Day 4 - 273 -- Limping Around

The word of the day -- ouch. Last evening I developed a rather sore foot. I applied heat and rested it. It felt better this morning, until I'd walked down the hall to the kitchen. Since then it has been more sore than not. It appears to be plantar fasciitis <sigh>. I did have a bout of this 4 years ago, but this seems worse. Either that, or I just don't recall how painful it was.  I do know it hurt a lot last time. So, Monday will involve a trip to the physio to help with the pain while I do the stretches and ice the darn thing. Not to walk on hard surfaces is difficult, since the house isn't carpeted. Not sure how I'll manage at work or get groceries. Yuck. I need new runners, but had planned to purchase online. I may change that plan and go to the sports store and see what things actually feel like. I'll need the dynamic foot support specific for women. I've liked my last pair, but may need something different -- we'll see what the physio recommends.

Pain of any sort can be fatiguing. Thankfully most work this weekend involves grading and preparing slides for lectures, so no standing needed there. Working for a good sleep sounds like a good plan. I just want this to limp away and let me walk again <sigh>. That brought a song line to my head. <smile> Enjoy!

Walk Away Renee -- The Left Banke

Day 4 - 272 -- New Music

Today was very cool with drier air -- sun in the morning and rain by late afternoon. It was a meeting filled day along with 2 classes. Most student meetings seem caught up now. It has been a crazy busy couple of weeks. Waiting for me this weekend are the first assignments from both courses, setting an exam that needs to go to print early in the week, and preparing slides for lectures next week. Oh, and laundry and cleaning the bathroom. I'll stop there since I don't want to make you all too envious. <grin>

An album that has been a long time coming was released today. I wanted to share a song from it with lyrics that coincide with the self reflective component of this blog. It is a process not a destination, after all. The Canadian singer-songwriter shows her love of several genres, merging several in single tracks. Enjoy!

All in All -- Shania Twain

Day 4 - 271 -- Mega-Rain

It was still dark when I wondered what the neighours were up to -- only to realize that the noise was from thunder. A major storm passed by over a couple of hours early in the day. Torrents of rain fell, blocking sight of the house across the street. It settled into a steady light rain for the rest of the day. Heavy cloud blocked the sun so at its brightest the day looked like twilight. Throughout the day, the temperature dropped as the tropical air moved east. By suppertime, there was a distinct chill in the air and the humidity was far lower than the past several days. Tomorrow the high is to be similar to the lows of late with single digit lows to follow for a couple of nights. This is what fall feels like here -- cool and damp.

Luckily this morning I could wait for the rain to ease up a bit before leaving for the office. A colleague had to pull over on the highway three times on the way in this morning due to extremely heavy rains and no visibility. I've driven in such storms and it is as bad as driving in a blizzard. I've even stood in such storms at an outdoor concert -- we were all soaked but had a great time. <smile>  One line went through my head this morning listening to the thunder and monsoonal rain. I've chosen a version by a former band member's solo career. Enjoy!

Who'll Stop the Rain -- John Fogerty

Day 4 - 270 -- Thinking Cajun

Another long and very full work day is over. It all begins again tomorrow and again Friday. Not having time to eat lunch due to meetings, student consultations and classes can be a major challenge. I've tried to hold onto 15 minutes most days, but some days that much time isn't available. While students can eat during class time, it is difficult to lecture and eat at the same time <grin>. Once this week is over, things should improve. So -- just two days to get through.

I heard a song last night that caught my attention and has had me thinking of yummy cajun food. I'd love to be able to get an import from Petunia's or Dooky Chase in New Orleans or even NOLA in Pittsburgh. It is a bit warm to cook in my kitchen right now. That, too, will change soon. Making a dry roux makes the place a bit warm <smile>. My red beans are close to what I've eaten in New Orleans, getting the roux dark enough for a tasty gumbo can be a bit tricky. So, that one doesn't taste quite as I recall it -- respectable, but not spot on. Just needs more practice. I'll share the song from last night. Enjoy!

I will play for gumbo -- Jimmy Buffett

Day 4 - 269 -- Tropical Air

The past two days have been very tropical feeling. A wall of wet warm air hit me as I left the house this morning. The afternoon was much hotter and felt more so with the humidity. This isn't a complaint -- for a change <smile>. It is amazing weather for the end of September. Usual weather is cool, crisp and rainy. The current weather system sits in place due to the remnants of Maria. Forecasts are for more humidity and some drizzly rain overnight into tomorrow and then as the cold air returns colliding with the warmer air, we could see thunderstorms. Less humid air should return by Friday, along with cooler fall-like temperatures.

Walking around today, I was reminded of visits to areas closer to the equator. A song melody has been running around my head since then. It is from the Caribbean, which is where Maria has traveled from. The group has been around in one iteration or another since the '60s. This song involved many of the original members and several others. Enjoy!

Kokomo -- The Beach Boys

Day 4 - 268 -- (Re)Centering

Ever have a day when you feel you just don't measure up? Or feel like you've failed people even when you go beyond the expectations? That was my day. I did my best to respond to vague queries electronically, but I'm just not sure it worked. I'll try again tomorrow to clarify things further. I'll admit to feeling a bit down today, even before the queries entered the day. Just woke with that dismal feeling likely because I slept poorly last night and had some pain on waking. All will improve over the next few days.

After a meeting, I headed out for groceries. Being out and about helped to raise my spirits. Exchanging small talk and smiles brought me back to the larger world -- outside myself  <smile>. Music from the opening of the Invictus games in Toronto ran through my mind. The themes of hope, perseverance and acceptance permeated the ceremony and the music choices. One song spoke to me then and again today. It was performed by a Canadian group with great harmonies. The video chosen shows what I experienced when I headed out to shop later in the day. Enjoy!

Under One Sky -- The Tenors

Day 4 - 267 -- Fiction to Real Life

This past week Space has been playing all Star Trek most of the time. As a fan, this doesn't bother me. It let me reacquaint myself with the series and the movies. I did not watch it 24/7 for any day, though. Binge watching isn't my favourite way to watch a series. I enjoy watching it one episode at a time with time between each one that allows me to ponder and think about things. So -- back to the extravaganza. There is a new series premiering tonight with two episodes not just one. For ST fans, this is epic <smile>.

