Ocean Breezes

A Thriving Global Economy, It Appears

2012-02-10T04:00:00.000-04:00

Another container ship sails into Halifax Harbour before nightfall.

I wonder what each of these containers is holding.

Besides an occasional 'stowaway' , I am sure they contain everything imaginable.

You see, this is just a part of the journey.

One of these may be destined to your locale, who knows?

Thinking Out Loud

2012-02-09T04:00:00.000-04:00

I was out in the garden this morning.

It is almost mid-February and being at 44 degrees latitude

on the shores of the North Atlantic Ocean and at sea-level,

I was wondering around the garden!

There were buds on trees and the ground was damp and soggy.

I came across this little lantern with it's wonderful rusty patina.

I do believe we are living through the process of climate change.

Whether we are or not, I could get used to this.

Imagine, we could be out and in the garden by March!!!

The Rush

2012-02-08T04:00:00.000-04:00

Hitting the road

sending adrenalin

uphill.

Harbinger

2012-02-07T04:00:00.000-04:00

Can you feel it?

Can you see it?

Can you smell it?

Spring, of course!

Contemplative Monday

2012-02-06T03:00:00.000-04:00

REUNITING WITH OUR OPENNESS

"Don't worry about achieving.

Don't worry about perfection.

Just be there each moment as best you can.

When you realize you wondered off again, simply very lightly acknowledge that.

This light touch is the golden key to reuniting with our openness."

Above quote taken from Pema Chodron's Weekly Heart Advice.

Eclectic Tastes

2012-02-05T02:00:00.000-04:00

We heard this song by Rose Vaughan yesterday afternoon on CBC radio.

It has become our anthem!

It so depicts our daily life here along the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia.

Retro Saturday

2012-02-04T04:00:00.000-04:00

When Ron and I lived 'out west' we were amazed at the vistas we saw as we drove up

and down the Sunshine Coast outside the city of Vancouver.

We had a large silk-screened print similar to these. So when we saw these the other day.....

Thinking Out Loud

2012-02-02T04:00:00.000-04:00

The

view

from

here

clear.

could

stay

here

all

day.

I Hope This Doesn't Seem Familiar

2012-02-01T01:00:00.001-04:00

It is Heart and Stroke month here in Canada and I thought it was something we could think about.

Firstly, take a look at this:

I really hope that this doesn't look too familiar for any of you.

But if it does, may I suggest you go to your doctor/health practitioner as soon as you can to 'get checked out' and to get a 'baseline' of your vitals.

What have you got to lose? Well, maybe just your life.

Dreaming.......

2012-01-31T04:00:00.000-04:00

Sophie and I were at the beach a few days ago.

And yes it was as cold as it looks!

The wind was whipping down the shore

and Sophie really didn't want to leave the security of the boardwalk.

And what was I doing?

Dreaming

and

remembering

Nassau 1974.

this long ago trip.

Contemplative Monday

2012-01-30T04:00:00.000-04:00

WE ARE COMPLETELY INTERRELATED

"If we begin to surrender to ourselves-----

begin to drop the story line and experience what all this

messy stuff behind the story line feels like-----

we begin to find bodhichitta,

the tenderness that's beneath all the harshness.

By being kind to ourselves, we become kind to others.

By being kind to others----if it's done properly, with proper understanding----

we benefit as well.

So the first point is that we are completely interrelated.

What you do to others, you do to yourself.

What you do to yourself, you do to others."

Quote by Pema Chodron, Heart Advice, Weekly Quotes.

Eclectic Tastes

2012-01-29T04:00:00.000-04:00

In 1970 I went to a Joan Baez concert in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. This is Ron's 'home town' and I wouldn't be meeting him for another two years.

Funny thing though........guess who was at that same concert on a farmer's hillside pasture? Ron!

He was there with a group from his summer job......in that group was my brother, Dennis! Small world, eh?!

So whenever I see or hear Joan Baez, that weekend on a hill outside Wolfville comes back to me, sort of.......

I just found a photo of that concert in 1970....

Retro Saturday

2012-01-28T04:00:00.000-04:00

In 1979 Ron and I decided to 'pack our bags' and move out west....to Vancouver, B.C.

We were ready to see what all the fuss was about....life on the west coast of Canada.

We bought a van and transformed it into a camper, of sorts. We left Halifax in early July.

Our plan was to drive across Canada to Alberta where we were to pick up our friend, Stephen.

He had already left Halifax a month earlier and went to Texas to visit with his sister.

So we picked Stephen up in Edmonton (Ron's brother and family live here) and from there headed south to the US.

It was quite the adventure. Ron and I, being swimmers, swam across Canada and part of the States......from pool to pool! Good way to keep clean!

Neither of us had been to the west coast and it was our goal to run into the Pacific Ocean.....
as soon as we got near it!

When we got to the coast in Oregon, there it was, the Pacific Ocean! We jumped in!

And the next day we parked the van and headed down along it's beautiful coastline, by bicycle, into northern California. We were in heaven.

The photo below of Ron and me was taken by Stephen.......along the Oregon coast.

This was one of the makeshift abodes we made to stay overnight on the beach. It was a very exhilarating time for us.

I believe we got to Vancouver the second week of August....the adventure continued.

Thinking Out Loud

2012-01-26T04:00:00.000-04:00

Create

some

space.

Slow

down

the

thinking.

Rest

the

mind.

Getting There

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-04:00

The process of acceptance is slow but we are getting there. Some (people and places) more quickly than others. They appear to be terrified of the consequences. We really don't bite! lol

Encore!

2012-01-24T04:00:00.000-04:00

Words are not adequate

to describe what Mother Nature

is capable of doing.

Best to sit back

and enjoy the show

and to expect an encore!

Taken last week from window.

Contemplative Monday

2012-01-23T04:00:00.000-04:00

BEGIN WITH KINDNESS TO YOURSELF

"We are all in this together.

"So when you realize that you're talking with yourself,

"label it 'thinking' and notice your tone of voice.

"Let it be compassionate and gentle and humorous.

"Then you'll be changing old stuck patterns

"that are shared by the whole human race.

"Compassion for others begins with kindness to ourselves."

Sophie in the sand/grass dunes.

Taken from Pema Chodron's Weekly Quotes: Heart Advice.

Eclectic Tastes

2012-01-22T04:00:00.000-04:00

I am pretty sure I have posted this song a couple years ago and it is time to do so again! (I don't use 'labels')

It is so cold here lately that this is just what is needed to stay warm!!

My father used to play this on the piano when we were kids. It is one of the first songs I remember.

