Day 150 -- end of another week

Friday again -- it seemed a long week but I managed to get one large item from April off the (virtual) desk and sent off to the community partner. Yay!  I even managed to set up appointments for car oil change and cleaning next week. How do other people manage this sort of thing without a personal assistant? <smile>

This evening I wrote an assignment for the MOOC -- I had the guts of it together late last evening and then seemed to be writing and finessing it in my sleep all night. That is the way I write -- an outline and then it all happens in my head, that iterative process of writing, editing, writing, editing. When describing what the writing process should look like to students, I let them know the multiple iterations a piece will have -- whether on paper or in their minds. The repetitive process may seem frustrating, but stopping before it is really done does the writing and the writer a disservice. So -- iterative does not mean running in circles chasing your tail; instead, I like to describe it as an upwards spiral with each version being different from and better than the last. This isn't my analogy. I appropriated it from a book I read 20 some years ago when writing my dissertation -- if I had to guess I'd say it was from Creswell, but I'm not certain. I do enjoy writing, though as I've said before, it can be painful, particularly with a looming deadline. This MOOC is allowing me to write about some of the research that hasn't yet found its way into articles.  It is still one large mish-mash and needs to be teased apart, so I am enjoying the opportunity to begin that process within the structure of a course.

Today the selection doesn't really fit with the thoughts or events of the day. It is, however, a song rhythm that has been running through my head today for no particular reason. Two great singers share the lyrics of this one. Enjoy!

We'll be together -- Sting and Annie Lennox

Day 149 - Rising above

This seems to be a literary week here.  Today I have been reflecting on Maya Angelou and her amazing gift of words. From a troubled past including a period of being non-communicative, came this amazing woman whose words gave hope and courage to so many. Her words will continue to do so.

One quote that carries much meaning for me comes from her poem 'Still I Rise.' To me, these words encompass her rising from a sad past to become someone who lived in the moment and modelled that for so many others.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

They are words with such power they almost take my breath away.

Today I thought of a song that builds on the theme of resilience and hope. I first heard this just before moving to the maritimes where many people have known the words by heart for some time. It was written almost 30 years ago by a man from Englishtown, Cape Breton. Here it is sung by the first voice I heard sing the song -- the voice from Mabou that made the song what it is for many people. Enjoy!

We'll Rise Again -- Raylene Rankin and the Rankins

Day 148 -- famous writer and musical muses

The sun shone by afternoon today, though the north wind off the strait still with ice was cool. But, the day was pleasant. I worked on the usual suspects and spent some time this evening with the MOOC.  I also finished canning some homemade applesauce tonight -- a small batch of about 6 cups, but it will get me through a couple months. I love this on pancakes or French toast.

The MOOC this week is dealing with the life of MFK Fisher and food in literary writing. One video of remembrances by her daughter, Kennedy Friede Golden, spoke of her mother's habit of writing in the middle of the night. Kennedy would awake to either the sound of the typewriter or music as her mother was writing. The music she noted was Fats Waller and Jelly Roll Morton.  I found myself smiling when she mentioned these men. One was a favourite of my Dad's -- Fats Waller. I loved the songs and jazz piano and would play the LP often.

Today's selection is from that famed album. Enjoy!

I'm gonna sit right down and write myself a letter -- Fats Waller

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Day 147 -- Literary giants

Recently, two prolific and amazing authors passed away. Each of them had close ties with Nova Scotia, and Cape Breton in particular.

Alastair MacLeod was born in Saskatchewan (my home province), grew up in Cape Breton near Dunvegan and graduated twice from St. Francis Xavier University. His short stories and novels described the life, landscape and resilient people of Cape Breton. He received many accolades for his writing and numerous literary awards and honours. He was mourned on campus as an alum and the recipient of an honourary doctorate degree.

Farley Mowat  was born in Ontario and lived in Saskatoon as a youth. He and his wife spent summers on Cape Breton island for many years. He wrote about nature and was a strong advocate for environmentalism and donated land to the Nature Conservancy. The movie Never Cry Wolf was based on his book (same title) about his time living in a tent in the far north. This was my second encounter with Mowat's work. The first was a book prize received in high school -- A Whale for the Killing -- a book that is haunting in its description of the fate of a trapped whale. As an adult, I purchased Virunga, a biographical work on the life of Dian Fossey, one of three female 'primatologists' trained by Louis Leakey. It too was shattering in its graphic descriptions. This writing style conveyed the horror, but it truly reflected his anger at the actions of fellow human beings when it came to fellow species -- fauna and flora. I guess this may have been part of my education in the environmental movements of the many past decades. It always made sense to me, but to see that Mowat could use words and stories to explain the truths and dispel the myths about animals and nature was inspiring. I'll always remember seeing him in his kilt with his long beard -- a true non-conformist.