I've enjoyed these series and many other science fiction programs since I was a kid. I've found it interesting that morality plays and examination of social issues could fit so easily into a fantasy with beings unknown to us. SciFi involves imagination to construct worlds vastly different from our own -- yet oddly familiar at the same time. I've enjoyed how such stories present otherness -- often as something accepted and not fully seen as 'other.' What an amazing presentation of tolerance -- though there are times when it is the crux of a conflict of some sort.

Technology inspired by imagination of Star Trek writers and directors decades back exists today. The use of cell phones (smart phones) as multi-media devices seemed unbelievable until the past couple of decades. Tablets that allow us to hold them in our hands and port them about wherever we go were seen on the screen long before they were being thought of in tech sectors -- even before desk tops arrived in homes. Imagine a computer shrunk down from those that filled rooms just to run simple computations to something the size of a smart phone. Such musing seems a bit arcane to my students, yet for those of us whose first desktop computer didn't have a hard drive, this is truly amazing. Even medical technology of giving inoculations through clothing with air-pressure instead of needles seemed far fetched, yet we have such devices in daily use now.

So -- today I will share a song that ST geeks might instantly place into the correct ST movie <smile>.  I have taken one liberty here by sharing a version from a favourite band rather than the original from Roy Orbison. I love them both, but chose the group version to share today. Enjoy!

Ooby Dooby -- Creedence Clearwater Revival

Day 4 - 266 -- Historical documentary

This past week, PBS has been airing a 10-day, 18 hour documentary showing the historical progression of the Vietnam war. It includes original footage taken during the time and battles. This war involved early versions of embedded reporters and photographers. I have been watching this series. I chose to watch to understand the genesis and chronology from a viewpoint of policy failure over several decades in multiple countries.  While in high school I had read the series of books by Dr. Thomas A. Dooley, in an attempt to understand the politics of the situation. Sadly, years later these books were claimed to be disinformation by the CIA to promote the evil nature of the Viet Minh couched in the guise of humanitarian work. The conflict in this area of the world began long before I was born, with the US exit and the fall of Saigon occurring when I was a university undergraduate student.  While the war involved the US, soldiers from Canada participated, too. A woman in my grade 12 class owned the flag from her brother's coffin when it was returned from Asia. The link with journalists on the ground provided the world with daily updates from the battle fields -- right there on our television screens during the 6 o'clock news. We learned a new lexicon -- VC, ARVN, LZ, DMZ, Huey, Charlie and such. The advent of  TV tables made it easier to sit and watch while eating supper. It didn't take long for me to begin to choose to eat elsewhere -- eating supper while watching people die seemed wrong or at least desensitizing to violence and value of life. It also messed with appetite. Not that I chose to ignore the news, I just didn't get it with my dinner. Later in life, I've encountered a few draft dodgers who made a life in Canada -- some talk more than others about their decision. It couldn't have been easy.

Music from this era was part of my youth -- I still know the full lyrics to most of these. Song lyrics dealt with experiences during time in conflict, a few with patriotism, but many with a clear anti-war sentiment. Songs exist from many wars with most I know from the two world wars, Southeast Asian conflicts, the US civil war, and more recent military actions. Perhaps these go back to the role of troubadour spreading the stories of death, bravery, loss. Others deal with anger and fear and major differences in ideologies. During the Vietnam war, we sang them all, though I suspect there were some that we didn't fully recognize as antiwar songs. Radio stations of the day placed many songs that were clearly against the government of the day on a no play list -- so using clever metaphor might have made it easier to get the songs some air play.  

Choosing a song for today was far from easy. There are so many that fit the topics well. In the end, I've chosen one from a musical, Miss Saigon, which modernizes Puccini's Madame Butterfly. I recall seeing this at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto years ago. The song chosen occurs just before the intermission. It is a much needed break for the audience at that point. The music for this piece brings the tension and panic of the fall of Saigon to the stage in a way that made the audience the crowd outside the embassy walls. When the helicopter took off and the curtain closed, the theatre was silent for a few seconds and then there was a collective sigh of sorts -- we'd all been holding our breath. That was a haunting part of the news coverage that I'd then felt like - in some small way - I understood better. Enjoy! 

Fall of Saigon -- Miss Saigon Original Cast Recording

Day 4 - 265 -- Change of Season

Autumn began this evening. The day was sunny with bright blue skies. After a long list of short meetings for a course and finishing the major paper work for the week, I headed out. I met with a group from work at a pub for a TGIF celebration. Today marked the end of week 3, which puts us about one-quarter through the term -- yet we've just begun! We sat out on the deck for what is likely the final time this year. We were the only group out there. While the sun was warm in the afternoon, by early evening it was beginning to feel quite cool. We toughed it out <smile>.

Weather of autumn will be the back and forthing between summer and winter type temperatures. Next week is to have some warmer humid days mixed with some very cool nighttime low temperatures. And so it begins. I do love the transition seasons. They allow us to prepare for the heat or the cold, while not fully enveloping us in one or the other. It is much like easing us into a new routine. Many people complain and call the colder weather 'winter' and the hotter days 'summer' but it all is truly autumn working its magic. I so enjoy the falling leaves of all colours and the noise of walking through the leaf covered driveway. The lower angle of the autumn sun brings crisp clear colours of the leaves and sky -- gorgeous.

The song for today deals with the leaves changing. It is sung by a duo from the 1960s with clear, identifiable harmonies. Enjoy!

Leaves that are Green -- Simon and Garfunkel

Day 4 - 264 -- Summer prepares to exit

The sun shone for the entire day with great expanses of blue sky. The temperature was cooler than yesterday with breeze blowing out of the north -- so far cooler <smile>. This wind change brought with it drier air than the humid heavy air of yesterday. The work schedule was filled with student meetings when not in the classroom. I did have a few moments to speak with colleagues today -- one I hadn't even said 'hello' to this whole week <smile>. We were both running in opposite directions when not holed up in our offices meeting with students. Those moments of connection helped me recentre between activities.

Today was the last full day of summer. Autumn arrives tomorrow, but was in the air today. Leaves have begun to turn with some even falling from the first tree to turn on the block each year. I look forward to the colours of autumn. There are so many shades of red in the trees here -- it is truly an amazing palette. Today is also the UN International Day of Peace with the theme of supporting refugees and migrants who have moved to find peace. I've often written on this blog about the quest for inner peace, which may be a requirement for building peaceful communities, nations and world. It has been called a prerequisite for health, allowing access to food, health care, employment and education.

