesting that those that are not experiencing their awakening are not utilizing their earthly experience. Their purpose here is not ours to judge. Their purpose may be just that....to learn and experience basic survival or comfort and safety as a human being. Their experience today is perfect for their specific journey. Our journey is not for everyone. It is for us alone. We are ready to move forward in our quest and although we are not sure where we are headed, we instinctively know that we are moving in the right direction. Next time we examine our lives and we find that we are focusing on what is missing or how life isn’t how we “think” is should be, remember that every experience is temporary but a valuable lesson nonetheless. We must embrace our path and acknowledge how privileged we are. Give thanks every day for all things-- lessons, abundance, miracles. It is through this gratitude that we find true appreciation and happiness. Nothing is by chance. Everything in life has a meaning. Enjoy the journey; it is a magnificent one. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog – www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

True love always brings joy and it will withstand all outside pressure. You may disagree. Some believe that love causes pain but pain results not from love but from the lack of selfless love. Expectations cause pain. Love is complete unto itself and celebrates by spreading itself throughout the world on different levels of understanding. Love is truth and is never egocentric; it always perseveres, even under the harshest of conditions. Love can stand alone in the face of adversities. Love delights in compassionate and holds peace at its core. Love is all consuming, ever-present and never ending. It sustains happiness and appreciation and asks for nothing in return. Love knows no boundaries for it is forever expanding. Love offers peace and serenity to all those that choose to express it, to allow it and to live through its bounty. Love is found within us yet it is expressed through an outward manifestation of truth, everlasting truth. Love is not love at all unless it is shared. Love cannot be saved or hoarded. Love is never diminishing. It is always expanding. It touches each and every one of us without judgement. It encompasses everything and forgives every action. It is waiting to be set free from within each and everyone one of us. Love is source in its purest form, in its only form. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog –www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

Continuing from our last Astrology post, the Sun and Moon are significant in determining if there is a shortage of the element water in the birth chart. You can count these two luminaries as two points each in whatever element they are in (Today we are focusing on water). The rest of the planets as well as if the Ascendant or Midheaven in water can be counted as one point. If a planet or one of the angles is at 29 degrees of a sign, you can give that sign a half count and the next sign another half count. There will either have a single count or no counts when there is a deficiency in an element in the birth chart. If you have the Moon in a water house (4th, 8th, and 12th), the Moon tightly conjunct an angle particularly the fourth house cusp or at the end of a t-square configuration, this will eliminate a water deficiency. If the Moon is conjunct the Sun or Neptune or Pluto this will also eliminate a deficiency, as these are indicators of a need to uncover or examine. Often an individual may recognize the lack of water in their chart and will overcompensate for this by attempting to find some spiritual meaning in life which in turn might deactivate their “feeling” deficiency. Many people with a lack of water in their charts are emotionally controlled and appear unresponsive especially on an emotional level. Others may feel that they are distant and closed up tight. These individuals reveal little of themselves to others. This may be due to feelings of insecurity often stemming from childhood. They have great difficulty expressing their emotions and because of this they may surround themselves with overly emotional people in order to find a passage to their feelings and sensitivities. Since they have such a difficult time reacting to other people’s emotions, (if they are aware of this) they may go the extra mile and attempt to find compassion within themselves so that they can capture a little of the emotion that other people are experiencing. Some will go overboard in a futile attempt to let others know that they have empathy and feel for those less fortunate than themselves by over reacting to others emotional situations in an attempt to revitalize their sensitivities and compassionate natures. Some even go to extremes because they really become aware of this deficiency and act overly alarmed and disturbed by what other individuals are experiencing. People that lack water in their natal chart may seem unresponsive to outside stimuli and even appear cold and emotionless. If they become aware of this shortage, they can respond in acts of compassion and go out of their way to nurture those in need. By doing so, they can break the barriers of their intellect allowing their locked emotional responses to be expressed. All challenges found in our natal charts are there for us to overcome and to grow from. We are not eternally bound by these indicators. They are simply stepping stones. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog – www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

