Day 120 - aging or being old?

This morning Canada AM highlighted a documentary premièring at Hot Docs this week. I wish I was able to be at the showing of this piece -- I'd read about it in the National Post this weekend. It is titled "Advanced Style" and is billed as working to counter the usual Western thoughts on aging. The director, Lina Plioplyte, followed older women (50-90) of NYC, all of whom celebrate life and fashion. They make a statement and are not willing to just fade away as much social expectation suggests.

I have taught a course  that emphasized healthy aging this past year. It made me think about many societal 'norms' that marginalize people as they get older, particularly women. I showed the students amazing women who are still living their lives on their own terms, not those of society. We discussed a Nobel prize winner in literature, a track and field champion, actors, and scientists -- all over 80. We also spoke of aging males, and explored some of the differences in acceptance by sex. Several students have sent me other examples since the course ended -- so it did get them thinking critically of what is happening in their environments that might be viewed as agism and examples of people challenging the stereotypes. This makes me smile. <smile>  It would be great if this documentary could be available for teaching the aging course next time, but even without it, there are many fantastic examples of positive aging to share.

I've been told by older women to "never get old" -- two people have given me differing perspectives on this phrase. One I believe means old and infirm, while the other meant not to think of yourself as old -- just a big scary number. So, the first did think of herself as 'old' while the other embraced the fact and lived life every day. By the way, my response to the statement from either woman has always been -- "I don't like the alternative." Even now I have to stop and think about how old I am if someone asks -- the number isn't upper most in my mind, and I am often surprised when I do the math <g>. So one should never say they are too old for something -- it is all about mindset.

The selection today has a slow, mellow sound from two amazing musicians that addresses the mindset of age. Enjoy!

You're never to old (to hold somebody) -- Sir Elton John and Leon Russell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMncry64Xl8

Day 119 -- (in)tolerance

I've been reflecting on stories in the news over the past two days. From listening to TV news and news magazine shows as well as  reading a national newspaper, there seemed to be a common theme amongst many of the stories. (Yes, this is me doing the sorting thing -- qualitative thematic analysis <g>) Several stories from political, historical, sport and crime news all pointed to "man's inhumanity to man," the intolerance of others who don't look, sound, worship, love, or think in the exact same ways as the one or group involved in perpetrating injustices against the "other."

The concept of "other" is not a new one and has been studied by social scientists for some time. Humans seem to compare themselves with others constantly. They have a need to belong to a group of similar people. Different people are seen as threatening so ridding the world of the threat seems to be their solution.

Why is intolerance so prevalent? I fear the simple answer is -- because we are human. That said, I also believe that social values can be altered. Values are not easy to change, but they can be, and have been realigned. Mass media play a role in communicating where and when such injustice occurs; yet, the media can also skew public and policy maker opinion in favour of one particular viewpoint. Often news stories are incomplete or fail to fully explore the factors determining human behaviours. It is well known that many news outlets have particular political leanings in editorial policy -- left or right of centre. So, people must be aware of what information leads them to form an opinion, but this requires critical thinking processes. These are not necessarily part of the average citizen's tool kit. There are movements to improve literacy levels in many areas of life skills, much of which necessitate development of critical thought. This will not be an easy endeavour. In the meantime, humans will be led around by their emotions instead of their intellect.

Today's selection deals with the hope that we can work towards reducing intolerance. Enjoy!

We shall be free -- Garth Brooks

Day 118 - relaxing after a busy day

Today was a day with other meetings -- we got through most items and I'm now realizing the work that will be done over the next month.  There are people to help with the process and ideas, so I'm not standing out there on my own -- more of the collaboration that I've talked about before. 

We went out shopping for bit, walking and talking, which led us to heading out for supper. Had a wonderful pad thai that they added some heat to for me -- I like to feel my food and not just have a hint of chili spicing. It went perfectly with the shiraz, bringing out some of the fruit and spice notes in the wine very well. Conversation was delightful and I now have a couple of new books on my 'to read' list. I did buy a new one -- a cookbook by Judith Jones, the former food editor for Knopf, titled The Pleasures of Cooking for One. She has annotated the recipes which are based on the cooking of many famous chefs. I look forward to reading through that and trying some new concoctions in my kitchen.

A number of songs came to mind throughout the day, and taking time to visit and shop and go out to dinner was relaxing. This reminded me of a line from a song about crossing things off the 'to do' list. Sure, I could have stayed in and done more work, but the time spent with colleagues added much more to my appreciation of the day. This song uses a twist on a common phrase to say this very thing. Enjoy!

Time Well Wasted -- Brad Paisley

Day 117 - working together

A full day of meeting today -- but things went very well with good progress made. I realized again today that this group is not only fellow professionals but many are good friends. It is refreshing to see this and the commitment to the tasks required is amazing. There is true passion involved there.

These aren't things that are seen in all groups that meet regularly to work through an agenda. I believe it is special and something that one is priviledged to be a part of. It makes the work go by without the feeling of drudgery -- that is a gift that I think each member of the group gives to each other member. I've seen this only in some of the working groups I've been part of -- it is not a given.