The bright spot in these losses is that wealth of rich reading material left by these two men.The selection today is a folk tune that many Canadians know, not just people living in the maritimes. I chose this video for its use of local scenery. While I am a prairie person in my soul, I can't deny the rugged beauty of this province. Enjoy!

Farewell to Nova Scotia -- singer unknown for this video

Day 146 -- cold rain

Monday -- what more do I need to say <smile>.  This morning was sunny, but we were warned that would change by early afternoon. Today the weather people were not incorrect. Highs were in the single digits (5-7 C or 40-43F) and by early afternoon the rain began and the temperature seemed to drop a degree or two. A cool day for May, but not totally unheard of before.

Other than the weather, the day was unremarkable. I worked on e-mail responses, finalizing some assignments from April, and did some reading for the MOOC. Still have too many things on that to do list <smile>. The office is getting quiet again as fewer students are around in the summer and colleagues travel. This should be helpful to get the tasks done that sit on the desk right now -- but does make for more loner style breaks.

Today's selection reminds me of the quiet times -- sometimes these are when we feel down and sometimes they are just time alone. Either way, this is a great song written by a Canadian music icon. Enjoy!

Rainy Day People -- Gordon Lightfoot

Day 145 -- relaxing with music memories

Another Sunday filled with some relaxation, chatting with friends, the ubiquitous laundry and <gasp> music. When reading a blog linked off FB this afternoon, I was reminded again of music that has been part of me for decades now.  The blog was by Jessica Jones Cramer, the daughter of Davy Jones whose music career included time with the Monkees. She noted that her father was known to say "music mingles souls."

This phrase struck me in the core of my being. It is what I've known forever. It is why I have this blog and why many of you read it. This brought back some listening time with that amazing voice. Davy sang many songs and a few of them are in my favourite '60s songs list (which is only in my head <smile>). I love many and will likely share others he sang here. Today I want to share one of my all time favourite songs. It was written by Jack Keller and Diane Hildebrand. Its been covered by many, but the version sung my Davy is still my favourite. The bass riff is amazing and this one really does the singer's voice justice. In the dim distant past during the beginning of the public use of the Internet, I told Jack Keller that I found this one of the most relaxing songs -- it is like liquid valium. He kindly thanked me and spoke further to the construction of the song. So -- today, I share this wonderful calming song with all of you. Enjoy!

Early Morning Blues and Greens -- The Monkees

Day 144 - online experts

A partly typical Saturday -- laundry and cleaning -- somehow those chores seem never-ending <smile>. I spent time catching up with someone I'd not spoken to for a long time. It was wonderful to be able to chat for 2 hours about anything and everything.  The other part of the day was spent with the MOOC -- this began over the past week. It is a 6-week course on food critics, authors and chefs.  Today when discussing the evolution of the food critic as we currently understand it, the course materials went from newspaper and magazine writers to the current social media writer where everyone is an expert.  This reminded me of other blog posts I've done recently. While we all eat and are experts in what we enjoy and our own cultural food norms, perhaps we are not all food experts. Do we all understand what a perfect creme brulee should look and taste like? If a chef switches things up a bit by altering a traditional dish with an updated ingredient, will we all recognize that?  Do we need to fully understand food to pronounce opinions on it? There are a lot of self-proclaimed experts in all fields -- the interactive nature of the Web has ensured that we all potentially can speak to masses of people - yet without ever seeing them. The writer remains anonymous -- something that is seductive and unnerving.

That said, we've all met or know people who post photos of everything they eat. I enjoy seeing some foods posted on friends pages, but would find it overdone to see everything eaten being posted to my news feed. A friend sat beside someone on a plane who took pictures of the beverage and snack and proceeded to explain that he'd taken and posted photos of everything he'd eaten for a period of years. To me that seems obsessive, but there may be a reason that was not shared that would explain this behaviour. I find a photo of amazing plating to be inspiring, but seeing everything that one person eats would get old fast for me.

The selection for today comes from part of the MOOC course materials. It is a bit of fun for a Saturday. Enjoy!

Eat it Don't tweet it -- American Hipster and Key of Awesome

Day 143 -- Friday's here

It was only a four day week, but it seemed longer. There were too many things on the the 'to do' list and while some were completed, there are still oodles on that self-replicating list.  But, today is Friday and no further work will occur tonight.

Time spent with friends at the pub on the way home helped with relaxing. I stopped to pick up milk and an amazing wood-fired pizza for supper. The special tonight was out of this world -- marinated fiddleheads with red onions, green peppers and mushrooms. What a fantastic way to eat the local produce!  I'd never eaten fiddleheads until I moved to the maritimes. I recall being amazed that they were sold in bulk at the grocery store.  Most folks steam them, but I use them as the star in a veggie curry. The steamed and marinated ones on the pizza were a new delight.

The end of another week and some celebrating or relaxing is in order for us all. The selection today is a rarer one from a singer that I've featured several times in this blog. The song highlights the need to have time away from work. Enjoy!

