Catching up after something impedes progress can be challenging. Today, I tried to catch up on sleep missed over a full day of loud partying down the street. Even after being shut down at least twice by police, the group insisted on disturbing the neighbourhood. I live half a block away but they could be heard much further up the street. The other catching up completed today was to be fully back in sync with the blog by date. The lack of a strong wifi signal put me back by a week. Today I am back on track.
Messing with the planned schedule brings a variety of emotions -- anxiety, frustration, even a bit of anger. When trying to get back on track delays from the disruption may make fun things feel like work. Not that the blog is a job, but having many to post was a bit daunting. I wrote with pen and paper while unable to load the blog program or YouTube or search engines. Once back with decent wifi I typed and posted a couple blogs a day when possible. It felt good to have time to do these and even better today when I have completed the backlog -- one further accomplishment to strike from the dreaded 'to do' list. <smile> This task was more fun than laundry and housekeeping and on par with the cooking completed today. though why the apple crisp exploded in the oven I'm not sure. I'll need to check with food science folks when in the office next <smile>. Don't worry -- it has been salvaged <smile>. So -- basically back on schedule now, though I'm not sure I'm fully back in the right time zone.
A line from a song flitted though my thoughts today. It is part of the title and chorus of a song from the 1966. It has been covered by many others over time, but the earlier version was the one playing in my brain. Enjoy!
Autumn arrived a week ago. Temperatures are cooler across the country. The past two days here have been in the mid-teens Celsius with cooler overnight temperatures. The sunshine today has a different colour light than we see in summer -- less intensity and a bit bluer. Trees have begun to change colour with forests showing areas of early tinges of orange. The front yard displays bits of gold among the green with the one red bush beginning to turn deep crimson. I look forward to wading through the ankle deep leaves once they begin to fall in earnest. Forecasts note that there will be sun with rain for the next while, the common fall weather on the east coast.
Fall is my favourite season. The warmer temperatures transitioning to cooler ones ease us into the colder expectations of the next season. The rains, mostly gentle, can be calming. The sound on the roof or windows as well as the sounds when walking through the rain, help me relax. Only with torrential downpours and wind is the process not so soothing. We do get that with the leftover bits of hurricanes and tropical storms that pass by on their way north and east. The great local foods that arrive in late summer to early autumn fill the kitchen with wonderful scents -- apples, pears, cranberries, squash, pumpkins, root veg, cabbage and so much more. I look forward to cooking these or preserving them for freezing or canning, which saves the flavours of summer and fall to brighten wintery days.
A song from a calming voice seemed to fit the musings today. The selection is longer than usual, with lyrics that describe the positive aspects of the season. Enjoy!
Sleep -- when it works it is amazing. Being in my own bed last night made a huge difference. I fell asleep almost instantly and slept longer than I have since leaving home last week. A purring furry friend beside me probably added to the comfort and calmness needed for a good sleep. During the day, I felt more rested and less tired than I've felt for a week, which helped me to get groceries and check mail at the office. Walking through the rain when outside helped maintain the sense of calm.
I've said before that I sometimes have that 'horse to the barn' feeling -- the need to be 'home' and not elsewhere. I love to travel, but love being home. The two don't fit well together. <smile> I miss home whenever I'm away, but enjoy being elsewhere and learning about another culture or history. Arriving back home brings a sense of relief often. Sleeping in my own bed seems like a gift -- especially when at the end of a long haul to travel back home. Now, if I could only bottle this for those sleepless nights at home <grin>.
Lyrics of the song that came to mind today note the positives about being home. I love this voice today as much as a few <smirk> years ago. Enjoy!
What time is it anyway? The day filled with events that were time-sensitive. It began when the alarm went off at 3:30 AM to be ready to leave for the airport. Thanks to a very dear friend who drove me out at 4:30 AM -- who does that? Lucky me. The plane was slightly delayed for takeoff when we had to de-ice due to a bit of frost on the wings. It was warmer and above freezing, but the dew must have settled on cold metal to create the technical need to apply chemicals. I listened to a movie, but fell asleep many times so missed the cart with the beverages -- I sure could have used some tea <smile>. The connecting flight at airport #2 was already delayed when I landed. So, just as with the flight out last week, we again were about 2 hours behind out of Toronto. Landing that bit later meant the 2 hour drive home would end in total darkness. This occurred in the two lane section and was right in the middle of the major resurfacing construction underway. Working around the clock meant there were extremely bright lights and then total darkness, which messes with one's ability to see. Flashing lights would pop up regularly in the long stretch. On the plus side, I didn't have to stop for a lead vehicle to guide us through the single lane sections since I seemed to be the end of the line and drove straight through without further delays. Arriving home it felt past bedtime, but was just mid-evening. Needless to say I was exhausted. I ate something quick, showered the travel dust off and fell asleep.
