Halloween -- All Hallows Eve -- the day some of the new world sends children out to 'beg' for treats from strangers <smile>. It isn't one of my favourite days. I do have friends who love this day and decorate their houses and yards in 'phantasmagoric splendor' In a city I lived in years ago, the next door neighbour went all out -- creepy music, graves with opening caskets and moving bodies. Little kids were terrified and parents had to go in alone for the treats. It was a happening place every October 31st.
I currently live about 100 feet from the street -- and it is a street where few children frequent on this day. The long dark driveway could be creepy or simply inefficient use of time. So -- in many years, I've only ever had 2 visitors. On the other side of the back fence lies an old graveyard. The most recent burial that I can discern from the fading headstones is 1875. Most headstones have been taken down and placed in a semi-circle on the ground behind my house. I expect this has been deconsecrated -- it is on diocese land. It looks like a park of sorts, until you look closely <smile>. They are the quiet neighbours. <grin>
I have two selections for today. I couldn't choose one over the other. They are different and yet seem to fit the day. The first is by a singer that is father to a musical dynasty (his former wife a musician too). The lyrics fit the place I live now. The second is older and always made me smile. When my mother taught microbiology to nursing students at home, they played this song as 'her' theme at a year end event. Enjoy!
The Graveyard -- Louden Wainwright, III
The Monster Mash -- Bobby 'Boris' Picket and the Cryptkickers
A crazy day with not enough time to do the items that are due tomorrow -- everyone around me today seems to be in the same place. It must be the last half of the term (last 1/3 actually) coupled with some major admin deadlines -- everyone seems to be dragging along -- tired and scattered. I brought writing and grading home tonight, neither of which will be finished, so that leaves more fun things for tomorrow, it seems <smile>.
There were bright spots in the day -- great chats with students about course assignments, glimpses of blue sky between the clouds and a student who brought some materials from a provincial conference she'd been at a week ago -- they will fit well into the end of the course she is in, too. <smile> After all that, it was a major delight to find a surprise awaiting me when I got home. An unexpected gift arrived in the mail -- one of those 'thanks' and 'just because' sort of gifts. A delightful item that will bring great memories whenever I use it <smile>. I expect this is the universe telling me that all is not lost. It may just work <grin>.
The selection for today came to mind when I found the parcel in my mail box. I'd like to have thanked the letter carrier for bringing something unexpected and happy. There are several covers of this song. The one I heard in my head is the one I share here today. Enjoy!
Today is National Cat Day -- or so they told me on Canada AM this morning <smile>. A majestic beast, the cat. No two are exactly alike -- like snowflakes or <gasp> people. I have lived with a cat since I was a toddler. Generally one at a time, except for Tiger and her three babes. Their personalities were different as were their markings, though most were very different colour patterns. The variety of coat colours and patterns occur due to the fantastic genetic aspects of multiple alleles. Many hairs of patterned cats (dots or stripes) have 3, 4 or more colours in stripes on each hair. Genetically complex stuff. Even cloning a cat would never result in an exact replica, as seems to be common misconception. While genetically identical, it is highly likely that the coat pattern would be entirely different. Cool, eh?
While I am a 'cat person' I love all animals. I just understand the mind of cat much better than any other. I've never lived with another type of companion animal. They may be able to sense this in some way, as I've often had cats come running out to speak to me as I walk by their abode.It begins with mewing and purposeful trotting over to me in a friendly posture rather than a cautious or attack posture, or a Timmy-down-the-well franticness. We stand and chat for a moment and then they head back from whence they came. These are cats that I have not seen before and often never see again, even though I walk the same route many times. Interesting. I think of it as a gift from one species to another.
So in honour of all the cats I have lived with, known well or met in passing, today's selection tells the story of a magical cat. Enjoy!
Magical Mister Mistoffelees -- Original London Cast of CATS
Laughter -- it can make so much feel better and give that pause and release so we can move forward. Sometimes a laugh comes unexpectedly as what we see or hear strikes us as humorous. It may be that we go somewhere with a phrase that was unintended by the speaker -- depending on the situation, others may laugh with you or just stare at you like you've lost your marbles. The latter occurred to me today -- it didn't make it easier to regain control, but I managed <smile>.
Going through a day without laughing sounds unbearable. It happens when life events take over our thought processes. Most days have something that can make us smile or laugh. It may a little giggle or one of those unstoppable, beverage-through-the-nose type of events. It is amazing we survive that. A laugh shared with others can be sustaining. These can happen almost daily with friends, family and even strangers. Some people can be depended upon to make us smile or laugh out loud. These are gems and we must protect them as they play an important role in this world.
Many songs deal with smiling and laughing -- so many choices <smile>. I chose one with lyrics that note many different things that can elicit a laugh -- all types of laughs. Enjoy!