Weekend Song -- Billy Joel

Day 142 -- endings and beginnings

Well, today saw some things end and others start. Some of this dealt with the ubiquitous writing tasks. However, the main ending is also a beginning. We had a gathering for a colleague who is moving to another position -- still in town, but not down the hall. There is some sadness but much joy for this new chapter. It is odd to feel those mixed emotions. They are mostly good emotions, though <smile>.

My career has involved many moves to many cities and jobs. Most were planned as I really want to do it all <smile>.  Each built on the other and I've now been on my current position for the longest of any job yet. I understand the mixed emotions of leaving something known and somewhat comfortable for something new and scary. But, the excitement of trying something new is amazing, too. I've also worked in places where co-workers moved on. Those remaining know the dynamic will change and the routine and comfort of a colleague will be replaced by finding new rhythms and getting used to a new co-worker. None of this is insurmountable, but it does take mental energy -- and it seems humans often would rather remain comfortable than face any sort of change. <smile>

We all have to make decisions and take forks in the road during our journeys. It is healthy to change things up a bit. Today's selection deals with the good in moving on and letting go in order to do so. Enjoy!

Time of your life (good riddance) -- Green Day

Day 141 - Postmodernity and me

I was writing more today for the conference presentations. Running things past others for input on clarity and completeness reminds me of something I read years ago. It was a quote from George Bernard Shaw -- "The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place." This thought made me smile. We each see and hear different things with print and verbal communications. It truly is a plurality of understanding as no single meaning exists. This has been the base of much of the media content analysis research I've been involved in over the years. Communication is so complex that few single theories can explain it well. I've found that often a communications plan is grounded in multiple theories and models.

I've always been fascinated by the fact that what I'd say wasn't understood as I'd intended -- or that I'd hear something from someone else that hadn't been expected. Aren't we interesting creatures? <smile>  In my mind, it all comes down to our life experiences, our mood at any given moment, and how tired we might be <gg>. The same message can mean different things to the same person in different situations. We see and hear different things each time we hear the same commercial or read the same book. The brain is an amazing thing. Thoughts like this seem to solidify my self concept as a post-modernist <smile>.

So -- a song or artist to deal with my postmodern bent -- there are many from which to choose, David Bowie to Frank Zappa to Pink Floyd to Madonna to Lady Gaga to so many others. But I think today's song depicts postmodernity well.  It was recorded by R.E.M. but is sung here by a Canadian group from Newfoundland. Love the up-tempo of this cover. Enjoy!

End of the World as we know it -- Great Big Sea

Day 140 - remember the mantra

Well -- today had several phone meetings and a lot of time spent responding to e-mails. There will be a lot of this type of activity over the next 3 weeks as we get ready for the annual conference. I still have oodles of work in the paying job that piled up while working on the big report. So -- today  -- just two days after finding the calming mantra "time is on my side" -- I found myself in that vortex of overwhelming tasks. Which should I begin now? What needs to be done first? How will I get to all these smaller things so that the bigger things can be dealt with in time?  Can you say panic? <smile> The end result today was me doing less than I'd hoped as I couldn't get into a rhythm to move forward.

Now that I'm home and have been reading a bit and trying to wrap my head around some sort of list and order to the tasks, I find I am just so tired I can't think straight. I've come to find another mantra -- perhaps using both of these will help me move forward tomorrow. In the meantime, this is a darker song in some ways than I am really feeling, but the title says it all -- that will be mantra #2 <smile>. The song also made me smile as our students had done a parody of this for the faculty at the year end banquet a few weeks ago. Enjoy!

Don't Stop Believing -- Journey

Day 139 - Information Overload

Today I began a MOOC called American Cuisine: chefs, authors and critics. In the introductory reading, a phrase caught my eye -- "diffused and distributed wisdom of the internet" (attributed to Section 1 and course instructor Andrew Smith, 2014). Now why in particular did this phrase strike me?

Recently I have been part of conversations about the impact of social media marketing messages as well as the opinions of users that are taken as fact. Some thought is that viewers must be very gullible, while other ideas involve the overwhelming nature of the information age that may lead people to grasp onto anything that sounds good to them. The level of science literacy has also been called into question when the topic of interest is food or nutrition. One friend noted that it seems incongruous that people ordering  at a gluten free bakery seemed surprised that there was sugar and fat in the cookies. Kimmel noted that people who choose not to eat gluten aren't sure what gluten is or what it does. (you may check out that video on youtube).

Mass media (including electronic media) run on advertising sales. Each day we run into innumerable marketing messages -- TV commercials, billboards, buses, logos on clothes, ads on social media sites, magazines, and so much more. How can this not have an impact on how we view ourselves and the world? Much has been written lately by advocates to reduce the exposure of marketing to children. While this may be part of the solution, reducing exposure for all age groups is necessary. Adults and educated people are still affected -- it isn't just those other people -- it is each of us. I research this subject area, and I am affected by ads. The commercial nature of our world can't be avoided.