Time changes can be very disruptive. Changing watches several times in one day to ensure I was at the right place at the right time left me confused. I often felt that I had no idea what time it was. Was it later on the clock or earlier? A simple math principle but when tired it becomes difficult to reconcile. I find traveling east more difficult to adjust to than going west. This may come from my not being a morning person <smile>.
The song chosen fits the moving target of traveling through time zones. It is almost like a form of time travel -- I once left Hong Kong at noon and arrived in Vancouver at 6AM on the same day. The song featured comes from a movie that was released 43 years ago. Enjoy!
Last evening and today brought fun visits with friends. In three separate meetings, I was able to catch up on the latest in the lives of others. This involved updating each other on the past few years to the past few decades. All in all, there was much laughter and fun involved. I felt today was my time to be social butterfly -- something that I wouldn't consider common. <smile> Perhaps these events could foretell the future of retirement. It would be nice to have a chance to visit with many people close and far from home. Definitely something to keep in mind.
The song for today came to me when I noted I felt like a social butterfly. The singer has been featured often in this blog. Enjoy!
The day began early as I was up to see off family members heading back to their respective homes. I'm not good with endings and goodbyes can be especially difficult. We all are together so infrequently that when we are it never seems to be for long enough. Perhaps that is me being selfish, but times like this tell me we should find ways to meet more often. That is easier to type than to do since we each have responsibilities in our lives that can interfere with spontaneous travel <smile>. We are a group of planners, though, so could put that to good use, I suspect <grin>.
I've often thought about why goodbye can be so stressful. Getting together for happy occasions is ideal, but we all know that sad occasions will also bring us back as a group. We never know when we'll see each other again. Now, the same could be said if we lived in the same city. There is no guarantee that if we were closer geographically that we'd see each other more often. It takes effort to maintain the relationships. In some cases, it takes courage, as well. It is worthwhile, I believe.
Lots of songs came to mind, but one line kept repeating in my mind -- the title of the song shared today. Enjoy!
Today seemed filled with a type of weariness -- the anticlimax after a major event perhaps or the thought of what comes next. Granted, there was some weariness after the full day of wedding celebrations yesterday. Add the tired feeling to the idea of something fun being over and people may be a bit subdued. If we add the inevitable goodbyes that come after a major gathering, folks can be lost in their own thoughts even when all together. The room no longer is filled with anticipation and excitement but that odd form of anxiousness knowing departures will be the next big part for those gathered together. Hesitation to head off to the last sleep before separating can be palpable. This doesn't mean that laughter has left the group <smile>, just that there is an underlying tone of something almost like dread. We hate to say goodbye. Endings can be stressful.
The line from a song that ran through my head tonight noted the desire to stay in a place with the happy celebratory moods and not have to return to the usual routines. The music and vocals demonstrate the angst-filled feelings that seemed to be present on faces around the room today. The version shared here is from a different ending, so the words might have had another meaning for the band. Enjoy!
Today dawned cold (1C) and rainy -- not the preferred weather for a wedding. Things had been planned indoors, so all anyone had to do was run from the car to the venue -- so not too uncomfortable. This one was held in a refurbished movie theatre that is used as a stage for musical acts and plays. Seating was comfortable and raked so that everyone could see the stage easily. Being the first day of autumn the theme was fall leaves -- maple leaves -- on boutonnieres and corsages with bridesmaids wearing burgundy. The flower girls wore gorgeous off-white dresses of tulle and satin. The groomsmen and ring bearer had deep charcoal suits and black shoes. The naval reserve padre brought levity to the services to help deal with nerves of all involved. A key memory -- aside from the vows -- was the ring bearer. He is about 5 or 6 years old. He scowled out at the audience, heaved an extremely large sigh, and was doing something akin to a tap dance during the ceremony. Needless to say he stole the show and had many in the audience laughing -- quietly, but there was a moment when I felt it might get away on me. After several minutes of the foot stomping, he paused and lifted up one foot to peer at the bottom of his shoe. This did remind me how flexible we all were some time back <grin>. He had the sole of his shoe at eye level. A few moments later when the recessional took place, all became clear as this young person walked across the stage, we could see that the sole had separated from the shoe. Now, that explained it all. By the time we saw him next at the reception and dance, he was wearing more comfortable shoes -- but still entertained us by dancing on stage once the DJs took over.
The day made me ponder tradition. Gathering family and friends together for the major life events occurs across cultures and throughout time. Solemn ceremonies with feasts make these rites of passage -- marking the major intersections of life when we enter a new pathway and leave the tried and true behind. From birth to death, such events are celebrated. Some events are more commonly large celebrations, while others may be much smaller. Regardless of the socially accepted concept of what 'should' be a large celebration, we should take time to celebrate the route changes in life. Doing this on one's own can work, but it often feels more meaningful if we involve one or more others in the process. Many events occur only once and should be marked. What have you celebrated lately?
This brought to mind a song from a musical -- stage and movie. The plot explores what is socially and culturally accepted and what can change with time and circumstance. Enjoy!
