Well -- this is it -- the last hours of 2016. A new year ready to write our lives upon will be with us shortly. What are my hopes? That may be difficult to articulate. There is hope -- so positive feelings are part of it all. I wish for time to care for me -- which will mean I need to give myself permission to take that time from the work done for others. <smile> I hope for everyone to be healthy, to find the things that bring us happiness, joy and peace, to be brave, to know the love of friends and family. I look forward to new music, learning to live in the moment, new places, new learnings and new experiences.
Today's selection speaks to moving forward with a positive outlook and not to dwell on past experiences that caused pain and disappointment. This is no small challenge, but I hope we are up to the task. Otherwise, we can miss where we are while we fester over where we were. Learn from the past, just don't stay there. All the best to you for a fantastic 2017. Enjoy!
Tonight a friend and I celebrated the ending of one year and the beginning of the next. Yes, its a day early, but today just seemed a better day for a dinner out minus all the trappings of a New Year's Eve dinner. Many others seem to have similar ideas as the restaurant was fairly full. I didn't realize how much I needed that evening out to just chat. I've had a few outings over the past month, but holing up to work on next term content this past week left me needing some down time with friends.
I've been reflecting on the past year. It has been filled with many events -- good and not so good. Personal losses left large empty spaces in life. Unexpected comments showed that my words helped when others needed understanding. Being physically and figuratively lost in a foreign country brought courage. Seeing the beauty in the world -- historical places and buildings, a new-to-me ocean, the sight of home from the sky, fall colours, sparkling crystalline snow, and so much more -- reminded me that the world held many positives. All experiences, small and large, affect how we see the world and our role in it. Will we see the good or only focus on the unpleasantness of life? Don't get me wrong, 2016 held more than its share of less than wonderful experiences -- but even so there were many moments of a positive nature. I am made of all these experiences.
The song that came to mind is from a Broadway musical. The lyrics note that knowing someone could change a person. The same can be said for experiencing a year, for we often seem to anthropomorphize the years. The song is sung as a conversation between two people -- two people with amazing voices <smile>. Enjoy!
For Good -- Wicked (Original Cast -- Idena Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth)
Here we go again! I'm madly trying to get gobs of things done that need to be ready for next week or for the weekend. A colleague and friend shared with me today that the number of days between when grades are due and classes begin again has been shorter the past few years, so it isn't just me thinking that I used to be able to do this and that it has something to do with aging. In true science fashion, she presented the data for the past couple of decades in a bar graph figure. <smile>
So, what will you be doing New Year's Eve? I will be home that day finishing the things that need to be done before a new year arrives -- general cleaning, laundry, accounting and such.In the evening, I will be home and will watch a movie or something equally as laid back. We are expecting another major nor'easter tonight through tomorrow, that they predict will be a weather bomb -- bombogenesis a particular form of cyclogenesis where the barometric pressure drops at least 24 mB in 24 hours. The end result is major wind. We should get mainly rain with this one -- 15-25 mm. This will be finished on Friday, so New Year;s Eve will be the calm after the storm.
A song that fits only this time of year is shared today. There are many covers of this one. I've chosen one from a favourite New Orleanian <smile>. [The videos for this one were just odd, so this is one with the lyrics floating by -- feel free to listen while doing something other than watching the screen.] Enjoy!
What are you doing New Year's Eve -- Harry Connick, Jr.
News from the past two days brought sadness. Sadness from a loss felt by many and what a single family must endure -- losing two members in a 24 hour period. As individuals these were major losses to the creative part of our world. Together, the loss is incomprehensible.
Carrie Fisher was known to many of us as Princess Leia who we last saw as General Organa. She became many other characters in film, stage and television productions. She authored an autobiography that became a movie and a second autobiographical one-woman stage play. She didn't shy away from the difficult subjects of substance abuse and psychiatric disorders. She was an amazing advocate for mental health. Debbie Reynolds, her mother, was an actress in many movies and television programs, a dancer and a singer. Her career began in her late teens and she was a major star by her early twenties, a pattern followed by her daughter. While life was not smooth for either woman, they each demonstrated strength in the face of adversity. From their acting careers, they left us with many wonderful memories that can be revisited.
Songs for the day took some thought. The first song is one about Fisher's early marriage to Paul Simon. The second is the song I hear whenever I think of Reynolds -- iconic, and showcasing her wonderful voice -- from an early movie also starring Canadian Leslie Nielsen. Enjoy!
While out in the rain shoveling snow, slush and water, the sun came out -- briefly, but it made an appearance. My plow guy seems to have come early in the morning without my request. Sadly, the sidewalk and street plows went by after he moved a lesser amount of snow. If I call, it is always to move what the other plows leave behind and not for the lighter slush and snow -- but for those huge boulders of ice that get pushed up into my driveway like some manic tidal ice jam on wheels. It took me longer than expected to move the extra pile left by the truck plow and then tackle the town plow drivers' deposits. I smiled a lot, despite the heavy loads because of the sun, the iPod and the song that I knew would be for the blog today. I heard it in my head with an altered lyric -- exchanging 'shovel' for 'love you'. It made me smile and even laugh a bit. Just me out there slinging snow and singing the blues <grin>
I've chosen a version with two iconic guitar players each with long recording careers. The older voice has a rather wide vibrato by this point, but it is still unmistakable. The two voices together are a gift to us all. Enjoy!
