Anyone living in this city knows the overall feeling of anger and frustration, the sense of hopelessness and wondering when, if ever, things will be different. There's a saying about the "elephant in the room" which is basically a problem that is larger than life that nobody wants to discuss but what do you call something that everyone and I do mean everyone talks about, debates about and has an opinion on, the "scorpion on your face?" My family has been dealing with some tough times emotionally more than anything which I will not get into on my blog but one day last week when I was waiting outside my son's school I was sitting and journaling about my feelings of frustration and anger, basically feeling sorry for myself when I was addressed in a friendly manner by a man I work with. He was wearing his usual happy grin as he too, waited for his son to get out of school. We had a wonderful conversation and he was full of flattery for me and gushing about how much he loved his wife and son. His son came out and gave him a big hug and my son came out shortly after. I looked down at my feet, wiggled my toes then grabbed the bike helmets from my bike and handed my son his I heard a little voice call out to me "Bonjour Madame". I looked over to see my friend's son climb onto his father's lap and they both waved good-bye to me as they sped away in my friend's motorized wheelchair and thought "what do I possibly have to feel sorry about myself?" I am able to bike with my son, I am healthy and so is he, there really isn't anything I can't do for my son. I watched my friend zip across the sidewalk with his son on his lap, hearing them laughing and watching them wave to everyone they know. If my friend with MS can find joy in the simple things, then surely I can too. Sometimes we all need a good, swift kick in the pants and I'm glad I received mine that day. I haven't stopped thinking of my friend and his positive attitude, his daily struggles and how he is raising such a sweet, spirited child. I'd like to say that I've completely changed my attitude and I am filled daily with gratitude but I am human and learning to change so it has it's ups and downs and I am trying, I am fumbling towards gratitude and giving thanks for all the little things I take for granted in my life. My world may be filled with emotional turmoil, people in pain but I do not have to sow the seeds of anger and bitterness. I am learning to see what is good, savour the joy and sweetness in my life and to cherish each small moment as it comes up. Whenever I get too down, I remember my friend Kevin and try to be brave and enjoy my life, no matter the obstacles.
I finished a very good book tonight too, "The Diary of Ma Yan: The Struggles and Hopes of a Chinese Schoolgirl". It left me wanting to appreciate how easily we are able to get an education in this country and how easy my life is compared to this poor peasant girl. I am always amazed at the power keeping a dairy has, this poor girl went without food so she could buy a pen to record her thoughts and hopes. I don't think I'll ever look at a pen the same way again. I'll be returning it to the library soon if anyone else wants to read it, it was in the young adult section but I definitely reccommend it to people of all ages, especially children who question why they should keep a diary.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Lost Cat
My son's cat has gone missing and trips to our local Humane Society have proved fruitless. I'm hoping someone in the area can help us find our cat, Mr Potato Head aka "Chubby". If you've seen him, please contact me or leave a comment. I have a very sad boy who misses his cat. He is a large brown tabby with sparkling green eyes and a short tail due to having to have it amputated years ago. He is extremely friendly and we're hoping that someone took him in and won't let him back out.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Can you Help?
I have a friend who does animal rescue, Jen, who would love it if you could "vote" for her rescue. All it takes is a simple click and she's a little further ahead. You can go here to click and please check out her website here. I know she and the animals greatly appreciate it. I know first-hand how hard she works to keep the animals safe and it would mean so much if she could win some extra cash to keep her afloat. On behalf of Barlee's, Jen and all the animals, thank you. Please feel free to tell your friends to click as well, the more clicks the better for the animals.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Become a Joy Rebel with me...
I found this site a ways back (thanks K) and have been so inspired that I decided to share it with everyone. If you still aren't sure about becoming a "Joy Rebel" please read this post and decide if you want to join. It just might change your life.
“Joy lies in the fight, in the attempt, in the suffering involved, not in the victory itself”
~Mahatma Ghandi
“Joy lies in the fight, in the attempt, in the suffering involved, not in the victory itself”~Mahatma Ghandi
A wonderful weekend in the sun
It is not often that I get to spend an entire weekend with my family. I usually work every weekend and took this past weekend off for school, but classes got canceled (finding this article makes me think I am doing the right move by learning how to become a yoga instructor). Not only did I have the weekend off with my guys, but it was also amazing weather! Hayden wanted to go to Ojibway and I haven't been in far too long, so that's where we headed. The day was very warm early on and within minutes of starting out, Kevin spotted deer further in the woods.