So frustrating as wifi signal has been iffy at best. That means being unable to connect to those who I know were trying to get messages to me and it had me trying so many different ways of trying to send a message that needed to get elsewhere. For that one, it wasn't just the wifi at my end but involved some major difficulties with the ISP at the recipient end. Perhaps one should just go 'old school' and make a phone call <grin>. My end is working now but there is much catch up to do. Have you been to a facility that says there is wifi available only to discover the router was located in one corner of the building away from meeting rooms and such? Who designs this and expects it to function? When we rely on such connectivity, we can feel upset when it isn't functioning as planned and 'necessary.'
I spent time today with a group of people I hadn't seen in some time -- some were only a couple years while others were closer to a couple of decades. The chance to interact and commune over meals was delightful -- a real joy. Discussions can be enlightening and fun -- lots of laughter and learning. Yes, things change over time, but the group functions similarly with just some superficial changes. Hey, we all get older <grin>.
Thinking of connections today - either human or electronic -- brought to mind a song. Imagine! <grin> Enjoy!
The highlight of the day was lunch with a friend I haven't seen for 2-1/2 years. We keep in touch through social media, though that can be more superficial. We talked -- and talked and talked <smile>. Our lunch began at noon and we left the restaurant at 5 PM -- only because he had another commitment <grin>. Mom used to give me a key -- whenever the two of us met for supper -- so that I wouldn't have to wake her to be buzzed into the building. She knew that I would be late no matter how early the meal started.
As I've said here before, friendship often means picking up a conversation just as if it had been a week or a day instead of years between in depth conversations. That is an amazing gift. Long conversations can be so wonderful -- by phone or in person. They bring memories, laughter and even a bit of counseling <smile>. I find them uplifting and cathartic -- like some weight is lifted just through participating in the give and take. I've not experienced this to the same degree through the written word. Long letters received in the past did help to keep updated, though the back and forth through the mail made the process much slower. Typed online messages can carry on conversations through texting, private messaging or e-mail. Again, not the same as being together. Messaging software with face-to-face capabilities can help, but I've not used these for those longer keeping in tough conversations. I may have to try that to see if it helps when geographic distances prohibit the real time lunch.
Given that the longer conversations over a meal or beverage leave me smiling and feeling less tense, I kept hearing one song. The lyrics note the non-judgmental aspects of close friendship and the reciprocity of the conversation process. Enjoy!
I get by with a Little Help from my Friends -- Joe Cocker
The day consisted of running back and forth from one location to another and back again. Each place involved waiting and in one case, waiting and waiting and waiting. While the reasons for waiting made perfect sense and occurred when situations beyond control presented themselves, it did add to anxiety levels. In the end, all events were completed well, just not on time -- that old foe raising its head again <smile>.
Things may not go according to planned schedules -- that is a fact. Getting frustrated when timing is extended is understandable, but if the issue is unavoidable, frustration seems an overstatement. After a momentary stress, we can alter other timed events based on the one that will take longer -- accepting that rate limiting step. It may not be ideal, but in most cases all things are completed -- the goal was reached.
Two conversations today focused on changes to daily habits -- ways of doing things that have changed with time and things some of us know how to do that others will never learn. Many changes in these chats followed the increase in electronic communications. These sweeping changes resulted in cashiers not counting back change, bank clerks not aligning banknotes with all faces on top to the right or not learning cursive writing so signatures become biometric scans. Such altered habits can bring wistful thinking and wishes for former times. In the grand scheme of life, none of the changes discussed will create long term difficulties.
I've encountered discussions about doing basic math instead of relying on a computer that create great consternation. Noting that knowing how to do this oneself could help if computer software were unavailable. For example, if working in foodservice and needing to feed 75 people with a recipe for 50 servings, how might the correct amount of ingredients be gathered in the midst of a major storm with no power? If selling items at a store without use of the electronic cash register, how would correct change be provided? Yes, such events are not common, but knowing what to do if and when a problem presents itself might be very useful.
Such discussions bring to mind the loss of historical knowledge as time passes and habits change. Do we no longer value history? I've always loved history so find this question unsettling. I believe that we cannot move forward without fully understanding where we've been. Much published knowledge is being lost since it isn't found readily with an online search. So, it must not exist -- or so go the conversations I've had with those who rely on digitized knowledge. This may impact future decision making, leading people to repeat errors made in the past instead of building upon a more complete knowledge base. The other aspect of this line of thought is that we must share information about failures in order to expedite forward movement of a topic. We learn from mistakes as well as successes.
A song for the pondering of the day took some time. I finally settled on one that acknowledges change over time and the need to move with the times or get left behind. Enjoy!
Sleep was disrupted often last night -- anxiety getting the best of my rest time. It did not affect my activity at the office much. The many tasks were nearly completed today. Still lots to finish before end of day tomorrow. Others in the building appeared stressed with major work to complete for classes and labs, so I'm not alone in the feeling, mine just comes from outside the classroom.