A line from a song ran around in my brain as I reflected on the work of the day. The feeling I came away with was one of energy rather than feeling drained of every bit of effort I could muster -- something that has happened with other groups or even other tasks throughout my career. The upbeat rhythms reflected my feelings on the process today. Enjoy!

For the Longest Time -- Billy Joel

Day 116 - avoiding the straight forward path

Non-conformity has been a life goal of mine <smile>. I moved into my career but certainly not by an easy or short route -- and not fully due to my own choices. I am fiercely independent, and I don't take dictated directions well. I work well with others, but not with those whose goal is to order everyone around and expect people to blindly follow. I have always needed to understand the reason behind the process and I've never felt that asking 'why' was a challenge -- I just need to understand the reasons so that I can follow through. Sadly, most people find my request for a more complete explanation to be a challenge to their authority -- so I rarely get my 'why' answered, but instead have some very frustrated people in my surround.

So -- when I talk to others, I tend to explain the how and why of things that I'm trying to discuss or a story I'm trying to tell. Again, I find people are frustrated with the tangential nature of a conversation with me -- and again, that was far from my goal. So -- explaining why seems to make people feel that I think they are simpletons, when I wasn't explaining because I believed they didn't know something, but was walking them through my thoughts and contextualising the punch line.  From this, it seems that I can't make me or anyone happy when I try to communicate, yet many times I've been told that I am a good communicator. Go figure! <smile> My response is generally -  'why?' <grin>

Today's song fits with the lack of a straight forward path when talking with people and to my need to be a non-conformist and my reticence to follow orders. Enjoy!


The Long Way Around -- The Dixie Chicks

Day 115 - getting in touch with my inner traveller

Sometimes I wonder about my conflicted self <smile>. I love travelling -- being in other cities or countries can be exciting. Learning about other cultures and lifestyles amazes me. When I get to the destination, I'm flat out seeing all I possibly can in the time available.

The key words in that last sentence are "when I get to the destination"  It is the getting to another place that can be the challenge. Driving long distances, manoeuvring multiple airports and security checks, finding ground transportation on arrival and all manner of obstacles placed before an intrepid traveller. I've met all kinds of delays -- road construction, weather issues, delayed and cancelled flights, missing connecting flights, changed boarding gates with little announcement to those still waiting in the original lounge, delayed and lost luggage. Each of these is a blog in itself and I will tackle some of the more colourful experiences in the future. No matter how much I enjoy being somewhere else, getting packed and ready to leave home has always been very emotional. It is a type of anxiety and I know it will happen every time I go somewhere, but it can be so difficult to wade through it each time. It seems like just staying home would be so much easier <smile> yet I know how much I want to go and see and do things elsewhere, that I manage to get myself into an auto-pilot place and I just do it. I learn so much about the world, people and myself when travelling it is not worth passing up.

Now -- I've taken only one VIA rail trip in my life -- from Moose Jaw to Winnipeg return years ago. More recently I have travelled in England on trains -- I love trains stations and trains. My dad was a fireman (the guy who shovelled coal) on steam engines. When diesels arrived he was one of many who were essentially unemployed. Years later my brother also worked with CP Rail as a brakeman, conductor (when they still had cabooses) and has been an engineer for many years. My grandfather's cousin, who was closer in age to my dad than my grandfather, worked as a conductor for most of his adult work life. So -- I guess I can say trains are in my blood. I love the sound of a train passing through town. I grew up a few blocks from the train yards at home and slept with boxcars coupling and uncoupling as trains were put together in the yard all night long. The selection today may make more sense to you all now, as it is about travelling and the positives that come with it, It is also about train travel. Enjoy!

City of New Orleans -- Willie Nelson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJMVj04lfyo

Day 114 - Impositions

Today was filled with small accomplishments and several moments that made me stop and shake my head wondering what the heck was going on around me.  A couple of these created minor panics that meant I needed to get more of the back story before being able to understand the best path for moving forward. This meant that several items that need to be done now will have to wait until tomorrow.

It is frustrating when something interferes with me meeting a deadline, even one I set for myself. External impositions are beyond my control of course, but they require imposing on someone else's schedule for me to solve the problem and move the item off my desk. When problems arrive without adequate explanation, searching for someone who can clarify the issue takes time. The emotions involved in the process are many -- with little of this being positive. There are times when this introvert is overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information being fired in my direction -- I need time to process and contextualize. Not days -- but time without further intrusions would be useful. Some days simply do not allow this to occur as a second issue arrives before the first is even partly understood. Thankfully, I have a number of people who can help clarify requests if it cannot be the request originator. These people instantly can make me relax and laugh about the situation while helping to see directions that I could pursue. It takes just a few minutes -- and the world changes. Interesting.

This song ran through my head today. I find the melody calming, the lyrics nostalgic. It speaks to a loss of dreams and goals unmet. Yet, I never feel it is totally empty, for these things can be replaced as we grow and develop as individuals. The original version is great, but this cover has a different tone and emphasis to me, likely due to the amazing female voice. Enjoy!