The lyrics of the selection for today outline a potential impact of commercialism, that of superficiality. It does this in an upbeat way with an iconic singer. Enjoy!

Material Girl -- Madonna

Day 138 - Sunday shopping experience

I did something I rarely do on a Sunday, I went for groceries (in New Orleans parlance -- I made big groceries). I half expected the places would be less busy than my usual time of after work mid-week, when I get there and discover it is student discount day <smile>.  Today was warm with sun and cloud, so it seemed to me most folks would be out in gardens, flower beds or somewhere fun outside with the family. By now, you know that was not the case. It must have been unexpected for the stores too as there were 3 cashiers on at Superstore, Sobeys and Walmart and line ups of people at each. I had difficulty finding items on the shelves that were in the flyers -- it must have been reshuffle day for marketers recently as things weren't where they usually are in all three stores. I felt so tired and these places can be overwhelming making one even more tired. I generally enjoy looking around a grocery store, but that happens more when I'm away from my usual haunts.

Do you ever wonder what other people are thinking as they are careening past you in an all fired hurry or blocking a huge aisle with their cart left sideways as they wander about reading and hunting? I often do, when I'm not muttering under my breath on my bad days <smile>. I'd love to do a study to see how people interact with the marketing environment that surrounds them. Are they, like me today, looking for that one bargain promised in a flyer or online that simply can't be found? Do they comparison shop? When they are reading labels, I'd love to know if it is the ingredient listing or nutrition label they look at and what exactly it is they are looking for. That might help to make labels more understandable to the non-nutrition professional. Or are they lost in thoughts of what happened today or what else they need to do when they finally get through a check-out aisle?  If only I had time to people watch and not just get out of the place to get onto the next thing on my list <smile>.

So -- after 4 stores -- 2 for groceries, 1 for other and 1 to order books (the kiosk computer didn't work and it seems it rarely works for people to do this on their own -- but the clerks didn't tell me that while I was standing there looking like a luddite pressing the submit button over and over <sigh>) -- I headed home for a rest before placing two online orders -- and still wondering what all those other people were heading off to, also.

The selection for today took some decision-making skills -- there were two songs that could fit well. One really did speak to the marketing aspect of the grocery store and finding that one sale item advertised, but the other really spoke about the personal aspect of the shopping experience. So, I went with the latter this time.  Cool lyrics and singer. <smile>  Enjoy!

Queen of the Supermarket -- Bruce Springsteen

Day 137 - finding a slower pace

A Saturday much like many but without grading or course prep <smile> -- only laundry and housework. I have been doing some work on preparing an annual report for one of my volunteer duties. We're also working to prepare a session for the conference in June. Lots to think about and organize, but happy to finally have the time to focus for a couple of days.

There are a number of things that need to be done soon -- things that had to be pushed aside while working on the 'big report.' There are more than can be done in a weekend, but it will feel good to get to some of them and make plans for the coming months for fun, research and prep for September. I'm trying to relax but not so much that nothing gets done <smile>. The trick will be to dial it down, as it were, and yet not fret about the huge list of things to do.

All this made me think of a line, the title actually, from a song. It should be a mantra for a couple days as I re-establish a rhythm to move forward. I love this older version for its bluesy nature. Enjoy!

Time is on my side -- The Rolling Stones

Da 136 -- Magnolias!

My first observation today was that the pink magnolias had opened up this morning up the block, on campus and elsewhere in town. The white ones have started to open, but will be out fully likely tomorrow if the temps remain warm. I'm a prairie girl and magnolias are the most amazing things I've seen. Small to large trees with bare branches and humongous flowers on the ends of those branches. It looks unreal -- and is breathtaking. I'll admit to being partial to the pink variety over the white. I've not seen any yellow types in my area of town, but I know I find yellow colours less pleasing than pink or purple or blue.  So - imagine how great it is to see the pink magnolias and the dark blue hyacinth and grape hyacinth in full bloom all over town. Love these so much.

These are the May flowers that the huge rains of April managed not to wash away. We are to have warmth and sun again tomorrow and then some cloud with precipitation for a few days. Things seem a bit behind the usual calendar by a week or two. The lawn will be ready to mow next week -- a light mowing in the soggier part of the yard. Tomorrow may be a good BBQ (or grilling depending on your locale <smile>) day. I was hoping to bake and do some cooking to fill the deep freeze with items to heat in microwave on the warmer days. This house is already hot inside and the dehumidifiers are beginning to run. I really dislike weather that makes me hot even when inside (without a/c). Even a bit of humidity makes me uncomfortable. Guess I should live somewhere drier than a maritime climate, eh? <smile>

Today's selection seems appropriate for the flowers we're seeing all around town -- a fun tune from a great band. Enjoy!