Trust -- it is elusive despite our searching. It has been said that trust is earned, which I believe to be true. This trait in a relationship is not innate, but must be worked at by all concerned. Once trust has been betrayed, it becomes extremely difficult to re-establish. I suspect everyone has experienced a loss of trust in a relationship -- those with family and friends, coworkers and those in power positions.
What causes someone to say or do one thing in front of people and something entirely different behind their backs? Are they trying to cover themselves after an error to save face or do they mean to be ruthless to further themselves? Is it that they don't realize that they have done something hurtful and possibly damaging to one or many others? I have often pondered the fragile nature of trust -- how to develop it in a relationship and how to sustain it. Encountering others who have lied or concealed the truth has made me ask what was at the root of the behaviour. I'll admit to generally being left without any sound reasons -- so still not fully understanding the processes. Perhaps the trust I felt was one sided and hence not really there at all -- an illusion.
A song that asks many of these same questions has been with me since childhood. A great poet and philosopher sings this with amazing musicians backing. Love this one for those days filled with that unanswerable question - why? <smile> Enjoy!
Sunday is a day that I like to take some time to do 'me' things. This hasn't happened since early September, as the academic term and teaching new-to-me courses fill my days. I have fallen behind these past two weeks with this wretched virus, which has made any potential for 'me' or 'free' time very unlikely. I did take an hour or two today to cook another big batch meal to freeze for the coming crazier days. It was relaxing to work in the kitchen -- made a turkey a la king with biscuits and a baked cauliflower head. I love this vegetable dish as I cook it whole and cut it into wedges to eat. I did smile as this meal disregarded a main menu planning principle -- avoid monochromatic meals <grin>. It was all whitish -- but it was all so good. A great menu for another wet and rainy Sunday.
Last night I experienced what I often refer to as Sunday anxieties. Sunday often seems to signal the end of the weekend and the need to ready oneself for the work week as it encroaches on the last few precious hours. This weekend that happened in the early morning hours of Sunday. I was awake from 2 to 6 AM and chose to get up to prepare course materials for the coming week. I don't recall the last time such a major bout of insomnia struck. Generally, if it happens it is for a couple of hours in the middle of the night. This time it was the entire night. Very odd. It is one of those things about how life events may affect our thoughts and how these may interfere with sleep -- something that becomes more important as we age.
Today I thought of a song filled with metaphorical visions and our attempts at understanding of life events. The music is calming and the singer's voice beautiful. Enjoy!
Another Saturday almost over. The highlight at the house seemed to be laundry loads done between prep for next lectures and cooking to restock the freezer. It is enviable, isn't it? <grin> During the day my mind wandered to recent discussions of news media during crises. It fits with much of my research focus, that viewers need to understand what news media can and cannot provide us during emergency situations -- maybe some truth, but mostly a lot of conjecture.
Why does this pass as news? While there are journalists that want to provide facts, there is pressure from the company to keep viewers watching 'us' and not switch over to 'them.' In short, it is all about ratings, which really means its all about money. Whether the news is on TV, online, or newspapers, the bottom line still comes down to money. Without making ends meet, the news will not be produced by any company large or small. There seems to be a belief that the news will be all true -- like the old TV show, "just the facts, ma'am. Just the facts." The choice of stories and how these are slanted comes from the producer and owners and generally fits well with their personal ideologies. I think it was Conrad Black who in answer to a question of whether the newspapers he'd just purchased would change their political slant to better fit his right of centre views, said, "Why else would you own a newspaper?" So, as viewers or readers, it is up to us to understand what is and what isn't true and what spin might be placed on the truth -- we need to be more media literate rather than accepting of everything that we hear.
I will admit to laughing out loud when this song came to mind. It fit so much of my thoughts and actions today. I found a video that should also bring a smile. The lyrics are cynical, and closer to the truth than we may wish them to be. Enjoy!
Friday has arrived <smile>. There is a long list of things to deal with over the weekend, but no lectures until Monday. The day was grey. It poured rain overnight and was light rain this morning as I went to the office. It seemed to change over to mist in the afternoon and then by mid-evening it began to pour again. That is what I'm listening to now -- the sound of rain on the roof and in the trees on the other side of the wall. It is soothing.
I have enjoyed rain -- to watch it fall out a window -- much of my life. I can't say I enjoyed being out in pouring rain and certainly not driving in it. I have learned to enjoy walking in the rain since moving to the Maritimes, though. I have experienced driving in heavy rain for a full 3 hour trip which becomes a 4 hour trip. I've pulled off the road and been followed by semi drivers who are heading to a rest area to wait it out. Being from the prairies, at first I thought I'd drive through it and come out on the other side of the downpour since that is how life worked out west. It took me some time and driving through several monsoon like rain storms, one becoming a hurricane, to begin to understand the weather patterns of a coastal climate. I think I have the hang of it now -- but it has been 16 years <smile>.
So -- the song line that has run through my head today came after hearing the forecast for about 3 more grey days with varying levels of precipitation. The lyric is from a song on an album that I almost wore out years back -- one with the odd title of Cosmos Factory. Enjoy!