During the day, I found myself experiencing stress in a negative way -- feeling overwhelmed -- which affected my focus and ability to move through the tasks one at a time instead of jumping from one to the next and back again. When stopping to check in with myself, my head has some indications of pain. I hope this is related to tension and not the beginning of a migraine. We will see what transpires tomorrow. I'm not fully convinced, but I may be clenching my jaw at a weird angle when sleeping. This can affect neck, head and face pain. That needs further examination to determine the cause and treatment.
One song seemed most appropriate for today. The keyboards sound like my head often feels <smile>. It does sound stressful along with the bass guitar beat and the lyrics say a lot, too. Enjoy!
Today brought many tasks for multiple projects -- all needing to be completed NOW if not YESTERDAY. <smile> So -- I occupied myself with one set of tasks at a time as best I could. Many of the urgent tasks have been completed or are very, very near that point. Writing deadlines for volunteer projects topped the priority list. Then I turned to more personal deadlines.
It is not that my personal deadlines are softer deadlines since there is a definite must do time involved. Yet, always it seems that deadlines for others get popped higher on the list. Is that because of guilt in holding up others? Why are my personal needs seen -- by me -- as something less than urgent. This phenomenon leads to making medical appointments later rather than sooner, wasting food that I planned to cook and freeze, and filling the car with gasoline as I'm leaving town for a trip. These and other needs seem more elastic in my mind. It could be the way women are socialized to care for others before themselves or it could be something much deeper in psychology dealing with self identity and such. It is a question that I've pondered often. I've seen this occur with other women, so believe that it isn't unique to me <smile>. I've often given advice that someone needed to get in touch with their own needs and let some of the perceived service needs relax a bit. As I've also said many times, it is easier to provide advice to others and their situations than it is to take one's own advice for others to heart. Another item to work on in my spare time <smile>.
As I ran about from task to task today, I found there were too many thoughts flying around in my mind. Finding my way through them all to focus on one item at a time was tricky. Metaphorically, the lyrics of a song from one of my favourite bands from the '70s seem to bring my feelings into view. The song begins with a great guitar that sounds like the feeling I had -- a little lost and stressful. As this group always does, the song is catchy and easy to listen to. Enjoy! Run through the Jungle -- Creedence Clearwater Revival
PHOs -- not pho the Vietnamese noodle soup -- PHO the partially hydrogenated oils. Today PHOs became listed as adulterants to foods in the Canadian Food and Drugs Act. Partial hydrogenation of oils makes them more solid which can add to the shelf-life of processed products. These contain industrially produced trans fats, substances that greatly increase risk of heart disease -- much more than other types of fats. This regulation will ensure industrially produced trans fats no longer are found in the food supply. A one year lead in time allowed industries to prepare and reformulate recipes. To be honest, many products have been reformulated quietly over the past several years.
This regulation occurred 12 years after the Trans Fat Task Force submitted their final report to the House of Commons and Minister of Health, a report that recommended regulations. In June of this year, the US Food and Drug Administration banned PHOs. Denmark limited the amount of industrial trans fats 15 years ago and have seen a reduction in cardiovascular disease in the country. As a member of the Canadian task force, I celebrate this day. What greater birthday gift could there be than something that has the potential to improve the health of all Canadians?
Songs for this are a bit sparse, but one was found. The lyrics note that a healthy oil could become unhealthy through partial hydrogenation. Enjoy!
NOTE: Ignore the first few seconds of the 'lecture' and tune into the song.
Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) have been highlighted in film and media recently. The number of female scientists increased in the past few decades, but it still has a ways to go. Movies such as Hidden Figures celebrate the African American female mathematicians involved in the NASA program. Social media posts have highlighted the work of other space program female scientists and most recently a female astrophysicist, Jocelyn Bell Burnell. This woman discovered the first pulsars -- neutron stars that emit pulsating radiation -- in 1967. While her doctoral supervisor received a Nobel Prize for the discovery, last week Bell Burnell received a $3 million dollar prize for that and subsequent work, the Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics.
Dr. Bell Burnell dscribed the difficulties she encountered while in university from undergraduate to doctoral studies. As the only woman in honours physics in her undergraduate work, she dealt with cat calls and inappropriate remarks from her male classmates. While things have improved over the decades, women in science still have a long row to hoe. This most recent prize money will support students from under-represented groups to study physics. How perfect is that? A fitting way to promote expansion of ideas and life views in a key area of science.
The song included here deals with a theoretical aspect of physics. Sadly, all scientists involved are male. Enjoy!
