Childhood Memories

I am very blessed that most of my childhood memories are at least good, if not glorious.  There may be events that were less pleasant, but I am grateful that they have faded. In my present day life I am reminded of those special memories.  Today was one of those days.

My Hubby and I decided to take our four footed boys for a walk through a portion of the Trans Canada Trail along North Simcoe Rail Trail.  It was wonderful.  Not only did we enjoy it, the pooches has a great time too.  

The atmosphere brought me back to family camping trips to Kettles Lake Provincial Park. The smells, the sounds, and the sights all brought me back to the little girl who was in charge of picking up sticks for kindling.  We would cross the quiet park roads to Island Lake and frolic in the cool clear water.  On one occasion a cute surfeit of skunks passed along the beach.  Of course we curious young children followed eagerly to pet the new furry friends.  Many parents,  as calmly as possible so as not scare Mama Skunk, called their wee ones back, hoping to avoid an odiferous nightmare.   I remembered how my Mom would sit my brothers and me down and with hot soapy water clean the days adventures and accompanying dirt off before tucking us into sleeping bags.  Dad was always up early the next morning, making "coffee" on the fire.  This was the only time my older brother was allowed to drink coffee as a child.  I am sure it created a strong bond between the two of them.  

Along our walk today, the aroma of pine and birch wafted to my nose and returned me to those worry free days.  Flying fauna soared from one tree to the other calling to their feathered brethren.  The rainbow of flora, including the Fall Golden Rod and the Earth toned leaves, rustled in the cool September breeze.  Those leaves that had fallen free from the towering trees crisped and crunched under our feet.  All the while our canine companions trotted, sniffed and left notes for whatever wild life may later come by.  

It is hard to believe but I resisted the suggestion of this walk.  I thought I was too tired, or I had other things to do.  It turns out this was exactly what I needed to do and I feel more energized for having taken the stroll.  Perhaps it important to resist the part of you that wants to stay in one place and to embrace the part that will take to the happy places of today and yesterday.  

A Bad Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 https://youtu.be/gH476CxJxfg

 

We all have bad days.  I'm not sure if you've ever heard of burnt toast syndrome.  It's that day when you wake up late; your coffee maker doesn’t work; and your toast burns; your bus is late and it’s raining; you’re late for work, and your boss blasts you.  Then, the printer jams, as it often does and you explode, yelling, screaming, cursing and you have to be restrained not to through it out the window.  

Of course it is not the printer that has cause your reaction, but the build up of all those other things.  This is a bad day.  

It is also important to remember that there are some, myself included, that don’t need events to cause a bad day.  It is just the way we are. Our brain is wired differently. We did not ask for it nor can we change it.  We can only accept it.  This does not mean we like it, only that we accept that, no matter what our efforts, there will always be bad days.    

There are things I chose to do.  I chose to make my bed; it's a little thing, but it's something I’ve accomplished at the end of even the worse day and it gives me motivation to not go to bed and just feel sorry for myself.  I chose to take whatever vitamins, and medication that help my condition.  I chose to reach out to those I know love and understand me, without judgement or attempts to “fix” me.  I chose to eat, as much as I don’t want to, I eat.  It may only be a piece of toast with pb&j, but it nourishes and comforts me.  I chose to have tea, and perhaps a hot bath.  I chose self care for this is when I need it the most.  

There’s many out there who battle mental illness.  These individuals are the bravest and strongest people I know.  They are not weak or somehow less than anyone else. In fact, you may know someone who deals with these issues and not even know it.  It is in our nature to not want to worry those around us or, perhaps more often, we are trying to avoid the stigma and misunderstandings of others.   

For those of us who do this battle every day, do the do things, and remember :

IT IS TODAY, NOT THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

Ripples

I think we can all agree that 2020 has not been the best year for most of us.  The reasons are too many list. Though it is only September, the worst thing that I have faced this year is the death and funeral of my Dad.  I just cannot imagine a world without my Dad in it; but maybe I don’t have to.

I have known the idea of ripples for a long time.  I have been telling my kids about changing the World for a long time; maybe not the whole World, but their little corner of it.  And they have succeeded.  They may not always see it, but they do, everyday.  

I could not help but take note of my Father’s ripples this weekend.  Although, the numbers for the his funeral were limited because of covid 19 restrictions, it was obvious that he touched many lives, though he probably didn’t noticed it.  Towards the end of his life, my Dad was physically not at his best, but his mind and and wisdom was still clear.  He had a hard time believing that his very presence in a room could bring such joy and comfort.  My children always looked forward to seeing their Poppa.  They listened to his stories, of which he had many.  They were amazed by his knowledge and absorbed his wisdom like an arid sponge.  