A song that surfaced today seemed to fit the musings around inner and outer peace. It is from a major group from the '70s. The melody and style are different than much of their work, but the lyrics fit my wish for the world. Enjoy!

I wish you peace -- The Eagles

Day 4 - 263 -- Bright Spots

Humidity and drizzle filled the day. I felt the same as the weather -- a bit gloomy, though I worked to find moments for smiles or laughter. Meetings with students and colleagues along with a lecture went fairly well. The lecture could have been stronger, but my focus seemed a bit off in places. I woke at 4:45 AM today and as I was drifting off again at 6 AM, the phone rang with an undisclosed number showing on the screen. I was a bit abrupt once someone keyed in and then asked for Mrs. me. It seemed to be a phishing style call. I noted it was the middle of the night (still dark outside the window) and was informed by the man on the other end, "No, it is 6 in the morning." I waited to ensure it wasn't some emergency call and hung up once he had disconnected. So -- with little sleep, focus in the office was a challenge.

A few items helped me get out of the sameness of revolving door meetings. A friend and I walked out to the sod turning for the newest building complex in the centre of campus. A former prime minister, major donors, and upper management were present for the photo op. Given the rain, it was a small crowd, but fun to see this piece of campus history. By the end of the day, I found the doldrums had settled back with me. I cooked supper with some great local corn on the cob -- always a fun food. That made me smile. I'd received a package at the door just as I was heading out this morning, so I opened this after supper. It made me cry -- happy tears. At some point in the past few months, I'd noted with an organization on my regular donation list that they had been added to my will. This group sent a lovely letter noting how much they appreciated this -- all without any idea what my estate might involve <smile>. As a thank you, they included an amazing book with gorgeous photos and a story of the organization told by the woman who inspired it. It was a signed copy. Wow! I was a bit overwhelmed that a simple addition to my will would trigger such a generous response. This gesture gave me some focus on the positives in my life. As I was working into the evening, the doorbell rang for the second time in a single day -- almost unheard of <smile>. A friend dropped off a bag of homemade items for my birthday last week -- two beautiful knitted dish cloths and a gorgeous, deep red crabapple jelly. Looking at it makes me want to cook toast right now to try it <grin>. So -- it seems if I just hang in, things do get better.

While there are days when the world seems so intense that hope can get lost in the turmoil around and within me, today showed that hope is always within reach. The song for today deals with the need for hope and supports a women's mental health initiative. The up tempo beat and lyrics bring a form of energy. The visuals are inspiring words and phrases from women dealing with mental health issues. It made me smile today, too. <smile>  Enjoy!

Hope -- Natasha Bedingfield

Day 4 - 262 -- Disasters

Listening to the news over the past several days has seemed rather surreal. So many natural disasters following one another -- and not just the shear number of events, but that singular areas have seen one after the other visit terror and destruction. Major hurricanes have been lining up off the coast of Africa only to mature and grow in strength and size in the western Atlantic. The leeward islands of the northeastern Caribbean have been pummeled repeatedly, with Barbuda fully evacuated after the first major storm -- an uninhabited island now. Highly populated areas of the US have taken direct hits from two major storms. Five storms of note in the past couple of weeks is staggering -- difficult for me to get my head around, which is nothing compared to those dealing with the aftermath of one when the next one arrives. Other tropical cyclones have been forming in the Pacific Ocean near western Mexico. On top of this and an Atlantic hurricane, Mexico has had two earthquakes, with the most recent being close to Mexico City, thus affecting many urban as well as rural residents.

News reports, while truly overwhelming, bring concern for those in the midst of these disasters. So many losses. I wonder how people find the resolve to move forward. Adrenaline takes over and pushes people forward to deal with the immediate dangers and survival. Anxiety over potential losses when evacuated away from home must be huge. After the initial urgency, fatigue must set in, yet anxiety interferes with sleep or rest. Learning to deal with a new normal in the interim between leaving and getting back home -- if possible -- must be a huge challenge. For those outside the disaster zones, the desire to assist can be strong, yet donating 'stuff' isn't always what is needed. Even small monetary donations to major relief organizations can help. 

I'll admit that I feel hesitant to hear what the news brings to me each morning and evening. I fear I'm not strong enough some days. That said, my wishes for strength and hope for those in the midst of the melee never wanes. Lyrics of one song seemed best to explain the feelings. It is by a rock icon and has an uplifting spirit to it. Enjoy! 

Hope of Deliverance -- Paul McCartney 

Day 4 - 261 -- Music to Heal

While getting ready for work today, the morning news/talk show aired an interview that caught my attention. A veteran with PTSD began a unique support program for others in similar situations -- Guitars for Vets (a program of Vets Canada). The guitar ambassador for the program is Sean McCann. Both men addressed the power of music to heal through their personal experiences. The idea of the project is to provide guitars to veterans wanting them and to match them with guitar lessons -- all without cost to the vet.  Guitars both used and new are donated and others volunteer to provide lessons. Recipients of this musical 'treatment' note that music stops the noise in their head for just a bit -- a type of escape. It helps bring calm where anxiety and panic may exist.

What an amazing project! This blog is testament to the power of music to help me express my daily feelings from across the spectrum. Producing music to channel some excess energy may help some wounded vets with physical and emotional scars to do the same. Music has been used as therapy with many different health concerns. It can give us a moment to pause and recentre. Whether we write, perform or listen -- music brings many positives to our lives.

I chose two songs to share today that are about guitars. The first selection was written by the Canadian performing this live at a 2005 concert. The lyrics for this acoustic version explain things from the perspective of the instrument, noting that the player doesn't own it.  The second selection presents a cover of another song about a guitar, using electric (with acoustic and vocal backing from the writer of the song). It is a favourite of mine. Each song has something to it that makes me relax and remember to breathe <smile>. Enjoy!