Come Rain or Come Shine -- Eric Clapton & B.B. King
While out shoveling the snow today -- yes, again, but only a couple of inches -- a Facebook meme that I'd seen earlier wandered through my mind. It made me think. The text of the meme stated, "Blessed are the weird people -- the poets and misfits, the artists, the writers and music makers, the dreamers and the outsiders -- for they force us to see the world differently." Now isn't that a gift. I thought about the work of artists whose lives weren't smooth -- Leibovitz, Henry Moore, Warhol, van Gogh, along with many musicians and poets through the ages. Their works have moved me in ways that surprised me -- smiles, laughter, tears. Some were able to show their pain in their works, while others turned the pain into something beautiful. For some, their approach to their craft made them outsiders. New ideas and philosophical stances don't always make one sought after; often the opposite holds true.
Feeling ostracized, one could go in several directions. Doing something creative that leads others to a different place may be one of the most difficult, yet most prized of actions. Not all actions will live on for generations hence to ponder. That doesn't make them any less prized. Most people will not become famous, but their views and words can have great impact on one or a small group -- local artists and philosophers come to mind. In the Queen's Christmas message this year, she used the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta to encourage listeners to 'do small things with great love.' Even if those around seem not to be listening or watching, actions may be noticed by one person, easing this shared journey no one understands.
Further contemplation today brought to mind a song that I've used here a while back. It also brought forth a short speech from a television series. Both fit the theme of the day fairly well. The first link is for the song. The second link contains the speech with part of the song in the background (speech around 1:40). Enjoy!
Chances -- Athlete
Speech about the works of Vincent van Gogh -- from Vincent and the Doctor episode, Doctor Who
As I was watching TV and eating my Christmas brunch, a call came from friends wondering if my power was out. When I said it wasn't and that I was watching TV, they were surprised. They were thinking of starting dinner for our group but were without power. I had an oven free so offered that should things not start working by the time the turkey had to start. Their power was out for two hours, but back on just after noon, so things moved ahead almost as expected. I cooked my vegetable dish and packed it, gifts and wine into a weather proof canvas bag, and walked up to their home. It had begun to snow rather heavily just before I set out. The winds were still quite strong -- the source of the power outage earlier in the day. It wasn't too bad for the first few blocks and then the light snow turned to snow-ice pellets. Free facial and makeup remover -- I swear if I bared my legs it would have been a great depilatory, too. <smile> The gusts were ferocious at times. By home time, after a delightful evening with friends, the snow had stopped, but friends drove me home. While clear and bright out, the wind is still coming around over and over with major gusts -- scary sounding. This wind has been acting up since the overnight. Time to give it a rest, I'd say so we can all have a peaceful, uninterrupted sleep. After all, we now have to shovel again tomorrow. <smile> Only 2-3 inches with another couple of inches expected throughout tomorrow.
A traditional carol has been running through my head today -- hopefully not due to the Weather Network using it every 10 minutes for the past few days. I heard a very different arrangement with a singer and not just a piano, so it is unlikely that this came from TWN. <smile> I love this version by a fantastic female singer. It is peaceful. Enjoy!
Cookies decorated, slice cut and gifts for tomorrow wrapped. A rather grey day today, that saw rising temperatures and melting snow. As the temperature drops into tomorrow, there may be more ice -- the frozen snow piles melt and run onto the bare sidewalks which become icy as the temp goes down below freezing again. A small bit of snow is expected tomorrow, which may only serve to hide the ice for those walking or driving. Sounds a bit 'bah, humbig, didn't it? Sorry. <smile>
I'm about to settle into a peaceful evening with a couple movies and some festive beverage or other. I love these holiday traditions. White Christmas and Scrooge (Alistair Sim version from 1951). Marley is about to appear <smile>.
I had a song in my head most of the day and it wasn't a Christmas tune. It does speak to the peace that is wished for especially at this time of year. This one dreams of freedom from war, something many people in this world do as part of their daily realities. It was written by Ed McCurdy, an American singer-songwriter who had a radio show on CBC in Canada in the late 1940s. The video chosen doesn't have the best visual qualities, but it comes with a bonus from a wonderful singer and advocate for peace. I've added a second song that has been shared here in the past. This one expresses the strength of humanity to not fully be lost in the face of adversity and it does have a Christmas aspect to it. Enjoy!
Last Night I had the Strangest Dream -- John Denver
I've always looked for the backstory -- you know, the "how did they get there" or "what caused that". Delving into historical documents can give some sense of what was happening in someone's life at the time. I enjoy backstories of fictional characters, too, like the television series that takes one episode to uncover some of the mysteries of a single character. Or a movie that provides flashbacks that help put the pieces of the story together. Backstory information helps to understand the puzzle.