His life did not start off easily, and he would admit that he made his share of mistakes.  He did have a spiritual awakening that gave him the courage to learn from those mistakes, defeat his demons, and made sure that those he loved knew it.  He was not perfect, but he always made sure he was a better man than he was yesterday.  By doing this, he left an abundance of good ripples. 

It was not only his immediate family that are riding his wave and in turn creating ripples of their own.  Grandchildren, nieces and nephews, students, and friends have gone on to touch the lives of those around them and continue my Dad’s legacy of love. 

Maybe it is my naïvety that’s makes me believe that everyone wants to leave behind a better world than when we arrived.  I do my best and I know my Dad succeeded.  

The Conundrum of Politics and Politicians

So, again it has been a while.  I don’t want to say that there has been nothing about which to write, but I don’t write to say something; I write because of something to say. 

I am sure most people know that in Canada we are coming up on an election in October.  And perhaps people are as confused as I am of the platforms of the 3 major political parties, and how these plans may apply to our everyday lives.

I am the type of person that likes to know what is going on in the world.  I will never claim to be an expert.  I watch the news everyday, national and international.  In this age of the Global Village, what happens over there, affects what happens over here.  That doesn’t mean I always know how.  

I think my problem with politics is that it is dominated by politicians, who do not necessarily think like a civil servant, although technically, in my opinion, they fall under the same category. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines politician as such:

• a person experience in the art or science of government; especially one actively engaged in conducting the business of government;

• a person engaged in party politics as a profession;  

• (often disparaging) a person primarily interested in political office for selfish or other narrow usually short-sighted reasons. (https//www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/politician)

A civil servant is defined as such:

• a member of a civil service;

• a member of the staff of an international agency. (https//www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civil%20servant)

I don’t know if this helps clarify anything for anybody or muddies the water even more. I have the benefit of being raised in a household where the problems of the world were tabled, discussed and solved at the dinner every evening.  Unfortunately the politicians were not privy to our dinner table.  But as I have gotten older, I am not sure if politicians have ever actually been interested in solving the world problems because with the many intelligent men and women who have held the role of leader of their respective countries, you would think they would be solved by now.  

So why are not living in a world of peace, and equality and respect for all?  Because, I hate to say it, politicians are not in politics to make the world a better place. As I have observed since those family dinners, those in political office fall into the third definition.  It may be to fulfill a family legacy; to boost a fragile ego; or for the fame and fortune. Oh, don’t kid yourself, there is money in politics.  

I can provide some examples.  Let’s start with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.  If you are my age or older, I am sure you have at least heard of his father: Pierre Elliott Trudeau. He was the Prime Minister of Canada when I was born and the Prime Minster until I was 14 years old, except for a short period in 1979-1980. I will not say he was by any means perfect, and did not do many of the same things most all politicians have done.  But I do know he stood up to the Press.  I suggest you check out a video on YouTube. (Watch me). As Justice Minister, he intoroduced a bill decriminalizing gay acts performed in private. “There is no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation.” He has been caught lying, which all politicians do, but he had the guts to challenge the status quo and he did not let himself get pushed around by the Press or anybody else.  He brought the Constitution to Canada made sure it included a policy of Multiculturalism.  And he even did a pirouette behind the Queen.

I think that many Canadians, including myself, expected this type of intelligence and grit from Mr. Justin Trudeau.  It was wrong of us to do so.  He is not his father.  Then why did he run for political office.  In my opinion perhaps it was expected; the Liberal Party counted his name to carry them to victory. It worked. Still, he has done positive things.  He has a gender equal Cabinet, he has enshrined in law the protection of transgendered people, and has pledged increase funding to international women’s health.  However, there is the whole SNC-Lavalin Affair and his less than stellar fulfillment to his commitment to the Paris Environmental Agreement. All this being said, it is difficult for me to say, and disappointing, but I do believe he is the lesser of the “evils” from which Canadians have to chose in October 2019.  That is one of the problem with politics and politicians.  It more a choice of who we dislike the least as oppose to who we like the most.  