Who'll Stop the Rain -- Creedence Clearwater Revival
I've been reflecting today on what it is that others do that can turn me into someone I really don't like -- someone who is confused that can lead to something akin to anger, or someone who seems unable to feel or appear confident. Now it isn't that others make me feel less than useful, but that somehow I allow their actions to trigger negative emotions in me. As an introvert, I do need time to reflect and contextualize things around me. Perhaps the confusion that looks like anger from the outside, occurs early in an encounter that seems to require immediate response -- something that I am not always comfortable with, particularly if there is a perceived threat in the encounter. I'm one of those people that needs to sit for a while and gather thoughts and then talk. If this is possible, things work out much better. I can speak to an issue clearly, having thought it through first.
Given time, I can feel calmer and the confusion can leave -- or at least clearer questions can be asked. I don't appear angry to others or to myself as I've been able to understand that it was likely confusion or being overwhelmed that caused the negative emotions to blend together -- the fight of flight response, perhaps. So -- after all these years, it can be useful to begin to understand my responses to various situations. It should allow me to ask what I can or ask for a few moments to gather my thoughts. Not all situations allow that, though <smile>. I have been able to act well in emergency situations -- I don't tend to panic, but I have first aid training to provide me a framework for control. So -- it seems I've found a use for the introspection that I've lived with all my life <smile>.
Today's selection is a song with a calming melody. The lyrics deal with changes of mood and emotion. I think it could be a song for one learning to like oneself as well as the more common romantic love meaning taken from the lyrics. I love this song and the singer. Enjoy!
Where do I even begin today? I was working in meetings and lectures until mid-afternoon when the custodian noted the news. I checked with someone who had the CBC live feed on and had to take a very deep breath.
Once home and able to view the news feeds and see events as they had unfolded in Ottawa today, tears flowed. I know someone who has served as the guard of honour at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. That made this really hit home. Hearing gunfire in the Centre Block and know it was just under the Peace Tower filled my heart with sadness. Hearing that two public events with Nobel Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai had to be cancelled gave me pause. Adding today's attacks with the one earlier this week in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec made this feel very real.
At one time, I heard a reporter tell us that they had just learned a US network had released the name of the gunman, read the name aloud and then said they were working on confirming this name. During events like this, many reporters seem to jump to hyperbole and speak their fears out loud -- forgetting their job at this time is to provide facts as they arrive and are checked. To do anything else is irresponsible journalism. Certainly moving directly to laying blame without full understanding of the naissance of each situation is misleading at best. Canada has dealt with terror and radical attacks several times, despite what media reporters are saying to fill all the time between real facts. The October Crisis (FLQ uprising) was the first to come to mind, followed by the gunman in the Quebec National assembly, the female engineering students killed at L'ecole Polytechnique, shootings at Concordia University and Dawson College, and the Alberta and New Brunswick shootings of multiple RCMP officers. So this is not new to us. The location may be new. The potential reason behind the attacks of this week may be new. But make no mistake, the type of event is not new.
While we sort out what these events mean for security on Parliament Hill and surrounding military offices, we should take time to think of the families and colleagues of those who have been killed. Today's song is for these soldiers. While this is the usual ending for this blog, it seems a bit odd today -- Enjoy!
A sunny day but it was cold with major frost on windows this morning. Rain is expected for the next couple of days. The day began well and as I worked into the day things seemed to feel like they were unravelling. Some time-sensitive items are teetering on the brink. Several comments from different venues seem based in misunderstanding of things that seemed clear to several others. Interesting communication issues surface once again <smile>.
Some days I feel like I'm the kid with a finger in the dike or someone trying to hold all the threads to a huge tapestry -- both in hopes that disaster doesn't strike. As I said today, it is like there is something looming behind me -- just outside peripheral vision -- something that moves when I look so that it is always out of view. There's a horror movie in there somewhere <grin>. This is also when I experience anxiety dreams of me having to travel to get away from something sinister. It often begins at midterm time, but being ill on top of midterm madness seems to exacerbate things more than I'd prefer.
Mumbling to myself as I moved from crisis to crisis this afternoon, I heard the voice of a prairie boy in my head -- again it made me smile, even if a bit cynically. The song deals with the fear of losing control that seems to be part of my days and nights right now. It was recorded by a great band from Winnipeg with a lead singer who also lived in Regina in his early career days. I've always loved this song -- the metaphorical nature of the lyrics can mean a number of things. Oddly enough, I've always found this recording calming. Enjoy!
I know it is Monday, but the recovery from this influenza like illness certainly takes its toll. I fatigue with very little effort and then get all breathless. I've heard recovery takes 3-8 weeks. I find that difficult to accept <smile>. Needless to say, I'm not as productive as usual so things are happening very slowly at work and at home. It is challenging to try to help people understand that I am still not 'better' but that I am in to lecture and try to keep things from unraveling without being able to do everything that I'd usually do.