When working this afternoon on my kitchen tasks in preparation for Christmas, a song from the holiday playlist got me thinking again. Sometimes there just isn't much available to help construct that backstory. Whether one believes the Christmas story to be truth or a strong cultural myth, very little is written about the parents of that little baby. We have some facts of the lineage and home towns but what were they feeling? Most of the questions remain lost in the centuries that have followed. Yet, some have pondered and asked many questions and some have written songs about the story and wondered how the parents dealt with it all. Sadly, their stories seem relegated to the background so we are left to work through the 'what abouts' with our questions.
Today I am sharing two songs of the season that ask about and acknowledge the inherent difficulties that must have come to the parents. The first one deals with the mother and the second one with the father. The first video is sung in an evocative location, while the second one has no visuals and the quality is not the best, yet it makes the point for today. Enjoy!
What a busy world out there! My day began with some errands for grocery items and a stop at the drug store for a few necessary but unexciting items. The three stores I visited were very full of people doing the same thing as me. The small bakery had a line up. The grocery store took forever to get through the aisles and the checkout. The drug store moved along a bit better, but was still not the quick visit I'd planned. Once home, my afternoon and early evening involved writing course outlines for the three courses that begin in January. That always takes longer than imagined. I ended by making a list of things that need to happen tomorrow so that food items are ready for Sunday and housework is done now instead of on Christmas day <smile>.
I've been out to stores twice this week and people are in an tizzy to get things ready for that one day. Some people had very ambitious plans judging from their shopping carts. I wouldn't have been surprised if it were the beginning of the month with the enormous piles of baking ingredients. To use them all in preparation for the weekend looked like no one would be sleeping -- just baking until Sunday morning. All stores were filled with people -- some with a mission and a list and many with that glazed eye look of panic. The music from above seemed to be 'real' music rather than lower grade covers of Christmas songs. It was very enjoyable. Parking lots were full so even that part of the trip took longer. I always find this interesting, since we all know when the holidays are going to fall -- it isn't like there is a storm expected in the next 12 hours, yet the stores have that sort of feel to them -- just with soothing holiday music in the background. I know I'm late doing this, but my job precludes doing much since before Thanksgiving (the Canadian one in October) due to the constant stream of grading and committee work. So -- I'm always one of the late ones for food shopping and getting cards and parcels in just under the wire most years, since that shopping begins far earlier than December <smile>. Yet, I expect we all feel that need to make things perfect -- cook every favourite food item and dessert. I decided some time ago that this couldn't happen, so I choose two or three baked goods to tackle based on what I think I want that year. The vegetable dishes that I take to dinner this year can be partially cooked ahead and then fully assembled and baked just before I leave for the festivities.
There was a line of lyric from an older Christmas song that came to mind today -- all about the business. I've chosen a version from a new Christmas album that just came out a month or so ago. Love the range of this Canadian songstress. Enjoy!
At this time
of the year, with exams behind me (for now <smile>), I chose to pause and reflect on the past year. During this festive time, I find myself pondering peace even more than at other times. Peace -- Not simply a freedom from
war -- if one can call that simple -- but one of inner peace, something that is
truly a challenge to achieve and even more so to maintain.
I recalled an
interview with the late Maya Angelou, in which she stated that our goal should
be to be the peace bringers and not only peace makers – to bring that inner
peace outwards. This is a true test, but I believe is one well worth the
effort. I would like to share with you a quotation from Dr. Angelou’s poem,
“Amazing Peace.”
“We, Angels and Mortal's,
Believers and Non-Believers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation.
Peace, My Brother.
Peace, My Sister.
Peace, My Soul.”
The full poem
is truly magical – she had such a gifted way
with words. It was written for Christmas 2005. I found a selection to share today -- a great video of a recitation by the author with musical accompaniment. Enjoy!
Amazing Peace -- Maya Angelou with the US Navy Band (music by Charlie Barnett)
Grades were calculated and entered today. A long process, but it is now completed. The deferred exam -- due to the snow storm last Friday has been rescheduled for January. We'll see how this works out for everyone involved in the coming days. For now, no more grading necessary for a couple of weeks, at least. I even managed a relaxing evening out with a friend -- good food and some nice wine were the accouterments.
I will need to head into the office for part of the day tomorrow to complete a few things that require the work computer to do. There are several shopping errands that also need to be done. That will leave me a couple of days to work on course prep for January and maybe get some baking done. I do enjoy the cooking process, just don't want too much of the stuff around for just me to consume. So, I may do just two items this year -- which two is still the question. I do give away much of the results, but it seems that usually there is more than I need left. I've found leaving it in the freezer is a great way to make me more mindful since I have to go downstairs to get something. It isn't just sitting somewhere easy to access. Last year I made two types of cookies and no squares. This year I'd like to make a family tradition square and either a cookie or gingerbread cake. It may depend on my mood on the baking day itself <smile>.
