Day 3 - 60 -- Finding Calm in a Storm

A very early morning again today. Being up and 'on' for a lecture at 8:15 AM is never my favourite time, but when exhaustion is present even before the beginning of the week, that 6:15 AM alarm wake up can be particularly jarring. The day began mild and warmed well by lunch time. I walked out to drop off papers and pick up others when I encountered the wind. Looking out the window things had looked sunny and pleasant. While the temperature was warm, there was a strong southerly wind -- like gale force strong. It blew me off the sidewalk into a muddy patch where the lawn used to be before the sidewalk plow had miscalculated where the walkway was after one of the enormous snow falls of the past month or so.

It has been a while since I've been blown off course -- at least physically. Maritime winds are different than prairie winds. Both are very strong, but I've rarely been physically moved by prairie wind. Alterations to a life course can be smooth like a light zephyr or jarring like tornadic or storm force winds. The resulting change can be planned or unplanned. Either way, routines become disrupted, including sleep disturbance, lack of focus and heightened anxiety.

So, when I realized it was leap day, it reminded me of a change in the musical world that occurred four years ago today. My selection is sung by that artist and is a song that I've used for years when needing a moment of calm. Both lyrics and melody are amazing. In an early online interview (before the Web existed), I was able to ask the songwriter about the motivation behind the song and to let him know that I'd always found it to be like liquid valium -- something calming and restful that takes effect in a short time period. I've included the stereo version of the song as well as the amazing backing track where the base line and keyboards become clearer. Amazing. Enjoy!

Early Morning Blues and Greens -- The Monkees (singer - Davy Jones; songwriter - Jack Keller w/ Diane Hildebrand)

Master Backing Track

Day 3 - 59 -- Long Day

It was a long day of travel with a 'way too early' start but an earlier than expected finish. Go figure. Nothing seems predictable. I'm very tired and must be up too early again to get myself to first class at 8 AM.  There is a lot flying around and through my brain right now -- the 'through' items flit in and out without ever hitting short term memory. Being overly occupied with multiple details is
exhausting.  Coping with such situations takes much energy, leaving little to no room for any further blips in the status quo.

These musings reminded me of a the second verse of this song from the dim distant past <smile>. Both songwriter and singer hold a special place in my heart. Enjoy!

Hold on Girl -- The Monkees (singer - Davy Jones; Songwriter Jack Keller w/ Billy Carr and Ben Raleigh)

Day 3 - 58 -- The Gift of Friendship

Saturday began with clouds and then was a mix of bright sunny moments within the mainly cloudy sky. The day was spent with friends -- and eating <smile>. As the place we went for lunch stated at the entrance, "Food tastes better with friends." How true. A couple of other friends joined us for supper once we'd ventured back down the highway.

It isn't only food that is better with friends. The highs and lows of life and all the bits in between those anchor points on the scale are much better when shared with friends. Those who celebrate the joys and cry with the sadness do make life much richer. I've encountered this in person and over all types of electronic communications. Support systems are so necessary for humans -- we are social animals much as we sometimes want to hide from others (as noted by the French philosopher JP Sartre, 'Hell is other people). Without others our experiencing life would not be as full as it should be to begin to make sense of this crazy world around us.

The selection today speaks to the concept of supportive friendship. It is sung by a favourite male voice and written by a favourite female songwriter. They've even sung this one together. Enjoy!

You've got a Friend -- James Taylor

Day 3 - 57 -- A glimmer of light on a sunny day

After finishing what I could on the project for this week, I went for a walk. It was 15C -- in February! Bright sun seemed almost blinding. As I walked I realized that suppertime had arrived and I was hungry. I chose to stop for a take out meal. As I was waiting for the order, I saw a familiar face and realized a couple that I hadn't seen for several years were dining at the restaurant. We had a short but good chat.

It is interesting that often as we feel a bit down, someone or something arrives to help us see a positive or to help us breathe when things seem too much to bear. A bright spot appears in the darkness -- even if it is just a faint glimmer, it can give hope.

The lyrics of today's selection speak to this potential for hope. The cover of the original song uses a minor key a bit more, which adds to feelings expressed by the lyrics. Enjoy!

Somewhere over the Rainbow -- Isreal Kamakawiwo'ole

Day 3 - 56 -- Working through

Another day of physical and emotional work is behind me. I am not sure I feel I accomplished as much as yesterday, but it was a fair bit. I failed to get out even for a short walk in the sun today. I will be sure to rectify that tomorrow. It should help to clear the mind and help me remain productive.