This Old Guitar -- Neil Young (with backing guitars by Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson and backing vocals by Emmylou Harris)

While my Guitar Gently Weeps -- The Jeff Healey Band (with backing acoustic and vocals by George Harrison)

Day 4 - 260 -- Working with Numbers

The day moved forward well with a mix of work and leisure. Further slides were prepared for classes this week and reading done for work projects. I watched two movies that had been on my 'watch' list for a year or more -- Brooklyn and Hidden Figures. I enjoyed both, but will admit to feeling more strongly about the latter. Both movies followed the lives of young women as they took life paths that showed their strength. Each involved women working with numbers -- as a book-keeper wanting to be an accountant in Brooklyn and in high level mathematics and engineering in the aerospace industry in Hidden Figures. The women in the movies were from cultural backgrounds that brought with them prejudice -- Irish immigrants and African Americans. I found Brooklyn a believable fiction. Hidden Figures told a true story of women working as 'computers' in the early days of the US Space Program. During this part of the 1960s, electronic computers (from IBM in this case) took over the work of these women. Yet, one had seen the potential for this change, and had trained herself and others in the early programming language Fortran, so jobs were transferred to the new unit.

I found the story of female mathematicians enthralling. I have three degrees and none of them are in math, stats or computer science <smile>. I admire people who can do that type of work with ease. Fighting for recognition and equality showed these female pioneers blazing trails for all the women that have come after them. As stated by one of the characters, someone has to be first. It was an uplifting story without belabouring the many difficulties of African Americans in the 1960s. Segregation was covered with one woman going to court to receive permission to attend evening classes in a segregated school -- Virginia maintained its segregation laws despite opposing federal laws and Supreme Court rulings. The difficulty of working as the first person of colour in one work section was emphasized by the lengthy trip taken by the woman to get to a bathroom that wasn't 'whites only.' It was a very long trip to the other side of the NASA campus. As other stories covered in movies, such as the code breakers in the UK during WWII, it is disappointing that it took so long to move the story into the public sphere. There are many social reasons that could explain these delays, but I find it disturbing nonetheless.

A song about math seemed fitting today, though I couldn't find a cover done by a woman. The lyrics are the key point here, though. This is an unexpected version by a Scottish actor known to many for one or more of his acting projects.  Enjoy!

I am the very model of a modern major general -- David Tennant

Day 4 - 259 -- Disrupted Calm

For a Saturday, this has been rather usual. Did some laundry, cooked a bit and prepared slides and a lecture for next week. It was a bit humid during the day, but has cooled a lot. Throughout the afternoon, it was fairly quiet outside. By 6 PM, an evening arts festival took over the downtown core. I could hear music and voices when out in the backyard. I'd planned to go, but was feeling less sociable by then, so stayed in to wash my hair -- really, I did. <smile>

Saturday's are often a day to hide from the world and recharge. It is also when I try to get the physical household chore labour done and make a major dent in the course work needed for the following week. In an ideal world, that would leave most of Sunday for me to relax and do 'me' things. I'm still aiming at some leisure time for tomorrow, but still have a couple small items to finish up for early next week -- so we'll see. The materials for Monday are completed, so those for Tuesday may just wait another day <smile>. Frustratingly, the evening has been marred by the usual suspects who party loudly outdoors half a block away, yet sound like they are in my backyard. Even earplugs don't block the irritation. I"m not sure why they are still at it or why the bylaw isn't being enforced as expected. Just a negative to infiltrate my days -- actually every day for 4 weeks now.

Wasn't sure how to choose a song for today. I settled on one that was an anthem in bygone days. Perhaps this is what the crew down the street and around the corner are feeling -- though this still doesn't explain inflicting this on so many others. <sigh> So -- I'll go with the joyful feeling of having fun -- just not at the expense of others -- as we did many moons ago. Note that this group from Scotland makes great use of tartan in their clothing choices. This video isn't an aberration on that front. It does include an odd looking fashion trend that was a hit in the UK but (happily) never made it into the whole of this part of the world <grin>. Enjoy!

Saturday Night -- Bay City Rollers

Day 4 - 258 -- Power of Friendship

The day was sunny and warm -- not hot, but just right. By evening, the air had a crisp, autumn
feel. Classes and course meetings filled most of the day -- a day when lunch didn't occur until about 2:30 PM. That isn't my favourite type of day; I like to eat on a schedule. I just feel better then <smile>. While into the last meeting of the afternoon, a colleague asked us to join the group in the faculty lounge for a celebration -- an afternoon treat for my birthday! That made me smile. It was a lovely blueberry crisp with local berries -- not too sweet and very tasty. It was fun to take part of a Friday afternoon to chat with colleagues that I consider friends.

The evening involved a leisurely dinner with friends at a favourite restaurant. The menu changes regularly and has moved to mainly seafood. I chose a lobster risotto with grilled halibut. The risotto contained green peas and crunchy chopped celery. Very nice. We shared a bottle of a favourite red wine -- also very nice. I splurged and chose a pumpkin cheesecake for dessert. It was not a heavily spiced pumpkin filling but a subtle sweetness with a ginger cookie and nut crust. Marvelous.

After supper, I read e-mail and social media greetings and had a good long phone conversation with a friend living out west. I found the messages uplifting -- making me smile and some making me laugh. On reflection, I realized how lucky I am to have access to electronic devices to keep in touch with so many friends in many parts of the world. It is much quicker than before such devices existed. I do enjoy a real card and face-to-face conversations, but electronic communication beats nothing by a long shot. Even telephone conversations cost much less with the improved long distance plans. It can be reassuring to hear a voice instead of written or typed words. It makes me feel closer geographically. Regardless of the communication technology involved, friendship means when I need someone to talk to, they are there and when someone needs someone, I can listen with the best of them. <smile>

Lines from a lyric rattled around in my head, so I'll transfer them along to you from here tonight. It is from a long past group that launched several solo careers -- one very prominent career among these. Some of the costumes in this video may bring smiles -- it was a crazy fashion time. <grin> Enjoy!

I'll be There -- Jackson Five

Day 4 - 257 -- Summer weather returns

The morning weather told us to be prepared for summer heat during the day. Even at mid-morning, the humidity made the 20ish C temperature feel much warmer. By late afternoon it was 28C or more with humidity making it feel well into the 30s. Sweltering day for mid-September. No complaints here, since it is to cool overnight, so sleeping won't be disrupted by the heat or noise of the fan. The office was very warm until the air circulation came on about noon -- not sure why this occurs so late in the day, but it is the way things seem to function. After lunch, the cool breeze from the overhead a/c was freezing my knees and feet -- I used my spare sweater to cover my knees -- like some goofy older woman shawl <grin>.