And I still to this day have a difficult time telling a lie! Enjoy and stay still if you can!

Retro Saturday

2012-01-21T04:00:00.000-04:00

I was in the 'Sally Ann' the other day actually looking for something else when I saw this print of a photograph.

It is by Ansel Adams.

I have always admired this pioneer's work. I have a few other pieces of his work hanging in the house.

Photography back then was still 'young'. And I feel that this contributed to the excitement at the time for this new art form.

Imagine being there and discovering all that there was to learn about this new art medium!

Obstruction

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes things get in the way.

Whether at home, at work, at play or in our minds, it is pretty certain that something expected or unexpected will occur.

Now these 'occurrences' may not necessarily be a bad or negative thing to happen. They may enhance the experience.

Now what to do with those things that are not so welcome in our lives......the things that happen without any warning whatsoever.

I believe we need to acquire the capacity to accept and possibly even change what is challenging and obscuring our view.

That way we can learn to include these obstructions in our daily existence if need be. We may not like them but we learn to live with them.

Thinking Out Loud

2012-01-19T04:00:00.000-04:00

I was thinking (no wise cracks!) and it occurred to me that there are similarities between photography and life.

Both require a certain degree of focusing. And the outcome for both can be directly dependent on what the focus is 'set' at. For example:

I was at a funeral on Tuesday. My cousin's husband died.

While sitting in the church waiting for things to proceed, Ron and I were looking around the building from our pew.

It was quiet.

It was one of those 70's buildings where it was wide open and airy with a very tall a-frame/cathedral (quite appropriate I must say) ceiling.

I looked up. And directly above me was a HUGE crucifix with the body of Christ hanging from it. He was dead, and hanging towards us.

Having grown up in the Roman Catholic religion, I used to take all this for granted....the statues, grand churches etc.

On this particular morning I couldn't help but be a little overwhelmed by the image of that body hanging just ahead of and above us.

It wasn't an endearing image, nor was it soothing in any manner. To be honest I found it to be a bit disturbing.

I began to wonder what the rationale would have been to place this crucifix there. I can't imagine it being anything but scary and bewildering to children....and maybe some adults.

Here is where the 'focus' comes in. In the past this would have sent me in the direction of blaming the church for so many things in my life.

Instead I decided to go in another direction, or have a different focus setting.

I think religions in general have something very important to offer us. I just wonder and question sometimes the manner in which they choose to do this.

Maybe it is 'age' that has changed my focus somewhat on a number of things that used to infuriate me.

I still feel the passion I had back in my youth about certain issues but I have changed the focus........less anger and more compassion.

The Beach At Dusk

2012-01-18T04:00:00.000-04:00

I don't often use the 'video' function on my camera as is obvious from this.

There is something magical about the beach at dusk with the sound of waves in the background and a guest appearance by none other than Ms.Sophie and of course her ever-present new ball, Mr.Bionic!

Near the end Sophie spies Ron at the other end of the beach. Please excuse/ignore the unfocused portion......I'll get better.....sometime.

The New Duo MainTenanT

2012-01-17T04:00:00.000-04:00

Our friend, Marilyn, forwarded this to us the other day. She is a dance instructor and she thought we would enjoy this.

In the early 90's Ron and I were in the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo as dancers. It was here that we met Marilyn and we have stayed in touch ever since.

If you like dance then you will appreciate these two. It is not dance in it's purest form by any means, but a mix of gymnastic moves put to music.

Before you try any of these moves please clear out the furniture and wear a helmet! lol

Contemplative Monday

2012-01-16T04:00:00.000-04:00

I just realized something. I always feel so peaceful after I have read something by Pema Chodron.

I 'found' her about 10 years ago when 'things were falling apart' around me. And a book by the same title, When Things Fall Apart, was recommended by a woman who was member of Pema's community, Shambhala Buddhism, which just happens to be centered here in Halifax.

I thought the book was all about me! lol It really hit home and allowed me see that I was not alone and it was a very 'human' trait to feel the things I was feeling.

So, today's 'advice' comes from Pema Chodron's Heart Advice newsletter of last week.

What It Is To Be Human

"Although it is embarrassing and painful,

"it is very healing to stop hiding from yourself.

"It is healing to know all the ways that you shut down,

"deny, close off, criticize people, all your weird little ways.

"You can know all that with some sense of humour and kindness.

"By knowing yourself, you are coming to know humanness altogether."

Eclectic Tastes

2012-01-15T04:00:00.000-04:00

Like the rest of North America we have been having some very strange and unusual weather for January. As evening was settling across the eastern shore of Nova Scotia on Friday it began to pour.

I immediately began to hum the following song. The title and the artist came to mind and thanks to You Tube here is Jose Feliciano from his 1969 hit, 'Listen To the Falling Rain'.

Retro Saturday....."Transformagic'

2012-01-14T04:00:00.000-04:00

While at my Dad's house the other day I was rooting around and tidying up a linen closet, I found a box of my mother's craft/knitting booklets. The one above caught my eye. I figure it was from the late 60's or early 70's.

It showed you how to turn a 'handsome chest and mirror' (or 'a sad old relic') into

this above! A miracle done with painting! Or, you can turn an 'old round dining room

table' into a coffee table.....again with paint. And how about those old wooden chairs...

a coat of paint and some stenciling and voila! Brand new!!!

Nowadays this would be sacrilegious and unheard of.......to even 'touch' anything 'old'

and alter the 'patina' in any way. How the 'value' of things will change over time.

A Continuation On A Theme

2012-01-13T04:00:00.000-04:00

I feel life can be a balancing act.

"Sometimes we all lose our balance and fall," says Stew.

"The trick is to get back up," he continues.

"And sometimes it goes SPLASH!" commented Debra.

And what a wonderful splash life can create!

Thinking Out Loud

2012-01-12T04:00:00.000-04:00

Ever have one of 'those moments' when you realize the stupidity of something

you just said? Well the other day I was listening to something on the radio and

in describing a person, the speaker mentioned that the person was black.

What difference did that make? The fact that they were black, white or brown

really had absolutely nothing to do with the conversation. We do this all the

time....distinguish people with labels whether it be their size, age, height,

religion, race, gay, lesbian, straight, covered in tattoos, and the list goes on.

An important thing to remember when talking with or about somebody else is

the fact that they are human beings first and foremost. How they look,

who they are, what religion they follow, what political party they support

Birdbath at dusk

and their sexual orientation is really irrelevant, and

is making a rash judgement. It really shouldn't matter.

Does Not This Family Look Like Any Other?