I'll admit to feeling lost at times. This feeling can come from many places and be caused by more than one factor at a time. Being in different surroundings, alone (though sometimes this helps to get work done <smile>), having too many potential starting places for a project and being very introspective -- all can lead to losing track of time and place. All of these factors can be dealt with, yet this can take a fair bit of energy and at times when energy needs to be focused elsewhere it seems our internal self can be a lower priority. Finding the best way that works is a challenge, since this is rarely the same 'fix' from day to day or even throughout a single day. Getting through without extra drama is a goal <smile>.


The selection shared today is one that I've often listened to for calmness. It also seems to cover many emotions -- an integral part of any of life's journeys. No lyrics to this one, so sit back and relax. Enjoy!

Albinoni -- Adagio in G Minor

Day 3 - 55 -- Finding a Path

Yesterday was spent working away at a seemingly insurmountable task. Yet, I'm determined to get through the major pieces to move the larger project forward. Its one other thing where one thing leads you to a different task and then to another so you can easily lose any forward movement or sense of purpose as you flit from one aspect to another -- never actually completing anything.


I had some early successes with hunkering down and focusing on one thing at a time. That reminded me of a story I tell when teaching research methods. The story is about a grade 6 boy who had to write an essay on birds of North America. He asked his father what he should do and how he could possibly complete this overwhelming task. His father said to focus on one bird at a time. This seems to be sensible advice for many of life's projects. It could help to save expending large amounts of physical and mental energy with nothing to really show for the effort.


Not having Internet access last evening made me very frenetic. Before I knew it I was flitting from one thing to another again and forgetting what I had planned to do. This taught me how important to me this blog is for my processing of daily events. Reflecting and sharing makes all the difference. So -- in lieu of typing this, I wrote it out on a paper last night.


The selection for today was one that I'd listened to earlier when using the iPod to focus attention and avoid being too overwhelmed. It refers to finding a passage and metaphorically that is what I've been doing -- finding the way through all the necessary activities on this journey. It is sung by an amazing Canadian folk artist who left this world much too early. Enjoy!


Northwest Passage -- Stan Rogers

Day 3 - 54 -- Interpersonal Supports

The day began with wonderful support from great friends -- planned and unplanned assistance that made the journey easier this morning and into the afternoon (as I am writing this earlier than usual today). Working towards being an adult today, when I'd much rather stomp my feet and have a tantrum. <smile>

A song played as I headed out today. A line from the lyrics seemed to fit my feelings of that moment. "Does it feel that your life's become a catastrophe? Oh, it has to be for you to grow, boy."  I'm not sure that I've ever actually 'heard' that lyric before, getting caught up in the chorus-like repeated lines and repetitive rhythms. I share that song with you today sung by a singer-songwriter who'd been part of the original group that was huge back in the day. <smile>

Take the Long Way Home -- Roger Hodgson (Supertramp)

Day 3 - 53 -- Coping with Music

First day back after break, and it was over full with little tasks that needed to be done today. Feelings of stress didn't help things move forward as well as I'd have liked -- as in faster <smile>. All things on the lists were crossed off today -- a rare event. Tomorrow will have a new list to do within the calendar day, but with the assistance of friends, everything will be completed.

Feeling anxious can create difficulties when trying to do ordinary activities. One's mind wanders making driving less than ideal. Sleep can be disrupted so one can't expect to have usual brain functioning without adequate rest. Word finding abilities fail. Short term memory disintegrates. What causes anxiety? That isn't an easy answer as there are more potential causes than one could readily count. Generally, there is some change involved -- something that is not easily controlled. Trying to find a way to relax even briefly may help cope -- like finding a way to centre and just be.

Today a calming song came to mind. The group singing is iconic and the lyrics well known. Enjoy!

Let it Be -- The Beatles

Day 3 - 52 -- constant repetitive sounds

We've had a deafening roar in the basement for 72 hours. Today it left. The two industrial dehumidifiers and four power fans left the humble abode as the carpets seem to be dry today. The sound was quite intense for three solid days. When I ventured downstairs for any errand it was hard to hear myself speak. The fans blew a gale that pushed me down the hallway just like storm winds tend to push me along a sidewalk -- or into traffic depending on their direction. I'm afraid to see the power bill for this one, though insurance should cover this -- the landlord's insurance -- should he choose to actually make a claim. I will check with my agent to see what type of recompense is usual in this type of situation.