I found my mood was up and down a lot today. I didn't get adequate sleep since I was awake until after 2:30 AM -- stress and a lot of noise outside the house didn't help. Focusing on tasks was very difficult today. I struggled to get through some of the items needed for classes tomorrow.  I think I'm fairly ready, though, after some evening time spent preparing slides. I did see examples of others being overwhelmed -- students and faculty -- by confusing courses and times today. This is by no means a good thing, but at least its not only me.

The song for today contains a line that I heard over and over today -- the lead line of the chorus. It seemed to fit the temperature, though the rest of the lyrics aren't quite as congruent with the situation today <smile>. It is a fun older song. Enjoy!

Hot Child in the City -- Nick Gelder

Day 4 - 256 -- Loss of a Statesman

I woke abruptly this morning to the news -- a usual way of beginning the day, but this piece of news carried emotion. Yesterday, Canada lost one of its major statesmen, The Hon. Allan J. MacEachen. He was 96. He was elected to the House of Commons in the 1950s for his home riding of Inverness in Cape Breton -- about an hour drive from where I currently live. His political career began under St. Laurent and continued with multiple cabinet portfolios in the governments of Pearson, Trudeau and Turner. His career then continued in the Senate until he retired at 75.

Before moving to Antigonish, I knew of this man. He had been central to the writing and orchestrating of much of the nation's social safety net policies -- stemming from his strong sense of social justice. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone since he was a graduate and former economics faculty member of St. Francis Xavier University, known for its focus on equity -- the very tenets on which it was founded. It soon became clear that people knew him simply as Allan J. I soon followed suit. He had a house across from the University. I saw him yearly at the Allan J. MacEachen Annual Lecture in Politics held on campus -- a series which has included people of all political persuasions such as 4 former prime ministers, 2 former premiers, many senators (sitting and retired), and many politicians and policy analysts from across the country. It is amazing to sit in a room with a major speaker and look around to see many other well known national and regional players. I was told by a cousin when I moved here that the University was well-connected politically. He was certainly correct. <smile>

Also before moving to Nova Scotia, I understood that Allan J. was one of the key people that instituted what just might be the single policy piece that defines Canada -- the Medical Care Act. This legislation ensured medical care for all Canadians. When asked he noted this as his greatest contribution. At the time, he noted that as a nation we could not afford not to implement such legislation due to the potential negative impact on our national economy of poor health. As a health professional working with social determinants of health, these are the words of a nation's hero.

The selection for today is by a group from just north of where Allan J. was born. The lyrics seemed fitting for a farewell. Enjoy!

North Country -- The Rankin Family

Day 4 - 255 -- It's Only Week 2

This evening it struck me that today was day 8 (including weekends) since the beginning of term. Why then did I feel so far behind? At times it feels like one of those cartoon characters whose legs are spinning in a circle but they are not making any headway. How does that level of stress and anxiety arrive so quickly? Does it have to do with trying to reconcile the very busy but somewhat more peaceful summer months with the flat out craziness of the academic term? So many things arrive from all directions at once that prioritizing and getting through the pile becomes impossible. I believe there is a rhythm that makes things a bit easier, but there truly is more to do than one can adequately manage.

Over the years I've likened this to a race where the hurdles seem higher that expected -- perhaps from being out of training over the last 4 months. Running the race every day should help us to get over the hurdles with practice, though I fear as time goes on, one might run a slower race. However, I'm not sure what the prize is that we are all racing towards. Is it a personal best, the best in the field or to finish in the allotted time? Clarifying the goal might make those hurdles easier to manage or help us to find a way around the difficult ones -- ending in the same place as everyone else, but having taken a different route. I'm not certain there are rules against that <smile>.

The song line that I heard over and over in my head today was the first line of a chorus to a song that has been around for decades. I've chosen to share a cover version from an unexpected group. Enjoy!

The Race is On -- The Grateful Dead

Day 4 - 254 -- Interdependence

The second week began today. A lot to accomplish in the next 4 days, while working to find that term groove. Many small tasks left my desk today. Many others remained. The day was  cool and rainy but is supposed to clear tomorrow. Fall weather seems to be settling in, but some warmer days are expected between the cooler and wetter ones. Some leaves have begun to turn so there are sprinklings of red leaves through some of the maples. I look forward to peak colour times.

Getting into the routine is challenging at best. Beginning with a migraine may interfere with that. At this time last year, I was just returning from Spain, having spent the first week of classes at a conference. That put me behind as far as the rhythm of teaching term is concerned. The needed routine occurs regardless of the false starts encountered. There really isn't a choice -- without it the term work would be totally lost. The job insists that one find a way through somehow. This means we work with acceptable and less acceptable coping strategies. Not getting sucked into the vortex sits at the top of most 'to do' lists. As in any time of stress, people help each other most times but can also isolate themselves at other times. Success seems to depend on collaborative efforts -- the 'it takes a village' concept.

The selection for today discusses the need for social support -- that support we can get from others -- and notes the reciprocal nature of this concept. A Canadian group sings this cover version. The video images fit the idea presented by the lyrics very well. Enjoy!

Lean on Me -- Canadian Tenors

Day 4 - 253 -- Failed Marketing

A rather calm Sunday almost over. Headache with some pain today, but less tiredness -- an odd trade-off, but a common one for me. I did a quick grocery run to pick up a few items needed now. The store is one that I often complain about. A year or so ago, they began sending email messages each week with promotions designed just for me -- ones that differ from the weekly flyer. As a customer, I can choose to load any of these offers directly to my customer loyalty card. Over the past month, I have done this only to find that the items I purchase to get points don't actually go through as bonus offers. The first time, I went back to the store and explained the error -- they have a 'make it right' key on the register so they can provide the points. The cashier went to check the shelf tagging and told me I needed to buy 2 items for the points. I responded that the offer designed just for me said I only needed to buy one item for the points. I was told to call another company (no contact information provided to me) as the store company didn't really have anything to do with those offers -- this despite the offers coming from their company email server <sigh>. I returned the item. Fast forward to 2 weeks later -- again no points provided for the item. Here it seems I was to buy a 2 lb bag of onions for the points when all they had in the store were bulk or 5 lb bags. Easy way around that one for them. I returned the onions. Today I purchased 3 items that were on my list of items needed for the kitchen. Only 2 of them provided the points. I went to the recycle bag and fished out the printed version of the offer (had to tape it together). Yes -- I did buy the right item but did not get any points. Guess where I will stop on my way into work tomorrow. I do believe that I will stop shopping there. We only have two choices in town, but this one has stomped on my last nerve.