2012-01-11T20:31:00.001-04:00

In the blogging world we all get to 'meet' people.

We get to know them to varying degrees.

Some leave a lasting impression.

This is an example of a family Ron and I have met this past year.

Now, you tell me if this does not warrant recognition as being a legitimate family.

And if you happen to be an American citizen maybe you can help and do something about where these two guys, and many others, find themselves because of some law that states they are not a 'legitimate' family.

Here is Mark's post today.

P.S. In my haste to 'post' this story, I posted some information that wasn't accurate. I apologize for this. It has since been corrected.
Jim

The Act

2012-01-11T04:00:00.000-04:00

Life

balancing

act.

Not Keen at all With GOP Views

2012-01-10T04:00:00.000-04:00

I subscribe to the 'newsfeed' below, Keen News Service. Their purpose, or at least one of them, is to 'expose', if you will, view points which are counter to theirs.....especially if it does not support the rights of gays and lesbians.

On issues where the health and welfare of individuals is directly affected, I make no bones about where my support lies. In this case I do not agree with any of the statements made by these men representing the Republican party of the US. When religion is used behind which to hide their bigotry, I have no tolerance.

Furthermore, I find it extremely difficult to understand how any of these individuals, for that matter anybody else too, can be so bigoted against a group of people and so blatantly show their limited and uneducated bias.

Isn't this a rehash of 50's and 60's when certain people tried similar tactics with the African Americans? Who will the next group be after gays/lesbians get their universal right to marry? Let's see.......overweight people maybe? Or what about Latinos?

It appears to me that any chance of evolving the human species has taken a sudden backward turn into the 'middle ages'.......especially with this particular group of people in the Republican party.

Candidates defend views on marriage

By Lisa Keen on January 8, 2012

Share via Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, and more

The audience in New Hampshire listening to Saturday night’s debate grew noisily restless with reporters’ questions about the right to privacy as it regards contraception. But when the topic became same-sex marriage, they seemed to be listening more quietly –at least until Newt Gingrich claimed that questions about gay marriage belie the news media’s bias against religions.

A question about same-sex marriage seemed inevitable. The debate took place in New Hampshire –one of only six states with marriage equality. And the most anti-gay candidate among the major GOP hopefuls –Rick Santorum– had been making significant gains in some polls, making him seem a more viable contender than before.

ABC reporter Diane Sawyer started the discussion, asking candidates to imagine they were sitting in their living room talking to a gay couple. And then she read a question sent in to the debate forum via Yahoo.com from a 30-year-old man named Phil in Virginia. The man’s question was this: “Given that you oppose gay marriage, what do you want gay people to do who want to form loving, committed, long-term relationships? What is your solution?”

“What would you say personally sitting in your living rooms to people who ask questions like this?” said Sawyer. She directed the question first to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

“I think what I would say is that we want to make it possible to have those things that are most intimately human between friends occur. For example, you’re in a hospital, if there are visitation hours, should you be allowed to stay, there ought to be ways to designate that. You want to have somebody in your will, there ought to be ways to designate that. But it is a huge jump from being understanding and considerate and concerned –which we should be – to saying we’re therefore going to institute the sacrament of marriage as though it has no basis. The sacrament of marriage was based on a man and a woman; has been for 3,000 years, is at the core of our civilization, and is something worth protecting and upholding. And I think that protecting and upholding that doesn’t mean you have to go out and make life miserable for others, but it does mean you have to make a distinction between a historic sacrament of enormous importance in our civilization and simply deciding it applies everywhere and it’s just a civil right. It’s not. It is a part of how we define ourselves and I think that a marriage between a man and a woman is part of that definition.”

The audience was silent.

Sawyer moved immediately to former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, noting that he had “talked about civil unions.”

“How do you disagree with others on this stage?” asked Sawyer.

“Well, personally, I think civil unions are fair. I support them. I think there’s such a thing as equality under the law,” said Huntsman. “I’m a married man. I’ve been married for 28 years. I have seven kids….and I don’t feel my relationship is at all threatened by civil unions. On marriage, I’m a traditionalist. I think that ought to be saved for one man and one woman. But I believe that civil unions are fair, and I think it brings a level of dignity to relationships. And I believe in reciprocal beneficiary rights. I think they should be part of civil union rights as well.”

Local ABC reporter Josh McElveen then directed the discussion to Rick Santorum, noting that 1,800 same-sex couples have obtained marriage licenses in New Hampshire under that state’s two-year-old law, “and they’re trying to start families, some of them.” Noting that Santorum is for “traditional families,” McElveen asked, “Are you going to tell someone that they belong as a ward of the state or in foster care rather than have two parents who want them?”

“Well, this isn’t a federal issue, it’s a state issue,” said Santorum. “The states can make that determination, and New Hampshire –my feeling is is that this is an issue that –I believe that the issue of marriage itself is a federal issue, that we can’t have different laws with respect to marriage, we have to have one law. Marriage is, as Newt said, a foundational institution of our country and we have to have a singular law with respect to that. We can’t have somebody married in one state and not married in another. If we’re successful in establishing that, then this issue becomes moot.”

He did not explain how the issue of same-sex couples adopting children becomes moot should same-sex couples be banned from marriage.

“If we don’t have a federal law [banning marriage], I’m certainly not going to have a federal law that bans adoption for gay couples when there are only gay couples in certain states. So, this is a state issue, not a federal issue.”

Again, the audience was quiet. No reaction.

McElveen followed up. What would happen to the marriages of the 1,800 New Hampshire gay couples if a federal ban on same-sex marriage is instituted.

Santorum responded as he has when asked the question in other forums.

“If the constitution says marriage is between a man and a woman,” said Santorum, “then marriage is between a man and a woman. And, therefore, that’s what marriage is and would be in this country and those who are not men and women who are married would not be married. That’s what the constitution would say.”

Again, no audience reaction.

Sawyer jumped back in, asking Mitt Romney to explain what he would say in his living room to a gay couple “who would say, ‘We simply want the right to,’ as the person who wrote the e-mail said, ‘we want gay people to form loving, committed, long-term relationships.’ In human terms, what would you say to them?”