Interesting how noise can disrupt one's life. Sleep patterns and anxiety levels can be affected with constant loud background noise levels. It can lead me to feel angry. These fans didn't actually do that, which surprised me. Instead, they acted more like white noise as long as I was upstairs at the opposite end of the house. Luckily, this is where the office and bedroom are located. The living room was right above one of the affected basement rooms. There had once been a propane heater in the lower level and there is a floor grate at the edge of the living room where heat entered the upper level. So, that room was off limits for most activities over the weekend.

When thinking of a song that would fit the idea of a constant drone or repetitive noise, a few came to mind. I settled on one that could be a bit of an ear worm, so be forewarned. <smile>  There are many versions of this song. I've chosen one by a Canadian acappela group. It actually isn't as obnoxious as the original, but the point is made nearer the end. Enjoy!

Kiss Him Goodbye -- The Nylons

Day 3 - 51 -- Distance

It's been a day filled with many emotions -- mainly the negative kind.  Lots of tasks to complete today most of which are ones that I'd rather never have to do. I've said often recently that being an adult sucks. Ignoring the world would be so much nicer. I think it's not very doable, but it would be nice to just hide away and see what happened.

Living far from much of my support network becomes more pronounced when the world turns upside down. Phones and Internet can help somewhat, but being in the same place face to face might help. We live in a very large country and being on the eastern end when others are in the middle or nearer the western side can be challenging. For those days when things weigh heavily that in-person chatting would likely make people feel less isolated.

The song chosen for today had lines that ran through my head throughout the day and then was played on a television show late in the evening. It was a sign <smile>. Other than the title, the line "If I could only work this life out my way" was one that I've pondered a lot recently. The song was written by an amazing singer-songwriter -- the first female recipient of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Enjoy!

So Far Away --  Carole King

Day 3 - 50 -- Marking Time

Today the sun shone brightly, making me think I needed to wear a ball cap to see, but needing a toque to keep the ears warm. Only one tiny spritz of a cloud was visible in the sky of expansive blue. It was an almost perfect day. I had a lunch with friends and spent much of the day writing and planning for the coming week. The drier fans and the dehumidifiers in the basement are still roaring for another day at least -- working to dry the carpet and underlying cement. It is much drier than yesterday, but still has a way to go.  I'll need to do some laundry tomorrow and may need to wear earplugs to keep from going mad.

This is the birthday of a female relative -- a day to mark another year in a rich life. The song for today is dedicated to her. It has been a favourite of mine for many reasons over the years -- lyrics which have so many meanings depending on the situation. The version shared here today is a cover of the earlier recording by Charles Aznavour. The singer is one that I found later in life and is now an integral part of my musical being. Enjoy!

She -- Elvis Costello

Day 3 - 49 -- Celebrating a Centenarian

A week ago, a dear friend of mine celebrated her 100th birthday. Sadly we are geographically separated and I wasn't able to get to Saskatchewan for her special party day. I think of her often and send real paper greeting cards <smile> to celebrate the highlights of the years. She loves life. Her heart envelopes so many people and all creatures. Her faith guides her through the ups and the downs of life. I can't recall her speaking harshly about anyone -- ever. She is gracious and understands that we are all in different places and see things differently.

I often think about the changes that have occurred in the world during her lifetime. She was a school teacher who walked two miles to a rural school and had to start the fire in the school house when she arrived. Into the winter a fellow who lived only a mile away offered to open the school and get it warm before she arrived each day. She calls that love for each other. She ended her career after many years in a grade 2 classroom in a large urban school that encompassed kindergarten to grade 9. We've often talked of my work as an educator in a university setting -- one of our many points of intersection.

Today's song is for her. The lyrics are words she is familiar with -- words that suggest we live in the moment -- enjoy each moment -- as she has always said to me. Enjoy!

Turn, Turn, Turn -- The Byrds

Day 3 - 48 -- Water, Water Everywhere

As the temperature rose, the rains and winds melted piles of snow. I was surprised when I looked out the window this morning. Snow piles that had been hip deep are now ankle high. Those that were shoulder high are about knee depth. Tons of melting had occurred as I slept. I walked out to pick up some stray garbage in the yard and found the ground was very spongy with small pools of water along the walkway -- now covered in green grass rather than ice or snow.  When I headed to the deep freeze for lunch fixings, I said a few choice words when I discovered that much of the outside water had found its way into the basement. The hallway had about a centimetre of water finding its way down the hall which slopes ever so slightly in places. The carpets in the rec room and spare bedroom were very squishy. I moved items to higher ground -- dining room chairs on the deep freeze, table leaves on the dehumidifier and many other boxes onto the shelves. I then discovered that there was water in the bathtub, which means there is some sewer backup. The plumbers, who were way over burdened with similar calls from all over town, came by promptly and cleared the sewer line up the way and then vacuumed up the water from the hallway. Someone else will be by to remove the aged, soaked carpet and sop up any remaining water.

