Mother's Day 2013

Well, it's Mother's Day and I'm awake before the kids.  

A couple of young folk offered to prepare me a breakfast of ham, eggs and fruit.  

All the family was together last night for an early celebration since I will be travelling for work over the next few days.  One thoughtful young person got me a bouquet of tulips on Thursday evening.  I'm looking at them, admiring them now as I type this entry.  

 

Other than gifts of flowers, chocolate or scented candles, my children know better than to purchase me "things" for Mother's Day or other celebrations.  I prefer the offer of time and labour or new experiences.  

It's the gift of time spent together, sharing experiences that I appreciate most. 

Since work schedules and the weather didn't cooperate, we didn't get out to the Tulip Festival or a restaurant dinner yesterday.  We settled for pizza delivery and a viewing of Super 8 on Netflix.  That movie will likely become another family favourite, first viewed on the big screen in 2011.  It's like ET meets The Goonies. 

Movies are less scary when viewed on a 20 inch screen and you get to control the noise level.  

I also like being able to pause the movie when people need to use the washroom or blow their runny noses due to allergies. 

I wanted to take this moment to express my love and appreciation for my beautiful children.   I have hope for them as they deal with past hurts, looking forward as they navigate individual, meandering paths in this confusing yet beautiful world.  Heck, at times it feels like I'm renegotiating my own. 

On this day I also think about my relationship with my own Mother who passed away almost 30 years ago.  Despite her self-imposed martyrdom, she was a good Mother.  She meant well, being dealt the hand she had with living in near-poverty and raising eleven children.  Being a good Catholic, one of her frequent mantras was, "God looks after the Mothers.".  She was a woman of deep faith.  

Sometimes, all we have to live on are faith - and hope.  

Here's to the mothers, real and imagined.   

Before I pack and while I wait for that breakfast, I think I'll have another cup of instant coffee and a serving of toast with jam.  This could take a while...
 
Thanks for dropping by.

T
 

Career choices - if we embraced childhood dreams

As a child, I enjoyed digging in the dirt and playing outdoors. 

Do you share memories of wearing rubber boots, digging channels and redirecting rivers around your muddy cities - all the while oblivious to the spring rain? 

Do you remember building sand castles on the beach only to see them topple minutes later into the approaching waves?

Do you share a fascination with King Tut treasures, burying  boxes of trinkets in a garden corner, dreaming that some future civilization would discover them?

Of the many possible career choices, I wonder if I could have made it as a city planner or an archeologist.  For the latter, I admire the persistence and physical endurance that the job requires.  You would get to travel around the world, be part of a team immersed in the local dirt.  You definitely wouldn't be sitting on your butt all day!

You get to share the excitement of discovering ancient graves ... under a parking lot.  Sorry - in Edinburgh they call it a "car park". 
 

 


This is exciting for someone who enjoys the history and mystery of the middle ages.  The only treasured discoveries for me lately have been due to visits from family bearing heirlooms. 

Since being an apartment dweller, I no longer have a small back yard garden where I can dig, grow or ... bury things. I have to satisfy my green thumb tendencies by puttering with the potted plants inside.  All we need are some colourful, flowering varieties.   

In the meantime, I can make plans with family and friends to visit places around the Ottawa Valley where we can enjoy natural gardening sites and annual festivals of bloom.  All this without getting dirty!

 
If you are curious about things that turn up in the spring, visit the blog for The Year of the Rabbit where my nom de plume  invites people to dig a little deeper.  She has dabbled in the mysteries of creative writing.  

Thanks for dropping by.

T

Comfort food and huggable weather

Welcome, Autumn!  I am so glad you are here.

I love autumn.  I love spring.  It's those extreme seasons that I don't enjoy.  

At least in winter, you can put on socks, pants and a sweater if the petit apartment is chilly.  Yes, eventually one has to also venture outside for provisions and the day job.  

There are only so many layers that you can remove during the sweaty summer months until you are uncomfortable at the sticky touch of your own skin let alone that of another human's. 

The cooler temperatures make it more enjoyable to hug a favourite toy or affectionate feline.  Since my kids are grown up, they are not as receptive to hugs.  Yet.