I realize this is a marketing ploy to get me to buy things that I bought last week. I don't buy things just for points if there is no need for them at home. A 10-lb bag of pet food will last longer than a week, so I'm not buying one again just to get the points. Often things that provide bonus points are not on sale and the price may even be higher than regular price. I don't buy those either. There are about half a dozen items that I buy from this store once or twice a year as their store brand item is different than items elsewhere in town. I will make my frustration about the customer loyalty system known to the store manager if the cashier will get someone for me, and to the head office of the company. Loyalty is a reciprocal arrangement and they are not holding up their end.  I'm sure my not shopping there is of little consequence to their bottom line, but that just isn't good customer service. Making two trips to the store each week is silly and costs money -- especially with gas prices soaring right now. I just hope that the customer service desk isn't staffed by a very young new staff member who didn't utter a word the whole time I was there last week -- no hello, no I'll check for you, no nothing. That is not the person to have in that job when people are looking for solutions. I should not have to tell the staff what their store policy is nor should I have to outline federal regulations governing the issue.

A song title came to mind today, though the lyrics show the story from the other side -- the difficulty of serving the public.  It is a catchy melody with fun internal rhyming. The plan for tomorrow does not include use of some of the words referred to here <smile>.   Enjoy!

Keep the Customer Satisfied -- Simon and Garfunkel

Day 4 - 252 -- Musical Evening

I slept a very long time last night. The migraine is still with me, just subdued a bit. I did some laundry and reading while still feeling very tired. This evening was the first of the Performing Arts series in town. Ariana Nasr was performing Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel music, which I did not want to miss. I began to fade just at the end of the concert, so heard it all <smile>.  Nasr sang the first set of Piaf songs. The power of her voice filled the concert hall and the music showcased her vocal range. The second half included several notable songs by Brel, with Nasr dressed in a man's black suit and tie. She has a way of channeling these two singers that transports the audience to a past time. It was a wonderful addition to the day.

Many singers have covered the music of Piaf and Brel, some in the original French (and some Flemmish for Brel, who was born in Belgium), while others sang translated (and revised) versions. Both singer/songwriters preformed dramatic musical pieces that told a story, sometimes somewhat biographical in nature. Each of them experienced their fair share of tragedy, which likely imbued their performances with the depth of feeling for which they were known.

The selections for today show the eclectic nature of this blog by breaking with expectation. The first is a heart-wrenching song by Brel, one that has been covered in English under the title of "If you go away."  The second selection by Piaf with lyrics that speak to the incessant nature of a lyric or tune -- one that keeps reminding of things past -- as if haunting someone. Each of these was performed tonight by Ariana Nasr - and brought both smiles and goosebumps. (subtitles included in the videos). Enjoy!  

Ne me quitte pas -- Jacques Brel

Padam, Padam -- Edith Piaf

Day 4 - 251 -- Unexpected Events

Today was a very full day -- from 10:30 to 5 it was a constant parade of meetings and classes. With little sleep last night due to disruptions from outside, I felt very tired. During the afternoon meeting, I had an odd experience. I realized a couple hours before the meeting that I might be on the up side of a migraine. During the meeting, I'd been asked a question about what I'd just said, as it hadn't made sense to others. I was trying to concentrate on what was being said to me when others began talking and laughing -- all I heard was a piercing high pitch and a lot of buzzing. I said that I couldn't hear twice and then I shouted it. A colleague and friend asked if I'd taken meds for the headache. I hadn't sat to eat lunch, when I usually would take the meds, since I'd had a bit of food here and there in the 5 minutes between places I needed to be. I left the meeting to drink, eat and take the drugs. Things improved over the next 30-45 minutes.

The extreme tiredness I'd felt was part of the early signs of a migraine. Had I realized this earlier in the day, maybe things wouldn't have gotten so bad. Phonophobia is not a usual part of a migraine for me -- I've felt that only a couple of times in my life. I do squint a lot, so am much more light sensitive during one of these events. I knew I needed to eat when I got home tonight, but had no appetite. I then realized I needed allergy nasal spray so headed out to the pharmacy for that. On the way home, I felt I could eat so picked up a pizza from the mobile wood-fired oven -- it was lovely. Hoping a good sleep might help things pass quickly.

Lyrics that came to mind today were the opening lines of a song form the '60s While this song has been linked with the Vietnam war protests, Steven Stills wrote this one after participating in the Sunset Strip riots that occurred in 1966 after an imposed curfew -- the early days of the counter-culture movement. The band performing here had a Canadian member -- one who has a star on Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto (along with Grammys, Junos, an Oscar nomination, and inductions into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame -- wow <smile>). The video is low quality in places, but the background photos are of events like the one that inspired the song, instead of the more common war imagery.  Enjoy!

For What It's Worth -- Buffalo Springfield

Day 4 - 250 -- Beast in the Caribbean

I'll admit to being concerned about the latest major hurricane - Irma. Hearing of the near total devastation in small island nations seems surreal. Reports by people of cars flying above their heads just doesn't strike one as real. That the storm appears poised to continue its destruction in the Caribbean and Florida brings further anxiety. I fear for the people in those areas. Evacuations are hampered by a lack of gasoline for vehicles heading north in the long slow moving phalanx on the interstate.

As an introverted empath, stories of fear and devastation are felt keenly. I find myself imagining how I'd feel in a similar situation and ardently wishing I could do something to help. I discuss the impact of such storms on food supply chains in a fall course. Maybe by trying to help others understand the immediate and longer term economic consequences of natural and human-made disasters will lead to new solutions to such problems -- donate or volunteer for an NGO, or start an NGO to address a specific issue for future catastrophes.

Lyrics from a few songs went through my head today as I worked through what Irma had done and what it is still expected to do. I share one of those here along with wishes that all can find shelter before, during and after the passage of the storm. The version today brings a different vocalist from the singer-songwriter best associated with the song. The voices blend well to provide a wonderful cover of the original. Enjoy!