Water is essential for life but it can create problems. It finds a way to move -- nothing can stop it easily. It burrows, erodes, seeps, leaks, flows, soaks, runs. If something is in the way, it goes under, over or around. These actions create much damage, but also provide outstanding river valleys. This force of Nature is powerful, yet humans build a world that tries to control the movement of water, often to no avail. Interesting.

The song today deals with flood waters. While my visitation seemed minor, it is nonetheless an invasion that could easily lead to further anxiety dreams. In the meantime, listening to this bluesy number may help. Enjoy!

When the Levee Breaks -- Led Zeppelin

Day 3 - 47 -- Riding the Winds

Morning began with bright sun again today along with some wind. The southerly air movement brought with it some very warm temperatures. By afternoon, it was 10C and it had been -18C just over 24 hours ago. I'm hoping this is the fluctuations of winter into spring. Rain -- heavy rain -- will blow in overnight for tomorrow. With snow banks shoulder high and taller, this will leave us with a lot of ice. Ponding is likely since the ground is frozen and there are few areas for 'run off' -- most walkways will become streams leaving behind slippery icy sections when the temps drop again. This is the time of year that the end of the driveway becomes a sheet of ice and makes me think a zamboni might be better than a 4WD for a few weeks <smile>. The winds seem to be creating a headache, but this will pass, too.

Things blow in and move out along with winds -- literal and metaphorical things. After a major summer storm, the remnants of some hurricane or other, I saw a painted bunting sitting outside the kitchen window. I tried to describe him to an ornithologist friend, but he wasn't sure what I was describing. Then one day, I saw a photo of a bunting and knew that was the creature I'd seen -- blown in on the hurricane winds. Just like the bunting, our negative feelings and thoughts can blow out on the wind. It is a great analogy for letting things go. Being from Saskatchewan, I understand wind and have never disliked it unless it was a tornado or wicked wedge winds with a summer thunderstorm. Moving to the Maritimes, I've experienced other scary winds -- hurricanes and nor'easters. I like the sound of the wind, just not the breakage of the trees around me. 

Lyrics of the song for today relate to the concept of shaking off the negatives -- even if only for a while. The music is upbeat with the unmistakable guitar and voice of the fab singer. Enjoy! 

Blow Away -- George Harrison

Day 3 - 46 -- Sunshine in a big White World

It was a cold day again, but I felt the need to leave the house for a while. So, I headed out to shovel some snow and clear off the car. There is still a pile at the end of the driveway consisting of large chunks of ice -- like miniature boulders that require two hands to lift and heft. I'll get to the remainder of that tomorrow. In the meantime, a large truck from next door has backed in and out a couple times so there may be less shoveling than before -- we'll see.

The time outdoors was filled with interesting events. A single crow was calling from the top of the tree above the car. He was then joined by a second crow for a few minutes before they flew off together. As I moved further towards the street, a white balloon bounced down the sidewalk -- pausing to roll and bounce around my feet. It moved further down the hill and then came back up to check in with me again before heading off down hill. A minute or two later, it was not visible anywhere -- rather a surreal few moments. The sun was strong and almost blinding even with my sunglasses on it made my eyes water. The world is very white -- only the crows, car, and trees were dark. Even the sky seemed to be a paler blue colour complete with a white moon high above. The snow piles are tall -- the walkway is about hip deep and around the car and end of driveway the piles are above my shoulders. It makes moving the heavier ice and wet snow trickier when I either have to lift it above my shoulders or walk several steps to a shorter pile on the lawn. Apparently there is warmer weather on the way complete with rain, which is likely to change all the snow banks to glacial ice.

The amazing sunlight today made everything sparkle. The lyrics for the selection of the day discuss the many aspects of sunshine. It is one that I've enjoyed since it first appeared on the scene and the singer is one that I loved to listen to then and now. Enjoy!

