Day 3 - 89 -- Loss of a Mental Health Champion

The day began grey and cloudy. Rain had stopped in the middle of the night. I walked into work knowing that some form of frozen precipitation was expected by afternoon. Work went well and I left late afternoon during a major snow event -- big huge fluffy flakes that turned to tiny ice crystals by the time I got home. Accumulation was minimal, but the wind was enormous. Regardless of which direction I walked, the snow was horizontal and blew directly into my face -- west, north east, south west -- it came from all directions at once. Just another of the amazing maritime weather phenomena. Wind warnings continue tonight and further snow is expected, but just a few centimetres if the forecast is to be believed.

I heard news of the loss of brave woman today. She was an accomplished, award winning actress who championed mental health disorders, after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Patty, or Anna Marie, Duke, died today. She was a child actor on Broadway, starred in a series named for her, and made her mark in movies. She also had a short recording career. I'm sharing two of her works here today. The first was from the early part of this career and reflects much adolescent angst. It reached #8 on the US charts. The second is the title song from a '60s film, Valley of the Dolls. The character she played was over acted in some aspects, but seemed to reflect her early life dealing with addiction. Enjoy!

Don't Just Stand There -- Patti Duke

Title song Valley of the Dolls -- Patty Duke