Sugar Magnolia -- The Grateful Dead

Day 135 - time to paint the town

Well -- the report I've whined about was submitted this afternoon with a group of colleagues in attendance to witness the official 'clicking' of the submit button. <smile>  It felt somewhat freeing and like a weight was lifted. It did leave a small bare space on my desk, too as I began gathering all relevant papers to house in the main office for future reference.

Submitting this reminded me of submitting theses of the past. This is accompanied by a great flurry of editing activity -- the polishing of the text -- which involves much angst. Yet, as I told someone today, there is a point at which any further tweaking is basically anal-retentive excess that adds nothing to the content. So -- this is when one has to submit the copy to the printer or to the cloud in the sky. Just let it go. I chose not to say much to my colleagues from other departments who are still in those final throes of polishing. I will celebrate with them tomorrow after the deadline has passed. I will admit our small department celebrations were a pleasant break and much deserved for all the work that went into completing the task.

So -- as I was walking home from the physio -- yep - a repetitive strain injury from mousing and typing non-stop for the past few weeks <grin> -- I had a smile on my face all the way. I was thinking of all the possible songs that fit this occasion. Choosing one wasn't easy, but I do like the way this song just celebrates life and being with others. Enjoy!

I gotta feeling -- Black Eyed Peas

Day 134 -- close even when far away

Two major items today -- one - finished what I hope will be the final edits to the big report. and my last meeting as chair of the board. Lots of new projects are moving in to fill the void left by these undertakings.  Yet, what really made me pause today was a short FB message from a friend and the flurry of posts that followed from others.

Social media certainly can get information out to the masses in short order. I read about a friend being evacuated from her apartment building as it seemed to be collapsing. My mind went to many places and was pleased to read that she and her furry friends had made it to safety at the corner. While she texted as she was able, many people checked in to let her know they were thinking of her and those close enough were offering assistance. Now, over the past several years, I have read some very personal and tragic occurrences in the lives of my friends -- some of whom I consider to be family. Fires, floods, illnesses, terrorist attacks -- I've read about them all from people I know online -- though to be honest, I've met most of them in person, too <smile>. These items used to take days to be communicated -- and sometimes even longer. So -- I had two ways to find a positive in today's events --1. she was at home this afternoon and 2. supporting messages could reach her as she stood outside on the street.

So -- while this online world may be superficial to many people and others may feel it is much more that it really is -- I've found my small circle of friends to be of great help when I've been in a dark place -- whether it is a short lived feeling or one that took more time to work through. The development of community has been very interesting to watch from an anthropological standpoint. It has also been amazing to be a part of the process from the inside -- a type of participant - observer, if you will. It is much greater than the two way communications of letter writing of pen pals. It is even greater than the round robin letters groups of us wrote for several years. This is everyone being in every moment in real time. Truly extraordinary. So, as much as I have been cursing technology of late, it can be an amazing aspect in our lives that can enrich our communications and relationships. Obviously, not all communications have this power, but if you are lucky you will experience some.

The title of today's selection is a term that originates in social psychology and refers to physical or psychological closeness. The lyrics encompass many of my feelings towards technology, which is physically close, as well as the feelings of caring for friends and family who use the technology to maintain and build relationships. All in all -- an intriguing concept. While the song was first recorded by the N.G. Dirt Band, this version is sung and played by the songwriter, someone you're familiar with if you read this blog with any regularity <smile> -- what can I say? He is an amazing poet and musician. Enjoy!

Propinquity -- Michael Nesmith (with The Monkees)

Day 133 -- team work

Spent much of the day in a group meeting to work on "the report".  It was a long day and yet everyone stuck in there working through this laborious task. Good news -- we are almost there -- it is this  ><  close <smile>. Later in the day, I was part of another meeting for a different group. We are putting an annual report together. Again, wonderful experience moving this project forward.

Team work -- we talk about it often, but seeing it in action is not as common as the phrase. It is one of those terms that receives "lip service" but not always action. Some folks feel that sitting in the room with others is team work. I sometimes feel sorry for them, as the feeling of working on a project together is amazing to experience. It is like line dancing or group tai chi -- moving as a single entity rather than individuals is just plain cool. <smile>  The group becomes greater than the individuals that comprise it. That is a feeling that everyone should get to experience, yet some just don't see the world from this vantage point. Some want to be the choreographer instead of the dancer.

One of my team mates noted that she used two songs in recent workshops and we heard them both today as part of our group work. One was "Happy" by Pharrell Williams (but you do have to dance for that one <smile>) and the other was from an unexpected movie. This latter is my choice for today -- it is from a kid's movie -- the filming looks amazing. Enjoy!

Everything is awesome --Tegan & Sarah

Day 132 - Finding the Positives

Report update -- think the software glitch is fixed, at least it was when I left the office today. Some silliness about web browsers. Big departmental review of content tomorrow and we'll make necessary adjustments and then submit it on Thursday. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. <grin>

Went to a lovely reception hosted by the VP Academic tonight for people coordinating this report process. They were serving an amazing South African Cab Sauvignon that isn't available here at all -- the restauranteur brought a few cases back from a visit a year ago. Amazing food and great conversations with the Deans, VP and President as well as other department coordinators. When I came home to read the mail, I found some good news in there instead of a bill or plea for funding <smile>. I'm hoping this heralds a turn of fortune from the less pleasant issues of the past year.