We quickly went along the path to see if we could get any closer and were quickly rewarded with seeing an entire herd. Hayden and I got the opportunity of getting a bit closer and watching them graze on new, tender shoots on the brambles and trees. It was just such an amazing feeling to be able to get so close to them, listen to the frogs croaking in the background, hear the birds singing and to watch the gentle deer nibble on foliage. We stayed a respectable distance and they made sure to keep a close eye on us and I was so glad I had my telephoto lens so I could get some great shots.
It was just such a wonderful experience to see deer right in the middle of our city, all of us were thrilled and glad we could see such a sight. There were quite a few of us out that morning and we were all busy watching the deer and taking as many photos as we could. It made me glad that so many people also decided to get out and enjoy the day. As we ventured along the paths and took in the sights of the prarie coming out of hibernation I happened to spot a teeny, weeny toad. I haven't seen one that small since I was a kid! Of course, Hayden wanted to hold it in his hand, so I let him gently capture the small toad.
One of my biggest regrets is that we were not able to buy a house out in the country, I was hoping my son could grow up with some of the experiences that I cherished during my childhood like holding frogs and toads, catching tadpoles and watching baby birds grow up. I am glad that places like this exist for my son to experience just a smidgen of what thrilled me as a child. I think it's so vitally important for children to be able to connect with the earth, to see all the wonders they possibly can so they learn a healthy respect for our planet, to help them want to preserve as much as we can so that someday my son will be able to bring his children to wonder at the miracles of the earth. This is such a rare gem in our city and I learned so much from the Ojibway website, I highly reccomend visiting the website, or better yet, walking along the paths and enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells.
We started the day with sunshine and marvelling at Mother Nature and in the evening, a storm was brewing, it seemed to pass over our area very quickly then as Kevin was doing the dishes he received a phone call that told him a small tornado had touched down outside the C.U.P.E. office so we all quickly piled into the car to check it out. I am so glad I travel with my camera! I quickly took as many pictures as I could in the fading daylight.
Most of the roof was torn off the C.U.P.E building and thrown blocks away, littering the streets, yards and roof tops of some of the nearby residents, some houses had their windows blown out and the gas had to be shut off to the hall since the air conditioning unit had been uprooted on the roof. Thankfully no one was hurt. What a way to end the day!
Sunday was much more uneventful. Hayden came with me to the laundromat and then we went on a bike ride, our first one of the season and enjoyed the sun and sights along the riverfront.
Lots of people were out fishing, even the seagull caught some fish!
It was a gorgeous weekend and I am thankful that I was able to enjoy it with my guys. The weather was wonderful and it was so much fun to be able to spend so much time outside. Today may be cool and rainy, but I was able to enjoy the sunny weather while we had it.
We quickly went along the path to see if we could get any closer and were quickly rewarded with seeing an entire herd. Hayden and I got the opportunity of getting a bit closer and watching them graze on new, tender shoots on the brambles and trees. It was just such an amazing feeling to be able to get so close to them, listen to the frogs croaking in the background, hear the birds singing and to watch the gentle deer nibble on foliage. We stayed a respectable distance and they made sure to keep a close eye on us and I was so glad I had my telephoto lens so I could get some great shots.
It was just such a wonderful experience to see deer right in the middle of our city, all of us were thrilled and glad we could see such a sight. There were quite a few of us out that morning and we were all busy watching the deer and taking as many photos as we could. It made me glad that so many people also decided to get out and enjoy the day. As we ventured along the paths and took in the sights of the prarie coming out of hibernation I happened to spot a teeny, weeny toad. I haven't seen one that small since I was a kid! Of course, Hayden wanted to hold it in his hand, so I let him gently capture the small toad.
One of my biggest regrets is that we were not able to buy a house out in the country, I was hoping my son could grow up with some of the experiences that I cherished during my childhood like holding frogs and toads, catching tadpoles and watching baby birds grow up. I am glad that places like this exist for my son to experience just a smidgen of what thrilled me as a child. I think it's so vitally important for children to be able to connect with the earth, to see all the wonders they possibly can so they learn a healthy respect for our planet, to help them want to preserve as much as we can so that someday my son will be able to bring his children to wonder at the miracles of the earth. This is such a rare gem in our city and I learned so much from the Ojibway website, I highly reccomend visiting the website, or better yet, walking along the paths and enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells.We started the day with sunshine and marvelling at Mother Nature and in the evening, a storm was brewing, it seemed to pass over our area very quickly then as Kevin was doing the dishes he received a phone call that told him a small tornado had touched down outside the C.U.P.E. office so we all quickly piled into the car to check it out. I am so glad I travel with my camera! I quickly took as many pictures as I could in the fading daylight.