Being Canadian, it is impossible not to be aware of the politics and administration of the United States. I have to say, in no uncertain terms, President Donald Trump scares me.  He is a man who has claimed to know more about Isis than the Generals. If it is not true, I am concerned as to why he feels the need to lie about something so integral to National Security.  If it is true, how did he obtain it, and why has he not shared it with the “Generals.” He has been accused of sexual harassment, has admitted to such, on tape.  He has spent a considerable amount of money on golf trips, during times of crisis.  He seems obsessed with being better than President Obama.  Has anybody else wondered why? Ego, inferirity complex?  Nonetheless, according to some, and of course himself, the American economy is better than it has been in a long time. This may be true, but I believe that Mr. Trump was more interested in winning an election than he is qualified for the responsibilities of President of the United States.  

But it is not all the fault of the politicians. We the citizens must be take our share of the blame. First and foremost, let’s get our butts out to vote.  I do not understand why elections do not have 100% turn out every time.  I have heard it said that it will not make a difference. Well, of course it won’t make a difference if you don’t vote.  If everyone came out, politicians will have to change their motives. you have a public voice, use it or lose it.  

I was flabbergasted once, while waiting for my turn to cast my ballot, someone complain about the wait time.  It was no more 10 minutes and she considered not voting at all.  10 MINUTES, really? In 1994, South Africa had its first truly free election, after the end of the racist and brutal policy of Apartheid.  Voters had to wait hours and maybe days in line to vote, and were grateful for the chance to finally influence the destiny of their country.  Of course that has not made South Africa a utopia for all, but still a lot better than it was for the Black majority, who spent decades as the persucuted second class. There are so many people on the planet who are prohibited from participating in a free democracy, for a multitude of reasons.  If you have the chance, do it.  

I believe it my responsibility as a productive member of society to know the issues, all of them, not just the ones that apply to me directly.  In fact, social issues rarely occur without affecting many others.  I have to be knowledgeable of the politicians and the political parties they represent.  I need to know the platforms of the party on the issues and most importantly HOW they intend to improve my country and the world.  

 

 

 

 

Great Spirits

I have often said that when one realizes one cannot die of embarrassment, life becomes much easier. 

I have reached another epiphany. You become blessed with a freedom that cannot be imagined by those still trapped by the restrictions of the opinions of others. Suddenly a whole  new way of thinking, feeling, and acting is opened up to you. There is no end to the possibilities or horizons. 

You no longer consider why, but why not. 

You no longer worry that it has not be done, but how it can be done. 

You no longer think I can’t do it, but I can do it. 

Think of those innovators who pushed the boundaries of the conventions of their time. They braved ridicule from their peers and being panned by critics. 

Picasso was following the artistics norms of the time. He no longer wanted to be confined to the restrictions of portraying reality and true form in his paintings.  As seen below, one of his earlier works, The Old Guitarist (1904), is painted in what was the accepted style. However, the next painting is in style that is unique and unlike anything seen before. This is Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907). When he revealed it to close friends they were less than impressed. And though Picasso was discourage, he returned to this work, privately.  He showed it again and reaction was still hostile.  He hid it for nine years before showing it in public.  It was then called the most original painting in 700 years.

This type of creativity is not limited to the art world.  In 1970 on Apollo 13, one of the many moon missions by NASA, a serious unforseen accident occurred.  An oxygen tank on the Command Module exploded and the crew was forced into the Lunar Module. At some point the carbon dioxide levels got too high and a tank from the Command Module needed to be used to replenish oxygen. There was one huge problem.  The tank to be used was square and the connection was round.  The engineers at the NASA base at Houston were forced to come up with a solution to save the astronauts, using only the materials that were on the space craft.  Using a sock, a plastic bag, cardboard, a hose, and a plastic cover the crisis was averted and the tank was able to be connected. 

Creativity is a human function that has been  around since pre historic times.  One of our very very distant ancestors had something to say.  S/he used sounds, and those sounds were eventually organized and the sounds were made into words. This new idea caught on and over time, probably a long long time, language was created. 

As far as we know, humans are the only species that have the ability to imagine and hence change the world, even if it is only their little corner of it. But it is that imagination that has not only ensured  humans to survive, but to thrive. 

The are many quotes with which I can end this post.  I chose my favourite. 

“Great Spirits have always

encountered violent opposition

from mediocre minds."

Albert Einstein.

BE THE GREAT SPIRIT, 

NOT THE MEDIOCRE. 

Souces. 

Time Magazine Special Edition. Summer 2018. 

Under the Hood of Creativity.  Anthony Brandt and David Eagleman. 

 

The Nemeses of Driving

Top ten piss offs of my driving experience. 

