Love Prevails

He's moving quickly and the impacts of his frenetic signing of executive orders are being felt just as swiftly. It's a mess. Rights are in the cross hairs - women's health; newcomers; Muslims; Mexicans; non-governmental organizations serving vulnerable populations;affordable healthcare... But big business is the favoured child staring at deep tax cuts and deregulation. The stock market is happy but that only represents a tiny fraction of the population, and certainly not the disenfranchised, disadvantaged and people living at the struggling end of the American Dream spectrum.

The planet seems to experiencing a collective dim period right now. Chaos at the airports. Fear of government. Blatant expressions of racism and hatred and intolerance toward those are "different" and atypical.

And last night six people were shot in the back and five others injured - as they prayed in their house of worship. The unfathomable happened in Canada; an act of terror. And in solidarity, countries around the world told us they were with us -- the Eiffel Tower went dark; flags flew at half mast and the Pope and other world leaders condemned the massacre.

As I have been wired, I seek the gift in this slurry of adversity. And my heart fills up.

People are not having it. We've come too far and we don't want to go back. People are taking their shock and awe and anger to the streets. They are speaking out and protesting with messages of inclusion, indignation and social justice. We are not having it.

We are one world; one love. Love conquers all, and love will prevail.

Contemplation

I feel like that toad on the rock, sitting motionless, disappearing into the environment, silently contemplating all that needs consideration.

Summer is officially over and school has started.  And even though I no longer have little girls to see off for their first day, I still get the back to school butterflies. Maybe it's residual from having a dad who was a teacher. I pass the three empty bedrooms, further testament that I am officially an empty nester.  Why then can I hear the faint echoes of laughter and sisterly sparring?

Hubby is in the process of closing up the pool. In the 21 years of its existence, no one has ever swam in it after Labour Day weekend, so although it is much more appealing to look at clear blue water than the black tarp, it's time to let it go for another season.

Rosh Hashanah started at sun down; a new year for Jewish people - including my two girls.

President Obama received the authorization he requested to make a military strike against Syria. I am conflicted about this issue and it weighs heavy on my mind. The world must line up and take a united stand against the war crimes that are being committed, and insist that the perpetrators be brought to trial and justice (ICC).  Ironic -- war crimes. War in itself is violent and murderous and yet there are rules to ensure somehow that there is a level of civility applied? Baffling. The world can't stand by passively, silently while innocent people are horrendously murdered in such blatant disregard for world law.

But what to do? Is more violence really the answer; the only alternative? I can't believe that there can be any result that will remotely resemble "success" from more killing. We can't continue to play judge and jury - and executioner. But we must pursue the criminals. I can only hope that the world is not headed for another conflict of global proportion.

I wonder if I sit motionless long enough, deep in thought, one with my environment, will my contemplation reap epiphany? I'll let you know.

Here and There

First walk in the snow of the season. Armed with plastic bags in my pockets for pick up duty, my breath steamed in the air as I ran the pathway with Fritz. My mind wandered to far off places as we left a trail of foot and paw prints in the snow. The southern Sudan has a monumental referendum vote on Sunday that could potentially erupt into violence and even a full blown conflict. Innocent people could be killed.

So today on my leisurely day off, with my biggest worry being whether or not  I brought along enough "doggie doo" bags, my heart and soul is with the men, women and children in the Sudan who will be fighting for their independence, and perhaps, their very lives.

In the cold wintry forest, with the sun sitting low in the stark trees, I whispered a silent prayer for peace.

Peace Seeker

It occurred to me that I have become a peace seeker ...

There was a time when I enjoyed being
in the centre - or cause - of frenzy,
caught up in chaos, and
immersed in plenitudes of people.
I thrived on a constant current of hum and background noise.

Times have changed - not sure why.
I much prefer the sideline view,
watching the scene unfold before me.
Watching, feeling, luxuriating in it and then
loving the silence that follows the end.