Sad Cafe -- Lorrie Morgan

Day 113 - riding the merry-go-round

Days like today make me want to just ask someone to let me off the merry-go-round.  There are entirely too many tasks to do and not enough hours to complete them.  Everyone around me is in the same place -- and we are all close to that breaking point.  I find even positive things present themselves to me as problems when one is overwhelmed with work. Another two weeks and things should be calmer as several major items will be completed and gone from our desks.

In situations like these, people tend to use platitudes that can just make things feel worse. It will pass, we've gotten through before, etc.  I find myself grasping at such empty phrases to try to find a positive in the midst of it all. If I take a few moments and just quiet myself, I expect that would work much better <smile>. Today I heard the words of a great poet and philosopher in my head. People admonished him for his life choices to step off the merry-go-round just as I've been told that this is the life I chose and wanted so what is my problem? Or that I need to work fewer hours (and I really don't have a choice other than stopping work <smile>). So -- I felt a bit heartened when I realized that people not in my shoes can't understand my position, nor I theirs. I will take these comments as an odd way of expressing that people do care and try to move forward.

So -- today's selection is that song that helped me today. Enjoy!

Watching the Wheels -- John Lennon

Day 112 -- Earth Day 2014

I am an environmentalist -- I will own that. A friend once said that I cared about people and 'things' -- the latter referring to spaces and species. I have felt strongly about working to inform people about problems and solutions since I was in high school. Once I had a job and could manage it, I donated time and money to causes that I felt were important to saving our planet for the future, and even have added key organizations to my will.

The impact of a single species on the earth is staggering. Though, it is not without hope. We can all do small things that do make a difference. In Nova Scotia, we have mandated recycling and composting across the province. Many areas use clear bags so collectors can tell if things have been sorted correctly. We have a green bin with each household to hold compostables. The recycling goes into two clear blue bags -- one for paper materials and the other for plastics (1-7, except foam polystyrene), waxed cardboard milk cartons, tetra packs and aluminium containers.  All beverage containers have a container deposit paid at point of sale, and this is refundable if we choose to return them to the depot near each community. The items that are not compostable, refundable or recyclable are put in a clear colourless bag for collection.  There are a few communities, including major cities in the province, where black garbage bags are still allowed. If policy were to change there, imagine the impact!  We have already diverted 40-50% of waste headed for landfills.

I have always been part of worksite recycling programs even when it wasn't mandated -- often to the mild irritation of my co-workers <smile>. I have been part of a local foods box program since inception packing and ensuring pick-up at one location every growing season.  I love farmers markets and visit many even when I travel. I am not perfect. I fly a lot, which is far from being carbon neutral. I still haven't switched all my light bulbs but am making headway. Even doing one small thing at a time can make a difference to our monetary costs and to the planet. I loved the way Dr. Jane Goodall puts it --
                            Every individual matters.
                            Every individual has a role to play.
                            Every individual makes a difference.

This topic has been covered in songs from past blog days -- see Day 37 for Big Yellow Taxi and Day 87 for After the Goldrush. The song selected for today, though, has been one that I've always felt was very positive. Then I found a recording with a spoken intro that said exactly what I'd always heard when I listened to the song -- tres cool. It seems a wonderful way to celebrate Earth Day <smile>. Enjoy!

What a Wonderful World -- Louis Armstrong

Day 111 - reflecting on shoes

I was looking at the calendar a couple weeks back and realized that it had been <mumbledy, mumbledy> years since I had my first pair of 'heals'. Now I was about 6 or 7 at the time and my aunt was getting married. I needed new dress shoes for the summer wedding, I was able to get a pair of sling backs with pointy black closed toes. The heal wasn't big, but it was a separate piece on the shoes that gave them 'the look.'

This memory led me to recall a number of shoes that I've had over the years.  I've never had more than 3 pairs of shoes at a time, as I have narrow feet and getting things that fit the heal and still provide support to the high arch is challenging. That said, there have been some wonderful shoes -- the platforms with square heals in a yellowed brown that remind me of those blue ones worn by Keith Moon (those are in the R&R Hall of Fame), the mega platforms that fit like flats but were 3-4 inches off the ground (these were like many things Elton John wore in the day <smile>), and the first set of spike heals out of a beige kid leather and suede mix that I got for graduation with my undergrad degree (I'm seeing similar ones out there now).  The flats came in -- that Annie Hall look -- and I was hooked. My feet didn't ache in the arch and I could walk around easily. Then I found the newer format of runners, cross trainers, hikers and walkers that have been my 'go to' ever since.

What do shoes say about us?  They can tell us if someone is a slave to fashion, likes comfort, or spends like there is a fetish present <smile>.  If anyone has seen the movie, "Red Shoes" you'll understand the symbolism of shoes. This was about a young girl who wanted to dance (ballet). When asked why she wanted to dance, her reply was "why do you want to live?"  Wearing the dancing shoes was everything to her. It is an amazing metaphorical movie. If you have a chance, it is worth watching.

Today's selection has to do with shoes <surprise>  Love this song. Enjoy!

(Angels wanna wear my) Red Shoes -- Elvis Costello

Day 110 -- Wishing Distances were Shorter

Its been another ordinary day <smile>. Graded exams and calculated grades most of the day. It was sunny outside and I'm sure my crocuses will be out in another day or two. They are in a rather shaded spot, so are later than many others in town, but I love them and they are worth the wait.