What makes people expect others to do what they themselves wouldn't do (or couldn't do)? I've spoken of the pressures of the workplace and my own mind before, though when ill and fighting to recover in a shorter time frame is challenging on all sides. The fatigue and need to sleep more than usual is overwhelming. Doing one lecture a day is manageable. I've brought things home to work away on between resting bouts. Things will get done, but it is frustrating <smile>.
I heard a line from a song today about others thinking me lazy. It did make me smile and I've not had too many insistent requests, but to be honest, one is too many. <grin>. Enjoy!
This Sunday I baked something for the first time in over a week -- a wonderful blueberry crisp with oatmeal and wheat bran topping. I so love blueberries and when they grow all around town, getting local fresh ones in the summer is amazing. I eat a lot fresh when they are in season, but I also freeze many for use during the rest of the year. So -- today's crisp was just blueberries, but I do love to mix them with raspberries for a fantastic flavour change to both fruits.
I also ordered some Chinese take out today. Still not strong enough to stand for the full meal cooking that usually happens on Sunday. So the take out will help me begin to get some veggies back into the diet as I recover. The grains, milk, cheese and eggs of the past several days need to be gently nudged back to the healthier balanced diet I enjoy. The take out will last a couple of days hopefully when I'll feel strong enough to take on the mega-walking needed to do the grocery store. <sigh> The things we take for granted, eh?
Today the selection deals with the excitement of moving to a more varied menu and taste palate. The title made me giggle as making and consuming these delights really was a high point for me -- Food is My Life [tm] -- for those who haven't heard that yet <smile>. So, when I don't feel like eating much when under the weather, I really do miss it. I love this singer and his piano -- even though the main piano was destroyed during Katrina and Rita. A flood destroyed my piano, too -- so that is a pain we have in common. Enjoy!
I know I've mentioned that Fall is my favourite season, but today was almost perfect. The large maple in the front yard is stunning -- it is generally gold with small bits of orange and occasionally red. Today, as I looked out the front window I was greeted by a tree covered in orange and red tinged gold leaves. This is a spectacular year for this tree. There is a small red maple resplendent in crimson just off to the side yard, too. The colours were stunning particularly in the greyish light of the cloudy day. We are expecting some rain in the next 24-36 hours and I hope it is a gentle rain with little wind, so that the leaves remain on the trees just a bit longer.
I've seen many gorgeous fall displays of colour in Ontario and the Blue Ridge Mountains, but the colours around here create an amazing tapestry on the hills. If I could get someone to weave the cloth, I'd cover the living room furniture in this amazing colour combination.
The other wonder of nature I witnessed was a few crows that landed in the eaves trough above the main window. As I was gazing at the colourful trees, leaf litter began to fall from the roof. There was a crow in the trough, pushing out all the leaves and debris. Now, if there was a way to harness that behaviour of this fellow and his colleagues, I wouldn't need to pay the guy who clears gutters when raking up all the leaves. A few sunflower seeds for the crows would be much more affordable <smile>.
The song today is one that my dad enjoyed, though by different singers than I've chosen for sharing. It has a melancholy tone that speaks to endings and reminders of time moving forward. Enjoy!
The day was another warm and humid one from a dose of tropical air. We are expecting a hurricane to pass by over the weekend in the Atlantic, but the weather for the past two days comes from another system. It is a treat to have temperatures near 20C in mid-October, though. I've been here for many years now, but this type of weather always surprises me. There was drizzle yesterday afternoon and light sporadic showers today. Light winds blew some of the leaves around. I went into work for part of the day -- trying to work with the weakness that hangs on with this virus infection. My voice was stronger than yesterday, but just for the 50 minute lecture -- just when I needed it <smile>.
I had a late afternoon appointment and as I headed out the front door the rain drops increased in size so I could feel them as they hit my head and back. It wasn't enough to make me wet, just enough to let me know it was raining <smile>. I love the rain, even when it pours horizontal rain. This is something that I've learned to enjoy since moving to the Maritimes. I have rain gear to keep me reasonably dry when walking in the rain. There may be more rain on the weekend depending on the track Gonzalo chooses as it moves northeast from Bermuda. We'll see tomorrow.
The song today deals with a line I said out loud as I left the house this afternoon. It is an odd song, but it is what was pulled out of the brain memory banks today -- one from Burt Bacharach's heyday. Enjoy!
October 16 -- World Food Day. The theme this year is Family Farming -- Feeding the World, Caring for the Earth. The focus is on smaller family run operations around the world that strive to produce food in a sustainable way. I find it difficult to read the statistics that come out around this time of year -- difficult because while they are changing slowly for the better, we only seem to hear about them on this day each year. The World Food Program strives to bring the message to the world throughout the year, but it isn't always the 'sexy' story that media outlets are hunting for use in the daily news. Perhaps it should be. Tomorrow - October 17 -- is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Poverty is one reason why almost a billion people in the world are malnourished -- both here at home and in developing parts of the world. These two UN days occur each October on the 16th and 17th. Their proximity reinforces the relationship between poverty and food insecurity.