A Zeigfeld Folly, nurse, socialite, member of Dutch resistance, POW, refugee -- just a few words that describe one woman -- Mona Parsons. This week I attended a play, The Bitterest Time: the war story of Mona Parsons, written to explore the amazing life of this Nova Scotian woman, the only known Canadian female civilian imprisoned by the Nazis in world War II. While living in New York City she danced with the Follies and became a nurse working in the city. There she met a Dutch millionaire (remember this was in 1930s). The play occurs while Mona is in prison, telling the story through memories or flashbacks -- her interrogation by the Gestapo, sentencing to death by firing squad handed down by a Nazi tribunal, her gutsy appeal that commuted the sentence to life with hard labour as well as happier memories with her husband. They were both imprisoned for aiding Allied soldiers and airman to escape occupied Holland. Taken from one prison to another to work as slave labour, much of the play takes place at Vechta and includes her cell mate Wendelien. This character was played by two women -- one in the past and one in the present who agrees to speak about Mona to an unseen researcher. Nazi officers often spoke German, which left me feeling disoriented as I know little of that language. This technique and that of shouting officers and the yelling and screaming of civilians during bombing raids brought fear. While not the complete picture of the horrors of the prison camps, it did more than scratch the surface for audience members. The play ends with the escape of Mona and Wendy during an Allied bombing of Vechta. For weeks afterwards, they wandered barefoot through Germany headed for Holland. Mona played the role of her life (and for her life) as a mute, shell-shocked aunt to Wendy. They traded work for food and shelter with Nazi and German peasant homes. During another bombing raid, the two were separated. Mona found her way to an Allied encampment -- interestingly the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. After the war, she and her husband parted ways --understandable after living through the prison camps -- and she moved home to the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia.
I can't say I enjoyed the play -- that just seems to be the wrong word. I would recommend it to anyone. The playwrights and creative team produced a piece that brings to mind many thoughts. Admiration for someone imprisoned who found solace and maintained sanity -- as well as resistance - through reciting poetry, singing, dancing, and recalling recipes. The latter is particularly poignant when being starved in a Nazi prison and struggling for food as a refugee. It also left viewers with a deeper understanding of the emotional toll involved in war, poverty and oppression leading to fear and desperation. When a production can leave so many thoughts to ponder, it truly is successful.
The song shared today is one that came to my mind as I pondered the use of flashbacks in the play. While there were many amazing songs played during intermission and included in part during the play, this one encompassed more of what I was left with after viewing. I enjoy this version of the big band song with a voice and singer in the early part of a lengthy career. Enjoy!
Sentimental Journey -- Doris Day with Les Brown and his Orchestra
The sun that meteorologists promised today didn't really appear. Cloud remained dark and grey. In my windowless office, I could be unaware of this until I stepped out into the hallway. Several items moved forward on the desk, but the key writing piece still sits in pieces. It has to come together soon as the due date approaches quickly. The physio helped with my neck a bit -- still very sore, but I'm hoping it improves tomorrow. I ran a couple errands early in the day and then two others late in the afternoon. One involved trying on a pair of runners with my usual socks to ensure they fit well. I walked into the store and back to the show section. They had one pair that was my size, so I took it to the chairs, put them on and walked around. Now, no one has come to ask if I need help or just to say 'hi' yet. I put them back into the box and walked over to check the other box in a smaller size to see if the usual booklet explaining the features of the shoe was present. Nope. Neither box nor the display shoe had such an item, yet they leave the factory with this based on all the others I've purchased of this brand. A sales person did ask if I needed anything as I was rooting through boxes for the tags. I noted that I would likely purchase the shoes, but wanted to read the information booklet. She shrugged and walked away. As I walked to the register another woman with merchandise in her hands looked at me quizzically but walked past me supposedly to return said items to the racks. No one was at the register. I stood there for some time. Nothing. Two women behind me were heading towards the checkout to form a line behind me. I turned and asked if they knew if anyone was available to take our payments. I finally asked if they thought there was anyone who would put my name on the box so I could go away and return when I might be able to pay for them. I started to walk away and then stopped to apologize to the two women behind me. I must have looked bad as one came and gave me a hug saying she didn't know me but thought I needed a hug. She was right. That helped me recentre and wait.
When deconstructing this crazy episode, I discovered that it was likely that I was hungry. I have been known to be 'hangry' (I so dislike made up words, but this one is spot on). That along with my neck feeling sorer after a treatment likely put me into an uncomfortable place without being fully aware of the cause of the effect. Not a good deportment in public. Those behind me in line were kind and understanding. How lucky am I? I know I felt confused as to the source of the outburst when the day had gone along fairly well. Physical causes hadn't crossed my mind at that point, but when I took time to check in with myself, it was clear that my stomach had been growling for some time and that my neck was feeling worse than earlier (a common aspect of a treatment to improve it). Remembering to breathe and recentre can be challenging it seems.
Lyrics and title of a song fit the situation of the shoe shopping adventure. The song has a relaxing tone to it and lyrics highlight that it isn't the end of the world. Enjoy!