One young person who is now sharing an apartment with friends was over for a visit last night.  After partaking in a delicious roast beef dinner and chat, he was actually receptive to a hug from his dear, short mother.   

It's funny how at times you can't wait for them to leave the nest but cling to them when they are departing after a short visit. Fly, little bird... fly. 

Even though I dislike the cramped, inefficient kitchen in the petit apartment, I look forward to preparing weekend batches of chili, pasta sauce and chicken noodle soup.  I look forward to heating up apple and pumpkin pies to serve with weekend meals.  

Once again, I hope we will squeeze in to sit around the small dining table to enjoy meals - and conversation.  Otherwise, I enjoy taking the young people out occasionally for a meal and family update meeting at a local restaurant.  It's nice to be served and have someone else look after the dirty dishes!  

How would you like to visit the Red Hare restaurant, a cozy, friendly family-run business in the fictitious town of Seguin Sound?  


You will also get to meet Father Gio, his biological daughter Sera Fletcher and Edgar who was inspired by my childhood toy, Winnie Pooh Bear. 

Yes, these are places and characters from The Year of the Rabbit - a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness.  You get to set the price when you purchase the eBook at Smashwords.  How do you like them apples? 

Thanks for dropping by.  Hug your kid today.  If you don't have kids, hug one of your cats.  If you don't have a cat... what's wrong with you? >^..^<   

T

The Light Within

I wanted to offer a brief, Sunday morning post.

Since I am not in regular attendance at any place of worship, I thought I would light a candle in my new votive candle holder.  It's a little something I made while visiting a very creative, crafty sister.  She cuts down wine bottles and prepares them for a transformation into art.  

We had a lovely spring visit and plenty of opportunity for catching up while waiting for the stained glass paint to dry and sipping wine.  

My creation was kept simple with what appears to be a scene with blades of grass.  Could they be blades of grass or flickering flames?  What about that red flick?  Is that a flame or drop of blood?

I like candles and the representation of the light within each one of us regardless of religion - and the opportunity to celebrate what we have in common. 

I also like wine. 


Thank you for dropping by.  Remember to explore and dig deeper at www.yearoftherabbit.ca where you can find plenty of reference to family, wine and accidental church fires.

T

The next time I see you

The 2012 new year brought with it hope and opportunities.  It also delivered an unexpected sorrow.

I was wondering why I could not reach a dear older lady friend by telephone before and during the Christmas holidays.  I knew she would leave her tiny downtown apartment during the day to get in some exercise, fresh air and visit a local women's centre.  Due to family, work and volunteer obligations, I forgot to call during the times when I knew she would, she should be home.  

Communication options were limited.  She did not have email or an Internet service.  My friend was from a different time.  She did not have a cell phone (as far as I know) nor did she have an answering service on her home land line.  When I remembered to call her during the Christmas holidays, the phone would just ring and ring…  Maybe she was out, I thought.  Maybe she was visiting family.  Various obligations pulled at my attention once again.

It was through a shared friend's Facebook direct message weeks ago that I learned she had recently passed away.  A wave of sadness washed over me.  I could not concentrate. I paused during the day to recall our first encounter through a volunteer organization almost 25 years ago, how we would meet on a weekly basis.  She was a hard working immigrant who needed help with reading and writing. I also helped her study for her citizenship test - mostly by illustrations and memorization.  She was successful.  

We lost touch during the years I was married, helping to raise a young family and working full time.

The last time we got in a visit was when I took my sweet lady friend out for a birthday dinner in the heat of last summer.  I remember her sitting in the cool restaurant, wearing a lovely hat and smiling as she squinted to read the card I gave her.  I also gifted her with a printed copy of my novel and hoped secretly that she would be able to read it.  I refrained from asking if she had continued with her literacy tutoring.   It just didn't seem like the time or place to ask.

 

I remember her giggles when the Restaurant Joy staff brought out a small serving of deep-fried banana with a single birthday candle planted in it.  She sat in gracious silence while we sang Happy Birthday in her honour. She was still coy about revealing her age. 

Similar to our outing last December but at an opposite weather extreme, our walks were slow.  I carried her tote bag.  I paced my steps to hers as she shuffled down the middle of the sidewalk, avoiding the risk of falling off the curb.  I paused when she paused to say hello to acquaintances on the street.  We visited Tim Horton's to enjoy their air conditioned setting, to chat over a refreshing drink.