Some of the health issues of industrialized nations have found their way to developing nations. Chronic diseases and obesity have become challenges for countries transitioning from poverty to middle-income -- there are still many low income people along with the beginnings of people with improving incomes. Here at home, we find obesity more prevalent among lower income populations -- it does not mean they have too much to eat, but that they only have access to foods that fill stomachs but do not provide a balanced nutritional diet. Many community programs exist across the globe to address poverty and hunger through projects such as increasing diet diversity, micro-loans for cottage industry development and education of women and girls.
So -- today I'd like to share with you memories of a time that the world came together to help during a catastrophic famine. The outpouring of caring and the social and political will to 'do something' was never again matched until the Indian Ocean tsunami. I understand why we choose to help during times of crisis, but a sustained interest in alleviating ongoing suffering tends to fall off the radar. This missive can serve as a reminder of the situations around us all and even within some of our families. I've chosen two videos to share today. The first is part of a song I love with appropriate video for the topic today. It introduces another of my pet topics -- the power of one. The second video is grainy as it is from a much older video tape format used in the 1980s. In it you can see many amazing Canadian musical artists -- they were much younger then <smile>. Enjoy!
I've been pondering the things I'm thankful for -- a bit of a belated Thanksgiving as it were, due to hosting some virus war this week. There are many things that make my life special.
The people in my life add so much -- my friends (in person and online) make me smile often. As with any strong social connection, it is reciprocal -- I know I can help them smile or give them hugs when they need them, too. My family -- who valued music as part of life and gave me a love of many different genres of music and dance. The many furry feline friends throughout my life have taught me to be a bit more zen at times.
I live in a nation where I can exercise my franchise to vote -- something I have done since the first election after my 18th birthday. It is one of the foundations of a democratic system. As a woman, I am thankful to live where I have been able to attend school -- and grad school -- and now teach others at a university. These are things that have been thought of as revolutionary by many political movements throughout time. I'm also thankful for our healthcare system -- while it may not be perfect (and I have yet to find one that is), I can go to my MD or Nurse-Practitioner whenever I feel I need to see someone and can see specialists as needed. If I am not sure if I should see an MD or have a health question of any sort, I can call our 24/7 hotline staffed by RNs -- or I could call one of my nurse friends for advice <smile>.
I am thankful to live in a part of the world that has four distinct seasons -- fall being my favourite. Being able to travel has made me appreciate my home and helped me to understand different points of view and ways of living.
An older song makes the cut for today. It reminds me to pause and to take stock of the good things around me. Seems as humans, that we often choose to focus on the negative things. So -- I chose a video of the first place I saw and heard this song sung by two amazing voices. Enjoy!
Count Your Blessings -- Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney
Well, I have to admit to feeling a bit of panic rising as I cancelled class today and tomorrow. Not sure how I can make up three lost lectures in one class and one1 in the other. Things were tight but doable. Now that is no longer the case. Meetings were cancelled, too, and have been rebooked. I hope I can get to them. I feel my health comes first, but that is difficult to focus on sometimes, when the needs of others (and lot of others <smile>) come to mind.
What makes a person think of the needs of others before their own? This may be thought of as a good thing in some situations and less so in others. Being altruistic is seen as positive. Ignoring your own safety may be beneficial, too. But thinking of your health can become difficult at times when taking care of you would likely benefit others. Not caring for an illness could make it last longer or risk development of a secondary infection, that could put you out of commission for a much longer period. Guilt and fear are amazing motivators, though.
The thoughts of losing time or falling behind came to mind often today. This led to a song line. I love this song and this acoustic version with a duo singing is amazing. Enjoy!
Time After Time -- Cyindi Lauper featuring Sarah Mclachlin
What can I say? Today wasn't much better than yesterday in terms of the head cold -- in fact a bit worse. <sigh> The sun was out when I was up once by a window where I could see. Quite a pretty day, with the coloured leaves in the sunshine.
While it is never nice to be ill, I find this particularly distressing when it occurs during the academic term. There aren't many (if any) extra days in the schedule when one has to cover a chapter a week. One class will lose two sessions because it occurs on Monday and we have two holidays. The other course will lose one due to the fall midterm break. Now with me not in full working order, there is the chance of more lost days and no time to make up the content. I do have a film to show tomorrow and a colleague will ensure someone is there to start the thing and read my questions for the viewers. It is a bit out of sequence, but only about 2-3 days early, so not an issue. If the fever doesn't break by Wednesday, I am not sure how we will carry on with protein metabolism -- no film for that one <smile>. We don't have subs as they do in K-12 schools, nor do we have teaching assistants to take this on when one is away -- for a meeting or illness. We have always exchanged lecture days for scheduled meetings and appointments, but even short term illnesses leave us unable to fill the spaces. I will think positive thoughts and we'll go from there.