Has your life changed so significantly that you no longer feel you recognize the path? Are you having a difficult time moving in the new direction? Maybe you are living in the past? Life does take some unexpected twists and turns, and we certain must learn to adapt. As challenging as they may be initially, most changes can bring with them a wealth of growth and knowledge. We are not at the mercy of life though sometimes we may question this. We are in full control of our response to every moment in life. If life provides stepping stones to our growth, why do we fight these changes so desperately? These twists and turns are actually in place for a reason. There is always a purpose behind every event. If we open our minds to all possibilities, we make the necessary adjustment to these new situations much more smooth and these changes feel far less invasive. The human race is compiled of survivors. We are adaptable which has guaranteed are survival to this point. We are resilient and even when faced with adversity, if we choose, we can adapt and grow from any and all conditions. We will not adjust to these life conditions ONLY if we have decided not to. Many times during the course of this lifetime, we will not clearly understand the purposes behind specific events. Our human comprehension is extremely limited. Even without this understanding we can still move forward and grow from each and every situation we are faced with. The most important lesson may be the obvious one – our ability to stay open and positive. Sometimes our search for the answer is much more difficult than the actual experience. Can we let go of our need to know? The lesson of patience is quite often a co-lesson to our experiences in life. This lesson must be extremely important as it frequently presented itself to us. We are restless people with a great need for control. We want answers yesterday but more often than not, we are not privy to these answers. We miss so much because our focus is only on our persistent need to know. We miss the beauty of our journey as we obsess over our search of understanding. To simply breathe, take in the beauty around us and enjoy the moment is the greatest lesson in life. Experience the wonder. Recognize the miracles and allow life to unfold. Life is miraculous, certainly mysterious and always changing. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog –www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

On May 3, 2016, we took a look at the element of fire in the natal chart. In determining the balance of elements within your natal chart, count your Sun sign and Moon sign as two and the rest of the planets as well as the Ascendant and Midheaven as one. If you find that you have at least 6 points in any given element, you have an emphasis with that specific element. If you have a planet at the 29th degree of a sign, you can give it half a point on both elements (this element as well as the element for the sign that is 0 degrees beyond the 29th degree). Today we are going to take a look at the element of water. People with at least 6 points in the element of water are powerfully influenced by their emotions. They feel everything deeply and may have difficulty separating themselves from the feelings of those around them. This can make them somewhat susceptible to these subtle vibrations, making them moody for no apparent reason. Some become so wrapped up in emotions that they try to find solace in places of solitude and prefer to be alone rather than be influenced by the emotions of those around them. We could call them psychic sponges. In reality, they could actually be a gentle helping hand to those in need once they learn to separate themselves from other people’s feelings and life experiences. Those with Grand Water Trines and their Sun or Moon or a combination of both in water are quite psychic and inclined to feel the energy, rather than utilizing a mental analysis of life’s situations. Have a look to see if there is a sextile between Neptune and Pluto for further reference to see if this potential holds true for you. This especially applies if the sextile is within one degree of being direct and also if you have a water sign on the ascendant and many planets in the fourth, eighth, and twelfth houses. As mentioned, these people are often moody because of their sensitivity and their responsive tendencies to their environment. It is important for them to have a place of retreat where they can recharge their sensitive batteries and ready themselves for life and its flowing energies. Many are intuitive and often very passive by nature. This is largely due to their ability to be very sympathetic to situations and use their nurturing abilities to aid those in stress. Some are secretive, particularly those with the Sun, Moon or Ascendant in the sign of Scorpio or Cancer, although Cancer is more secretive about their feelings than anything else. A strong link of planetary energies in the eighth house is also tied to people that are able to dig into the core of the matter and sometimes find significant resolution to problems that plague others. Those with strong water in their charts are very protective of their family and loved ones and will take care of them as a mother protects her children. Some can become so sensitive to their environment that they become defenceless or vulnerable to outside influences. Some have such a challenge with life that they resort to alcohol and drugs, particularly those with strong Pisces or a twelfth house emphasis. Those with strong 12th house emphasis often bury away secrets from their past or hide their head in the sand until they begin to accept the fact that a problem cannot be resolved until faced head on and dealt with accordingly. Often an outer planet will move across these positions through transit and activate this need to bring things to the surface and to deal with the buried issues, particularly the planet Pluto. We will take a look at a deficiency in water in our next astrology post on May 12, 2016. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog –www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

There are times in any relationship that we feel as though the other person may drive us mad. Is this from their actions or from our attitude towards their actions? It is important after moments of not-so-pleasant exchanges that we make the time to discuss with one another the events so that we can understand the “why” behind their actions and the “why behind our reaction”. Perhaps it is ego related, perhaps it is learned habit or perhaps it is just a moment of fatigue. Whatever reason we may discover behind these challenging moments, the discussion is moving us in a direction to overcoming the issue. If we back off a little and do not identifying with our ego (ego insists that we win our arguments), we can review the situation and recognize that even the most upsetting discussions have their place and can offer a resolution as long as we release “pride and control”. Letting go of ego’s control and acknowledging that both parties had their role to play in the argument will alleviate much of the irritation we tend to identify with. We must ask ourselves, in a year from now will this incident be important? Most arguments are temporary states resulting from moments of weakness. We usually rebound and can brush off the event and the exchange of energies can have a positive outcome. All things in life are temporary. Do not let a difference of opinion steal your inner peace. If a resolution just cannot be found, there are only two obvious options. We can make an adjustment to our attitude, adapting to a more acceptable attitude or focus, or we can walk away from those things in life that we have decided we will never be able to find acceptable. Most times in life, arguments are easily settled by acknowledging our differences and accepting others for whom and what they are. Open dialog helps us to understand others and for them to understand us. Sharing our thoughts and feelings is a wonderful opportunity to reflect, to make alterations, to understand and to accept. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog – www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and the various types of Astrological charts we offer. If you have questions, please contact us at www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