My time spent  remembering, reflecting and contemplating,
is precious and a gift I give myself.
I dream a dream and then explore its possibilities.
I wonder and ask why -- and why not?
I visualize the life I want -- and then realize
I am living it.

I seek peace with my loved ones
and my work family.
I envision peace for humanity
and hold hope alive that it can be.
I wrap myself in moments of "still", and am
calm, contented and peaceful.

I can't remember when the shift occurred and my world tilted just a little;
I only know that peace for me is paramount and
I no longer depend on or require the company of others
to fulfill me or for happiness "to go"...
But I do enjoy it!

So I guess my extroverted, loquacious, self
has learned not only to thrive in living colour,
but also to appreciate the subtle shades
that graduate the spectrum.
And there within those quiet tones, find grace and peace.
Oh peace seeking me.

Patriots

It's surreal. The same day we were waving flags, mesmerized by the Olympics opening ceremonies and revelling in patriotism, on the other side of the world the casket of a young soldier was being draped in the flag for his long journey home.  He made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, his service embodying the Canadian spirit.

Faces to names of soldiers serving in far away places ... we see them in the paper and flashed up on the news as they announce their deaths, and if it weren't for that, I am not sure we would think of them at all.

Life goes on for us, undisturbed, barely a ripple as our troops peace keep, protect and rebuild in foreign, hostile lands. Canada has sacrificed 140 lives to Afghanistan,  so many of them young, their potential unfulfilled. And then there are the families and loved ones whose last thoughts at day's end are of their soldier or medic - silent pleading prayers for their safe return.

I've been applauding the valiant efforts of our athletes this past week. So in keeping with the Canadian fever sweeping our nation, I want to salute our valiant patriots -- those living the commitment, battling their fears and demons to fulfill a vision for a better future -- the men and women serving our country and our world of nations. We have not forgotten you. Peace be with you always.

A Walk in the Park

Warm, breezy air, clear blue skies and sunshine ... a rare sparkle of the day. We headed to the lakefront for a walk in the park. Fritz studied us anxiously as we tied up our shoes and followed us to the door. Looking up at us with his best pathetic puppy face and widest eyes, his nubby little tail wiggling, I used the magic word -- park. This triggered an spasmodic episode of epic proportions with leaping, twirling in circles, and yelping. We were off!

Apparently alot of people had the same clever idea. Everywhere I looked I saw heartwarming scenes: children laughing as they hung from climbers; dad's throwing balls with their kids; lovers cuddling on park benches; families spread out on blankets enjoying picnics; elderly couples strolling leisurely arm in arm; kids skipping rocks on the shoreline; people walking dogs - dogs walking their owners. Newlyweds posed lovingly, flirting with the camera as their milestone day was captured.

We live in one of the most picturesque towns in the country and hubby and I try to make a point of soaking up its beauty every chance we get. I have a special love of the water and one of my favourite things to do is to sit lakeside and watch the boats as they come and go. I feel a pull to the water and as long as I was old enough to do so, the river or lakefront is where I headed when I needed to think or clear my head.

I had my camera with me of course and the day and the setting was perfect for photography. When I saw something worthy of a shot, I simply handed hubby the leash and the bag of poop (he loved that) and snapped happily.

We capped our day with a dip in the pool. A walk in the park and a dip in the pool --- doesn't get better than that!

The fruits of my labour ...

Toiling in the Soil

What is it about spending a day on my knees, trowel in gloved hand, digging, mixing and packing moist soil - that brings such peace? The escape and relaxation from gardening is not unlike that which I get from reading a good book. The placement of each fragrant bloom releases a tiny burst of joy that mounts until the planting pot is complete - full to overflowing with colour and perfume. The work of art unveiled.

Today, the sun high in the sky and breezes gentle, was the perfect gardening day. Our salt water pool was crystal clear and beckoned. But to no avail. Hubby and I worked to fill each and every pot, container and empty space with the flowers and herbs we had selected. Once we finished, I sat in the breezy, tranquil gazebo and surveyed the results of our efforts. A large bumble bee (resembling more of a hummingbird than a bee) hovered leisurely above the snapdragon. I inhaled deeply ...