So -- yesterday I noted there were many songs that I could use so now I can share another of those today -- the only good thing about this silly cold. Now you may not hear a lot of this genre here, but it seemed to make sense to my fever addled mind today -- and gave me a big smile to boot. Enjoy!
It was a lovely sunny Sunday here today. Not very warm, but pleasant enough with just a fleece jacket. My only outing was to the drug store for milk and cold stuff. Every 12 hours this virus has changed -- I'm never sure if that is good or not. Time will tell. The latest iteration is the development of fever -- not common with a cold, unless it turns into something nasty. I'm hoping this is a passing phase and that things morph into something that is more like the sinus congestion I've also developed today.
A sad aspect today was that I had to call my friends to tell them I couldn't come to Thanksgiving dinner -- I love getting together with folks for the annual celebrations. However, while I'm eating and doing usual things (albeit a bit slower) I couldn't justify going somewhere when communicable. Just because someone did this for me to get this nasty bug, doesn't mean that I should pay it forward <smile>. The fever occurred after that call, so all the more reason not to have carried something to share with everyone.
I'm glad that I have one more day at home, so that maybe I'll be ready to do the lectures necessary and some fun things besides, in the coming week. The song for tonight was a difficult choice. I waffled between several and will admit to coming down to two -- I couldn't choose just one. Both spoke to the events of my day, though in a somewhat different vein. Enjoy!
Its been grey today -- cloud and some rain most of the day. I've occupied myself with laundry, housework and some lecture preparation for next week. The newest resident in the house is a virus, not as welcome as many other guests I can imagine. Seems to have settled in the nasopharyngeal area -- sore throat when asleep last night and on and off throughout the day. It seems like a good day to eat ice cream <smile>.
I will admit that the songs that ran around my head dealing with rain were all somewhat sad sounding. I'll blame that on the greyness and the virus. They are all beautiful, though. I settled on a song covered by many artists. The version chosen for today is one sung by a voice I've loved since the Steve Miller days. He has an amazing bluesy way with a song. This one is particularly relaxing. Enjoy!
I always think of my parents at this time of year. They were married 61 years ago last week. My dad passed after 51 years of marriage, but I still think of their day as a special one. So many things would not have been had they not chosen to spend their lives together.
I've always thought that the autumn is a wonderful time for weddings. The fall colours can be so breathtaking. Many friends felt the same way and are celebrating anniversaries over these couple of weeks. Years differ -- 22, 11, 39 -- regardless of the time, a life commitment is well worth celebrating, the building of a life, family and partnership are keys to sustainability. It may be a 'job' at times, but working on these goals is well worth the efforts.
Today I've selected two songs to celebrate all the fall anniversaries -- consider the extra one my gift to you all <g>. The first is by a favourite singer/songwriter that we haven't heard from for a while, with a song that seems to fit the topic. the second is from my childhood and a tune that always comes to mind when thinking of a song for anniversaries. Enjoy!
Ever wonder why it can be so difficult to get your message across clearly to someone else? If you have a suggestion or a complaint, does the other person become defensive before you have a chance to complete your thought calmly? Interesting that humans can be such poor listeners <smile>. I will admit to sitting on both sides of the suggestion-defensive fence and to jumping ahead to what I think someone is saying before they finish. Generally this happens on days when I am stressed, tired or just too busy to take the time to listen. I need to remind myself to breathe and let people talk, even if it is difficult to follow or something I don't really want to hear. However, if I am prepared for a potential confrontational communication, it can be a bit easier to breathe and listen and then to calmly request if I can respond to the comments. This seems to work in most situations -- unless someone is so upset they aren't even hearing themselves any more.
Many of the problems we encounter could benefit from improved communications -- clear well-thought through messages paired with patient active listening will help many situations. Sadly, many conversations are fraught with anxiety and other negative emotions that colour the speech and hearing of any message. Add to that the individual impacts of a crazed world and it is a wonder that we are able to communicate at all. Perhaps this is the attraction of using electronic communications -- firing off messages in a bubble without ever having to interact or see reactions of others. A quote attributed to George Bernard Shaw sums this up wonderfully -- "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
The selection for today often comes to mind when I think about important communications that need to occur. It doesn't refer to only 'me' but also to the others with whom I interact. We are all in the process together. <smile> Enjoy!
Mid-week passed with no major events. Working to prepare for the midterm tomorrow -- answering questions and counting exams and cards.The day was grey as cloud built up overnight, blocking potential viewing of the blood moon in the early morning. Temperature was seasonal with humidity from the light mist on the hills. Outside the office building, two newly planted red oaks are living up to their colorific names -- gorgeous, even in the greyer light of today.
Friends and others helped me stay centred today, as is often the case. I only hope that I tend to reciprocate. Many smiles occurred throughout the day came from e-mails, passing comments or just a smile or thank you. Small things do mean a lot, as I've written before here. So, while the day ended in migraine land, not my favourite vacation spot at all, the day was a good day.