Most of the roof was torn off the C.U.P.E building and thrown blocks away, littering the streets, yards and roof tops of some of the nearby residents, some houses had their windows blown out and the gas had to be shut off to the hall since the air conditioning unit had been uprooted on the roof. Thankfully no one was hurt. What a way to end the day!
Sunday was much more uneventful. Hayden came with me to the laundromat and then we went on a bike ride, our first one of the season and enjoyed the sun and sights along the riverfront.
Lots of people were out fishing, even the seagull caught some fish!
It was a gorgeous weekend and I am thankful that I was able to enjoy it with my guys. The weather was wonderful and it was so much fun to be able to spend so much time outside. Today may be cool and rainy, but I was able to enjoy the sunny weather while we had it.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Enjoying a mostly rainy day
Today has been another rainy, gloomy day. It was hailing while Hayden and I were waiting for the bus, you gotta love April, so unpredictable. Luckily, it stopped raining before I had to leave the house again for my massage appointment so I left the umbrella at home. After my massage the sun was peeking out of the clouds so I decided to take a walk through Old Walkverille and enjoy the little bit of sun shining through. I had my trusty camera so I'll share some pictures of my walk with you.
This is the cemetery beside St. Mary's Church, the gates have been locked every time I've gone, but I'd love to walk around and get some closer shots. I love to sit and think in a cemetery, being there reminds me of the sacredness of life and how precious it is to be alive.
How many times do you see the name of the road you're traveling on stamped into the concrete? A sign of times gone by and I like to wonder what life was like when the name of the street would be stamped into the sidewalk.
Getting to watch a lovely little woodpecker search for snacks in a tree. I've seen quite a few of these little guys in my neighbourhood and it brings me great joy. I've read of woodpeckers losing their habitats due to people cutting down old trees that the birds would normally be able to feed from so I'm happy to have spotted quite a few of these little guys during my walks.
Noticing how green this evergreen tree is, seeing the green coming out on the hedges and how vibrant the grass is. This tree is so bright among all the browns of the houses and the grey sky.
I just adore these gorgeous windows of St. Mary's, sigh. I think I will have to visit the church and see how they look from the inside with the sun streaming through. This is one of the prettiest churches in the city and I even have a picture of it before there were houses all around it. I really have to find that picture.
I have always loved this house (check out the pointed window on the upper part of the house, mmmmm), I love how the front door doesn't face the street like all the other houses, it is on an angle. With that wide, reaching front porch, the house almost seems like it's trying to hug whoever is looking at it. It's just so inviting. I hope I see the owners outside just once so I can tell them how much I love their house and that gothic window.
Getting home just before the rain started again and snapping a lovely shot of Hayden's maple tree just starting to unfurl her leaves against a backdrop of a cloudy, grey sky. This was the last shot I got before the rain started again and I think it's my favourite of the day.
All in all it was a wonderful day made even better by one of my favourite movies being on tv, so I took a break and watched it. Made me laugh and remember watching it with my Mum and brother.
Such a nice, peaceful day, too bad I didn't get the vaccuuming done. Oh well, there's always tomorrow right?
This is the cemetery beside St. Mary's Church, the gates have been locked every time I've gone, but I'd love to walk around and get some closer shots. I love to sit and think in a cemetery, being there reminds me of the sacredness of life and how precious it is to be alive.
How many times do you see the name of the road you're traveling on stamped into the concrete? A sign of times gone by and I like to wonder what life was like when the name of the street would be stamped into the sidewalk.
Getting to watch a lovely little woodpecker search for snacks in a tree. I've seen quite a few of these little guys in my neighbourhood and it brings me great joy. I've read of woodpeckers losing their habitats due to people cutting down old trees that the birds would normally be able to feed from so I'm happy to have spotted quite a few of these little guys during my walks.
Noticing how green this evergreen tree is, seeing the green coming out on the hedges and how vibrant the grass is. This tree is so bright among all the browns of the houses and the grey sky.
I just adore these gorgeous windows of St. Mary's, sigh. I think I will have to visit the church and see how they look from the inside with the sun streaming through. This is one of the prettiest churches in the city and I even have a picture of it before there were houses all around it. I really have to find that picture.
