Revival

Spring is here and it snowed in the Ottawa Valley - on April Fool's Day. 

That's okay, it already melted and is providing water for the grass, flowers and trees. I hope we get more rain.  Yep, this is one of my favourite seasons - except for the muck and smell of dog pooh around our neighbourhood.  

In case you weren't aware, the Christian holiday of Easter occurs during spring.  Since I'm a lapsed Catholic, I shouldn't attempt to provide any insights.  I just like the timing of this meaningful religious holiday with the pagan celebrations.  I respect the theme of revival and renewal. 


I cherish the bursting greens and pretty blossoms, cool days and nights before the sticky, humid days of summer.

I also like the opportunities for consuming delicious chocolate.  As for the little chicks and bunnies that have wiggled their way into this holiday, please resist the urge to give a bunny rabbit as an Easter gift.  

What you could do is give yourself a copy of The Year of the Rabbit ebook.  One of the main characters is a priest.  Another is his daughter. 

Curious? Thought so. Write to Florence T. Lyon before April 30th and she'll send you the secret code to obtain a free copy from Smashwords. 

Have a wonderful Easter week and enjoy what time you can get with your family.  

T

Small companions, small defenders

It is comforting to know that the "...Ottawa Police Teddy Bear Program is being re-launched through the generous contributions of staff tips from several downtown Bridgehead Coffee Shops. Staff of Bridgehead Coffee Shops agreed to donate their pennies to purchase teddy bears for children who have been involved in a crisis. The cuddly companion can help ease a child’s stress after a traumatic event."

"The Bear Mission - The plush teddy bears are for officers to use as a therapeutic tool to comfort, console and calm distressed children, since they are often the first to arrive at emergency scenes."

Read the full release:

Ottawa Police Equipped with Cuddly Companions for Children in Need
14/02/2011


This news release comes at a bittersweet time for me.  Seven years ago, after a violent incident in our former home, my children were consoled by the social workers at the Ottawa Police station.  Each child was offered to choose from a selection of stuffed animals.  At that time, there were more than just bears to choose.  The social worker and officer on the case were compassionate enough to abide by my children's wishes to send one of the toys to me as I recovered in the hospital.  This rabbit toy is featured in my short story called Small Defenders.  Writing the story was a form of therapy and a way to thank the many emergency people and members of our community who came to our aid although I was still embarrassed and in disbelief.  The story also features the poorly functioning machines that dole out pain killer dosages as researched in the book The Human Factor by Kim Vicenti. 

Small Defenders (Short story - Ottawa Jewels 2006 ISBN 1-897357-09-5)
See a PDF version

I am a survivor who is still facing disturbing hurdles.  Being a single parent, it is challenging to cope as I struggle to understand the problems my children experience.  I work hard at "keeping it together".  For the past few weeks, I have been dealing with the long-known fact that my attacker is appealing his sentence and I am now aware there will be a hearing later this month.  Through a technique learned in a support group, I am practicing radical acceptance in knowing that I cannot change reality nor control the outcome of particular situations.  I trust that the issue is in good hands as they review the facts.   

I am also dealing with the reality that the parole board hearings will take place later this year.  To say the least, this drags up bad memories and anxieties.  I started preparing for this over a year ago but lately it has become more of a disturbing reality.  Thank goodness for family, friends and therapy.  I am alive.  I still have my children with me.  I still have my sanity.  I still have that feisty, purple rabbit. 

T

Sexist public information film about eCards on Valentine's Day

It's funny, except for the "... probably blonde" part. 

Safe computing, all your hopeful lovers!  Thank you, Sophos Naked Security blog. 

T

Being of service and connecting with others

Yesterday was a bi-monthly outing for me and a dear old lady friend.  We re-connected a year ago after a twenty-year separation due to my demanding family life and life challenges in general.

For the past year, I have been making dates to take her out to accessible restaurants and events.  Even at her ripe old age (which she will not elucidate), she enjoys going to new places and trying new things.  When I remember to bring a camera o_O, I make sure to take photographs so that she will have something to remind her of the event. 

Being with her, walking on the street and weaving our way through store aisles provides me with a reminder to slow down my pace, to practice patience and maintain respect for our elders.  I have seen strangers' faces soften as I smile at them while helping her with groceries as she stands in the middle of the aisle, deciding which bunch of broccoli to pick or "... where is that milk - you know, the one with the little cap that makes it easier for me to open?".  It's like we've come full-circle from the innocent observations and endless energy of children to the frail, polite and slightly confused state of our seniors. 

This holiday season provides us with opportunities to re-connect with family, old friends and former co-workers.  As we dine out and share in good cheer, I think that it also provides us with an opportunity to connect with the people who serve our drinks and meals.  If the service was good and polite, remember to leave a big tip.  Make someone's day.

Still on this line of thought, I wanted to share an interesting story I caught in one of the tech feeds this past week.  You may have already seen on Daily Planet and other TV shows, about robots being tested in Japan and China.  They are being used to care for seniors and even serve hungry multitudes in restaurants. 

