Farewell to costly illusions

It was one month ago that I decided to end an unhealthy relationship.

Sure, it provided me with company throughout the long winter months, adding a flicker and glow of comedic relief after dinner and many a long day in the working world.  

Problem was that this relationship became stale, intrusive - and costly. I needed a change in lifestyle.  I wanted to discard some unhealthy habits - and cut expenses.  I was starting to feel like one of my furry, floppy roommates.

On April 23rd, I gave the 30-day notice to cancel our cable TV service.  Apparently, I am not alone:

• More Canadians cutting the cord? TV subscriber numbers fall for first time (May 2014) http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/more-canadians-cutting-the-cord-tv-subscriber-numbers-fall-for-first-time/article18685129/

• Statistics Canada Annual Cable Television Survey (February 2014) 
  http://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p2SV.pl?Function=getSurvey&SDDS=2728

In my new phase of life, I want to explore new interests and embrace new passions. I still want relationships that provide joy and laughter but more so through social gatherings, live theatre and the lost art of story telling.  How about you?

We still use our huge-ass television set to watch movies via Netflix, DVDs and yes, even our cherished old VHS tapes. 

Last night, one of the young folk and I watched our copy of The Truman Show. It had been a while since we last viewed this family favourite during one of our regular movie nights.  

It's a very interesting story with Jim Carrey portraying a character who starts to question his life, what is real and what is fabricated.  Some of us need to do that on a regular basis.   

Philosophy links regarding The Truman Show:

• http://philosophynow.org/issues/32/The_Truman_Show 
• http://www.philfilms.utm.edu/1/truman.htm 

I've often advised my children to ask questions, to resist virtual distractions and encouraged them to read Sophie's World, A Novel About the History of Philosophy by Jostein Gaarder [a review].  One of them even helped me with an illustration for a wee web project many years ago.

Some of us need frequent reminders to jog our curiosity, to challenge our perception of what is real, what really matters in our life and in our varied relationships.  

In most areas of our lives, we have the freedom to choose.  We are each the star of our own TV show, each the author of our own life story. How will it end? 
  
I think it's healthy to ask questions, to challenge the status quo and leave one's comfort zone once in awhile.  We may just realize that we have been conveniently led back into the cave of illusions and shadows.  

Thanks for dropping by.  Feel free to rate this post using one of the check boxes below or offer a comment.  You have a choice :o)

If you like my writing style, you may enjoy reading The Year of the Rabbit - A Novel About Fate, Family and Forgiveness.

• Drop by the novel's domain;
• Read some excerpts;
• Read comments from others;
• Download a portion of the eBook for free from Smashwords.

T

Planning for one's death

It sounds a bit morbid

yet...

With all the baby boomers reaching their 70s, one cannot avoid talking about, planning for one's earthly departure. 

As someone who nearly met with an untimely death a decade ago, I wanted to ensure I had made proper arrangements come the time in the future - the far future, thank you very much!  I also wanted a sense of control over the entire affair. 

It was an interesting process last spring, meeting with the professionals who help arrange remembrance services, who document what you want to be done with your "earthly remains" and help you decide on a final resting place.  

Two out of three ain't bad. 

I'm still struggling with the final resting place concept.  I want to decide on an option other than expecting my adult children to take turns keeping Mother's urn on the mantle - or tucked away in the linen closet.

Some folks are taking the care of deceased loved ones into their own hands, due to the corporatization of the funeral industry and their need to reconnect with the ritual of death.  According to one professional, "...it’s important for our humanity to rediscover this sacred rite of passage in ways that each person is comfortable with and is comforted by.". 

Death is a part of Life. 
 
Some of us want to lessen our ecological footprint even after leaving our earthly bodies.  A recent article cites the increasing number of cremations in Canada, the growing demand for "green" funerals, and the advertisement of eco-friendly burials to attract customers.

One of my darlings once joked that come the time, about putting my ashes in a pot and planting a tree in memorial. 
 
I kind of like that. 

During the planning process, one can also purchase travel insurance.  Yep, that's right.  You can pre-arrange for your remains to be returned home if you meet your demise while exploring the world. 

I like that too because once the kids are out on their own, Momma wants to travel more - and not just jaunts about town and city parks or bus trips through wine country.  

Let's see how well these guys live up to their promise if they have to bring me back from some deep jungle trek or a tour of the great pyramids of Egypt.  

On a slightly related note, I invite you to read an excerpt from my novel where young Sera Fletcher discovers a beautifully carved casket in her father's workshop.  It's called Life After Death.  

Thanks for dropping by.  Next time I'll have something a little more lively to offer.

T

 

When imaginations run wild

As a creative type, I often let my imagination run away with me while I scribble poetic notes, quickly illustrate an idea - or ponder characters, draft stories and consider alternate endings. 

 

As an avid reader, I enjoy when a story is so well written that I easily experience the sights, sounds and smells while escaping into a book. As an author, I am touched when others comment with their experiences while reading my work. 

As someone who has lived with PTSD and will occasionally experience resurfacing symptoms, I sometimes let my imagination lead me into "what if" situations.  Sometimes I have to coach myself away from dark thoughts and try to remain in cheery, lighted surroundings.  


My "what if" thinking aids me in reviewing and updating processes in my work and volunteer roles.  It helps me identify risks and opportunities in the everyday.  

Thinking, thinking Ladybug drawn by Gigi circa 2000

Recently I have questioned the logic of government departments in how they follow processes and make decisions.  I have asked myself and others valid "WTF! if?" questions while dealing with circumstances and possible outcomes related to"he who shall not be named".

It breaks my heart when I hear one of my children cry, asking "Why? Why is this happening?"  It frustrates me that victims have to take extra steps to ensure their safety when solutions seemed so obvious to decision makers at the time.

This is when one chooses to reach into the coping toolbox, accepts the help of others while resisting the tendency to become hyper-vigilant. 

While seeking solace and support though, one may agree that it is prudent to continue with some "what if?" thoughts while holding onto a trusted hand and keeping a tight rein on that wandering imagination.

T