P e a c e.

Maybe working with plants, flowers and soil reminds us of the greater life force to which we belong; of the innate beauty of nature; and above all, is a gentle reminder to look inward for peace and tranquility - that it is found in the small and the quiet -- and not in the grandiose.

Toiling in the soil - just for fun!

Busy Buzz

Depleted.
That's me tonight. I gulp glasses of water as if somehow that will replenish my tired body and soul. I have spent the day like honey bee, passing pollen from blossom to blossom. I have given all I have to offer and although I am tired - I am satisfied and contented.

Highlighted.
Trailing labelia, pink snapdragons, petunias - blossoms in shades of purple, fuschia, pink, and white, My planting pots are overflowing and our yard is now vibrant in full living colour. Hands buried in the soil, dirt on my face and not a care in the world ... nothing brings peace like communing with the garden. A hot caramel sundae from the Dairy Queen doesn't hurt either.

Good Night.
Sleep will come easy tonight; the day has been full and fruitful. Peace to those who are carrying burdens hard to bear ... may sleep come to you as well.

Books + Journals + Time = Contentment

I started out looking for the book I am reading ... excavating the bookcase in my bedroom, uncovering lost treasures. Misplaced earrings; my infant immunization record (funny what we use as bookmarks!); loose photos holding frozen moments; even an envelope with my baby hair enclosed. I let myself go ... losing myself in the dust, memories and thoughts - and the other stack of books under my night table (thus the dust!).

I found an old friend -- my gratitude journal. I flipped through the pages randomly at first, grazing the handwritten pages lightly - a starter before deciding on an entree -- I turned back to the first page and devoured each entry. I recognise the handwriting but the words belong to someone else. Intriguing. Each page was laden with riches to be grateful for: my clean, soft sheets; the invitations to cuddle with (9 yr old) Kidlet; the smiles of my daughters; the hot cup of tea that follows dinner .... it went on and on ... My last entry was February 11, 2006.

I started out looking for the book I am reading ... and I found a better one - a book of countless reasons to be grateful. I was gently guided and reminded and now I will add many new entries. I just love nights like this, tranquil and peaceful. And for that, I am truly grateful.

As You Like It!

I've been off work for almost 2 weeks now and I am just now feeling fully relaxed. Right from the first day off I gave myself the gift of leisurely mornings. What a luxury to wake up slowly instead of leaping out of bed directly to the shower and being out the door in 25 minutes from start to finish. The past few weeks I wake up at my regular 5:50 am time, give a glance over to the alarm clock, smile defiantely and roll over for another hour's sleep. Then I click the TV on to see what has happened in the world as I slumbered. Finally my caffeine addiction has me up and on the hunt for a mug of strong coffee. Then I head for the couch for more channel surfing as I open my laptop or browse my books. I could seriously get used to this ...

Another gift I gave myself was "no plans" - wherever possible. I had many days where - if there were no family commitments - I would resist the urge to plan. Rather, I would get up and just take the day as it revealed itself. That alone was the single most greatest contributor to my peace and tranquility this holiday.

It has made me realize just how many of our 24 hours are preplanned - used in advance. It has a disempowering effect on the psyche. We become slaves to the calendar and the clock. With a shift in my approach - I still ended up completing all of the errands and chores that needed doing - I just did things as I felt like doing them without precise planning. I injected the option of choice. Maybe that is a secret to personal serenity -- going with the flow and a little less structure. Illusion or reality, there is something liberating in having absolute freedom in taking your day as you like it.

As you like it! I definitely like that!

Let the fun begin

The best part of the Christmas season is about to begin ... the seemingly endless get-togethers with family and my special friends. As I write this I hear the hum of snow blowers in the background and see the "smoke" streaming outside from our furnace. I haven't ventured outside yet.