Those moments in time -- you know, when you will forever remember where you were and what you were doing when. Seventeen years ago today I was in the classroom and heard the news of the first plane strike as I left that morning class. By the time I got to my office, a friend stopped by to note that a second plane had hit the towers. At that moment, I knew something earth shattering was happening. I went into my next class and asked the students to say what they needed to before we began the class. One student who had a parent in the House of Commons in Ottawa asked if she could go to call to be sure her family was OK. Others began to show that rumors ran rampant. When I left class I heard of the third and fourth planes. Shortly after the campus closed to allow us to head home to check in with those we knew. I heard from a friend in the city. Two friends had family members that were in the area and we waited almost 24 hours before finding that they were both safe.
On a trip to NYC years after this event, I went to Ground Zero. A new tower being built already rose high above the memorial park. The colleague I was with had been in high school on that day. We each felt the emotions as if they were brand new. Many others experienced this, too. I recall the many people who helped others on that day and days that followed. Across Canada, airplanes and cruise ships found harbours while borders and air space were closed. At a small airport on the island of Newfoundland, 38 super sized airliners landed -- most coming from across the Atlantic. The tiny town of Gander and other smaller towns in the area opened their homes to all those people -- offering showers, taking food to schools, gymnasiums and church basements, and helping people to contact home.
A newer musical about this day in Newfoundland focused on the best of humanity. Newfoundland is also affectionately called 'the rock.' The term for people that arrive from another part of the world is Come From Away or CFA. This became the title of the musical. I've heard rave reviews from people who have seen this. It remains on my 'must see' list. The success of the Broadway show led to a North American tour and other productions overseas. Today I share the opening song from that play. The lyrics make me smile and feel the emotions that I felt all those years ago. I will share a lyric video to help those not used to the local accent. Enjoy!
NOTE: there is language in these lyrics
Temperatures dropped to single digits again last night. Just north of town there was light frost. I broke out the transitional pajamas last night -- not summer and not winter, but somewhere in the middle. Tonight, I added a light blanket to the bedding. There will be warmer weather returning soon as the tropical air moves up the Gulf Stream or with leftovers from Atlantic hurricanes. Such is the maritime weather.
Time at the office was also cold with the air-conditioned air making things cooler than usual today. I wore an extra layer in the office since reading and typing did not produce much body heat. <smile> Several planned discussions will occur later this week due to scheduling difficulties. On the other hand, plans for other meetings were finalized. I spent time organizing ideas for a short writing project, but still have much more to add to the content. Seeing colleagues busy with course work felt odd. It brought something akin to guilt since my situation might be seen as less onerous. I believe my current transitional state might appear less than it is from the outside. The struggle to find a schedule for research projects and retirement plans brings a sense of fear and discomfort -- each of which adds to stress and (in)ability to move forward. A positive attitude surfaces often, so there will be foward movement with time.
Pondering transitions all around me today reminded me of friends back in Saskatchewan who are in the midst of harvest. A set of song lyrics present wonderful images of this time of year, though wheat, canola, flax and legumes comprise the main harvest items around home. I miss seeing the combines running all day and night with meals delivered to the field. Enjoy!
I woke earlier than planned for a weekend morning. Temperatures fell close to single digits overnight and the house was pleasantly cool for a change. The sun shone leaving great swaths of light on the counters and floors. As the day progressed, I used the oven to bake a fantastic blueberry crisp and chicken and veg for supper -- all very yummy. I have missed cooking this way due to the heat of the summer days and nights, so relished the opportunity that arose today. I received an online message from a dear friend that made me smile. So, while a quiet and quite ordinary day, there were moments of delight.
Smiling brings a changed feeling inside which in turn can bring a smile. Getting stuck in this circular process is very worthwhile. However, a few smiles throughout the day can rescue an otherwise blah type day. Smiles from others or from activities of the day are bound to improve one's mood even momentarily. Granted, there are days when this becomes difficult but there are also days when laughter or glee appear to be somewhat over the top. What I experienced today fit between these two extremes -- just enough to remind me to look for the positives during the day.
A lovely melody and voice came to mind while thinking of the moments with smiles today. The vocals are smooth and relaxing -- and can bring a smile on their own. Enjoy!
The day has been filled with productive and personal events. I completed many household chores and finished reading a book that I offered to review for a journal. More fun tasks await me tomorrow. Busy all day, but so much more to do. Does the work list ever really end? <smile>
This morning I attended another memorial service for a former colleague. I worked with this woman in my early years here on an advisory committee. We met at the airport several times waiting for the bus to return us to this little town. We shared taxis from the bus depot home since we lived a couple of blocks apart. She was a force of nature. Her scholarship studied the intersections of race, gender and work of African Canadians. Her work with rail porters and nurses provided a social history -- work that is now essential reading in the field. This research program stemmed from her advocacy and community building to reduce inequities due to race and gender. An annual lecture held on campus during African Heritage Month carries her name.