For the next week, I really need to get some sleep and rest my brain a bit. It isn't always easy to fall asleep when feeling so tightly wound. A lullaby came to mind as a way to relax the mind and soul. I heard one on the weekend that struck me. It is traditionally sung in the Outer Hebrides at midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The choral group I heard last weekend did an a capella version with a drone line that mimicked bagpipes. The version shared here uses a cello for similar effect, though I expect the traditionalists would use pipes. It is in Gaelic They say the original song had 29 verses, though this one uses about three <smile>. Enjoy!
sorry this one is a day late -- it was very late when I finished yesterday and I was just exhausted.
Not a lot to say today -- I spent 10 hours completing the grading. There would have been a bit of a shout of happiness when that final one was done <smile> -- some may have heard it, I'm sure. Oh, and no shoveling today, either <grin>.
The word that came out of my mouth when the last exam was completed reminded me of a traditional carol. I did find a less traditional rendition of it to share here today. Enjoy!
Yes -- the day began with pushing some wet slushy snow. I had to do this. We had a half day of rain and the temperature reached 12C (50ish F). In the past hour the temperature has dropped 7 degrees -- obviously a flash freeze underway. So, moving the slushy junk made sense or it would be solid tomorrow. The rest of the day was filled with grading the final exam. It took longer than I'd expected, so there is another full day needed tomorrow. Likely this isn't a bad thing, since it will be icy everywhere tomorrow, staying inside might be a good plan. <smile>
When checking the weather network, an announcer in Halifax had comedian Ron James commenting on the weather. Going from -17C yesterday to +12C today is a huge swing. James noted that we are all seeing Mother Nature going through the change, having hot flashes and trouble with her internal thermostat control. That did make me smile in the midst of grading.
The wind was strong from late afternoon until about half an hour ago -- lights flickering all evening, with me just thinking that I need to finish this grading and a flashlight just won't work.<smile>. How's that for cranky and obsessive <grin>. I did open the door earlier in the day just to feel the warmer air. It reminded me of a song about a warmer Christmas. Enjoy! Tropical Christmas -- The Bellamy Brothers
The day began as have the past several days -- shoveling the snow. While a small bit had fallen last night, most of the visibility issues had been from blowing. I had walked up to the cathedral to hear the King's College Chapel Choir do "A King's Christmas" -- a lovely evening of music and readings. Heading up and back home the snow was blowing badly. I thought a couple times that this was a silly activity -- walking out in the middle of a blizzard. I wasn't alone, though, so was able to walk part way home with a former colleague. The shoveling of the snow has become pure drudgery. It feels like a sentence rather than the occasional activity. All that, and I'm a bit sore after using muscles that don't get used this way most of the year.
It began snowing again this evening, just as I had to head up to campus to give a break to two colleagues invigilating exams. I walked since the snow was making the roads slippery based on the sounds of cars spinning in places. Up and back my black coat became quite white <smile>. On the way home, I was feeling a bit down and paid more attention to where I was stepping rather than what was right in front of me. A couple of blocks later, there right before my eyes was all this sparkling snow. The new flakes were larger in size and the ground appeared scattered with diamonds. The crystalline structure of the snow flakes became more evident. This had been at my feet for the walk up and half the walk back before I really noticed it. I'd been thinking of the people who aren't here for Christmas this year and the next thing I know the sparkles made their way into my consciousness. I was surrounded by glitter. I smiled. I'm not really alone, those I miss are always with me, I just have to pay attention to the signs. Cool!
A lyric about sparkling snow came to mind. I found a version that has that song melded with another that seemed to be the message of the glitter tonight. I do love the a capella stylings of this group -- always fun and unexpected. Enjoy!
Winter Wonderland/Don't Worry be Happy -- Pentatonix
Will this never stop?? This morning it was -17C (~0F) with a feel like temp of about -30 (either scale is about the same at this point). It snowed and blew around during the night and was still gusting mightily as I pushed the snow to make a walkway to the street. Due to the cold, the snow was light to push and lift. It was not as deep as I'd expected it to be -- about 8 inches. Once that was done, I changed for work and walked in again. I need a plow to clear the heavy deep pile at the end of the driveway and visibility was miserable with the gusting wind, so the car stayed put. It was also colder than is best for a cold car start -- no plugging in vehicles at this end of the country. Walking was fairly good, though crossing at corners was an act of faith when visibility was a block or less. I dropped the book bag in the office and took the mail (Christmas cards I'd addressed during the exam last night) to the campus post office and dropped the computer cards from the exam last evening at the IT desk. When I got back, I had 30 minutes to set up the exam for today. Just as I was about to walk next door to the classroom, I heard that the university had closed due to weather and all exams remaining today (2 PM and 7 PM) would be deferred to January. That was a 30 minute notice for the afternoon exams. <sigh> I got a ride home so I could take the mega-tonne of exams from yesterday -- too heavy to carry and walk that far.
I'll admit to only one lyric line running over and over in my head today. It definitely summed up the view from any window, though I've always had issues with the main message and title of the song <smile>. This version is by a voice from another era. Enjoy!