10.  Slow drivers in the passing lane.

I am well aware that the left lane is NOT a fast lane. However, when I am attempting to pass slower traffic and slowers drivers remain in the left lane, I become aggravated. Drivers! Please check your mirrors. Know where drivers are around you. And get out of the way. 

9.    Cell phone talkers

It is the law. If it isn't hands free, put it down. 

8.    Not turning into the appropriate

       lane. 

When you are turning right, it is common sense that you turn into the nearer lane: the right hand lane. Allowing those turning left to turn into the left lane. This allows traffic to move smoothly. The opposite applies to those turning left. Avoid accidents and slowing down traffic flow. Stay in the appropriate lane when turning. 

7.    Bad merging practices

At some point in time you will have to join faster moving traffic. When entering this traffic, there is lane that eventually ends at which point you are to merge. This lane is an acceleration lane. It means you are suppose to speed up to the speed of the highway. This avoids fender benders and car pile ups. 

Also those on the highway, it is your responsibility to allow merging cars into the highway traffic. It means changing out of the right lane.  

6.    Not checking blind spot. 

I am aware that some fancy cars have a blindspot warning. But some day that will break and most cars on the road do not have this feature. Your blindspot, when driving, is a part of the surrounding area of your vehicle that cannot been seen by your mirrors. By giving a quick glance over your shoulder to make sure the way is free, allows you to move left or right without side swiping a fellow driver. Taking this precaution will make you, your fellow drivers, and your insurance company very happy. 

5.    Intersection blockers

We live in North America. It is a culture that revolves around the automobile. The amount of money that is spent on advertising by the car companies is teatimony to this. 

As a result there is gridlock. It is frustrating but a necessary evil. But pulling into an intersection, when you cannot clear the intersection, you are adding to the problem. We are all in a rush to get to where we are going. Don't prevent someone else from getting to their destination. 

4.    Pesdestrians not on sidewalks. 

At some point in time the city planners figured out that pedestrian deaths are reduced when they are given a designated area on the streets. So why are some of you not using them?  And dressed all in black at night increases your chances of being run down. If this is your goal, your success is imminent. 

Also those who chose to step into the street while waiting for the traffic light to change, are also looking to be run down. Someone attempting to make a right hand turn (on a red light. permitted in Ontario) may run you down. Is the designated sidewalk too small?  Is it so important to be the first one across the street?  Please allow drivers their space. 

3.    Cyclist that don't know they are 

        a vehicle. 

I have respect for cyclists, especially those who are couriers. But according to the Ontario Traffic Act, you are a vehicle. This means that you must obey the same signals, laws and signage that a motor vehicle must obey. This for your protection. Protect yourself. Someone wants you to come home at the end of the day. 

2.    Highway 401. 

Need I say more.?

1.    Indicator non users. 

Many drivers may not have read their car manual. I am pretty sure that among many features that are described in this novel are the indicators and the tool used to control them. In case this page is missing from your manual, their purpose is to inform other drivers of your intention to turn or change lanes. This may seem a tedious thing but it will make you loved by other drivers. 

I am sure their are many things on the roads that burn your buns. Please feel to share. 

So Much to Say.

Wow. There has been so much happening these past few months both personally and out there in the world: kid issues; a new relationship; a very long political campaign; ensueing election and a new government. It has actually made it hard for me to chose a topic. Really, this will be about all of these. 

What I have learnt through this time is that I just have to keep moving forward. And yes there were times when it seemed that a tortoise with a hernia was passing me. But whether they were grand strides, or wee baby steps I just kept taking them. 

I was battling a system that is archaic and does not understand the significance or how to deal with mental illness. I felt like I was not just battling a disease but the health care system to get the help needed. 

I challenge Prime Minister elect Justin Trudeau to take a hard look at how those with mental illness are treated.  I know there is a history in your family. I hope you and your loved ones were treated better than my family. 

Relationships are not for the faint hearted. There are always challenges: geographic; personal life choices; and of course the baggage accumulated over any lifetime. But just like with any relationship, honesty, patience, and the confidence to be yourself is the only way to go. 

Canada has just been through one of the longest election campaigns ever and all the parties went through ups and downs in the polls. Thank God the ordeal is over; no more mud slinging; no more creations of issues that really weren't issues; and the spin doctors putting in extra hours. Canadians have chosen a change. Let's hope we get it. 

All these events taught me that Life ain't for wimps. Courage is needed everyday. Sometimes that means heading into aa battle  head on and others it means to retreat and regroup. True wisdom is knowing when to do what.