I spoke with family on the phone today. This country is so big and people are often separated by large distances. Someone I knew drove from New Brunswick to Alberta last week -- a very long trip. When I drove from Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia years back, it was a long drive that brought with it the realization of how far it is across the country. Then, when I flew from Halifax to Victoria it seemed we were in the air forever <smile> when it was less than one of the six days it took me to drive less than the distance I flew. I can understand how visitors from Europe seem to think travel between BC and Ontario can be quick by train.  They aren't used to such distances between regions.

So today I chose a song that makes me think of these distances -- actual kilometres and distances of heart and mind.  It is for all of you who are not close by and for all those you know who aren't nearby. Enjoy!

So Far Away -- Carole King with James Taylor on guitar

Day 109 -- Easter Weekend Musical

Being a bit later this year, Easter falls in the middle of our exam period. So, while there are no exams on Good Friday or Easter Sunday, both Holy Saturday and Eater Monday will have a full slate of exams. My last class wrote today and I now have 65 exams sitting in the corner calling my name. My next two days will be devoted almost exclusively to marking these exams.

At this time of year, I often think of one of my first Lloyd-Webber musicals both heard and seen -- Jesus Christ Superstar. The music, lyrics and the imagery of the stage play and the movie have fascinated me. It is intriguing how modern images put some of the story into perspective -- the power brokers, the crass commercialism, the fandom, and the media communicating various messages. Perhaps that is why I've ended up where I have -- studying the impact of mass mediated messages on public opinion and policy makers' views. The agendas in play have been there forever -- the media agenda (to sell air time, space, or readers & viewers), the policy agenda (to do what absolutely needs to be done without doing too much and without interfering with the main area each power broker feels is most important) and the public agenda (to get as much as they can for the minimal input of effort and tax dollars). These agendas intersect, often moving together when the cause fits all interests. I'm not trying to be cynical here, just blunt <smile>. Human beings can tend to be somewhat selfish as a group. Smaller groups or individuals do move things in  positive ways, but without the support of the public and the media, they won't get the support of policy makers. So -- we all have to play the game. In Lloyd-Webber's Evita, this was embodied in the song, 'Practising the Art of the Possible"

However, back to that first rock musical -- I (and many others) know the full libretto to this day. When the music plays, the words are right there. So, when you hear today's selection, I suspect many of you will hear the words in your head or perhaps sing them out loud. Enjoy!

Jesus Christ Superstar -- Overture -- from the 1973 movie, music by Andrew Lloyd-Webber.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgEf4DCHrTM

Day 108 -- rocking in the kitchen

Today was a day without work -- paid or volunteer -- the first in a very long time. It will be a while before I have another like this -- likely a month. So -- what did I do? I did laundry today because I am at work all day tomorrow with exams. I cooked a fun turnip puff for an Easter weekend dinner with friends this evening. It was a turkey based meal, but the veggies filled most of the plates. Yummy green bean dish, the turnip puff, a fantastic broccoli-cauliflower gratin, mashed potato, turkey and a homemade cranberry sauce. My puff arrived at the venue still crispy and hot and was enjoyed by all -- always pleasant to cook for others.

I love to cook. I love cookbooks. I love kitchen equipment and gadgets. Food is my life [tm] after all. I find that the academic term doesn't always allow me to try new recipes and cook for relaxation as much as I'd prefer. I do cook a few times a term and fill the deep freeze so there are wholesome, nourishing things in the freezer to help me with the evening meal when teaching, grading and meeting into the evenings. I still try new foods and recipes, but fewer and with less frequency than I have at other times of my career. So, there is a trade off with some career choices, but I am working to find the time to do the 'me' things that I love -- like cooking, reading for enjoyment rather than grading or course design, and relaxing with music or a movie. There are ways to work some of this into a few moments each day, but cooking and baking generally take a longer commitment. Making a meal can be done in 20-30 minutes -- 10-15 if nuking a frozen item that I'd cooked earlier. But trying new items and spending the day in the kitchen takes more planning. I have a number of recipes that I want to try in a file on top of the microwave. This helps me to find them quickly when supper prep arrives. Others require longer prep and cooking so need a day of their own.

Luckily I can cook without recipes and have developed a number of my own recipes over the years. Several have been published in Dietitians of Canada cookbooks and one was highlighted in Chatelaine magazine -- so it went through the test kitchens and they found it worked well <smile>. So -- in the coming weeks I plan to do more cooking. The pantry needs further spiced applesauce and chutney and the freezer could use some new and different takes on chili, gumbo and an old family casserole dish. So -- it is nearing the top of my list of fun things I get to do <smile>.

The selection for today is something that is great to play while working in the kitchen. The beat helps keep one moving and smiling. Enjoy!