I've often wondered if our reaction to the world around us creates a more negative feeling. It does have an impact on how we cope -- with anger or hurt, or with acceptance or calm. Being overwhelmed with many items that could be easily handled on their own, can make one's response much less positive. Our ability to cope becomes lessened as more small items enter our spheres. If these situations could be better spaced, our days might feel more positive. Once one has time to breathe, buy groceries, cook and relax a bit, dealing with a couple negatives daily is much more manageable. Looking for the absurdity in some situations can also help see the humour in some of them. A laugh can help make a mole hill from a mountain <smile>.

Today's selection brought to mind the positive thoughts that reflecting on events of the day with this blog have put in motion. I've always loved the tempo and happy sound of the song. Seeing some of the original band singing this a few years ago was amazing. I've included a studio recording session with all the band members here and just for fun, I've included one of a more recent cover (by offspring of one of the group members) that is fantastic. That's me just being indecisive and you get another two-for. Enjoy!

Good Vibrations -- The Beach Boys

Good Vibrations -- Wilson Phillips

Day 131 - music in my life

That music is part of my daily life must be obvious now <smile>. Reflecting today on when music entered my days, it was clear that as far back as I can recall (and likely earlier) it has been there.

When I was a toddler, my mother would read me poetry and we'd sing songs. She still loves to read poetry aloud -- and made friends with my brother's skittish rescue cat by sitting on the couch and doing just that. The little female cat now will sit beside her and purr as long as she keeps reading <smile>. We did sing songs through the early days and listened to records (LPs <smile>) of Disney music and wonderful music from 30s and 40s on LPs and 78s.  I would listen to them over and over and memorized all the words, singing with all my might along with Connie Francis, Dean Martin and Danny Kaye.

My grandparents (Dad's parents) always had music playing at the house unless it was time for the stories in the afternoon <smile>. My grandfather played the violin to what was on the stereo. My piano came from their home when all kids playing it had left home. My dad would play a C-melody sax while I played the piano. My other grandparents (mom's parents) had an old record player -- an Edison with a crank and oodles of WWI era platters to listen and sing along to. There I learned 'Its a long way to Tipperary' and 'Rule Britannia.. That record player sits in my bedroom today. At Sunday school, public school, and church junior choir we sang regularly. So, it was no wonder that I'd sing to myself while reading or playing.

As I entered high school and university years, I received a small stereo for Christmas so I could play my music in my room without bothering anyone in the living room. I played the piano still and took guitar lessons. My brother was a whiz with music and played the saxophone (E-flat alto) and later 6- and 12-string guitars by ear. He was the singer in a small garage band, too. So, music is a family thing it seems.

The song that held this all together for me today reflects my feelings about music - where would we be without it?. This is a newer version of the song with a wonderful young voice. Enjoy!

Thank you for the music -- Amanda Seyfried

Day 130 - travelling song

Report update -- software mostly cooperating, but not entirely <sigh> -- and no techies to help until Monday.

On another note, I  was thinking of past travels while cleaning today. I have been to many places and my list is still very long <smile>. I have a map of Canada and others of USA, Europe and Asia. When I travel somewhere new, I mark it on the map with highlighters. If there was a road trip involved, I mark the highways travelled.  I do need to put these up on a cork board wall in the basement so I can see them more often and add push pins to the highlighted mix..

When trying to figure out why I was thinking of travels, it dawned on me that there was a new Tim's commercial this week that celebrates where the ads have been over the 50 years the company has been around. It includes snipits from several memorable commercials, so watch to see which you recall. The song they sing is a Canadian version, but very cool. I found myself listening to it and mentally checking off all the places that I, too, had been. So, while commercial enterprises aren't what I usually want to promote here, this ad was just too good to let it pass. Enjoy!

I've been everywhere -- Tim Horton's 50th Anniversary Commercial

Day 129 - remembering and honouring

Friday has arrived!  The day was more of the same at the office, with the exception of an impromptu lunch outing to celebrate a colleague's birthday. It felt rather decadent to go out for lunch, since our days are generally so full during the academic year -- so such things don't occur until the summer months when work is rumoured to slow (not yet experienced that <smile>).

I reflected on a couple of things throughout the day.  Today was a national day of honour for troops having served in Afghanistan. This will be the service that my students think of as 'their' conflict. For me, it was Viet Nam. I've met vets and know of Canadians who died in the conflict. I've been to the Wall in Washington, which is such an sobering memorial. All 50,000 (or so) names of those who died over there are listed chronologically on a wall built into a small vale. As you walk down the walls get taller and then begin getting shorter as you walk up and out. The walls are made to reflect life and are a highly polished black marble-like surface.As you look at the names, you see yourself and all the other people walking through.  It is one of the most powerful memorials  I have ever visited.