The day was filled with many activities. It began with moving the snow from overnight -- about 2-3 inches. The walk into work was pleasant, but snow squalls and system snow were expected throughout the day. I wouldn't be home until 10 PM, so chose not to risk being unable to get the car back into my driveway when returning late. I walked in the side door, dropped my book bag in my office, taped two envelopes shut, and walked out the front door into a blizzard-like experience. I mailed those parcels across the street and there was a centimetre of snow down when I returned to the building 15 minutes later. It only got thicker. My exam was at 7 PM, and luckily, the snow stopped late afternoon, giving road plows time to clear before students had to drive into the exam. Many had been on campus most of the day, knowing the weather was going to be iffy. Everyone of the 52 students arrived safe and sound for the exam -- so no deferrals to January necessary. <smile>
The walk home was quiet and solitary. I saw a couple of people from a distance, walking through the snow, and only a few cars were on the road. That is a good thing, since in many places the street plow had refilled the space made by the sidewalk plow -- dueling plow drivers it seems. At Main Street, the street lights were flashing yellow -- yes, the town is that small <smile>. Again, easy to cross as very little traffic was out and about. I waded into my house through knee deep snow, dropped my book bag inside and shoveled off the porch, stairs and sidewalk parallel to the house. Since more snow was falling and the winds were picking up, the blowing snow would fill in the length of the walkway to the street, so I left that for the next day.
The theme for the day seemed to be hope. Hoping that I remained upright walking in the new snow that covered the layer of ice under it all. Hoping that students would be safe and get into the exam. Hoping that I remained upright wading through the deeper snow on the walk home at night. Hoping the snow was light enough to move without creating soreness. The sign of hope I found was the gorgeous full moon visible in the late evening -- who shovels at 11 PM? <grin>. The song for the day is one that has a feeling of hope to it. The tempo and melody seem a bit frenetic, not unlike my day today. I've chosen a video by a well-known family of performers from Cape Breton (who are performing on campus tomorrow evening). They give this version a unique Celtic twist. Enjoy!
Very fine snow began mid-morning and then turned to big fluffy flakes. That is when I went out to pick up exams from the printers. It is a two block walk and by the time I got home there was fine spitty rain. For the next hour it was rain and wet snow mixed. I drove around town doing several errands, dropping exams onto campus and getting a few groceries. By the time I headed home in late afternoon, there was enough rain to make my gloves wet. It will freeze overnight and then temperatures will rise a bit but it will be snow tomorrow for certain they tell us -- about 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) -- unless the sea effect snow takes over again. It may be that not all students can get in for the final exam at 7 PM tomorrow since a few live a fair distance away. Writing a second exam for them seems better than having them risk their safety getting here. We'll see. I hope it doesn't evolve as forecast -- just another layer of stress no one needs.
I'm behind in getting parcels and such into the mail on time. The parcel deadline has past, but there is an expedited rate that should work. Cards are due out in the next couple of days. I plan to address envelopes while invigilating tomorrow. I got the last items to mail today, so the parcels will be prepared over the next couple of days. If all else fails, some people will get a note or call to say "the gift is in the mail" <grin>.
I'm still struggling to get into the holiday mood -- well the happier part of that mood. I will go to a great choral event this week in hopes that it gets me feeling a bit of that spirit and then help me get through the piles of grading. I have so much work to do for others as well as me, that I feel snowed under -- looking out the window doesn't help a lot with that, either <sigh>. The grey skies must be messing with my mood these days -- well that and the big white on the ground <smile>. The song that came to mind today deals with the blue feeling that can appear around the big holidays. It does have a bit of a lilt to it so isn't totally depressing <grin>. I love the smoothness of the voice featured here. Enjoy!
When the backhoe finished opening up the end of the driveway this afternoon, I headed out to clear away the bits left behind the car and to take the 10+ inches off the car. The car usually takes 30+ minutes to clear the roof and hood in such situations. There was just a bit behind the car, but the new driver seemed to move a lot onto the town sidewalk instead of my lawn. That 'bit' was knee deep and four feet wide. When that was moved, I went back to the driveway and cleared the ankle deep stuff left out by the street. Not an issue for driving through it, but there will be a freeze up and that stuff would be horrible for driving and walking. So -- that took another 30 minutes -- it was heavier snow since the temperature rose to about freezing today. Less per shovel full takes more time. All told, I was out for over an hour. During the last 20 minutes, snow pellets fell from the sky -- the flurries we were told to expect, but not enough to accumulate, thankfully. Tomorrow it is meant to rain when the temp creeps above freezing and it looks like a flash freeze could occur as the temps plummet overnight tomorrow.
As I was out moving snow around, several people walked by. I chatted with one I knew and noticed the others as they talked and laughed. The breaks between shoveling had me looking at the snow as it fell from the sky or fell off the trees and car. This all reminded me of the first three lines of a Christmas song. This one originally appeared in the '60s, yet became known from the mid-'80s until 2014 as a television Christmas tradition. This recording is from a time long before Letterman. Enjoy!