Shelter from the Storm -- Rodney Crowell & Emmylou Harris

Day 4 - 249 -- A Sad Anniversary

Twenty years ago today, the world watched and said goodbye to a high profile woman -- Diana, Princess of Wales. She had been a style icon and brought some modernity to the royal family. The person created by the mass media began as an innocent girl who became a princess and was then demoted after her husband had an affair. This was the mediated woman, who held the support of the people. The relationship between the media and Diana, Princess of Wales was one of both positive and negative encounters. She became adept at managing the media for her purposes as time progressed. During her life in the spotlight, media photographers and news gatherers grew in numbers and competitiveness. Several publications made enormous sums of money from single photos of the woman. Those providing the photos could make extraordinary sums of money from taking that one photograph.

During the past few weeks, a proliferation of documentaries of the seven days between her death and burial attempted to reflect on the occurrences of those days. What led to her death? Were the mass media culpable? Could they deflect the cause of the accident in a different direction? While watching these documentaries, it became clear to me that the mass media accepted part of the responsibility for the accident. They noted how much money was in play. Segments from 1997 showed people in the crowds around the palaces in London shouting at the media filming them and accusing the media people of murder. Interestingly, none of those interviewed noted that if the public had not been so obsessed with daily photos, the paparazzi would not have been hounding the woman as they did. In short, everyone who purchased the publications exploiting her image played a role in her death. That is an uncomfortable thought for most people, so deflecting to the photogs, chauffeur or anyone else took that discomfort and forced it elsewhere.

The other interesting aspect of that week in history, was the vitriol spewed towards the family working to protect her children after her death. I never really understood this part and am still working through it. I've found it difficult not to make comparisons with the evil queen and Snow White, though.<sigh> Things are not as simple as we want them to be. We don't know what is going on in someone else's mind, so assuming we do know can backfire -- as it did for the naysayers who turned on a dime when the family expressed their thanks to the public in a very personal way by visiting the tonnes and tonnes of floral tributes left in honour of the Princess. Grief can bring out anger, which may be what the world saw and heard from people worried that the family had not appeared in public. Most families would have been hunkered down in their own homes had this occurred in their own family. For that, the royal family seems to have done what every family would do. However, they are not a private family, but a public one, so their appearance was needed for those feeling the loss and anger and fear of what this death could mean more broadly than her boys.

In the end, I fear that the memorial documentaries, even with the bit of media introspection, merely continued the media fascination and played into the continued public interest with Diana. That said, I do recall vividly the first televised breaking news of her death. I watched the funeral (overnight due to the time zones) and went to a friend's restaurant for breakfast the following morning. The place generally buzzed with positive conversations and laughter. That day, it was very quiet -- even the children at other tables seemed subdued. It was difficult seeing someone gone -- someone who had been part of our daily media diet for years. The world may not have known her, but it was decidedly familiar with the legend the media perpetuated. Knowing that was gone caused some major emotions. Reflecting back on this, I can say I'm glad social media was not around at that point in time. Now we have billions of paparazzi with cameras at the ready -- I can't imagine what that would have been like. It would have been nice to see how her humanity would have affected the world. She seemed poised to take on some amazing work.

There was only one song that I could think of for today. It may be a bit maudlin, but is sung by someone she did call friend. Enjoy!

Candle in the Wind (altered lyrics) -- Elton John

Day 4 - 248 -- Uplifting Day

Classes began today. The excitement in the upper year class as they all saw each other for the first time after the summer break brought smiles. The second year class was more subdued but still happy to be back. I prepared a new technological item for lecture tomorrow -- I'll let you know if it works <smile>. It will take some time to get back into the rhythm of an academic term. In the meantime, I'm focusing on enjoying things as they come my way.

A leadership talk was held tonight on campus with three TedTalk-style presentations from student leaders all about the broader theme of life impact of experiences -- with NGOs, venture capital projects, and a reflection on immigrant parents escape from Ethiopia in the 1980s to start a life and family in peace. All were inspiring since most were 20-22 years of age and have such amazing experience and wisdom. It does provide hope.

The featured speaker of the evening was Lt. General The Honourable Romeo Dallaire -- retired from the Canadian forces  and the Canadian Senate. This man is a true hero, who has brought much to light for discussion since his time in Rwanda. There he headed the UN peacekeeping forces. He warned the UN of impending genocide, but was ignored. When troops were ordered out of the country, he refused as did small numbers of troops from many nations -- they stayed to try to do what they could when 800,000 were killed and 1,000,000 were injured over a 100 day period in 1994. His bravery had a dark side -- PTSD and depression when he returned to Canada. He unsuccessfully attempted to take his own life three times. He told us he finally realized he needed a goal - something to move towards -- a purpose. He chose to advocate (he used the term agitate <smile>) for improved support for wounded warriors, physical and emotional care to support them throughout recovery and beyond. He also began Romeo Dallaire's Child Soldier Initiative. General Dallaire noted that children were being used as weapons of war -- recruited, trained to hate and kill, dispensable -- all for the sake of maintaining a state of war, not to win a war.  He has written three books reflecting on his time in Rwanda (Shake Hands with the Devil: the failure of humanity in Rwanda), the plight of child soldiers (They Fight like Soldiers, They Die like Children: The Global quest to eradicate the use of child soldiers) and his latest memoir exploring mental health issues (Waiting for First Light: my ongoing struggle with PTSD). The first of these, Shake Hands with the Devil has been made into a movie. A minor character in the movie, Hotel Rwanda, was based on him and his experience leading peacekeepers there. His passion is infectious -- I left feeling uplifted. His belief is that those with post secondary educations have a moral obligation to use that privilege to change the nation and the world for the better.

On my walk home after the talks, I stopped to stare at the full moon -- amazingly gorgeous tonight. The day left me with much to think about. While I process the calls to action from the speakers, I will share a less deep song tonight in honour of the first day of classes for the Class of 2021. I hope I can live up to the expectations of students and learn something that improves my facilitation of their learning. This song is by a singer/songwriter from Nova Scotia. Enjoy!