It's still rock and roll to me -- Billy Joel

Day 107 -- friends, music & wine

A day of meetings ended with a fun evening with friends. The food was divine -- a lobster and shrimp bisque followed by lamb brochettes and a berry compote with a biscuit-type topping to finish. We had two wonderful red wines to try -- a lovely carmenere and a stellar zinfandel. The highlight of the evening was a somewhat local fellow who sang two acoustic sets during dinner. Truly an amazing experience to be in a room with about 60 people in a private event like this. The song I requested was played <smile> -- one that I have featured on this blog before -- Jambalaya.  The evening encore ended with a song from several years back that I want to share tonight. The lyrics address something that the world needs more of -- as has been sung by many artists through the decades. This fellow has been to the Opry 18 times and was a student at the university in town -- but several years before I arrived on the scene here. Truly a gentleman. Enjoy!

Somebody wrote love -- George Canyon

Day 106 -- hippy dippy throw back day

Today was a day with rain, plunging temperatures, big wind, and a bit of time to address items that have been sitting undone for a couple of days. Not a bad day, all in all.

I'm not sure where it came from, but my musical thoughts headed off into 1960s folk tunes today. This was a time of protest songs and traditional folk songs. Many rock stars and groups began as folk artists. I recall seeing Denny Doherty in 1999 when he presented his autobiographical stage show "Dream a Little Dream." As a young man from Halifax he was deep into a number of folk scenes in NYC and rubbed shoulders with many other fascinating individuals of the day -- Yanovsky, McGuinn, Elliot, Sebastian and of course, Phillips. It was a heady time in the west Village at places like the Night Owl and The Bitter End. The latter is still there and I did see it when driving down Bleeker Street on a bus tour a couple years back. It had nothing to do with the tour, but I did inform my seat-mate about it. <smile>  I loved the gentle sound of folk music. I do love the electric rock sound, too, but some times just call for a softer sound.

Today's selection is the song that stuck in my head as I worked away. It is from a major folk group of the time but the song seems to date back to the US civil war. It doesn't necessarily have an anti-war sentiment as others of the time did, yet it fit well with the '60s Zeitgeist. It is also a wonderful love song. This version has amazing harmonies and such clear, bell-like vocal tones. I love it. Enjoy!

The Cruel War is Raging -- Peter, Paul and Mary


https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=cruel+war+peter+paul+and+mary

Day 105 -- a laugh

Today I tackled the big writing project to get the draft polished up a bit. I spent the afternoon working at this along with some time fighting with the new version of iTunes. I dislike software changes that make simple tasks difficult while attempting to make difficult tasks simple. But that 's a story for another day. While working today I listened to my iPod with some relaxing, yet not sleep inducing, music. It did help me to focus on the task at hand and I completed it within my desired time frame.

While listening to the music, one song caught me by surprise and made me laugh -- another great relaxing technique, by the way. <smile>  It gave me a brief break from the work while reminding me of home -- a kind of BOGO event.  So, I'm sharing this song with you all today.  The group is from Alberta but the topic is so Saskatchewan <smile>. Enjoy!

The Truck got Stuck -- Corb Lund and the Hurtin' Albertans

Day 104 -- missing the day

Piles of work and constant questions from others resulted in little being completed on my 'to do' list today. Don't get me wrong here, I did get things done and things that are my responsibility to complete. I just had hoped to get to the larger project. The day ended with me and the copy machine at odds, and late in the day so all the experts at paper jams had had the sense to go home. For each page it pumped out, it was jamming three. It finally deigned to request paper refilling, which did solve the issue and got me out of the building. During one particularly difficult attempt to find the jammed paper, someone behind me said 'hello -- how are you?". I turned and said, 'Hello" and launched into a few sentences about my ongoing issues with technology. I suddenly stopped and looked at her and said, "Oh, my -- How are you doing?" We both laughed and as she left the building, I noted the sunshine outside and promised to get out into it before it went away for the day.

I can get so frustrated with myself when it becomes "all about me" when someone enters the vortex that I'm spinning into. I generally catch myself early in the conversation and feel somewhat disappointed in me and a bit embarrassed. The wonderful smile on my colleague's face and the sunshine helped pull me back into a sane place today. I had felt like I wasn't getting anywhere as I wasn't where I had planned to be. Why can't I learn to accept that I am generally where I am supposed to be? <smile>  Instead I feel like I'm stuck or simply running like a gerbil on a wheel and getting nowhere. That thought brought a song to mind (imagine! <grin>). This selection deals with the 'going no where' feelings and the 'get out in the sun' feelings. Enjoy!

Beautiful Day -- U2

Day 103 -- report and MOOC work

Cool outside today but some sun before the clouds began to appear late in the day. There was talk of snow and rain and freezing rain or ice pellets overnight. We'll see. Tomorrow is to be much warmer  with a possibility of thunder storms. It must be spring. I did see the early shoots of bright yellow crocuses on Main Street. Mine are still under that last bank of snow in the front yard. They will pop up as soon as it is gone. I love the purple, white and yellow crocuses in the lawn and the purple-blue of the periwinkles. These always announce spring -- it does give one hope of further blooms and leaves and such.