The daily selection comes from a line that crossed my mind while taking a break to relax and reflect this evening. The title brings to mind the debt I owe to all the people I encounter daily who help me see the good side of events or put the negative aspects into perspective. As a thank you for your support, this one is for you all. Enjoy!
Tuesday began better than Monday. The sun was shining and my mood was much improved. Not perfect, but much better than yesterday, for sure -- still a bit of an edge just under the surface, but better. It is likely a confluence of things that resulted in the foul mood yesterday, but it really isn't easy to determine for sure. What causes one to feel out of sorts? Sleep disturbance, feeling hungry, not being in control, encountering other grumpy people?
I've heard it said that no one causes a bad mood in someone else, it is the other person who lets the actions affect their mood. I must state here, that I really don't agree. While some of the feelings that come with being ridiculed or insulted happen, laying blame on the recipient makes no sense -- that old blame the victim process. Now, what one can do is find a way out of that negative space and back to something almost usual. That sounds simple, but it can be challenging to find a strategy that works for the feeling of hurt or anger. I find time to reflect with music or a favourite TV show can help. It helps put life back into perspective.
So -- the song today is for another day almost behind us. That doesn't mean that the days should fly by, but rather that we found a way through the sticky parts of life again today. Good job <smile>. Enjoy!
Why do you think Monday morning amplifies everything? Today was one of those days when everything made me react. By the end of the day and the back to back to back meetings, I think things were more in perspective. The beginning of the day was not pretty, though. Sleep would help. It seems Sunday nights are less restful as we gear up for the work week. Interesting phenomenon, that.
This evening as I took the garbage and green bin to the curb for morning pick up, I stopped in the driveway to admire the amazing moon -- almost full. It was exceedingly bright. Poets seem to call the light 'silvery' and I've thought of it more as a honey shade -- just a hint of gold rather than silver. Either way, it was stunning. The magnificence seemed to help drain the last bits of crankiness while bringing another smile.
The selection for today is in honour of the moon tonight. A wonderful relaxing melody for the end of the day. Enjoy!
Just when you think the world won't change, something happens to give you hope. It could be a kindness from a stranger or a 'just because' note from friends or family. I also find those small moments of hope in song lyrics, poetry and books. I've come to believe that it is the small things that lend hope that the larger things may someday change. Granted, the big things can't change overnight, but they can change.
The small things do make a difference. Individuals and small groups wield inordinate power, often without recognizing so. I often talk about the power of one -- it can be that small pebble in the pond that has far-reaching ripples. Each of us can make a difference -- alone or as part of a collective. Sharing those feelings and ideas can help others understand their actions have meanings and consequences.
Today I had a song line running through my head that reflects the basic reason I write this blog -- music helps me to contextualize the world -- the hermeneutic process of sense making within our surround.. With music, I hope to rise above the 'noise' and 'hurt'. This song is a tribute to a punk rocker and brings with it some of the elements of that genre. It also notes the impact that one singer had on others. Enjoy!
This week an order arrived in the mail -- something I've waited for since last year. It was the CD from Evangaline, by Ted Dykstra, which I saw a year ago August at the Charlottetown Festival. Last year was the debut staging with English and French performances. It was an amazing adaptation of the epic poem by Longfellow. This past August I visited Grand Pre, Nova Scotia -- the site of L'Acadie, the home of the Acadians before the great expulsion (Le Grand Derangement). This part of Canadian history (before there was a Canada as we know it now) may not be well covered in history classes. It should be. Acadians in the Maritime provinces along with national heritage sites such as Grand Pre, mean that this is well understood at this end of the country. It is the reason that I didn't have to explain where Nova Scotia was when I was in Louisiana. Many Acadians deported to France returned to the Spanish colony of Louisiana giving birth to the cultural group known as 'Cajuns.' There are strong links between the current Acadians and Cajuns in terms of language, music, dance and resilience.
If you haven't read the Longfellow poem, I recommend it. The story from the poem tells of a young couple who marry just before being expelled by the British. As was the case with many of the deportees, families were split apart. The story deals with the travels of many Acadians from the forced destinations in Europe and along the US eastern seaboard from Maine to the Carolinas. The lead characters travel their whole lives trying to find each other again. It is heart-wrenching. The music and staging told the story very well. It is something I would see again given the chance. So, receiving the music and libretto booklet this week was a highlight.
The selection for today is the main theme song that appears as the expulsion begins and is reprised throughout the play. The two leads from the play perform here with some of the cast. The melody is hauntingly beautiful -- sad yet filled with hope. Enjoy!
Today I witnessed the passing of the torch at our university -- the installation of a new president. This signals a new workplan that builds upon the accomplishments of all who previously sat in this senior strategic position. In his address, the new president spoke about the role of ritual as in installation event and other ceremonies, things that link tradition with the changing social environment. I took this as something that gave comfort in a potentially stressful time.