“The answer is, ‘That’s a wonderful thing to do, and that there’s every right for people in this country to form long-term committed relationships with one another. That doesn’t mean that they have to call it marriage, or that they have to receive the approval of the state and a marriage license and so forth for that to occur. There can be domestic partnership benefits or contractual relationships between two people, which would include, as Speaker Gingrich indicated, hospital visitation rights and the like. We can decide what kinds of benefits we might associate with people who form those kinds of relationships, state by state. But to say that marriage is other than the relationship between a man and a woman, I think is a mistake. And the reason for that is not that we want to discriminate against people or to suggest that gay couples are not just as loving and can’t also raise children. But it’s instead a recognition that society as whole –the nation will presumably be better off if children are raised in a setting where there’s a male and female. And there are many cases where that’s not possible –divorce, death, single parents, gay parents and so forth. But, for society to say we want to encourage, through the benefits that we associate with marriage, people to form partnerships between men and women and then raise children, which we think that will be the ideal setting for them to be raised.”

The discussion had gone on for about six minutes. Then, Gingrich apparently signaled that he wanted to speak, and Sawyer gave him the floor.

“I just want to say, since we spent this much time on these issues –I just want to raise a point about the news media bias. You don’t hear the opposite question asked,” said Gingrich. “Should the Catholic Church be forced to close its adoption services in Massachusetts because it won’t accept gay couples –which is exactly what the state has done.”

“Should the Catholic Church be driven out of providing charitable services in the District of Columbia because it won’t give in to secular bigotry? Should the Catholic Church find itself discriminated against by the Obama administration on key delivery of services because of the bias and the bigotry of the administration?

“The bigotry question goes both ways and there is a lot more anti-Christian bigotry today than there is concern on the other side, and none of it gets covered by the news media,” said Gingrich, as the audience began applauding.

“As you can tell, the people in this room feel that Speaker Gingrich is absolutely right,” said Romney, “and I do, too. And I was in a state where the supreme court stepped in and said marriage is a relationship required under the constitution for people of the same sex to be able to marry. And John Adams, who wrote the constitution, would be surprised. And it did exactly as Speaker Gingrich indicated. What happened was Catholic Charities, that placed almost half all the adopted children in our state, was forced to step out of being able to provide adoptive services. And the state tried to find other places to help children –We have to recognize that this decision about what we call marriage has consequence which goes far beyond a loving couple wanting to form a long-term relationship –that they can do within the law now. Calling it marriage creates a whole host of problems for families, for the law, for the practice of religion, for education. Let me say this, 3,000 years of human history shouldn’t be discarded so quickly.”

Actually, though none of the reporters mentioned this –perhaps because they did not know– the state of Massachusetts did not “forced” the Catholic Church to close its adoption services. The state required that Catholic Charities, if it wished to receive state funding for its provision of adoption services, had to obey the state’s human rights law, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. Catholic Charities chose to stop receiving state funds, instead.

ABC News host George Stephanoupoulous moved the discussion on to whether the candidates might attempt a third-party run for the White House if they failed to get the nomination. But when Texas Governor Rick Perry was asked, he turned the question back to “gay marriage” and to Gingrich’s applause-garnering claim that it is really religion that’s suffering discrimination.

“I am for a constitutional amendment that says that marriage is between a man and woman, at the federal level,” said Perry. “But this administration’s war on religion is what bothers me greatly. When we see an administration that will not defend the Defense of Marriage Act, that gives their Justice Department clear instructions to go take the ministerial exception away from our churches where that’s never happened before, when we see this administration not giving money to Catholic charities for sexually trafficked individuals because they don’t agree with the Catholic Church on abortion –that is a war against religion and it’s going to stop under a Perry administration.”

The audience gave brief applause.

Contemplative Monday

2012-01-09T04:00:00.000-04:00

To continue from last Monday about Blame and Justification, which I call the 'blame game', Pema Chodron suggests we keep this in mind:

" Seeing when you justify yourself and when you blame others is not a reason to criticize

yourself, but actually an opportunity to recognize what all people do

and how it imprisons us in a very limited perspective of this world. It's a chance to see

that you are holding on to your interpretation of reality; it allows you to reflect that that's

all it is----nothing more, nothing less; just your interpretation of reality."

Taken from Pema Chodron's online 'Heart Advice' column.

Eclectic Tastes

2012-01-08T04:00:00.000-04:00

Thought a name-change for Sunday's post was in order.....thus I'll try Eclectic Tastes.(say THAT three times.....Ron can't! lol)

OK, today's pick sounds like a real downer with the title Crying! In some odd way k.d.lang has the ability to lift one's spirits as soon as she opens her mouth.

Back in the 80's k.d. performed here in Halifax and we went to see her. She was dressed as a 'cowgirl' with full Dale Evans skirt and of course boots! She blew the roof off the place.

She has calmed down somewhat since those early days, as we all have, I figure. I hope you like her rendition of Roy Orbison's 'Crying'.

Retro Saturday: 'Don't Kill All Your Pink'

2012-01-07T04:00:00.000-04:00

I remember this fellow, Bob Ross, from way back. He has a manner about him that is very relaxing not to say interesting too. I love how he gets into what he is doing.....almost like in a trance. He has been parodied by a number of people.
I hope you take the time to 'experience' this artist....especially all you 'budding' artists out there!

If it's too cold to go outside today, sit back and watch Bob do his magic!

Mish Mash Friday

2012-01-06T04:00:00.000-04:00

This has been a busy and 'fun' week! I started a knitting project, another 'throw' and

to keep fueled we found time for food! So on New Year's Eve afternoon we picked up

our favourite pizza at Salvatore's. It is called the 'original' with spinach

and portobello mushrooms. It is as delicious as it looks. The next day,

being New Year's Day, we went out for Thai food. This (above) was the start of a 'feast'.

Early on New Years Day we headed to the beach and found this uprooted tree stuck in the sand.

It is like a 'tree graveyard' along this end of the beach and begging to be photographed!

Tuesday was Ron's birthday and there were a few gifts to open.

Thursday was 'oil change' time, so off to a drive thru. Great staff and they LOVE Sophie!

While waiting in a very short line, this was staring us in the face.

And Sophie was waiting patiently in the back seat.

And of course there is a always time to 'capture' how I see the moment. I can't imagine it

any other way. I never get tired of the ever-changing oceanscape.

Wonder where these are leading?

Sunset through the bedroom window caught my eye.

I figure the key to taking 'good' photos is to notice the things around you.

And as Ron is embracing Sophie's new best friend, Mocha, I will bid this week adieu......

I am glad it's Friday after this eventful week. And like the two above I am looking forward to getting to my Dad's tonight (my night with him) and 'hitting the sack' early.

Thinking Out Loud

2012-01-05T04:00:00.000-04:00

The unexpected........On Christmas Eve morning we were up very early. We had a few

errands to run in Halifax (about 30 minutes away). We decided to get the walk in first,

so we headed to the park in the city before we had brunch. The route we take in the park

takes about an hour to get around. It was a brisk day so our pace reflected this.