I spent the day indoors working on two reports that are due by mid-week. Since it was chilly, a furry friend slept close to me much of the time. <smile>  I even spent an hour working on the online course I'm taking about culinary icons of the American food scene -- this is our last week. We have learned about Julia Child and Henri Soule who brought French cooking to the American public on TV and in a restaurant. We then learned of the fantastic editing career of Judith Jones, who was editor for Childs, Jaffrey, and Beard, among others. This final week deals with simple American cookery promoted by James Beard. I haven't done a MOOC before and this is fun -- though timing has been a challenge. The sequel to this course is a 6-week one beginning in one week. I am very tempted to take that, too. The discussions are interesting with class members from around the world and the inside stories of  the famous folk are quite special.  It really helps to make them 'real' and not just photos or voices or books.

The selection today deals with a lazier Sunday -- I am planning one for May <smile>. I love the production with the birdsong at the beginning.  Soon, right? <smile>  Enjoy!

Groovin' on a Sunday Afternoon -- The Rascals

Day 102 -- Time to Regroup

Saturday -- not as productive as I'd hoped. Some laundry done and one small report written to submit next week. The larger report was a lost cause today -- actually, I was the lost cause. Got myself all confused with the details and then likely confused many others unnecessarily. That made me think that I needed to sit and listen to some soothing tunes and pull myself back together <smile>.

Today's selection came from that bit of time listening to slower paced, calmer music for a bit. It did help me and the words of this one seemed to speak to me and my confused condition. There is that need inside all of us to go to the 'happy place' every once in a while and just still the mind. It is a way of escaping the clutter that we encounter from within and without. The video for this one depicts this particularly well, I think. The song is another written by Carole King -- as I look back over songs I've chosen to share for this blog, there have been several with her hand in the writing -- a truly prolific songwriter. Enjoy!

As we go along -- The Monkees

Day 101 -- paper chase

I had planned to do several things today. I began where I left off yesterday with the exams and got into a rhythm -- well maybe more like a binge grading event <sigh>. Once I start I just want to finish it all. It becomes difficult to do anything else while the exams are still sitting there ungraded. It may be some sort of neurotic approach to work, but it has been like this since I began this job. I've tried to do it differently, but it just never seems to happen.

Now -- I didn't just sit in one place for 16 hours. I have to get up and walk around to get tea or lunch or whatever. Sitting for great lengths of time grading has led to visits to my physio for 'grading injury' -- a muscle spasm in the neck and shoulder that impairs movement and interferes with sleep. Just in case you are wondering, I have colleagues who have encountered the same thing, so it isn't unique to me. Sitting for extended periods also messes with metabolism and just walking around can help us to counteract that effect. So -- I do move and stretch between questions. Today I went outside to run errands twice -- once to the bakery and to get milk and the second to buy supper at the cool wood-fired pizza wagon just outside of my back yard and a quick walk across the graveyard -- yes, that is what is on the other side of my back fence. It was crazy busy there (the pizza place not the graveyard), so I placed my order and came home to do some quick household chores before going to pick up the yummy item.

I have yet to find someone who teaches and enjoys grading. I have problems with the system we have invented, but other ways of evaluation won't give people the number they need on a piece of paper to prove to the world that they know something. Questions can work one year and be utterly misunderstood in another year. Grading can be painful when people totally miss the intent of the question and go off on a tangent that doesn't answer the question. I grade blind -- not knowing whose exam it is until all grading is done. I also grade one question at a time across all papers to be as consistent as possible. The process can become frustrating and the trick is to stop and walk when that feeling begins -- it will help with that consistency thing <smile>.

I often hear a line from a musical when this process is in full swing -- "I'm thwarted by a metaphysical puzzle, and I'm sick of grading papers, that I know."  It does make me smile. The song also contains a link to food -- so how more perfect could that be for me? <smile>  I'll share that song one with you all today. Enjoy!

Santa Fe -- Rent (movie cast)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHmKaG4ZDNE

Day 100 -- a milestone day

See that up there -- 100 days! <smile>  I don't know if this calls for a state of the blog address or not -- but I'll give a few quick thoughts. When challenged to do this for 365 days, I wasn't sure it  would be possible to sustain this. I was wrong <smile>. I actually look forward to this time of day, when I can think about the day or other things that pass through and bounce around inside my mind. It has turned out to be something relaxing to do -- who knew? <grin>

So -- 100 days of posts seemed like something to celebrate. The rest of the day had some celebratory parts -- sunshine - Lots of sunshine, a second exam off to print shop, and some other bits completed or moving forward - including grading.  I didn't have a party, but a few minutes of celebrating with those who read this blog is in order. For just a couple minutes, at least. Join me. "I thought this was a party!" Enjoy!

Footloose -- Kenny Loggins

Day 99 -- short of time

First exam done this morning so now a large bag of grading resides in the office. <smile>  After supper I settled down to do some grading and looked at the calendar. Well, it seems I have to have the next final exam to printing by the end of this week. Since next Friday is a holiday, it should really be submitted to printing on Thursday. For some reason I was surprised that tomorrow is Thursday. I seem to lose track of time when dealing with grading and report writing. Each day is the same with no courses to keep me on a schedule. So -- I've just completed a draft of the exam but no grading done tonight.

I worry sometimes when time moves more quickly than I expect it to. I had a feeling that there was another week to deal with things. Wishful thinking taking over, it seems <grin>. The selection for today is where my brain is trying to go right now -- a sort of panic phrase -- but I am working to keep things under control. I have to sleep after all.  This is an oldie, but one that I do enjoy with a singer and group that I still love to hear. Enjoy!