Sunshine on my shoulders -- John Denver

Day 3 - 45 -- Linked Together

Much of today was spent grading midterms. I did spend a bit of time pushing the 2-4 inches of light fluffy snow -- it was COLD so it wasn't as heavy as usual. I didn't move the slush left by the plow at the end of the driveway. I'll likely be sorry tomorrow when it is frozen solid. Hindsight. <sigh>. Tonight is the coldest night of the season being about -20C with windchills closer to -30C. They tell us it will be a bit warmer during the day tomorrow -- about -8C but with cold feeling widnchill. There should be some sun, which will be pleasant for a change.

I was pondering many things today, including the blessing of family and friends and how we become part of each other. In the Sesotho language (of Lesotho) a statement of goodbye roughly translates to "As you leave, I will be wearing you." This metaphorical statement encompasses the thoughts I had very eloquently. What we say and do with others can't just be owned by us, since others have been part of that exchange. This thought was said much better by Michael Nesmith -- "It cannot be a part of me, for now its part of you." (from Tapioca Tundra lyrics).

Today's song choice reflects these same thoughts in a very moving production. It is from a musical and mixes English and Zulu lyrics that ask us to listen and to have faith. It seemed to fit today well. Enjoy!

They Live in You -- The Lion King

Day 3 - 44 -- Needing a Lullaby

Another Saturday almost over. The day was filled with household chores, grading exams, and cooking. I walked out for milk in the early afternoon. While chilly, it hadn't begun to snow yet. I'll have a wee bit to push around tomorrow, but that will be my break between laundry and grading tasks.

The past week resulted in a lack of sleep or at least, restful sleep. I had an odd dream last night about working with people I didn't know to become prepared for some event that was likely to lead to some chaos. The group of people and I were working to shore up one abode so we could all 'go to ground' so to speak. It seemed odd, yet on reflection, it was also metaphorical. Interesting how we work through such things while sleeping. The weariness had me moving more slowly than usual and thus not being as productive as many other days. Not a total wasted day, but a day filled with reflection that took time from other activities -- also not a bad thing, but just the way things need to be.

The song that came to mind is one that would work well as a lullaby <smile>. The lyrics also illustrate the importance of supporting each other during stressful times -- being brave enough to let others know what you need is a key part of the early verses. The song has been covered by many artists over the decades and I've chosen one of the many. I enjoy the clarity in this voice and that power was always moving. Enjoy!

Lean on Me -- Joe Cocker

Day 3 - 43 -- Disconnected

Today marked the end of the week and the beginning of the winter Reading Week. While this is more commonly known as Spring Break, it is fully intended not to be a vacation time -- rather a time to regroup, catch up and prepare to tackle the second half of the term. That said, taking some time away from work is a good idea to help with productivity and mental approach to the work yet to come. I have a huge bag of exams to grade along with many other smaller assignments to catch up with, and will take some non-work time along the way. More snow is expected in the next couple of days, hopefully bringing much less than each of the past three storms. I'm so tired of it all.

Walking around today even in the colder temperatures, felt like walking through fog. Anxiety mixed with fatigue and nausea have taken a toll. Sometimes it feels like being wrapped in something that gives only glimpses of the world around me. More of the view is focused inward it seems. Perhaps the fuzzy wrapping is protective in nature. All the winter outerwear can impede movement, so maybe that is part of the odd exterior feelings of disconnection. The thicker scarf today made looking up difficult, so my eyes were trained on the icy patches at my feet. Besides, if I moved my head around a lot, the earbuds moved out of the ears under my hat -- taking mitts off to readjust these would not be delightful with the wind chills present today (about -17C).

I was reminded of a song later today that could address my feelings of fuzzy, haziness. It is from the '60s and contains one of the most misheard lyrics of all time. Enjoy!

Purple Haze -- Jimi Hendrix

Day 3 - 42 -- Pondering Strength

Have you ever encountered someone in the midst of a personal trauma and then hear someone say that the person will be ok since they are strong? There are many sides to this type of statement. Does it mean that one can absolve themselves of assistance because the person is inherently strong? Does it mean the one making such a statement doesn't feel equipped to help? Or, is this a compliment, a way to give hope to someone? How do the 'strong' people feel? Are they just needing someone to hear the story -- not have someone fix the situation but to be able to share the burden? Perhaps they simply need to say something out loud for another person to hear -- that way of facing some nastiness and making it real, without which forward movement is impeded. The truth likely lies in the midst of emotions felt by all parties concerned. No one wants to add to the pain of another -- at least I like to believe this is the case <smile>. Being able to share the facts of a situation with someone else can be a true gift of friendship -- and works in Real Life and cyber life, it seems.