By the end we were ready for brunch. Got to the restaurant and were the first

ones there. Placed our order and while we were waiting a bird became very interested

in what we were about to have. I could tell this little fella/gal had done this before

probably in the summer when the doors and windows are opened and could then

retrieve any 'crumbs' that may fall to the ground. Today however there were none to be had.

In no time he realized that it would be a futile task. Nothing much to do but sit and stare.

We had company last week while at brunch in Halifax.
This little creature is very common in these parts....thus the name,
The Common Starling.

Out With The Old, In With The New

2012-01-04T04:00:00.000-04:00

Originally Ron started this cable throw and I took it over when he began another project.

It is made from alpaca wool and is very soft. It was made in five sections and wasn't as complicated as it may look to be.

I completed this last week and it has already been used. Now onto the next......

I picked up this yarn in Prince Edward Island two summers ago at a woolen mill called MacAuslands.

I chose a few random colours and it just happens that they go pretty well together.

This winter project will be another 'throw' type blanket, except it will be round....made in five sections as well. Should be interesting and with Ron's expertise to fall back on, I should get through this 'intermediate' level pattern with not too much difficulty. I'll keep you posted!

You Say It's Your Birthday! Well, Happy Birthday To You!

2012-01-03T04:00:00.000-04:00

Today is Ron's birthday. Last year I gave you some background to this wonderful man I now can call my husband.

Ron, being a guy who does not enjoy unwarranted attention by any means, has this sense of humour and 'joie de vivre', that can be contagious if one isn't too careful! lol

He can be serious too and very supportive as well. So on this special day for Ron I want to thank him very much for being by my side and wish him a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

All photos taken during our vacation in Provincetown this past summer.

It's All Their Fault!....I Wouldn't Have Done It Otherwise!.............Contemplative Monday

2012-01-02T04:00:00.000-04:00

Don't you think that this 'lesson' by Pema Chodron could be a great way to learn to live in the new year?

BLAME AND JUSTIFICATION

"You could begin to notice whenever you find yourself blaming others or justifying yourself.

"If you spent the rest of your life just noticing that and letting it be a way to uncover the silliness

" of the human condition-----the tragic yet comic drama that we all continually buy into----

"you could develop a lot of wisdom and a lot of kindness as well as a great sense of humour."

Practicing with my new macro lens on my morning Matcha tea.

Quote taken from Pema Chodron's 'Heart Advice' newsletter of December 28, 2011.

Hello 2012 !!!!!

2012-01-01T04:00:00.000-04:00

The holiday season is coming to a close and what better time to think back over the past couple of weeks.

It has been a busy two weeks, even for us 'quiet' folk.

I have put together a set of collages of photos from our holidays, for you to peruse while listening to this cheerful piece of recycled updated music by Abba......down below.
Maybe you won't be able to do both at the same time due to You Tube restrictions....enjoy anyway when you can.

Hope your holidays have been 'just what the doctor ordered'! Or, maybe now is a good time to go see your health practitioner!! lol

HAPPY NEW YEAR everybody!!!

Thinking Out Loud At Christmas

2011-12-22T04:00:00.000-04:00

All photos taken at family get-together last weekend.

You know when you have had those 'special moments' in your life that stand out from all the rest?

Julia,great-niece

Well, whenever I hear O Holy Night I am immediately taken back to one of those moments at a school Christmas concert. I was in grade six and the year was 1960.

My father arriving.

I went to the' boy's ' school in St.Joseph's Parish in the north end of Halifax. It was strictly a 'working class' area in the city. I have always considered this my home.

Our niece Jami and her 'bump'! Due in March.

My family lived here from the time I was seven up to when I was 17 years old. Oh, in case you are wondering, the 'girls' school was across the street from the 'boy's' school. Another story....

Sister Jo-Ann and brother Freddie.

Back to the concert.....we had been rehearsing for months. And considering the mix of characters in my class, I can understand why we needed the rehearsal time.

Nephew Matt and partner Erika.

You see, the north end had a reputation of being the 'rough' area of town. And this stigma still exists today. So it would stand to reason that a few of the students in my class were pretty rough!

Nephew Jacob

I always realized that some kids had it more difficult than my family.....and my family was not well-off by any means.

Sister Mim, her partner Michael and Sister-in-law Jackie

I am trying to set a scene for you here. My teacher, Miss Burke ( the BEST teacher I ever had), thought it would be a good thing to have one of the roughest kids in the class to have the main solo in our class' presentation.

This guy keeps following me everywhere......Ron, my husband.

Looking back, I can remember thinking: 'Is she crazy?!' This kid, his name was George, couldn't sit still for one minute and had a mouth on him that would have made a sailor's head turn around!

Sister Paula and Jacob

Nonetheless, Miss Burke was relentless in getting George into shape for the concert. We, the class, didn't hear him practice very much because he didn't want to show this side of him....it was bad for his 'reputation'!

Our own 'whirling dervish'! Julia

So the night of the concert arrives. The school gym was packed. I could see my Mom and Dad and sister in the audience.

Being an elementary school that went to grade seven, we were one of the last to perform. Finally, it was a long wait, our class was up.

Brother-in-law Milan and brother Dennis

We took our places and the curtains opened. And we began our couple of Christmas songs. I forget the first one. The second one was O Holy Night, the one in which George had the solo.

Colin and niece Brynn

And as I mentioned we did not get to hear him rehearse his solo part. Well, I will never forget the reaction from everybody in that gymnasium. There was a hush that went through the gym!

Part of the group.....brother Laurie lower left and niece Jacqui, lower right (hostess this year)

The sweetest sound came out of George and I could not believe it was the same kid. It made Miss Burke cry. He sang it beautifully and got a good round of applause at the end.

Sister Mim and her daughter Brynn

I looked at George and the other 'Georges' in the class a lot differently after that Christmas concert. It was a real 'life education' for me.

So whenever I hear this Christmas carol I am forever thankful to George and the lesson he taught me so many years ago.

Mim and me

The version below of O Holy Night was on a fellow blogger's post this week. As soon as I heard it I thought of George.

I will be taking a little blogging break over Christmas. I want to thank you all for taking the time when you do to read my posts....it still surprises me to get a comment! And I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and here's to a Happy New Year!!! See you next year.

Laughing Out Loud

2011-12-20T04:00:00.000-04:00

This, in my humble opinion, was one of the funniest 'sitcoms' on TV. I believe it ran for 13 years and this episode is a 'warning' to all of us to not overeat this holiday season! lol

I know it is a busy week and this is a long clip but may I suggest, if you are interested, to split it up in to 3----5 minute segments. Enjoy.