No Time -- The Monkees

Day 98 -- one down, more to go

I completed the grading for one course today. While I only have a few hours of 'freedom' before the next (and last) round arrives with final exams, I will admit that I feel a little lighter at this moment. And isn't that what it is all about? Living in the moment. I suppose I could obsess on the pile of exams that will arrive tomorrow and again next week along with the myriad other writing and project work that lies ahead this month. But, tonight I plan to just enjoy the moment without a red pen in my hand <smile>.

I know I often write about frustrating aspects of work, but I also write about some of the joys of work and of time away from work. It seems some days when things get overwhelming, we have less reserve to pull from to get ourselves back into that better space. As you can guess, music can help me do this, just like sharing thoughts and reflecting on the day here can help me. So -- message for today -- live in the moment and like my 98 year old friend often says, "Don't wish your life away." <smile>

There has been an advertisement on PBS in the past week about a music special and one of the songs from long ago came through the speakers. Well, that song fits my feeling at this moment. Enjoy!

Glad all over -- Dave Clark Five

Day 97 -- rolling with the punches

It was a day of challenges. I promised a report that was completed on time and another that was promised today won't get out until tomorrow, unless I stay up later than my cold-addled brain will allow. I organized things for a major event tomorrow -- took time I didn't really have, but that was the new deadline.

I completed a large project, but it seems to have legs <smile>. While completing this one, I heard a song I hadn't heard in years. It fit the sunny weather and my pleasure at finishing this task, even though it will revisit me a few times before really being done. As I reflected on the early feedback on the project, I came to realize that the main chorus and title of that song fit my way of thinking today, too. I have finished this project and while I can answer questions, there is no need to redo the thing. As a colleague said to a group once, "That's not how I roll." <gg> So -- this is me asserting my ability to do what is necessary and draw a line when it doesn't make everyone happy. That wasn't the goal, after all. Not that I don't want to see people happy, but some folks choose to find things external to themselves to lay all their angst upon. And, that is not my fault. Right? <smile>

So -- a Canadian from Winnipeg will sing us out today. Enjoy!

My own way to rock -- Burton Cummings

Day 96 -- Dare I say -- A spring day?

While I was inside most of the day working on more grading, there was a speck of sunshine early in the day and mainly clouds for the rest. I made a trip out for staples and stuff for this cold and the temperature was quite pleasant. It is to be warm and sunnier tomorrow with lots of rain on Tuesday and then back and forth for the next several days.

It has been transitional weather for the last couple of weeks -- snow (too much), sun, rain, ice pellets and freezing rain, sometimes all in one day. The temperatures have been fluctuating and were often below the average, but it seems we are at or above the average for the coming few days. The ground is sodden, as I've said before here. But there is so much left to melt and more to fall from the sky that it will be a very wet spring.

Whenever we have a day with several types of weather or precipitation, it always reminds me of that scene from the movie Notting Hill where the lead character walks down Portobello Road through all seasons in a single song. I've experienced something akin to this here, though without all the great produce and food stalls along the way <smile>. As I was writing this, I checked the calendar and realized that a year ago today, I was walking down Portobello Road on a Saturday when all the antique shops and carts flood the road. The weather was perfect for an April spring day -- some sun, but not too warm. It was a great way to begin my day of research at the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising and a second day reading Alexis Soyer at the British Library. Interesting how my mind went there today -- the subconscious can be an intriguing thing <smile>.

So, today the song will be the one from the movie -- though I loved it long before hearing it there. Enjoy!

Ain't No Sunshine -- Bill Withers (from Notting Hill)

Day 95 -- still behind schedule

Slept in today and have been moving very slowly. This head cold is settling into the sinuses and I'd rather just sleep, if I could. Did some usual laundry chores, but the floor still needs sweeping (which reminded me of today's selection -- but more of that later).

I worked at grading term assignments and read more slowly that usual and much more slowly than I'd hoped. Only half of them were finished today. These are due back to students on Monday. It is weekends like this that make me feel that I'm missing something that everyone else has -- time to do things and time to do nothing. As I've noted the end of term is a very frenetic time for everyone involved. It seems to be a merry-go-round that won't stop to let me off -- and may explain the headache and dizziness today <smile>.

As well, family are gathering back home today and I am thousands of kilometres east of there. Phone calls can help, but it still isn't the same as being there with them.

So -- back to the song. Several lines come to mind today, but I'll let you discover ones of your own or ones that you think fit my mood. One of my favourite versions is still the one by the songwriter himself, but this later cover is intriguing with the interesting mix of talents and styles. Enjoy!

While my guitar gently weeps -- Santana with Indie Arie and Yo-Yo Ma

Day 94 -- an end and a beginning

Today was the last day of classes for the academic year. Exams begin next week. The work is not over, but the rhythm changes when the regularity of class time is absent. The coming month will be filled with bags of grading and piles of reports to generate. Yet, this begins the transition to a different pace of work and life for a few months.