Transformation in any institution or organization brings thoughts of a brave new world -- changes in direction and focus can be exciting, but they also can bring discomfort through disruption. Change is the only constant, or so we are told. Feeling comfortable is pleasant, but it can lead to stale thinking. Being pushed outside our comfort zone is frightening, but it results in some amazing things that might not have even been imagined back in the confines of that comfort zone. Carving out a new comfortable place -- that new normal -- is doable and there is a whole campus of people working to fashion this new place based on the shared vision. Collaboration provides us with an array of methods to put the building process in place and much support as we all travel the road to continued improvement and growth.
Many songs might have fit for today, but the lines that stuck in my head today are from the chorus of a beautiful song. The full message of the song may not fit entirely, but to me it speaks to those who have been part of the journey up to this point. These leaders provided new visions that like the one outlined today, were fashioned from earlier accomplishments. The message seems similar to 'standing on the shoulders of giants'. I love the melody and the singer's voice. Enjoy!
As we approach the midpoint of the term, class attendance begins to drop. Sadly, this is just when course content begins to expand, sometimes exponentially. The intro and background pieces have been reviewed and now comes the heavy lifting. This is also the time when assignments begin to take centre stage and midterms are in the coming 7 to 10 days. So, why would people choose not to be in class to hear what isn't on the slides or examples from outside the text book? I do know that as the pace becomes wilder, I want to hide or stay in bed and sleep. I suspect the students feel similarly. I do recall dragging my butt into early classes and ensuring that I was there to hear things that would be on the exams -- the extras that just helped to contextualize the theories or details -- things I often relied on when asked to provide an example on an exam. Attending class and taking notes also ensured that I wouldn't get way behind and have trouble catching up near the end of term, which led some of my classmates to be irretrievably lost when trying to study for the final. Of course, I do know that my long term goals were not the same as most students.
From a psychological and physiological standpoint, there are explanations for what appears on the surface to be less than responsible behaviour. Life happens, even when at school, so juggling personal issues or illness can be overwhelming. At this age, many people have not yet had to do major time management or deal with shifting agendas. It isn't surprising then, that decisions made to focus on one area to the detriment of another occur. Recent research indicates that the prefrontal cortex does not finish development until around age 25 years. This is the area of the brain that deals with abstract thought and helps with complex problem solving, focusing attention, planning functions, understanding consequences of behaviour, and tempering extreme emotions. In short, it helps a person understand the future rewards for behaviours that seem to be only short term. Given that post-secondary students tend to be 18-24 years of age, it should not be surprising that decisions make little sense to older adults. In fact, some researchers have suggested that adolescence be extended into the mid-20s while the brain finishes the maturation process.
So -- while it can be frustrating and appear disrespectful to other classmates and instructors when people choose to prioritize their time to be elsewhere, it can be explained from a biological basis. Telling people that there is a strong correlation between class attendance and course grades, just won't help. Logic doesn't work here <smile>. Surprisingly I found a song that expresses this aspect of growth very well. The lyrics present the frustrations of rule-governed behaviours as well as noting that the 'real world' may not exist -- a nod to the 'logic' that is often used. Enjoy!
Lately, experiences of immigrant groups have been on my mind. I've been updating information for class lectures on food security -- having adequate culturally appropriate food available in a manner that maintains human dignity. I've read many reports and spoken with recent immigrants. The barriers to food seem huge and the types of foods available at our supermarkets can become overwhelming for many people from places where fewer choices were available. This, too, has had me thinking -- we have entirely too much choice in this part of the world -- for most people, that is. Many still have limited access due to limited incomes even on my street.
I often ponder what my forebears experienced on the ship across the Atlantic in the 1840s and others in the early 1900s. It was a long journey and not everyone survived, especially those in steerage as my ancestors would have been. Once here they had to start over -- everything from scratch -- with just a small suitcase of belongings. They found a place to live and then a place to settle. They broke prairie and forest land. They found friends. They grew food, foraged for food, and did their best to feed a family. I can't imagine what that would have felt like. I've moved around this country a lot, but I have the luxury of phoning my family and friends back home and have moved to jobs that gave me funds for rent and food and transportation. The strength it must have taken to leave everything known -- even when it was not ideal -- to head for something totally unknown, is incomprehensible. Today many people move around the world to find a better life for themselves and a family, too. While some immigrant associations exist to help newcomers, there are so many hurdles -- not the least of which is language. I've worked with such groups to help people find foods and substitutes from the grocery stores in their area. Food can be the one thing that provides a bit of stability in an otherwise crazy environment.
A song for today wasn't easy. In my head I heard a song about an Italian who lived between Italy and New York.While the song isn't about the pain of leaving home as such, it is about leaving the ones he loves. To me, the tone and many of the lyrics seem similar to what I imagine my family felt on the bad days after crossing that ocean. I love this live version with the composer and an opera star that made this part of his repertoire. Enjoy!