The other thing I discussed with friends at lunch was that today is Billy Joel's 65th birthday. Where does that time go? <smile>  He has been doing a monthly concert at Madison Square Garden for 3 months and plans to continue as long as he can sell tickets. Sounds like time for a trip to NYC <smile>>

The selection for today blends these two items. It is a song sung at Kennedy Center Honors last December where Billy Joel was honored. The song deals with the Vietnam war and is sung by another of my favourite male singers.I also attached a video of Billy Joel singing the full song -- just as a Friday bonus <smile>. Enjoy!

Goodnight Saigon -- Garth Brooks

Goodnight Saigon -- Billy Joel

Day 128 - just letting it go

Another sunny day spent mostly indoors writing the report. Moving forward slowly. Still a number of facts to chase down, but we'll make it as long as the software and hardware are with us <smile>.  During this afternoon, I was shoulder deep in paper and files when a file wouldn't open for me. I was on my way to a place of frustration, when I just walked away for a minute or two. When I returned, I'd resolved to not let software glitches mess up my rhythm -- perhaps I'd mumble a bad word, but then I'd move on <smile>.

I'm sharing a song that reminded me of this and similar feelings  --  inadequacy and frustration as well as 'just let it go'. It is a song written by Carole King (and Gerry Goffin) recorded by Eric Burdon and The Animals. It is sung here by another singer from my youth -- a great voice and arrangement. Enjoy!

Don't get me down -- Micky Dolenz (from King for a Day album)

Day 127 - sunshine and celebration

The sun shone all day today!  The still saturated ground and the cooler temperatures have colluded to impede grass growth. So a couple or three sunny days between rain falls is welcomed. It also improves mood for many people -- even the few hundred writing reports like me <smile>.

A friend celebrated a birthday today with a lovely open house and more food than one can imagine -- lovely hot and cold appetizers and a tray of amazing home made squares. There were work colleagues to chat with yet I did meet and talk to new people, too. This may sound odd, but it is a very small community, so meeting people from out of town or slightly different social circles is wonderful. The hosts live just outside of town and front onto the harbour and strait. The sunny clear day meant the view of land on the other side of the strait was gorgeous.

Today's song has a celebration feel to it and fits well with the local joy of a sunny day that may mean spring is leading us to summer. (though it did snow just a couple days ago <grin>). Love this video from a Prince's Trust concert -- the main singer is easy to identify as are the drummers, but keep watch for several others on stage for this rendition. Enjoy!

Here comes the sun -- George Harrison et.al. <smile>

Day 126 - feeling like a human report generator

We are deep into the report generation this next week before the impending due date. I will be doing this daily until the submit button is clicked next Thursday. I have found it extremely difficult to ignore things outside my door or the constant pinging of  the 'you've got mail' messaging. One method of gaining focus in writing for years now has been music. Whether home with the stereo or in the office with a disc-man and now my trusty iPod, a bit of music at a low decibel level helps me to shut out the world around me, letting me get on with the task at hand.

Writing is a truly personal and isolating process, even with co-authors. I am one of 'those' writers. It takes forever to get something on paper. It is not that I am procrastinating, but that I tend to write in my head for several versions. When words finally tumble out, it is generally in a next to last draft format. Others do the stream of consciousness style of writing, where the goal is to get something on paper and then begin the revising and editing process. Many brains just don't work that way <smile>.  So -- when I get to the point of sitting down to type or write on paper, I need focus to get all the bits out of those file drawers in the mind. Music has always helped me achieve this.

Today while writing and feeling a bit unfocused and frustrated with the whole task, a song came on the iPod that made me instantly smile and relax. It says what I've just written -- that music can help you focus on one thing and it will shut out the extraneous parts of life for a while.  I love this version and the amazing female voices and harmonies of this fabulous group. This particular album is a favourite of mine as it is a mix of covers of songs made famous by their parents. Enjoy!

I can hear music -- Wilson Phillips

Day 125 - technology takeover

The topic has arisen often. We find it frustrating to see people texting each other in class (the 21st C version of passing notes it seems) or tweeting comments instead of speaking them aloud. Others do Facebook during lectures or discussions -- we can tell from the front of the room when someone is smiling as we discuss death, dying or poverty.

Today, I realized that we the instructors are no less guilty of this technological behaviour.  While we were all on task, of the 5 people in the meeting, three had devices and tended to stare at the screens and assume everyone else could see what they saw. Granted, everyone there was tired, and the meeting went longer than we'd hoped <smile>. This isn't a complaint, just an observation that technology is used by us all and that it may not always be the benefit that it is touted to be.