While shoveling over the past two days and when walking into work and back today, I was listening to Christmas tunes. The playlist is long and eclectic, which should be no surprise to anyone who reads here. It struck me while listening that many lyrics were variations on a single theme -- that thing that is called Christmas spirit. It involves helping our fellow travelers on this earth. While this often takes the form of charity -- such as giving to the food bank -- it seems not to look further than the warm fuzzy feeling of giving something to people we don't know, without fully understanding what they do need. While food banks have become a fully entrenched institution in the fabric of our towns and cities, they aren't able to do what we often think they do. People can use them once every few weeks and only receive enough food for 3-5 days. Foodbanks were meant to supplement foods that others could not buy, not to be the sole source of food going into a household. In an ideal world, foodbanks would all close their doors, since there would be greater equity within our communities and all would have an income that allows purchase of food, shelter, clothing, medicines and other essentials of life.
So -- if Christmas and a couple of other holidays encourage the spirit of giving, where should we donate our time, skills or money? Obviously, at present foodbanks do play a key role that no publicly funded program covers. Donations of foods that are not the ones that limited budgets allow people to buy would be a good idea. Often the same inexpensive foods that families can purchase are also donated -- pasta, canned tomatoes, beans, tuna and such. Why not donate something like spices, fresh or frozen vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs (provided the local foodbank has appropriate storage) or toiletries (shampoo, toilet paper, dish detergent and such)? Perhaps, it just takes looking at donated items through a different lens. There are other agencies that work towards improving equity and not just providing handouts, these deserve our attention, too.
As I walked along, more than one song asked the question I'd thought of -- What does Christmas spirit mean? One lyric answered this in an articulate manner -- "It is not the things you do at Christmas time, but the Christmas things you do all year through." Now that is something to aspire towards. I've narrowed this to three songs today and feel there is a need for all three to be able to fully support my seasonal reflection. The first song was recorded to advocate for donations to the Ethiopian famine from 1984. While some of the phrasing in the lyrics is not as PC as we'd expect now, it made the point that there were others that needed emergency care and some longer term support. Lots of young fresh faces in this one <smile>. Thirty year later, the second song was based on the first, only this time addressed the ebola outbreaks in west Africa. It did clear up some of the phrasing and made the point that many of us can become involved in caring for the global community. The third (and final selection <smile>) for today deals with the deeper meaning of the spirit of the season. The version I wanted was by the Nylons, but seems not to be available online. Instead, I chose one with a singer we've heard from this week, but with two other very young versions of people we've seen decades later -- one who we usually see as an actor not a singer. Enjoy!
Much as I dislike snow and ice, moving light, fluffy snow can be an easier task than some. While pushing around about a foot of snow yesterday, I had an interesting feeling of happiness. I was listening to my iPod and was ready to dance in the snow. At one point, I pondered making a snow angel. It was just 'that' kind of snow. In the end, I chose not to. I was afraid that all that any neighbours looking out the windows would see was an older adult moving snow who was now flailing around on the ground. Rather than have them call 911 and then me having to explain my miraculous recovery, I thought better of my original plan. Instead, I soldiered on moving the snow on that long driveway.
Later in the day, we had a Christmas celebration dinner for the department at a local restaurant. It was a fun evening with most people able to attend. A few were unable to get in due to illness, travel and the nasty sea effect snow squalls. The company was great and the commensality of a shared meal brought that sense of togetherness -- though in a different way than felt at most meetings or with office tasks. It is a great gift to be able to socialize with those you work with -- and like it <smile>.
A few lines from a song ran through my head when reflecting on the happenings of yesterday. The singer-songwriter is from Nova Scotia and has a wonderful voice for this type of song. Though it has a sadder sound to it, the lyrics do speak to joy and looking up at the sky -- things that happened during my snow removal process yesterday. It seemed only fitting to share that song with you here today. The trees at the beginning of the video resemble those in my yard today and yesterday. Enjoy!
It has been a quiet day -- a good thing <smile>. The usual Saturday chores happened. I managed the beginnings of Christmas decor in the house, too. Tree is up -- lights will wait until tomorrow. Most of the Christmas linens, runners, table cloths and such are out on the requisite pieces of furniture. I still have to dig out the scatter run for the living room, but that, too, can wait until tomorrow. The sun shone brightly until late afternoon. I had pondered moving the snow that had fallen overnight -- about 2 inches (5 cm) -- but I chose to wait to see what happened tonight instead. Just as well, The snow had tripled when I looked out a bit ago and it was still snowing heavily and accumulating quickly. The prevailing winds seem to be coming in from the Northumberland Strait, so we're in the midst of sea effect snow streamers. That will mean significant snow moving tomorrow. The temperature is dropping with the northerly winds, too, so I guess the winter gear will debut tomorrow. A weather system that carries a lot of snow is said to settle in here overnight Sunday into Monday and Tuesday. The shovel will get a workout this week, it seems.