Robots wait on you in this Chinese restaurant
by Juniper Foo
CNET News
December 9, 2010 11:30 AM PST

Snippet:

"China is turning out to be the new Japan, judging by all the cool tech stuff it's turning out, including, now, robot waiters. Sign of the times? At China's new Dalu Rebot (sic) restaurant in Jinan, patrons are greeted by two robot receptionists and attended by six robo-waiters (and no, they don't accept tips)."

Full article: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20025188-1.html

As an IT worker and forward thinker, I am in favour of efficiencies that technology can provide.  I do caution though that if it is not used wisely, it could create a cold, impersonal world. 

Permit me to lead you to an excerpt of my hopeful novel where ten year-old Sera discovers something new at the Red Hare, a family restaurant run by family friends.  In it, she rediscovers a place of comfort and warmth.

http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/2010/12/red-hare-family-restaurant.html

Thanks for reading this far!

Floods of human emotion

As I watch TV or read about current world events, it seems trivial to blog about my downsizing and de-cluttering project when I see people who have suddenly lost everything they own due to flooding in Pakistan. 

They have lost their homes, livelihoods, farmland and sentimental possessions.  They have even lost family and friends.  I cannot bear to watch the news.  The visuals are disturbing especially those of children needing the basics of life. 

Even with apprehension, wondering if the money, food, shelter and medical aid will reach those who really need it, I have been compelled to donate what I could muster up. 

Sitting in the comfort of my own home - humble as it may seem - I cannot turn away from this huge humanitarian challenge - and opportunity.  In five or ten years, I would want to hear stories from survivors - especially children -  that they were not abandoned by the seemingly "Evil West".  I would want to hear young men and women, educated with compassion and reason speak respectfully about their ability to overcome with the help of their fellow "man". 


CBC.ca Pakistan donation deadline nears
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2010/09/09/toronto-pakistan-flood-donations.html

Fair giving for healthy living

I was impressed by recent news stories about super-rich people dabbling in philanthropy.  Let us watch with interest this endeavour's progress.  Perhaps it will prolong or prevent a revolution of the classes, especially with the U.S. embroiled over the push to extend tax cuts for the rich.  Are they serious? 
 
We wouldn't want to see a Canadian billionaire's hard-earned money thrown at a cause whose organizers take a big chunk for administrative costs and CEO salaries.  Would the list of willing contributors donate to causes that have higher profiles and offer luxurious lottery gifts or consider something down-to-earth - something long-lasting?  

By no means should we guilt them into giving.  It should be done willingly.  Though instead of starting another foundation and hiring old cronies or having your name plastered on yet another Cancer research centre, how about investing in safer food, sustainable farming and clean water supplies?  How about decent shelter and safe, healthy recreation for young people?  How about affordable education and meaningful work projects?  Could this quirky approach reduce the number of illnesses and level of crime that may creep up in twenty or thirty years?  But that's not as immediate and sadly, doesn't seem as glamorous to our adolescent mentality.

On a local and personal note, I would like to see landlords resist the opportunity to raise rents above the legal guideline for the second year in a row since they managed to get approval by the provincial body involved. I shake my blonde head when I hear about rich family members competing to see who can give more to a local charity when they could consider offsetting the rent that their tenants pay. 

Let's close this rant with a link to a recent news story on a cancer death rate study.  This likely could apply to any debilitating disease - physical and mental.  If a person stresses and worries that she can barely afford to pay rent and put food on the table for her family, what are the chances that one day, she will be able to afford the medication and treatment that could prevent her early demise? What if we could reduce the chances of the illness even happening?

Food for thought.

It's Christmas morning and there are no presents under our tree

Don't feel bad for us. I planned this intentionally.

I wanted to address the wastefulness of the commercialized season and the clutter it brings to our lives.

In younger years when my children received or exchanged a few Christmas gifts, we would not always use wrapping paper. We put them in the reusable gift bags that you can buy at any dollar store along with sheets of reusable tissue paper. Some of these came from family and friends in previous years.

This year is a different one because I did not get pricey gifts for them. First of all, as a single parent, I cannot afford it. Second, I don't like venturing into crowded malls (or places period). I didn't even venture online to spend plastic.

I'm sure the words "Grinch" or "Scrooge" bounced around in their heads when I informed them weeks ago that we would not be getting presents this year. Instead, we would be redirecting funds to the young parents of a new member of our extended family as well as a few of our chosen charities. They seemed receptive to the idea, especially now that they are no longer "children". They seemed to accept and embrace the warm feeling of giving.

My growing children will still receive stocking stuffers of the chocolate kind and a bit of pocket money. They will also be able to share in a few feasts and celebrations with more family. Unfortunately, the older ones will have to work on boxing day as they are servants to retail, helping shoppers find bargains that fit or ... return unwanted gifts.