Strength should not mean someone can't or doesn't need to speak to others, for speaking the scary thoughts takes huge strength. Strength should also mean being able to hear what others have to say. Everyone can be strong in their own way. Strength involves finding appropriate coping strategies, which often involves talking with others. It involves resilience -- bouncing back from adversity over time. It holds aspects of bravery -- pushing forward and facing the scary bits. It is not self-indulgent, but strives to help oneself without burdening others. Going back to the original question then -- it likely is a compliment and a statement of hope. Since understanding the pain of others also takes great strength, perhaps we may all have a superhero locked away inside that needs to be released every once in a while. <smile>

The selection for today mirrors many of these thoughts. The singer/songwriter and mega-guitarist featured in the song is an icon of  rock coloured with blues. Enjoy!

Superman Inside -- Eric Clapton

Day 3 - 41 -- Finding a way through

Today, the sun shine, a sliver of positive news and a new song entered my surround. A warmer temperature right around freezing, made walking outdoors more pleasant. Sunshine and warmth even for part of the day can improve a mood -- or at least give someone a few moments of pleasure in a day -- those moments of gratitude that are sprinkled through a day if we are open to seeing them.

The new music I heard today is from an album (Honest Man) that is to be released in two weeks. The singer-songwriter is a Juno nominated artist and had played the East Coast Music Awards before and will again this coming April. He is from New Brunswick and claims his blues style began with Clapton and moved on to BB King, and into the Delta Blues. I enjoyed the lyrics of the song I heard this morning. They speak to recognizing when we get off course and that it may not be impossible to get back on track.  Love this strong voice and the arrangement is amazing. Enjoy!

Let's Get Back -- Matt Andersen

Day 3 - 40 -- Relentless Onslaught

Feeling overwhelmed -- this became clear when the first thought that went through my mind when I woke this morning was a title of a song. There was another heap of snow outside and the campus closed for the full day to facilitate clean up. I shoveled for 3-4 hours in 3 bouts to get the walkways, porches and steps and most of the car dug out. A backhoe did the end of the drive way which saved another 2+ hours which I refuse to do since it is so heavy and wet from the street and sidewalk plows. Shoveling a path seemed like it should be something that could help sort out a way through all the thoughts clashing around in my head. It really didn't. There is more heavy lifting to get through those.

The song for today is the one whose title came to me this morning. It is one that I heard as a kid from LPs of my parents. Enjoy!

Make the World Go Away -- Eddy Arnold

Day 3 - 39 -- In an instant

Here we sit in the midst of yet another major nor'easter and there are many midterm exams to be held this week. I have one tomorrow and one Wednesday. It will depend on how much snow and how quickly clearing can occur on  campus, whether the one will go forward tomorrow. Wednesday is likely to be a go, but there are no guarantees.  That is much like life in general, isn't it? No promises, no guarantees, no clearly laid out plan. We as humans carry on by making plans for later today, tomorrow, next week, two months from today or even a year or more from now. We do this knowing that unexpected events might intervene forcing us to move our plans to a later time or cancel them altogether. While I do know this, I still find it unsettling the way life throws you a curve ball. It looks like it is heading straight for you and everything is moving along well and at the last nanosecond it veers off course -- that's when you can find yourself wondering what the heck happened. Sadly, we often choose to take the blame or lay the blame for such changed plans when no guilt is present no matter how hard we look. This is when we can realize how tenuous life can be and that there are no controls within our grasp. The world around us can change in an instant. How we choose to cope with altered plans and situations is what can define us as successful in this life.

A line from a song came to mind today. The lyrics are from a parent to a child, trying to impart the wisdom of living this life we are given. I've always loved this song and the singer-songwriter is one of my all time favourites -- a poet, philosopher, & advocate -- and one whose life changed in an instant one cold December day. Enjoy!

Beautiful Boy -- John Lennon

Day 3 - 38 -- Tempest brewing

Computer modelling from Canada, US and Europe all agree that we are in for another major storm or two as the week begins. The two Alberta clippers are still heading east while some huge wet mess from the US is heading north east. It appears that one of the clippers (or both) will join with the other low pressure system and produce a mega-low -- weather bomb -- where the pressure drops at least 24 millibars in 24 hours. Just the term 'bomb' uses a violent metaphor for such storms. The merged beast will bring with it tons of snow -- at least 20, but likely 30 cm Monday into Tuesday and another 20 cm Tuesday into Wednesday. Along with the snow there will be winds. There is a bit of wind picking up outside right now from another bit of a low -- some stray creature or the harbinger for the others -- who knows. I'll admit that I am ready for the lineup of storms headed this way to stop -- NOW would be great.