Based on the forecast for the next two weeks, it seems unlikely that the snow will leave before Christmas, giving us one of the rarer white Christmases. For most of my 19 years here in the Maritimes, it has been green or just a minuscule dusting of white. I expect this year will be definitely white with no question. While many folks want to see snow on Christmas Eve when coming out of evening services, I've never seen that as a special event. I've always thought of those who had to shovel it or drive through it in order to get to the family gathering the following day. Guess I'm just a bit too pragmatic at times. The covering of white will mean that I don't have to stare at the mud pit of a driveway that was left by the roofers a few weeks back. It will also freeze the ground so that we don't have to wade through muck and mire to get to and from the house. That freeze up will mean that the ground is full of ruts and shoveling will not be the smoother job it has been for years. If we catch it early, as seems to be the forecast, I may be able to kick through the rutted bits and try to smooth out a pathway. At least it is cheaper than joining a gym and sitting behind glass windows while exercising isolated muscle groups -- just have to pace oneself and breath correctly. <smile>
Given the early decorations inside and the white fluffy snow outside, only one song kept running through my head today. I've chosen a video clip from a movie to share. I like the Christmas pageant aspect of the stage performance and the wonderful harmonies of the singers. Enjoy!
I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas -- Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera Ellen, & Rosemary Clooney
Sun turned to cloud and snow as the day wore on -- the bright sun was wonderful this morning, though. The afternoon was filled with grade calculations and exam prep -- each of which moves me further forward and saves scrambling to get things in order just before the exam and when final course grades are due to the Registrar. I felt all bleary-eyed when I finished counting & checking online input before deadlines -- looking at spreadsheets and ensuring all cells are filled for each student can be trying. I does have to be done, though.
After all of that detailed work, we had the building Christmas potluck this evening. It was a great group and the food, as always, was wonderful. Seeing people outside of work and with their partners and children is fun. It was a relaxing event.
The selection today was one that a colleague sang while playing the guitar -- with many of us singing along. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Enjoy!
The sun came out today briefly, so I went out to do a couple errands. It didn't last long and then we were back in the greyness -- with rain turning to snow in the evening. When the grading was finished, I was very late getting online, where I heard the news about he death of John Glenn. The second person to orbit the earth and later the oldest person to join a space mission. He was 77 the second time he went up, the first being a Mercury mission and the second on the shuttle decades later.
Thinking through songs, a couple came to mind. The one I chose has a more sedate sound with a slight minor note to it. While not a traditional Christmas song, this one does use much of the story with a twist. It seems fitting for the day with the loss of one of the original NASA space program astronauts. Enjoy! A Spaceman Came Travelling -- Chris De Burgh
Again, the day was grey with heavy overcast. It was also filled with many meetings. Several great conversations and catching up with colleagues occurred at work and at the grocery stores -- seems that is where we all congregate <smile>. Everyone said they were avoiding grading by getting groceries. It doesn't fix things, but it helps to know that others are in the same place I am.
Santa seems to be on the minds of the kids at the stores. Given that he has regular hours at our mall now means many have or will be seeing him. He can't be there all day everyday, though, since he has other malls to go to using that special Santa magic. If he has mastered the round the world with a bazillion stops along the way in a single night, malls are a cake walk for him.
The song that came to mind today deals with Santa and his magic. It has a bluesy style with wishful lyrics. The singer has fun with this one. Enjoy!
Much typing today -- setting two final exams. It was grey and felt cold and damp outside. I ran out part way through the exam writing to mail a letter and get some lunch -- a hearty curried lentil and vegetable soup. It was perfect for a cold weather day and very tasty. I managed to get the exams off to the printer before end of day and then completed some review for upcoming course outlines. So -- a work filled day.
Christmas shopping lists need more attention. I have some shopping completed from earlier in the year, but a few small items need to be added. Hopefully, I can visit a couple places between meetings tomorrow afternoon as I travel between venues. Shop windows are well decorated for the holidays and music emanates from many storefronts and all ceilings in town. Lights are out in full force in the evening, making the greyness of a day become a multicoloured extravaganza. The tree in the house needs to be placed so those lights come inside and give that magical place to lose oneself in the darkness.
A song that I've heard in several places over the past few days has stuck with me. It is upbeat and fun. Enjoy!
I've been thinking of past Christmas seasons today -- that nostalgia thing again. While I felt sad a few times, there were some smiles. It helped me to be present during a working meeting, write a difficult note to mail, and visit the physio to deal with a recurrence of a nasty bursitis. The world outside is still fairly white and the quality of the light during the day is much weaker. All these things make it feel like Christmas. The lights and decorations around town just validate that weather based feeling.
While at the grocery store I saw several people from campus and chatted with a few of them. We are all feeling the need to be outside our office work places and even the grocery store offers that social comfort. I found that speaking with people I hadn't seen for a while was another trigger to get me thinking of past years. Interesting how something as small as a word or phrase can take you off on a mind journey into the past. I recalled being in Toronto working over Christmas -- a year I didn't get home to the family until New Years, which was my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary. While in the city leading up to Christmas I went to see the Nutcracker for the first time. I love the National Ballet and went as often as my budget would allow. This was a must do.