Contemplative Monday

2011-12-19T04:00:00.000-04:00

Being so close to Christmas I thought this to be appropriate and a way to remain focused on what is really important in life.

"What can we do about the high level of materialism in our culture?"

"You can set up an environment where people live simply and happily, and invite others to come and observe.

"That is the only thing that will convince them to abandon their materialistic idea of happiness.

"They think that only when you have a lot to consume can you be happy, but many are very rich without being happy at all.

"And there are those who consume much less, but who are happier."

Question asked by Andrea Miller in her interview with Thich Nhat Hanh in the Shambhala Sun January 2012 edition.

Sunday Selection

2011-12-18T04:00:00.000-04:00

This video clip blows me away! How talented are these two!

Enjoy and have a great Sunday all.

Retro Saturday,Christmas Past

2011-12-17T04:00:00.000-04:00

Christmas is all about the kids.......some things never change!

Have a great week.

Friday's Frequent Flier

2011-12-16T04:00:00.000-04:00

This is Marcus, the Basset Hound. We have seen him a few times at the Park.

This week I saw him walking quite far behind his human with not a care in the world.

Sophie of course gave him the obligatory sniff. He didn't care to notice.

Meanwhile I was down to ground level trying to 'record' this character.

He gave me this look as if to say 'why do you bother?' and proceeded along.

Thinking Out Loud

2011-12-15T04:00:00.000-04:00

Not too much to think out loud about today.

It is Wednesday evening . I am very tired.

Just spent the day 'sitting' with Dad. He wasn't feeling well at all.

By 4 P.M. he was getting back to himself somewhat. My sister arrived to spent the evening with him.

Its not that it is difficult spending time with my father, it just uses a different kind of energy.....more emotional energy.

It is my hope that if we all live to be 95 years old that there will be someone to sit with us when we need them to. For that matter, at any age I can imagine it to be a great relief to know someone is there with you.

The Media.....Reflecting Society?

2011-12-14T04:00:00.000-04:00

I got this article, written and presented by Dan Rather, the noted American journalist, from Jim at 'Digital Existence Daily Life'.

Click below to read article:
http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/276-74/8633-and-we-have-gotten-used-to-it

Another reason to maybe reconsider taking a look at what the whole 'occupy' movement has been telling us.

And they HAVE been telling us a lot.

They have not been confused about their concerns about our society.

Their message just may have been 'buried' and they continue to be labeled by the media to be a bunch of confused and disorganized individuals.

It's no wonder that their message hasn't been clear.

Laughing Out Loud

2011-12-13T04:00:00.000-04:00

Since 'customer service' appears to have become a universal problem, I thought this Seinfeld episode was particularly appropriate and demonstrates how we could all react the next time we are confronted this somewhat disturbing trend in our culture.

Contemplative Monday

2011-12-12T04:00:00.000-04:00

"Rather than going after our walls and barriers with a sledgehammer, we pay attention to them.

"With gentleness and honesty, we move closer to those walls.

"We touch them and smell them and get to know them well.

"We begin a process of acknowledging our aversions and our cravings.

"We become familiar with the strategies and beliefs we use to build the walls:

"What are the stories I tell myself?

"What repels me and what attracts me?

"We start to get curious about what's going on."

The above taken from: Heart Advice----Weekly quotes from Pema Chodron.

Full moon in November 2011

Sunday Selection

2011-12-11T04:00:00.000-04:00

Heard this on the car radio as I was leaving my father's last Saturday morning. I has got to be one of the Rock classics. Mark Knopfler plays one mean guitar!

Enjoy! And I dare you to stay still!

Retro Saturday

2011-12-10T04:00:00.000-04:00

You guessed it! I found a few more juice glasses for my 'collection' in the kitchen window.

These 'orange' ones were made by Anchor Hocking.

The next two are really cute. I figure they were made for children.

I know if I was a kid I would like these.

There is no indication who made these, as far as I could tell.

I will look forward to the spring when the sun will illuminate the kitchen window again.

Until then I will have to figure out how to create more window space!

There's no more room.....not even for a single glass.

Up Close and Personal

2011-12-09T04:00:00.000-04:00

This is precious! A young child teaching an 'old gal' a lesson in compassion.

A picture (her face) is worth a thousand words!

(Make sure to click on the 'cc' icon (captions) at the bottom of screen to read what is being said.)

Thinking Out Loud

2011-12-08T04:00:00.000-04:00

Was listening to an interview yesterday on CBC radio and the reporter was talking with

an 'occupier' and he was saying how some people have been calling him a 'dirty hippie'.

This label perplexed him somewhat, he said. He was an educated individual and feels

strongly about certain issues in our society, ones which he feels have to be dealt with. He

was confused and wondered why anybody would want to categorize him at all. This got

me thinking, obviously out loud, about how we all practice this way of coping with

someone/something different from the norm. Some of us like to 'label' people because it

makes us feel superior and better than that person. I guess it legitimizes our 'way' of living

if we can find fault in the ways people choose to live. We all come into this world with

different 'skins'. Until we are able to 'go our own way' in life, we usually follow what our

parents taught us, whether they knew it or not. Sometimes a 'prejudice' against the way

someone looks is passed on for generations. Until we see that all people are basically

the same with different exteriors only, we will continue to reject differences.

Wednesday At The Opera

2011-12-07T04:00:00.000-04:00

A few years back on my way home from work, I turned on CBC radio and heard a duet for the first time.

It caught my attention immediately because it was a gentle, moving piece between two male singers. I always had the impression that opera was always loud and aggressive.....that's how little I know about this genre of music.

The two men I heard that afternoon were Jussi Bjoerling and Robert Merrill. They were singing The Pearl Fishers. After their performance I felt better and completely forgot about the difficult day at school. Great therapy!

So on Saturday evening I was watching a program on PBS and was introduced to an opera singer by the name of Bryn Terfel. His voice was clear, and strong. So I looked him up on You Tube. And lo and behold he and Andrea Bocelli have performed this piece.

The baritone, Bryn Terfel, and the tenor, Andrea Bocelli, in this video clip give a rousing performance which conveys the strong friendship they have.

The gist of this duet is that these two Ceylonese pearl fishers are reunited after a long separation caused by their love of a woman named Leila. They recall her beauty and charm but realize she threatens their friendship, which they vow to uphold. (paraphrased from the 'liner notes').

So after all that, enjoy.