Then I saw a great spoken word performance about powering down and looking up at the real world and not focusing only on the part of the world found in social media. (search Youtube for Look Up). Now, I am aware that this message is coming through a blog <grin>, but I was doing this as a form of journalling and not for notoriety. That people read this semi-regularly is amazing to me. I will also say that there are very few friends on my FB page that I have not met in person or known online for about 20 years -- most of the people there do know me and I them. I guess I use technology differently than students do, which is not surprising -- just another of the infamous generation gaps.

Perhaps I may be thinking of something stated decades (1958) ago by Edward R. Murrow when speaking about television, the new medium of that time. "This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and even it can inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it's nothing but wires and lights in a box." 

Maybe I am looking for an ideal that cannot be fully attained given our current consumer society. Yet, I do have hope. Perhaps the answer lies over the rainbow somewhere. I love this version of today's song. The official video does celebrate the life of the singer. Enjoy!

Somewhere over the rainbow -- Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole

Day 124 - work pays off

The morning convocation ceremonies went well. I love seeing students complete their degree by walking across that stage. It is great closure and a way to have a few moments when everyone sees the accomplishments of one person.

I can't help but reflect on my own convocation ceremonies. I have always attended -- luckily I worked in the area each time so travel wasn't too tricky. I only ever received two tickets for viewers, which always went to my parents. Our campus changed the venue a few years ago to a larger area, so students can now bring parents, grandparents, spouses and children. It is fantastic to see everyone enjoying and celebrating. We have a tea for graduates and visitors after the ceremony. I love meeting the people important to students. I wish we'd had something like this when I graduated -- it would have made it much easier to introduce my parents to faculty and other students.

Knowing what lies ahead as graduates carve out their career and life paths fills me with a warm happy feeling -- an excitement of sorts, I guess. There's pride, too, to see the people they've become over their years in the program. There is so much I'd like to say to them -- but they've listened to me a lot in the past few years, so I chose a song (surprise!). There are several out there that say some of the things I'd like to say, but this one says most of what crosses my mind at this time of year. Hope you can deal with the on-screen lyrics -- this one had a better audio than others. Enjoy!

I hope you dance -- Lee Ann Womack

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=i+hope+you+dance+lee+ann+womack

Day 123 - candles light the way

Tonight we celebrated the baccalaureate liturgy, a tradition on the night before convocation. The homily was delivered by the University Chaplain using the wonderful metaphor of light. He began by noting that a candle lights a space far greater than its flame and likened that to the light of knowledge and service. The ceremony began with lit votive candles placed by students at the front of the chapel. It ended with the lighting of tapers carried by all graduating students. They filed out of the chapel and formed an honour guard from the door to the street -- a stunning display of respect for the president, clergy, admin officers, staff and faculty. They clapped and cheered for the president who will retire in the next couple of months. That was very touching.

I've seen this 16 times and it is always breathtaking. Last year it was cold and snowing, while other years have been rainy, cold, windy or warm. Tonight was nearly perfect -- no wind, a mild temperature, and a gorgeous crescent moon and north star in the sky. It was almost magical, as the candles remained lit for some time.

The selection for today uses the same metaphor of that light within us all. Enjoy!

Light the fire within -- LeAnn Rimes

Day 122 - changing perspectives

Today I went to my new research office space and did some unpacking with some great help for the heavy lifting <smile>.  I was not pleased with the need to move this aspect of my work out of the building that my main office is in -- too much travelling between buildings may mean less time spent on research in that space.

Well, today I saw things in a whole new way. The room felt bright and airy. The light is great with large north facing windows. The view is wonderful from the top of a hill out across campus and town. It may be a great place to write and work on data analysis after all. All it took was a bit of time and then seeing the space again in a whole new light. Getting to that viewpoint can be a challenge and to be honest, I didn't think I was there yet. When I opened the door of the office, it all changed instantly. Cool how that can happen and there you are in a peaceful place.

Today the song deals with change and fear of change. Enjoy!

Change -- Blind Melon

Day 121 - unfinished plans

We are heading into the convocation weekend. There was a meeting this morning to determine the graduation list to grant degrees. My plans then had been to work on the report due in two weeks but these were sidetracked by a number of other important tasks. It is all good, but just not what I had planned.

Plans -- much has been written on them. Burns noted that plans often fall apart (gang aft agley), while a more contemporary poet, John Lennon, said "life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." Often the plans I've made don't come to fruition, and I feel that I've made things 'all about me' because it was 'my' plans that got pushed to the back burner when someone else's plans for me fell into my lap. I've often felt that I need to hide behind a closed door or work from home to get the planned work completed.

Anxiety seems a major part of repeatedly being unable to complete a planned task. Interesting. A line from a song that highlighted this feeling today noted that  'life becomes a fist'. When looking for this song to share, I could only find it from a concert video with two songs. Oddly, the second song fit well with the 'it's not all about me' feelings I've had. So -- today is a two-for-one day <smile>.  Enjoy!

Laugh Kills Lonesome AND I am not that -- Michael Nesmith