The selection chosen for today is from that Christmas classic. This recent version is somewhat unconventional but quite stunning. Enjoy!
Today was an emotional day. Between shoveling the bit of snow from last evening and finishing the laundry, I went to the Santa parade. This was postponed from last week due to the nor'easter. The parade was short, but fun. I felt a bit teary watching the kids enjoying the floats and gathering the candy handouts. A lot of cuteness was involved. This afternoon I attended the Fall convocation. This is smaller than the main one in May. Several special awards were presented. The honourary doctorate was conferred on the director of the Men of the Deeps (for 50 years). An outreach award went to a faculty member who has been integral to the birth and growth of the service learning program on campus, while the community partner award went to the local L'Arche association. Degrees for graduate programs and many undergraduate degrees were received along with the wonderful diploma programs in adult education, ministry, and development leadership. The latter students have been working through the Coady International Institute since late Spring. These international leaders came from Africa, south Asia, southeast Asia, east Asia and the Caribbean -- a true gift to our campus. Again, some emotional moments there, too.
I love the ceremony of convocation and the sea of happy faces -- students, family, friends, faculty. Dressing in bright academic regalia is fun -- a visit back to medieval days. This brings memories of my own trips across the stage, which seemed a solid form of closure after all the hard work. Recalling the feelings of accomplishment mixed with trepidation about the future, and sadness to be leaving a home of sorts filled with many friends and familiar places. Celebrations with family and friends were special.
Maybe, in both cases today, the emotions were a type of nostalgia. So -- a song that captures a type of nostalgia mixed with sadness -- there could only be one for this today. The singers are amazing in this video -- one a baritone late in his career, the other a tenor early on in his. Both have left us now, but thankfully we have audio and video of each of their separate careers and of this one shining moment when they were uncharacteristically paired for this fantastic duet -- as part of a holiday special that was watched every year in my household growing up. Enjoy!
The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth -- Bing Crosby & David Bowie
The day has been busy, yet there seems I haven't even made a dent in the pile of things that need to be done -- and done soon. It is difficult to remain calm at times and yet, at other times I just shake my head and walk away from it all. I'm not sure either is healthy <smile>. I walked out for an errand and the sun was shining through the cloud. It didn't rain until evening -- and not a lot then. It is to be cooler for a few days but with some sun mixed with cloud during the daytime. I'm looking forward to that. It might make walks out between work tasks more pleasant.
I've been thinking of Christmas preparations today. I had hoped to get several things done in the house, and all that happened was the kitchen and bathroom linens were changed to holiday themed versions. It is a start, of course. I'll move onto the other things bit by bit over the next week, I guess. This reminded me of a song title. I'll share that here today. Enjoy!
The last day of classes -- it seems somewhat anticlimactic since there is still so much to do in the coming two weeks. We had an end of term gathering with faculty and students that provided a time to take a quick break between events. I was afraid to sit at one of the tables for fear I fell asleep. Looking around the room, it was clear that I wasn't the only exhausted one there. On the way home, I treated myself to a wood-fired pizza for supper from our local mobile pizza oven. Yum! <smile>
I carried home a big bag of materials to help me write the exams for this term and the course outlines for next term. The plan tonight was to complete the online course that I've been taking (in my spare time <grin>) and to make a shopping list for things that have to hit the mail by the end of next week. After supper, I settled down to work and promptly fell asleep -- for almost 2 hours! Needless to say the 'to do' list for tonight has been scrapped, meaning more for tomorrow.
I suspect that even without being in the academic field, life can be frenetic at this time of year. Pressures to do so much so perfectly come at us from all around and from within. The pace of events seems to rise to an untenable level. No wonder everyone looks so stressed and tired. A song was shared at work today that just seemed to fit this feeling so well. It should bring a smile. Enjoy!
Tomorrow is the last day of classes for the Fall term -- two final wrap-it-all-up lectures and information around exam formatting and it is over. There are still final exams to set and then grade, but this one is almost in the history books. We plan to have a student-faculty end of term event in the late afternoon once the last class (mine) is over at 2:15. I'm looking forward to that -- a bit of a break in the chaos.
Today the Boston tree was lit. This year the tree came from Cape Breton near a Mi'kmaq reserve. It is immense, but then it needs to be large to be THAT tree. This tradition began several decades ago to commemorate and thank the people of Boston who came to help after the Halifax Explosion almost 99 years ago. It seems a wonderful way to show gratitude and friendship between the two cities.
Since the Advent season is upon us, the blog will move into its historical roots through sharing of holiday music. Tonight I share a song that came to mind when thinking of the tree sent to Boston. There is a line early in the song about cutting Christmas trees, while others talk about decorations and snow. I love the idea of finding a place of solitude as presented by the singer-songwriter, who is from home -- a Saskatchewan girl -- so it brings thoughts of home and family, too. The emotions found in this selection are many and diverse, with the intro and extro modulations filled with feeling. Enjoy!