In another beginning, our local itinerant pizza oven is back after the winter break. The owner makes fantastic thin crust pizza (Neapolitan style) cooked in a wood-fired brick oven (mounted on a trailer to be mobile). We had a pot luck department dinner tonight and I took pizza -- a Greek veggie and a searing Thai chili salsa verde with Wild mushroom. This fit well with the other items brought for dinner -- tasty lasagna, stellar spinach pie, yummy bruschetta, a gorgeous pavlova and even some white chocolate Lindt eggs <smile>. It was fun and relaxing to be away from the piles of papers. And as I may have mentioned before, Food is my Life [tm] <g>.

So -- when I was walking to the pizza oven today, one song ran through my mind and it made me laugh out loud. There are a number of covers of this song, but this singer is the one that I always hear in my head when this song floats through. Enjoy!

That's Amore -- Dean Martin

Day 93 -- babbling brooks

When walking over the bridge the past couple of days, I noticed how high Brierly Brook was running and the accelerated current. This is a little babbling brook most often and in the summer it almost stagnates. However, every time it rains it gathers a lot of water from run off through culverts and the banks.  The two rivers in town didn't seem to have the same rise in level as the brook this week, though. There is a lot of snow down and with rising temperatures and some sunshine expected (someday), there will be a huge melt. As long as it isn't all at once, the waterways should be able to deal with it all.

Now, my front yard is another story. The ground out there is so super-saturated that there is no place for the water to go as the snow melts. There is a drainage pipe to take some of the water from the front yard to the back area via the driveway. The yard is on a hill so the next door neighbours are higher and lower than we are. There is also a gradual incline from the backyard to the house to the street. I'm hoping it dries well and doesn't drown any of the lovely perennials or grassy areas. We'll see.

The selection for today begins with a line that ran through my mind when pondering the water situation locally. I love this version with two amazing talents joining forces. Enjoy!

River Runs Deep -- Eric Clapton with JJ Cale

Day 92 -- Time to move on

The day began with a bout of shovelling, which went fairly well until I'd reached the mid-point of the long, long, long driveway. At that point, the bottom layer of ice pellets reached about 4 to 6 inches in depth from the 1-2 inches earlier in the process. This bottom layer, beneath another several inches of wet snow,  had frozen to the ground and would not budge with anything I could throw at it. So, I picked up the two shovels and walked back into the house, where I called for help, changed clothes, and walked into work.

When I got home tonight and found that the help had dug not only through the stuff behind the car so I could at least get out into the street -- one has to get groceries after all -- but finished the walkway that I had abandoned and then dug around the side of the house and cleared the back entry way. It was an amazing feeling of freedom. Not being able to carry on as usual brings an overwhelming feeling of being trapped. Winter, especially this year, has brought way too much of that heavy mental weight. Today and yesterday I'm not sure how many times I said to others and to myself, "I am so over this." Granted winter is my least favourite season and it isn't the cold that bothers me. I am from the prairies after all <smile>. But, most bothersome is the feeling of stress and dread from not being sure if the roads were clear or slippery or filled with ruts.So, today I decided that I have had enough.

A somewhat corny song came to mind during the day. The more I've thought of it, the more I think this is my anthem to winter. My only complaint is that it may be too polite based on what I'm feeling, but then I am Canadian after all <giggle>.  This version has been usurped by many other covers though I can't fully understand why. Enjoy! (and forgive me this one time <smile>)

Release me -- Engelbert Humperdinck

Day 91 -- thinking of warmer times

One of my students came into the building this morning and said to me, "It is April fool's day, isn't it?". As she spoke she gestured at the front doors. My reply was simple, "And this isn't funny."  We each sighed and moved along.

Outside those doors was a raging storm. At that point it was more of the hours of freezing rain and ice pellets we'd had overnight. By noon, this had changed to near white-out conditions as the mess transitioned into wet snow -- horizontal snow as the winds increased. When I walked in this morning, it was like walking through sand to trudge through the 3-4 inches of accumulated ice pellets. Walking home at supper the snow had made this deeper, despite the work of the sidewalk plough. The street ploughs had often covered up the sidewalks as they threw the stuff off the road. The wind was very strong -- cold and biting with stinging ice pellets thrown in for extra effect (I maintain that ice pellets driven by wind would make an excellent depilatory <smile>). I had thought I'd move snow in the driveway, but halfway home decided that was not going to happen tonight.

As I walked and tried to see where I could walk and not be in the way of vehicles still on the road, I began to think of yesterday's blog about the amazing food and music of New Orleans. It was something very warm to ponder while slogging through the coldness. Then when working on writing a final exam for next week, the TV on in the background, I realized that the NCIS episode tonight partly took place in New Orleans. The stars aligning <smile>. My reminiscing on gumbo, andouille, etouffe,  bread pudding with bourbon sauce, breakfast at Petunia's, and jazz bands around the square, made me feel warmer inside and the TV showed me some of the very places I'd walked in my mind on the way home tonight. I really do want to go back there again -- but maybe not in late July like the last trip -- early June was much nicer from a heat and humidity standpoint.

Tonight I chose a song that came to me on my walk and with my warmer thoughts -- an amazing New Orleanian talent -- one of so many. Enjoy!

Walking to New Orleans -- Fats Domino