Do the things that you struggle with not seem to want to be resolved? Are you unhappy or even feeling ill? Do you tend to worry excessively? Most often, these constant struggles are as a result of mental blockages - issues that we either fail to recognize (actual causes) or issues that we try to ignore with the hope that they will just go away. Our lives are a mirror reflections of what is taking place on an internal level and when we find that life presents us with conditions that hinder or stand in our way, we need to have an honest look at what it is we can do to facilitate change. At times it is quite challenging to accept that the hurdles we are facing come from within. We fail to take responsibility for our choices in life and our role in instigating change. Change can be difficult but sometimes it is the only avenue that can release us from life’s sometimes challenging conditions. Remember that we always have at our disposal the ingredients needed to promote these changes that are necessary as well as the tools that will help us move forward in a chosen direction, assisting us in overcoming or meeting these lessons head on. These unresolved challenges are blockages to our growth and we will periodically need to pay particular attention to even the most minute speed bumps that can building up to mountains in our lives. View them objectively and see what they might be leading to, and then decide on which course of action to take. We may decide to continue along the same path venturing to move forward and initiate the change, or we might be unsure of what the transformation entails and choose not to push ahead. Sometimes the conditions seem as though they are there for a reason and in most cases they are. We have to acknowledge that these things are happening for our ultimate benefit and then be open to the dialogue that might have to happen in order for us to understand the situation completely. These so called road bumps if left to grow, as mentioned, can eventually manifest into mountains which ultimate manifest into illnesses and physical conditions such as headaches, muscle tightness and even minor or major mental confusion which can lead to further even more serious mental or physical conditions. We have to ask ourselves if there is something that we can do within ourselves to facilitate the transformation required. Usually a change in attitude is all that is needed. Attitude is often the greatest culprit and changing our concepts or belief structures will often produce a release of the tension that has built up over time. If the challenge seems to resonate from outside in our world, it means that the issue has had time to build and has manifested and is now present in your environment or material worl. We can look at the issue, whatever it may be, and purposely and honestly look at what can be done to help alleviate the challenge. Change is often difficult for most of us but challenges in life need to be addressed early on when they are road bumps. Our focus should always be placed, not on what we do not have but, on the gifts that we do have. We can come to terms with all conditions in our lives and once recognized, we can take appropriate action to challenge the condition without owning them. More often than not, most of our challenges in life result from the way we look at things. Each and every one of us deserves to be happy so let’s choose to be happy. Our lives are meant to expand and we are meant to learn each step of the way so let’s learn the lessons without owning the events. We have to come to terms with what life is teach us so let’s acknowledge, accept and move on. Never give in or give up. We are resilient. Be gentle with yourself and supportive. We can overcome anything life presents us with. Have faith in our ultimate course in life and know that we are where we need to be for this very moment in time. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog – www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

The New Moon is in Taurus at 16 degrees and 41 minutes, tomorrow May 6, 2016. As the New Moon is representative of when to make new starts (the proverbial planting of seeds), a New Moon in Taurus is a time to make plans for your future. Perhaps you might want to start a retirement savings program or start putting away money to buy that home you have been dreaming of. Perhaps it’s time to begin a savings account for your children’s post secondary education. If you have a planet or significant point (Ascendant or Midheaven) close to this degree (16 degrees, 41 minutes) and you should use no more than a three degree orb, so 13 to 19degrees of any sign, this New Moon will affect you. If, for example, you have the New Moon in the seventh house (relationships) and you have Neptune or Venus in the tenth house or especially on the MC, this is a great time to begin plans for a wedding. The harvest time for this crop would especially be good in six months when the Full Moon is in Taurus. With the New Moon energies you make plans and prepare. You begin projects and will see the initial plans come to fruition or you will prepare yourself for the next phase of activity. For the best end results or harvest expect to see results during the energies of the Full Moon is in the same sign (in this case Taurus in November, 2016). The house position is important as this will be the area of life that will be affected. If you have several planets and important points near this degree regardless of what sign they may fall in, this will be a very significant period in your life. If Saturn or Neptune is involved you will need to move ahead with some caution and also make sure that the plans you are making have the potential to reach fruition. Saturn says make sure you have all the “t’s” crossed and the “i’s” dotted. Neptune says make sure that the plans you are laying the foundation for are realistic and achievable. Jupiter, Venus and the Sun offer opportunities to move ahead in life. Mercury says that you should really think about what it is that you want to do and make sure that you know what you are doing. With the New Moon in Taurus, the energies are all about security and laying plans and those plans have to have a solid foundation and if they are long range plans, all the better. Taurus knows that it takes time to climb that mountain and you need secure footwear if you want to reach the summit. Taurus is also a very passionate sign and if love is in the air, this could be a time to move forward in a direction that promotes future growth together and a deep love connection which could stand the test of time. Whatever you decide to do with this New Moon’s energies, make sure that it has a solid base and that you move slowly and that your direction is clear. Now is the time to plan and make decisions that may prove to be very significant down the road. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Visit our blog at www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca

You may ask yourself, “what lies ahead for me?” Where am I going? What does the road ahead look like for me? You may ask, “What am I looking for?” The answer to this question could also be the answer to the first couple of questions. If we are searching of riches and monetary gains, at one point in our lives we will either reach this goal or we will have experienced a real sense of lacking in this area on a mental level, regardless of how much we have managed to attain. Remember much depends on the way we focus our intentions. Do you feel as though you experience monetary shortages in life? Are you focusing on your shortages and live in a constant attitude of “wanting”? Alternatively, are you comfortable in your pursuits and already feel satisfied and filled with gratitude for all that you have? Remember this can describe anything that you are actively seeking and your attitude and expectations will manufacture whatever it is you focus on. You may not reach the exact end result you want to achieve but you will find something that fulfils your goals and for this you will be content. There will, as in everything in life, be lessons along the way. The lessons will reflect your definition of what it is you are in search of. The lessons will also reflect whether or not you actually believe that your dreams are available for you. Our belief structure form our reality over time. It is so important to recognize and accept that this is part of creation in our lives. For those in search of growth in areas not pertaining to material wealth, the rules do not change. It is important to recognize and acknowledge where you have come from. From there we can monitor and acknowledge growth on whatever level we are experiencing our growth, recognizing it for what it is and then being thankful that it has been provided to us. Acknowledging the gifts that are presented us in life will open the doors for more of the same. Remember appreciation and acknowledgement brings more of the same. No different than focusing on shortage places us in a place of shortage. We receive and experience whatever we have placed our focus on. Our goals in life appear in the same form as our searching, but may appear on many different levels of understanding. Reality manifests in close proximity to where we place our thoughts but spirit always knows what will suit our growth best. We are always in alignment with our higher goals and our pursuits unfolds as they should. There may be times however when it might appears as though we have slipped somewhat off our path. We are never off our path and almost immediately when we questions we should be able to recognize that we are continuing along that original path just as before. Do not believe in shortage for you will manifest lacking. Review the abundance that surrounds you daily. Express your appreciation for the miracles you experience…..then watch where life will take you! Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog – www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

Fire signs in Astrology are exuberant in their energy. They are stimulating, independent and often self-motivated, but can at times become too intense when trying to reach their objectives. Most are energetic and enthusiastic and have a great drive to achieve. In general they are self-confident and rely on themselves in most situations. They are spontaneous in their reactions to life events and often impulsive; some can even be rash in their decision making. They enjoy a fast paced life and will zealously go after what they want. The key is that they want it. They become quite motivated when in search for something that holds their interest and will relentlessly pursue whatever they have their sights on until they either have it or realize that they just can’t have it. When they come to this conclusion most fire sign people can shift and pick up the pieces and begin again, often with just as much enthusiasm as with their first goal. Those that are weak in the element fire can easily become pessimistic with life and prefer to remain low-key and uninvolved in life’s endeavours, unlike someone with an emphasis in fire. Those lacking fire are not overly expressive and often can withhold themselves. Those that feel that they have a shortage in some area of life, either become restricted by life and choose to remain in the background, or become overly expressive in order to move beyond these limitations. Many lacking in fire need to be motivated in order to achieve in life and will look to others to push them forward. Self-motivation can become a real challenge. Being less involved than most and not overly fascinated by life, these individuals can become depressed by having no direction to follow and little push to succeed. Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are all fire signs and the angular houses, (the first, fourth, seventh and tenth houses) are all driven by a want to achieve and move forward in life. These houses accentuate action and when these cusps are involved in transit or progression, life happens. I personally use a specific counting system when defining whether there is an element that is emphasized or has a short fall in a chart. I give the Sun and Moon two counts each and the rest of the planets one count. I also give the sign on the ascendant and midheaven one count and when a planet is between the 29th degrees in one sign and 0 degrees of the next, both signed share one count in both elements. Elements with a count of 6 and higher are considered pronounced. If there is a count of one or zero in a chart, these individuals would be considered lacking in that element. In determining if there is a weakness of fire in a chart, you can use Mars in a fire sign to compensate for this weakness, or if it is closely tied to an angle, this will soften the lack. Also if Mars is located in a fire house particularly in the first house, or if it is conjunct to the Sun or if there is an emphasis in cardinal, the fire element would not be considered to be lacking in the birth chart. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog –www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/