The services today covered her scholarship, advocacy, faith and personality so well. Speakers highlighted the intersections of these aspects of her life. The music highlighted these, as well. A youth African drumming group played. We sang spirituals and songs of the protest movement of the 1960s. A lovely poem by Maya Angelou spoke to the effect her passing had on those left behind. (See 'When Great Trees Fall'). It was a true celebration of life.
The song shared today was part of the services. It had been mentioned by a speaker who recalled singing it when seeing off freedom riders in the US South during the '60s. The lyrics are filled with hope. Enjoy!
The sun shone in a lovely blue sky all day today. The sunshine helped to warm me as I walked in the cooler air from a cold front visiting for several days. The morning involved a welcome event for returning students that brought some wonderful conversations with students. Hearing of their summer jobs and course plans for this year always brings a sense of happiness to me. I love to see them in this 'excited to be back' place -- something we all have to draw upon when things get overly hectic later in the year. <smile>
After some work reading, I headed out to the first of two memorial services this weekend -- today and tomorrow. Each of these were retired faculty that played a role in my early years on campus. The man we honoured today in a full dress academic procession, would walk to work each day. In my first year, we would often encounter each other as we began the climb up 56 stairs on the hill onto campus. The last longer conversation we had was a year ago at a student award ceremony. He spoke of his love of teaching and of sailing. He excelled in each of these passions. The ceremony followed a nautical theme with readings and music. He had a gentle spirit and approach to the world. Thinking of him always makes me smile. I wish his family the peace that comes with this gift.
A sailing song seemed appropriate to share today. There are many, but the lyrics of one kept coming to the fore. Enjoy!
The morning filled with errands to run just as the air filled with heat and humidity. Both air and errands felt challenging with the former adding difficulty to the latter. When I sat in front of a computer screen, I found a message from the town council encouraging everyone to conserve water -- no watering gardens or lawns or other major water uses. It seems that the reservoir has less water that usual. There has been very little rain for the past two months or more. Generally, episodes of rain arrive bringing with them a couple of inches of rain. With fewer Atlantic storms the rain from the south has been minimized That from the west is usually small and in the form of thundershowers. We've had little of that, too. So, things are rather dry in grass, brush and woods. There is no outright rationing yet -- something that I have experienced living out west on the prairies. So -- we need rain.
Throughout the summer and again today, major clouds have developed that tease but don't drop rain. It gets dark midday and looks threatening, but it is just meteorological posturing. Fall generally brings lots of rain, so we may begin to see more with time. It appears that activity is picking up a bit in the Atlantic, which may bring some rain closer to land. The rain we can use, but the winds not so much. Sadly, this is yet another item in life that is beyond our control.
When thinking about songs for the blog today, one arrived over and over in my head. That, then, is the song I'll share today. It appeared previously here, but fits the situation so well I had to use it again. The singer's voice is smooth and relaxing. Enjoy!
Feeling lost today led me to making another list <smile> -- one of all things that need to be done this Fall from a research standpoint. The hope is that this might help me to find a starting place and just move forward. I have a year to do a lot with the ability to reapply for a second year. Doing this forever is not in the plans <smile>.
All the things on the list seem to be swirling around my head, without me able to catch hold of one to start the work process. That visual reminded me of a Chinese proverb.
That the birds of worry and care
Fly about your head,
This you cannot change,
But that they build nests in your hair,
This you can prevent.
If only it were that simple <smile>. Is it that tackling one of these tasks -- things I've always termed the fun stuff -- gives a tangible form to the change in my daily routine? Does it feel like there are too many things to complete in a year without it being another full time job? Each of those questions needs to be addressed, but the work needs to begin soon. The other fun things at home should begin, too. How to find that balance? Hmm There is much to ponder and work out to design the new normal.
A song came to mind that contains some beautiful lyrics along with a lovely melody from a gorgeous voice. I found the line "turning them on still causes pain" particularly telling today. I love the piano in this one. Enjoy!
Classes began today, so as I walked around the building, I ran into familiar faces just returned. I enjoyed smiles and short chats about plans for the term. In the office, several bits were completed. We corrected an error in a travel plan for a meeting. I edited a document draft so it can be sent to others for input. One that is left for tomorrow deals with a technology glitch that isn't allowing me to do what I need to do.
Today emotions led to feeling anxious and lost -- even a bit selfish or ungrateful or something that isn't easily pinned down by a term. After a wonderful chat with a friend, I began to see things in a different light. Much of the absurdity in the situations made me laugh -- a cathartic feeling. My suggested solution to problems seemed to make sense to someone else. The negative emotions and self-deprecating voices occur often when faced with anything tricky and a bit scary. With time, I can feel better -- a form of acceptance but with an action plan. Things to answer those "what do I do now?" type questions don't always readily appear. It can become a type of ethical conundrum. Outside help assists in moving through the problem-solving process -- if the problem is my thinking processes or something more concrete. It reminds me of an adage that says, "Those mountains you've been carrying, you were only meant to climb."