I thought I was so well prepared and ahead of the game but now as I sit amid the laundry that needs to be put away, the floor that needs serious cleaning and the odds and sods from kidlet, wrapping remnants and other stuff that has accumulated on our coffee table, I can feel the rumblings of panic setting in. Yikes. I still have to buy drinks and wrap a few things to bring to our first big family party this afternoon. And then there is that baking I haven't started. Oh - and I better remember to shower!

What to do first ... Calm down. Don't get overwhelmed. One thing at a time. Exhale.
Geesh, that felt good.

I just have to remember the point of all the preparations -- family-time! I can't lose sight of the forest for the trees. Priorities! That being said, it's time for me to get off the computer and get ready to go. Start living the fun - instead of just writing about it!


UPDATE: A wonderful time was had by all ... and just as we were leaving, it gently began to snow and one couldn't help but feel the peace and see the hope glistening.

Let it snow ...

Today I woke up to a fresh white blanket of snow. Perfect! Things are really coming together for a perfect white Christmas. While everyone around us have been shovelling the stuff for weeks, my little town somehow dodged the snowfalls, leaving a very bleak, gray landscape. Not now!

My hubby didn't share my enthusiasm at 6:15 am this morning as he donned his touque and shovel ... however he did clean off and start my car for me so he obviously has the Christmas spirit in there somewhere ...

For some reason Canadians forget how to drive in the snow over the summer. Even though the snowploughs had already cleared the highways, cars were chugging along at a snail's pace as if they were terrified, braking every few seconds as if to test that the brakes do in fact work. Ugh! i tried not to get impatient and instead found a radio station with Christmas music and sang my little heart out all the way to work, waving happily to the truck drivers as I sailed past them. Corny - I know. And another thing I know is that I need driving glasses. As my optometrist predicted, these "aging" eyes can no longer see the white lines on the highway if it is dark and rainy. I rely on lights on the cars in front of me and hope they know where the heck they are going. And the drive isn't going to get easier as the winter progresses. So an eye exam is on my "to do" list!

Getting back to Christmas ... the parents arrived last night from Florida and I stopped in on my way home from work. We opened a bottle of wine and sat back to catch up on the last few months. It wasn't long before little sister stopped in too. Another bottle of wine! As we sat gathered around the coffee table munching and chatting (and sipping) I got that warm glow in my tummy that signals absolute contentment. Life is indeed good.

And today is my company's Christmas luncheon ... another bead on the Christmas string. So for now -- at this very moment -- all is calm and all is white!

The Winds of Change

The times - they are a'changing. Or at least I hope so. Like so many millions of others I was glued to TV coverage of the Democratic Convention - and I am not even American. I sat riveted in my seat as speaker after speaker took the podium to deliver a different flavour of inspiration. Caroline Kennedy 's introduction of her Uncle Teddy. Then Teddy's sweeping larger-than-life address that immediately conjured up memories of his elder brother's "Ask not" speech. A living legend from an American dynasty steeped in public service. Michelle Obama's moving tribute to her husband and clearly - her partner. So many more followed ... Beau Biden, Joe Biden, Al Gore, Hilary Clinton, Bill Clinton, John Kerry ... and finally -- the rock star!

What is a leader if not someone who inspires and fires motivation into the hearts and souls of his followers; whose words of conviction fuel the very best of us to action. It was more than hope that Barack Obama delivered ... it was the reminder that we are all capable of great acts and greatness -- and that it will take us all to make the changes we must make.

Kidlet came home from the Free the Children Leadership Academy with her hope renewed and the belief that she - with others - can change the world. She contacted her power and reflected on her values. She grew up in ways that I wasn't sure possible just yet. She told me how the group of 100+ kids loved the safety - the acceptance, respect and love that each one found amongst strangers ... and who are strangers no more. She explained that if this microcosm of such different individuals could find common ground and peace - that the world could also find its way.

She has truly adopted the Me to We philosophy and for that I am supremely grateful -- and hopeful.

Like I said -- the winds of change are blowing and hope is all around us. Brace yourself. Better yet -- embrace - and make the change.