Come On Teacher -- Joel Plaskett

Day 4 - 247 -- Labour Day

About 145 years ago, Canada celebrated the first Labour Day holiday. This day is often seen as the final hurrah for summer vacation activities -- leisure activities. These would not be possible without the advent of shorter working days and work weeks and limitations on child labour. There had been the 8-hour campaign, which advocated for 8 hours for work, 8 hours for leisure, and 8 hours for rest. In recent years, the need for a work-life balance has been discussed again. Many of the benefits paid by employers have been entrenched in provincial labour law, though unions continue to work to ensure healthy work places and care of the work force. Non-unionized workers still benefit from the fights and negotiations of unions.

Canada's union history is not without its fierceness. The Estevan Miner's Strike (Saskatchewan) in the 1930s led to the RCMP shooting into the crowd of protesters, killing three men. The Bienfait miners are remembered in history. The General Strike in Winnipeg (Manitoba) of 1919 involved Bloody Saturday -- when the massive march of workers fighting for improved working conditions were met by the Northwest Mounted Police -- 2 dead and 27 injured. Clashes between workers wanting to unionize and employers occurred throughout the country and continues to this day. In the recent decades grocery store employees, fast food workers, and even university faculty have struggled to become unionized. Even with a union, strikes can occur as a last effort to stand one's ground. I've belonged to many unions in my career -- large national and provincial unions and smaller local unions. They all work to improve the lives of the working class -- it is not to get something for nothing.

So -- when the long weekend in September arrives, we should take a moment out of our day off work or school to think of those who persevered before us to provide this day to celebrate unions. There are many fantastic folk songs about unions and their struggles. Today I'm going a different direction <smile> and sharing a song from an Australian rock band. The lyrics create a battle cry of sorts, while the tempo and rhythm bring a sense of urgency. Enjoy!

I Defy -- Tonight Live

Day 4 - 246 -- Transitions

This is the final day of my vacation time for this year. It has been a pleasant time away, though the to do list at home wasn't completed -- just like at work <smile>. I suspect the list was more a wish list that would take a year to complete. I should tuck it away in a file marked retirement, I guess <giggle>. The sun shone a bit and clouds moved in later in the day. It is raining a bit right now, but is to pick up a bit overnight and into the morning. Nature may be readying us for classes by giving us less beach weather for now.

So how does one spend the last day of vacation? I worked on my stamp collection for a while today. This always helps me to relax with the repetitive nature of the task. A friend of mine spends part of most Sunday afternoons working on his collection. This is something I aspire to do. I made lunch and laid out something to wear tomorrow for the orientation meeting with first year students. For supper I made something more like a real Sunday dinner meal than what I'd planned. It felt right doing a mini-celebration of the end of the vacation and the move into the new academic year. Oh, and I also spent an inordinate amount of time trying to choose new hikers/runners for this Fall. If only they'd provide full specs on each shoe rather than a short two or three lines. I will place the order via the toll free number next week, so I can ask the questions that the website doesn't provide fully. In the background during the day, the Harry Potter marathon played <smile>.

The song shared today came to mind when I read of the death of Walter Becker, co-founder of Steely Dan. Several songs that I hadn't thought of for a very long time came to the fore -- one was chosen. The lyrics can take on several meanings. Today they reminded me of living in the moment. Love the guitar opening to this one. Enjoy!

Reelin' in the Years -- Steely Dan

Day 4 - 245 -- Changes in the air

Today was a mixed bag of weather and activities. Rain fell off and on throughout the day interspersed with clear blue sky and sunshine. A brisk breeze out of the north cooled the house -- I even donned a sweater for part of the day. Housework was mingled with work on a favourite hobby. The goal was to work towards calmness.  Sleep has been disrupted with partying neighbours over the past nine days. I'll admit that this has made me less than pleasant -- constant intrusion from outside the house creates extreme stress. I've been told to let them have this long weekend and then maybe they'll be spoken to. I'm still wondering why the 'rights' of some to break a bylaw are more important than those of people just wanting to live their lives uninterrupted. Perhaps I've become that curmudgeon stereotype after all <sigh>.

Trying to contemplate and reflect is difficult when noise interferes -- even with ear plugs that only seem to stop me from hearing my furry friend purr or the rain on the roof - both of which help me remain calm. So -- the song for today speaks to the autumnal feel in the air and weather. I do love this season and am trying my best to see and hear the changes I so love.

Fall Almanac -- The Kinks

Day 4 - 244 -- Odd Behaviours

A friend and I recently discussed the interesting behaviour among those around us. The person who drives well over the speed limit no matter what the set limit or what the road is like -- windy, double solid line, raining. The person who moves ahead of you in a line -- sometimes acknowledging this and other times not. The person who shares their music at a deafening level even when a block away. Dan Rather noted in his post today that he "mourn[ed] a coarsening in our social discourse." Does this behaviour come from the portable music habits from Walkman to iPod? Are we so into our own thoughts that we become more selfish and see only 'what's in it for me' rather than how we fit with what is happening around us? Some commentators have called this a burgeoning entitlement -- a 'me' viewpoint -- with a loss of empathy for others -- 'my' needs must be met at all costs.

Dan Rather also stated today that he remains optimistic. I agree, though there are moments when things look bleak. Yet, small things can mean a lot here. Smiling or acknowledging someone's presence can be a great start. Taking time to listen rather than jumping to conclusions before the other person has finished speaking shows respect. Letting someone with a single item to purchase go ahead of you at the grocery store, or on a larger scale, ferrying neighbours through flood waters, puts the needs of others ahead of your own. Such actions should be part of daily life and not just for exceptional circumstances. How can we encourage people to live as part of a community and not as solitary beings? The best I can come up with today is to lead by example. As with many goals, this won't come without some hills to climb. I do enjoy listening to the iPod when out for a walk -- but I do try to nod and smile along the way and am ready to remove the ear buds for a chat when the chance presents itself -- well, most days at least <smile>. 

My friend and I termed the almost antisocial behaviours as 'strange.'  It is easy to call the people strange, but it may be only an odd behaviour. If so, there is more hope for change over time. Dr. Jane Goodall posted today 

"Let us pray for a growing awareness of the fact that each one of us must do our part in creating a better world, for though the small choices we make each day – what we buy, what we eat, what we wear – may seem insignificant, the cumulative effect of billions of people making ethical choices, will start to heal the natural world."

Much more eloquent that my attempts are today. The song shared here was one that came from the original discussion with a friend -- one that made us laugh a bit. Enjoy!

People are Strange -- The Doors