Storms, meteorological and metaphorical, can be exhausting. Both seem to hang just over your shoulder and bring major anxiety, disrupted sleep, and physical stress -- shoveling, walking through snow, tensing muscles with worry. It seems that neither is a healthy option, but then, neither are true options -- no choices provided really. Escape seems unlikely -- even to go somewhere warm, would bring stress about property, getting to and from airports and such. The vortex of the counterclockwise rotation can pull you down into it -- it becomes the major thought directing your days. This must be where some of those lines on faces come from -- we fight hard and are left with those as scars perhaps.

The song that ran through my mind today is by a Canadian songbird, from a few hours down the highway in the middle of a major snow belt area.  The title has also come to mean a Canadian retiree who goes south for the winter. Enjoy!

Snowbird -- Anne Murray

Day 3 - 37 -- Illusion of Control

Thankfully, the weather last night was far less problematic than it could have been locally. We had about 3 hours of mixed ice pellets and freezing rain that left about 2 inches of schmutz to clear today. On top of that stuff was about 4-5 inches of snow some of which had an ice slick on top of it all. All in all, much lighter load to move than folks in Charlottetown, PE where they got half a metre of snow. Having shoveled 40+ for the past 2 storms,  I fully understand what that does to a city and its residents. Now there seems to be something Monday into Tuesday to leave 15-20 cm on Monday and 10-15 on Tuesday. Again, it may change as the system shapes up, joins forces with another friendly low, or wobbles out to sea or into New Brunswick. It was to be a clipper (often called Alberta clipper due to its origin and the speed with which such storms come and go), which generally brings some snow, but not usually huge moisture. Again, too soon for forecasters to call this with any accuracy. So -- as I've said before, something is coming -- I can tell by the pricking of my thumbs <g>.

Other events of the day, made me realize just how precarious life can be, changing on a dime (or 25 cents US <smile>).  While we have the illusion of control, that is all it is -- an illusion. We seem to get caught up in our little routines and small dramas -- internal and external -- and miss the bigger picture some days. I've had many people lately tell me of devastating situations that made me feel that I need to focus on some of the important aspects of life rather than what seems important in our myopic worlds. Notice the sunshine, the beauty in snowflakes, the soft fur of you favourite furry friend, the laughter of others, and how great smiling can make you feel. <Smile>.

The song for today came to me as the day progressed. The title just seemed to fit today. Enjoy!
Note: the sound quality was good on this one, but the '80s hair is a bit much to take <smile>.

Living on a Prayer -- Bon Jovi

Day 3 - 36 -- Yet Another Winter Storm

Today was spent running errands and meeting for future planning. The rain poured all afternoon. Without rain gear, I would have been soaked just between the grocery store and the car. Groceries were rather wet from the trip between the car to the house and the reusable bags had to be hung to dry. The temperature was far cooler than yesterday when it was in the positive double digits -- today it was single digits very near freezing. Not a big wind, but enough to make cheeks feel a bit cold during the five minute walk to Main Street.  Forecasters are saying that in the transition to snow by about midnight, we will go through ice pellets and freezing rain. There is a chance that that will be mainly freezing rain with large accretion of 1 to 2 cm -- not millimeters, but centimeters. I fear for the trees that were damaged last weekend and haven't been attended to yet in the major cleanup. There is a distinct chance of further power outages, just as many people have gotten used to having the heat on again and being able to cook.

I chose to do this blog a bit earlier today, just in case the power goes down and I can't communicate with you all. The song that seemed to work best in my mind has lyrics that discuss meteorological events like nor'easters -- all that and by a favourite singer/songwriter/pianist <smile>.  Enjoy!

Note the visual for the audio below is the nautical warning flag -- storm warning.

Stormfront -- Billy Joel

Day 3 - 35 -- when the music died

Fifty-eight years ago yesterday the early rock and roll world lost three unique players. Fifty-eight years ago today, a young man with a paper route read of the death of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. Twelve years later, Don MacLean would write and record a song that resonates with listeners to this day. Though there was an horrific loss, out of it came something truly poetic, something instantly recognized by many, many people. From MacLean's lyrics came a way to describe the day of that winter plane crash -- the day the music died.