Laughing Out Loud

2011-12-06T04:00:00.000-04:00

Here is a clip of Ellen Page on the Letterman Show from earlier this year.

She hails from our fair city of Halifax. We know her father and step-mom and can understand where she gets her sense of humour.

Contemplative Monday

2011-12-05T04:00:00.000-04:00

"Finding the courage to go the places that scare us cannot happen without compassionate inquiry into the ego.

"The Buddha taught that flexibility and openness bring strength and that running from groundlessness weakens us and brings pain.

"But do we understand that becoming familiar with the running away is the key?

"Openness doesn't come from resisting our fears but from getting to know them well."

The above quote is by Pema Chodron from her 'Weekly Heart' advice.

Sunday Selection

2011-12-04T04:00:00.000-04:00

To continue this weekend's theme, that being the year '1973', here is Roberta Flack at her best!

Oh boy, does this bring back the wonderful memories of youth........

Retro Saturday

2011-12-03T04:00:00.000-04:00

This weekend is brought to you by the year 1973! Why 1973, you may ask? Well, that's another story for another day, I promise!

I remember seeing this film and fell in love with the soundtrack. We had the LP record/vinyl of it and have been looking for the CD version for years.....but to no avail.

Of course Tatum O'Neil is all grown up now and her father Ryan is still around too!

Never thought I'd see the day when I was considered 'retro'! lol

If you have a few minutes, you may enjoy this. Have a great Saturday!

This, That, And The Other

2011-12-02T04:00:00.000-04:00

Life around here on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia has been moving right along.

A couple of you have inquired about my Dad. He is well and except for a very arthritic knee,

he continues to amaze us all with his wit, good humour and his interest in life.

Not bad considering he is halfway through his 95th year! Ron and I continue to alternately

spend the mornings with him during the week. That is going well and he likes the company.

On another note, I mentioned I was going to get back into yoga. I did two weeks ago.

And I am glad I did. This old body needed to be put into contorted positions again!

It amazes me how the body has a memory because after a year of no yoga at all,

it is beginning to 'remember' the positions and adjusting very well to the holds and

stretches. I have done yoga for years. Used to do it at home every morning before going

to work. It really helps with the 'day to day' demands we face physically and mentally.

Sunset last week down at the beach.

I couldn't find an instructor near here, so I bought a 'Rodney Yee' DVD and I like it.

Thinking Out Loud

2011-12-01T04:00:00.000-04:00

I've always wondered why some humans outlive/live longer than others. Sure there are the

usual reasons.....accident, disease, old age. And then there are the unusual reasons.....

sudden death with no apparent cause, suicide, war and murder. How we die is pretty much

a 'crap-shoot' as far as I am concerned. You are probably wondering where the hell I am

going with all this talk of death! But since we are all headed in that direction from the day

we are born and since we, Ron and I, have experienced this first hand in the past couple of months with

the death of our friend Cathy, and that of a longtime colleague of mine, the fact that my Dad has pretty well outlived everyone he knew from his generation, and the sister of a blogger

we follow and, lastly, on Tuesday when I got to my Dad's he mentioned the death of a

16 year old boy from the local high school, the one at which I worked recently.

He was a student of mine. He died last Friday. I will go to his funeral today.

Occupy Wall Street.......Some History

2011-11-30T04:00:00.000-04:00

I was referred to the article at the bottom of this post by Mal over at Hoe Hen Inn@ Cow and Chicken Town.

It is about us, the 99% which the Occupy Wall St. groups around the world have been talking.

It gives the history, according to the article's author, of why the U.S. and therefore the 'western world' find themselves in such a mess economically.

Give it a read when you have a chance. It may, as it did for me anyway, fill in the spaces a bit of what happened over the last few decades.

Click the following link:
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/how-the-gop-became-the-party-of-the-rich-20111109?link=mostpopular1

Occupy Nova Scotia in Halifax last month.

Contemplative Monday

2011-11-28T04:00:00.000-04:00

The following is Thich Nhat Hanh's response to the question: What can we do to help someone in a difficult situation without getting overwhelmed?

"When you feel overwhelmed, you're trying too hard. That kind of energy does not help

the other person and it does not help you. You should not be too eager to help right away.

There are two things: to be and to do. Don't think too much about to do-----to be is first.

To be peace. To be joy. To be happiness. And then to do joy, to do happiness-----

on the basis of being. So first you have to focus on the practice of being. Being fresh.

Being peaceful. Being attentive. Being generous. Being compassionate.

This is the basic practice. It's like as if the other person is sitting at the foot of a tree.

The tree does not do anything, but the tree is fresh and alive. When you are like that tree,

sending out waves of freshness, you help to calm down the suffering in the other person.

Your presence should be pleasant, it should be calm, and you should be there for him

or her. That is a lot already.When children like to come and sit close to you, it's not

because you have a lot of cookies to give, but because sitting close to you is nice,

it's refreshing. So sit next to the person who is suffering and try your best to be your best---

Beach grass in winter.

pleasant, attentive and fresh."

Taken from an interview by Andrea Miller in the January 2012 edition of the 'Shambhala Sun' magazine.

Sunday Selection

2011-11-27T04:00:00.000-04:00

I seem to be stuck on this piece by Erik Satie. I came across this arrangement by Liona Boyd.

It is a quiet version which just may suit your Sunday well.

Retro Saturday

2011-11-26T04:00:00.000-04:00

A Ride Down Hollis Street in Halifax

These photos of buildings were taken while driving down Hollis Street in downtown Halifax last week.

It was approaching 3 P.M. and the light was reflecting on these sandstone gems.

I am learning that late winter afternoon sun creates/produces great shadows and texture.

The building on the left was the former Dominion Building and is now the

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.

The building to the left was a trust company building back in the 50's and 60's.

This building is the Consular Office of Finland. It is also known as the Benjamin Wier House.

Here's a close-up. I wish I knew the architectural style but I don't. Someone, please

enlighten me! The one above is a private residence.

This is an old refurbished warehouse down near Pier 21 and is used by the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.
This is but a few of the older buildings that are still standing in Halifax.

Waste Not, Want Not

2011-11-25T04:00:00.000-04:00

Just look at all that is taking place on this rotting tree trunk. Talk about diversity! And sustainability! Now if we could only learn to do the same.

Thinking Out Loud

2011-11-24T04:00:00.000-04:00

As our first snowfall is hitting along the eastern shore, I am happy that just a few days

ago I 'harvested' the few Scarlet Runner beans left for next years crop.

I cannot remember the last time I have had to buy these beans to plant.