I have always loved this house (check out the pointed window on the upper part of the house, mmmmm), I love how the front door doesn't face the street like all the other houses, it is on an angle. With that wide, reaching front porch, the house almost seems like it's trying to hug whoever is looking at it. It's just so inviting. I hope I see the owners outside just once so I can tell them how much I love their house and that gothic window.
Getting home just before the rain started again and snapping a lovely shot of Hayden's maple tree just starting to unfurl her leaves against a backdrop of a cloudy, grey sky. This was the last shot I got before the rain started again and I think it's my favourite of the day.All in all it was a wonderful day made even better by one of my favourite movies being on tv, so I took a break and watched it. Made me laugh and remember watching it with my Mum and brother.
Such a nice, peaceful day, too bad I didn't get the vaccuuming done. Oh well, there's always tomorrow right?
Monday, April 20, 2009
Relishing the ordinary
I had the most amazing day today. Nothing extraordinary happened, yet I am filled with so much happiness and joy. I am really enjoying finding joy in the ordinary, the small things that go unnoticed. Some things that brought me peace today:
* Having a wonderful chiropractor who is able to help with my wonky back, I feel much better after getting an acupuncture treatment and deep tissue massage. There is so much positive energy there and I just love her office. The greatest part of going there was getting to play with Mr Jake, the ever gorgeous and adorable Boston Terrier puppy! Nothing beats getting puppy kisses and getting to play fetch. How could anyone resist a face like this?
Please forgive me for the kink in your neck, I still haven't mastered the art of rotating photos on my blog and I have tried to adjust this picture! Anyone have any tips? I rotated it on my computer, but it's still coming up sideways.
* Getting an opportunity to spend so much time with Hayden, talking with striking workers, seeing how much garbage has been dumped, being able to encourage my son to form his own opinions, talk to people, find the answers to the questions he raises. Our talks continued most of the night as we shopped for groceries and drove around the city. I love seeing how much he's grown, marveling at his intelligence and being so grateful that he is healthy, curious and wise. Having a 10 year old is a very humbling experience and he teaches me more about life daily.
* Being able to find information on the world wide web, having access to information and opinions of others, living in a society where we can express our views. Many people do not have the ability or the chance to make an informed decision, find things out for themselves or live in a place that is not safe to express themselves. I am glad for being encouraged early on to not just listen to what I was being told, but to continually ask questions, fight for what you believe in and stand up for what you think is right.
* For finding wonderful quotes, pictures, poems and websites that continually inspire me and make me think.
* Realizing most of the things I enjoy most do not cost anything at all, spending time with my loved ones, writing, taking a walk, listening to the birds, meditating, seeing the world all around me, watching flowers coming alive, collaging, day dreaming and feeling the sun and rain on my skin. There is much to be grateful for in my life and that costs nothing either.
* Having a wonderful chiropractor who is able to help with my wonky back, I feel much better after getting an acupuncture treatment and deep tissue massage. There is so much positive energy there and I just love her office. The greatest part of going there was getting to play with Mr Jake, the ever gorgeous and adorable Boston Terrier puppy! Nothing beats getting puppy kisses and getting to play fetch. How could anyone resist a face like this?
Please forgive me for the kink in your neck, I still haven't mastered the art of rotating photos on my blog and I have tried to adjust this picture! Anyone have any tips? I rotated it on my computer, but it's still coming up sideways.* Getting an opportunity to spend so much time with Hayden, talking with striking workers, seeing how much garbage has been dumped, being able to encourage my son to form his own opinions, talk to people, find the answers to the questions he raises. Our talks continued most of the night as we shopped for groceries and drove around the city. I love seeing how much he's grown, marveling at his intelligence and being so grateful that he is healthy, curious and wise. Having a 10 year old is a very humbling experience and he teaches me more about life daily.
* Being able to find information on the world wide web, having access to information and opinions of others, living in a society where we can express our views. Many people do not have the ability or the chance to make an informed decision, find things out for themselves or live in a place that is not safe to express themselves. I am glad for being encouraged early on to not just listen to what I was being told, but to continually ask questions, fight for what you believe in and stand up for what you think is right.
* For finding wonderful quotes, pictures, poems and websites that continually inspire me and make me think.
* Realizing most of the things I enjoy most do not cost anything at all, spending time with my loved ones, writing, taking a walk, listening to the birds, meditating, seeing the world all around me, watching flowers coming alive, collaging, day dreaming and feeling the sun and rain on my skin. There is much to be grateful for in my life and that costs nothing either.
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