Surprisingly <grin>, this reminded me of a lyric -- several actually. I chose one song to share that discusses the ideas behind the adage. The voice is from the early television series days -- sweet and clear. Enjoy!
Today is labour day. Many celebrations occur, most focusing on this being the end of summer or the beginning of the school year. It seems rare to find businesses closed today, so for many it can be another shopping day. The origins of Labour Day may be rather fuzzy for most people, even those who belong to a labour union. In the late 1870s, a major labour march in Toronto set the stage for a statutory holiday that began a few years later. The struggle for workers rights might be viewed as ancient history by some people, who assume that jobs come with benefits and a 40 hour or less work week. This was not always the case. Many major strikes occurred through the past 140+ years. The Winnipeg General Strike led to violence from armed police officers as well as workers. The miners strike in Bienfait, SK led to the deaths of miners from an armed police force. The doctors strike of 1962 in Saskatchewan showed how well misinformation could be used to frighten people who could sway political regulators. The latter strike did not change the government plan to ensure that all citizens had equal access to hospital care. Other regulations limit child labour, provide parental benefits to workers, limit the number of hours before overtime must be paid, and instituted regulated pension plans. Health and safety of the workplace have changed dramatically over the decades. These and many more issues were -- and still are -- at the centre of bargaining between unions and management.
I've worked in non-unionized workplaces, places where unions became present, and many places with major unions of which I've been a member. I have worked in out-of-scope positions that were considered to be more management focused. I recall strikes happening for my work unit and those of my parents. It can be stressful and inconvenient, but generally things worked out reasonably well once bargaining agreement or mediation resulted. Without the work and battles of so many people over many decades, most current workplaces would be less hospitable. Today is a day for remembering those who have gone before to make our world just that much better.
A vignette about coal mining came to mind while pondering today. The singers are former coal miners from Nova Scotia. Cape Breton had many collieries in operation for a very long time. That is not the case any more as the market for cleaner fuel has led to fewer coal-fired plants. The lyrics speak specifically to Cape Breton with amazing visuals of miners and mines. It should be noted that the final visual of a mine by the sea would have had miners deep underground and a long distance from the shore -- in effect mining under the ocean. I'm far too claustrophobic to venture out, so admire those who did. The song is an upbeat mining song. Enjoy!
Coal By the Sea -- Men of the Deeps -- Canada Vignettes by NFB (National Film Board of Canada)
It has been a pleasant sunny September day. We expect higher temperatures over the next few days, but overnight should be a bit cooler than the daytime. That appears to be a move into the transition from summer to autumn. I love fall -- colours, temperatures, rainy days -- all part of the wind down from an overly hot summer. I spent the day reading another chapter from a book that I'm reviewing for a journal. Reading this one feels difficult; the topic is one I find intriguing, but the 'follow through' by the author is disappointing. I'm at the halfway point, so we'll see if things pick up -- I live in hope <smile>. In the background while reading and doing household tasks, past episodes of a favourite television series streamed. All in all a quiet day.
The seasons and I share the move through a transitional state. Just like weather, this can be a gentle change, though abrupt intense change may punctuate the process from time to time. Friends have provided wonderful words of wisdom that highlight the changes of retirement. The advice and experiences shared from a disparate group of people held remarkable similarity, which made the words even more positive.
Lines from a song came to mind while looking out the window at the sunlight among the maple leaves. While the lyrics reference later in the month, the music and lyrics present an upbeat feeling with just a touch of wistfulness. Enjoy!
First day of a new month. First day of a long weekend. First day of the next phase of my life. I finally slept well for most of the night -- first time in a week mainly due to illness but also due to noisy neighbours. The first of those sleep disruptions is improving a lot, the latter holds little improvement or hope thereof. <grump> I woke today with wonderful positive feelings -- happiness, if you will. Basic weekend chores occupied much of the day. High points brought fantastic fresh blueberries from a friend who farms outside of town. Ten pounds will enter the freezer to brighten up the late fall and winter menus. I had a great chat with a good friend who assured me that getting used to retirement will take time, but that it is worth the wait.
My emotions of the day swung wildly from contentment and happiness to sadness and feeling lost -- all part of the transition. Change is a process not an abrupt moment when everything changes at once. One change leads to another and another, which finally become new habits or surroundings -- things feeling normal. Changes aren't as linear as that sounds. It can often be a jumble of alterations presenting themselves in concert , often not fully in tune with each other, rather than allowing one to be fully adopted before the next arrives. Change is life -- or life is change. Someone once said, 'change is the only constant.'
For now, I've chosen this change and know it will create some challenging periods of adjustment as well as some wonderful freedoms and new opportunities. The lyrics most congruent to my thoughts and feelings today are from a song released earlier this year. The music and lyrics are catchy -- could become an earworm even. <smile> Enjoy!
Good Morning (the rest of my life gonna start today) -- Max Frost