I wait for them to turn brown on the vine and then bring them in to dry out completely.

After a few days I 'shell' them and put the beans in a paper bag and place in the fridge.

And towards the end of May I will take them out into the garden once again, and continue the cycle.

Straight Out Of Camera (SOOC)

2011-11-23T04:00:00.001-04:00

Last Friday I posted photos that Ron took while traveling across this bridge.

On Saturday past we were driving under it and the timing was perfect.

With a dark grey backdrop in the east, and the sun shining brightly from the west,

it created a photographer's 'dream shot' scenario. Look how the grey makes the colours

on the bridge 'pop'. I clicked away as fast as I could until we were directly under

and past. These photos have not been 'shopped' at all. Goes to show that

nature still produces the best lighting available.

Laughing Out Loud

2011-11-22T04:00:00.000-04:00

Derek Edwards is one funny guy! The clip is a few years old but the content is timeless.

Enjoy!

Contemplative Monday

2011-11-21T04:00:00.000-04:00

"Without realizing it, we continually put up protective walls made up of opinions, prejudices, and strategies, barriers that are built on a deep fear of being hurt.

"These walls are further fortified by emotions of all kinds: anger, craving, indifference, jealousy and arrogance.

"But fortunatly for us, the soft spot---our innate ability to love and care for things---is like a crack in these walls we erect.

"It's a natural opening in the barriers we create when we're afraid.

"With practice we can learn to find this opening.

"We can learn to seize that vulnerable moment-------

"love, gratitude, loneliness, embarrassment, inadequacy------

"to awaken bodhichitta."

These words were written by Pema Chodron in last week's Heart Advice: Weekly quotes from Pema Chodron, 'Seize the Vulnerable Moment'.

Sunday Selection

2011-11-20T04:00:00.000-04:00

I was going to post another music clip today but I was 'craving' for a bit of Satie.

M.Satie always calls me back to the time I first heard his music in the mid 70's. He stays as 'fresh' to me now as he did then.

This is a very colourful video, so feel free to maximize the screen and enjoy. Here's to a wonderful Sunday!

Retro Saturday

2011-11-19T04:00:00.000-04:00

I would hope that most of us who lived through the 60's came out of that era pretty much intact....in spite of commercials like this one!

Any of you a 'waist-line' Roger? (Love that line!) If so, you know what to do now! lol

The Drive Across The Bridge

2011-11-18T04:00:00.000-04:00

This is the view from inside the car as we are heading towards the city of Dartmouth.

I am driving and Ron is trying to capture a few photos of the ship under said bridge.

This is a daily event in Halifax Harbour. This one is heading out to sea from Bedford Basin .

There are two container piers here, one to the left of this bridge, and one down to the right.

I could spend hours watching these ships come and go contemplating their next stop.

As you can see this one is jammed full of products destined for all parts of the world.

Halifax Harbour is very deep and sheltered. It never freezes. During WW2 it was full of ships.

Most were destined for Europe with troops and supplies. My father was on one of them.

This harbour is also narrow in places. In 1917 two ships collided.....full of explosives.

This whole area was flattened. Thousands died. It was winter which didn't help.

I grew up in the area to the right. It is the north end of Halifax. We always heard the stories.

And I saw some survivors of this devastating event. My Dad survived. He was a year old.

So as this ship heads out to parts unknown, I am again reminded of the life in a port city.

One that revolves around it's harbour.

Thinking Out Loud

2011-11-17T04:00:00.000-04:00

Amazing how when things in life appear calm there can be an undercurrent of which we are not immediately aware.

I guess what it comes down to is whether or not we choose to recognize and acknowledge these 'ripples' that confront us on occasion.

Sometimes upon close examination these pesky and seemingly persistent issues prove to be more for which we bargained.

And of course the opposite occurs too.......they weren't as bad as we had imagined them to be.

But you know what? I always feel better when I face something 'dead on',

rather than building a really good story with lots of drama and imagining the worst possible outcome.

Usually the fears I have learned and imagined about something or other, are just that......imagined!

To me it is amazing how we can get carried away about certain things in our lives.

Especially those things that don't warrant all that energy and time.

Wouldn't it be great and can you imagine the inner peace one would feel if we stopped all the drama.

And learned how to eliminate it completely.

Maybe then we would be better prepared to 'catch' what life throws at us,

instead of over-reacting.

So when things begin to churn again in your life, and you can bet they will,

try not to make matters worse.

Time For A Trip

2011-11-16T04:00:00.000-04:00

Can you think of a better time to take a little trip.......around the world?!

Give yourself 5 minutes for this incredible voyage.

For full effect maximize the screen, sit back and enjoy.

http://vimeo.com/32001208

Laughing Out Loud

2011-11-15T04:00:00.000-04:00

This is so apt for what is happening right now in the 'western world' with all the 'Occupy' protests.

This video clip is not only funny but very sad at the same time because this is exactly what is going on right under our noses!

I couldn't agree with him more. That is to say, George Carlin ' Hit The Nail On The Head with this.

If you are not a George Carlin fan I would suggest you NOT watch this.

Contemplative Monday

2011-11-14T04:00:00.000-04:00

The following quote is by Karen Maezen Miller from her blog post 'Homesick' at Cheerio Road.

"Much of the time, our own life feels like a foreign country we can't wait to get out of.

"And not a nice country, either.

"Even life with the people we profess to love, to whom we have promised fidelity.(Especially those people.)

" Even the half-decent job, the nice neighbourhood, the loyal friends, the adorable kids, the good luck, the manifold blessings, the plan realized, the wish come true---nothing settles or calms for long, nothing feels quite right.

"There's no place like the home you think you don't have."

Sunday Selection

2011-11-13T04:00:00.000-04:00

Something' light and fun' for this coolish November day.

Buffy saint Marie is a legend in the music industry for both her political/protest songs and as well for her lighthearted ones.

Retro Saturday

2011-11-12T04:00:00.000-04:00

I am always amazed at how we, Joe and Jane Public, are seduced by advertising. Some are genius and some are so blatantly obvious.

I can see these advertisements being an effective 'teaching tool' in a number of fields......psychology, sociology, history, political science and law.

I smoked for about four years in my late teens and early twenties. I thought it was pretty 'cool' until it made me sick!

Remembrance Flash Mob Halifax

2011-11-11T13:32:00.000-04:00

This video just came to my attention thanks to Ron. It was done a couple of days ago in Halifax.

I would like to post this in honour of our fathers and all the other members of the Armed Forces who have served time and even lost their lives like Ron's father did protecting our 'rights and freedoms'.