Real Life Stories: Cedar Springs PARC, Cathy and Daisy Mae

Resident profile

Name: Cathy and Shih Tzu, Daisy Mae
Time at Cedar Springs PARC: 1 year
Previous occupation: Legal Secretary
Hobby she discovered in her 80s: Watercolor painting
Advice to people who think it’s too late to start a new hobby: “You can do it. Nobody needs to think they can’t do it because they CAN.”
Next thing on her list to pursue: Photography
On life at Cedar Springs: “I like to say it’s like Cheers: ‘where everybody knows your name!’”

Cedar Springs resident, Cathy found herself contemplating a move to an independent retirement residence when she found condo living a little too quiet for her liking.  “I used to live in a nice condo in West Vancouver. But when you’re by yourself, you maybe go two or three days before you even see anybody out in the hallway. I thought, there’s got to be a better way,” she says.

Cathy was drawn to the warm and friendly atmosphere she immediately encountered when she stepped through the doors at Cedar Springs PARC. One year later, she’s having the time of her life, along with Shih Tzu, Daisy Mae in tow.

While fitness classes, walks with Daisy Mae and regular resident bus trips keep Cathy plenty busy, Cathy’s new-found joy for watercolor painting is what keeps her most occupied these days. On most afternoons, you’ll find her across the street at Parkgate Village learning new painting techniques and tricks from a local artist. Cathy has even set up a small make-shift art studio inside her suite to paint beautiful flowers and tranquil landscapes which she uses to decorate her suite or send to friends and family as holiday cards.

Cathy is a testament to it never being too late to start a new hobby. In fact, she has her eyes set on photography next. Sounds like this vibrant and vivacious resident is just getting started.

Read on to see what a typical day at Cedar Springs PARC is like for Cathy and Daisy Mae.

A day in the life of Cathy and Daisy Mae

“I usually have my breakfast in my room, and then we go for a little walk, my Shih Tzu, Daisy Mae and I. Daisy Mae is the star of Cedar Springs. Everybody loves her. Everybody knows her name.”

“I have taken up watercolor painting. I started when I turned 80 and I’m in my 5th year of painting. I really enjoy it. I found an instructor in the community league across the street. And so, I’m learning new techniques.”

“My neighbour and I had just finished a yoga class at the community centre and we were on our way home when we saw painting in one of the rooms. I went to take a look to see what they were doing. Lo and behold, it was a beginner’s class for watercolor painting. Oh the colors and everything were just so wonderful. I thought, I can do this!”

“So we signed up and we took several sessions there every fall. I like painting flowers. And of course, we use photographic references for our paintings. It’s fun to go and take pictures around the neighbourhood of lovely flowers.”