While the three passengers on that plane did not produce any new music, all of their work before the crash lives on. Today I'd like to do something different and share four selections that represent the bodies of work of four artists. The first is one of my favourite Buddy Holly songs, followed by a favourite from Ritchie Valens. JP Richardson (the Big Bopper) was known for one particular song, one that always caught my attention when heard. The fourth  selection is the epic poetic song from Don MacLean. As a bonus I'll include a song from an artist that gave his seat on that plane to someone else -- lyrics he wrote for several songs tried to exorcise those demons. You may need a big cup of tea or nice glass of red and just sit back, listen and relax. Enjoy!

True Love Ways -- Buddy Holly

Donna -- Ritchie Valens

Chantilly Lace -- The Big Bopper

American Pie -- Don MacLean

Old Friend -- Waylon Jennings

Day 3 - 34 -- Dancing around the Icy bits

Snow was added to the frozen world by early evening. It nicely covered all the ice patches making walking even more treacherous. I walked down the road due to the thicker ice on the sidewalks on the hills -- it was relatively clear on the flatter streets.

Walking in zig zags as I tried to step between the ice patches and then dodging overhanging branches made me think of feeling out of control with some projects. It also seemed that the careful movements to keep myself safe could mirror situations in life where it seems easier to 'let it go' rather than speak up for myself or others. I do love metaphors -- they can help make sense of the world and my place in it. <smile>

Dancing around the icy spots today reminded me of Denny Doherty (of the Mamas and the Papas) when telling his musical life story in Dream a Little Dream. He likened the journey to crossing a stream or river by jumping from flat rock to flat rock, discovering along the way that some of the choices were slippery rocks, which added danger to the opportunities. One of the songs he did for this one-man stage play came to mind to share today. It tells a major part of the group history. The link chosen has a wonderful collection of photos including some with other '60s artists. Enjoy!

I Saw her Again -- The Mamas and The Papas

Day 3 - 33 -- Disruptive Actions

Overnight, the world froze solid. All that snow and slush became a massive glacial covering on the ground. Thankfully, the snow covering many trees had fallen with the warmer temperature Sunday and yesterday. Some parking areas on campus were downright scary with the frozen ruts and ice. Many people are getting their power back on as of last night and into the overnight hours. The power trucks are still visible -- passed two large trucks on the way home from work today. The cleanup of the piles of branches and trees will continue into the Spring, since much is under that frozen ice.

I was reminded of the need to be kind to those around us today from both positive and negative examples. While some people feel they have the right to disrupt the lives of others, the example of the power crews disrupting their lives to help others is one that provides some hope for society. <smile> This brought one song to mind. The video for this song is ever so slightly out of sync, but I love the actions of the singer. Enjoy!

Respect -- Aretha Franklin

Day 3 - 32 -- Mental and Physical Labours

A busy Monday at the office and at home. I walked to work to avoid having difficulty finding a parking spot as the lots are being cleared. By afternoon the temperature had risen to +10C. Water was running everywhere. I headed home in late afternoon to shovel the last of the snow from the back porch and around the side of the house. The sun and warmer temps were very agreeable. The snow was fully saturated, so only small bits on the shovel at a time making the process a bit longer, but much easier in the longer term. I then tackled the foot of compacted wet snow on the car. Moving that off the roof was a challenge, but once I found a technique to move larger chunks off the back end of the vehicle, it went much easier. I didn't want to wait longer, since it will freeze overnight and then stay below freezing for two days.

WiFi connections on campus were still out in several buildings until late morning or early afternoon. Luckily I was hard-wired into the network so managed to get a report off that was due today. I had hoped to do this over the weekend, but e-mail was down during that time. At work today, I was able to print some of the draft documents I had begun over the weekend.This evening I finished the drafts of two versions of midterms for two classes -- so four exams in total. The classrooms are full, so two separate exams are needed when people are sitting in a more crowded space. Midterms are next week and things need to get to the printer tomorrow. Again, I'd hoped to get things there today, but didn't get the process moved along over the weekend due to storm issues. So, tomorrow will have to do.

All in all, it's been a good day. I've been thankful for the power workers who have been occupied since Friday evening re-establishing power as trees have been falling across lines in the town and county. Given that activity, there's no way that I can complain today. I'm sharing a song with lyrics that make me think of moving forward in busy situations. The one line about digging made me laugh, since that's what I've been up to -- though, it is likely the lyricist meant something else entirely <grin>. The rhythms and melody are made to make you move. Enjoy!

Draggin' the Line -- Tommy James and the Shondells