The last time we connected on the phone was in the autumn, around Thanksgiving.  During our last telephone conversation, I suggested she think of a place where she would like to go for lunch or dinner for our next outing.  Planning for these outings was a chore because I had to perform research, to call places ahead of time confirming if they were accessible.  Aside:  I wish more art galleries, community centres and restaurants would post this very important requirement on their web sites!  During our last conversation and as usual, I asked how she was feeling.  I knew she had some health concerns and difficulty getting around but I did not know she was concealing the fact that her aging body was being consumed by Cancer. 

Last weekend, I took two busses downtown to attend one of the visitations at the funeral home.  I delivered my card of condolences.  I obtained a memorial card with her photograph on the cover and a prayer inside. There was no shortage of attendees from her women's centre and the various churches she frequented. 

I found a seat near the front of the room, close enough to the open casket containing my friend's mortal body.  I could not bring myself to approach the front.  This was not how I wanted to remember her.  The floodgates opened.  I cried and cried.  I retreated to the ladies room.  My energy was sapped.  I pulled myself together long enough to talk with her family members and a pastor then ... made a quiet exit.

Recalling again our last phone conversation during which we exchanged our interest in each other's lives and learning what was new.  She acknowledged my busy schedule and was understanding of the challenges of taking public transit downtown on weekends from my family's new home.  She extended her greetings for my children, to give them a hug and to "Tell them I love them."  

My friend is traveling back to her country of origin to a final burial place.  I will never see her again except for the photographs in my albums and the lovely photograph on her memorial card. 

I will miss her sweet voice, her smiling face and positive outlook on life.  

I miss my friend. 

Prince Charming is in a coma

So, I've been following Once Upon A Time on CTV the past few weeks.  I am enjoying the fairy tale references and how the characters are thrown into present day life without a clue of who they really are.


Poor Snow White / Miss Blanchard. At the urging of young Henry, she sat at the side of John Doe's hospital bed to read from the special story book.  She witnessed him stir back into consciousness.  Then a few hours later, he goes missing.  


I like how Emma and Snow play the part of the heroines, rescuing Prince Charming from the wilderness after he wakes and wanders off from the hospital.  Then, of course once returned, some beautiful blonde woman shows up to visit him and reveals that she is his wife.  Damn!  What timing and suspiciously seems to have been arranged by the evil queen / Mayor Regina Mills.  


The mixed-up show makes for an entertaining distraction from a lonely existence.  Recently, a sweet person comforted me due to doubts about finding a man whom I could trust in a relationship again.  Throughout the conversation, he assured me that I was smart, attractive and a strong Canadian woman.  That rang nicely to my ears.  Strong Canadian Woman.  


I like to think that I have become stronger over the years after keeping demons at bay while supporting my family, working full time and volunteering.  There are times when I wonder what ever happened to my prince charming, the ideal husband.  Well, in the darkest of times, it's hard to believe that those even exist. It's even more challenging as we enter the long, Canadian winter.  


Until Prince Charming wakes up or comes riding in on his white charger, I will be my own hero and evolve even more into a Strong Canadian Woman.  Merci, tres gentil monsieur.  


If you want to meet a heroine in the making, come read about Sera Fletcher in my novel The Year of the Rabbit.  


Thanks for stopping by.


T

Frog Princes and Ancient Wisdom

On a typical Saturday morning, I'd be in my pajamas until noon, sipping coffee, writing, tapping on the keyboard or puttering around our tiny abode.  Yesterday was an exception.  On one of the coldest, breeziest autumn mornings in the Ottawa Valley, I took two buses downtown to attend an event at City Hall.  Did I mention this was on a Saturday morning? What in the world would make me sacrifice my cherished "me" time to venture out in this weather and subject myself to the eclectic crowds of weekend public transit?

Yesterday was 2011 Friends for Peace Day, at Jean Pigott Place. The 9th annual Celebrate Friends for Peace Day is on the first Saturday of October. Friends for Peace is a nonprofit organization and works for peace, planetary care and social justice. One of the organizers is a member of my writing group.  He's also a wonderful man, surrounded and supported by wonderful, committed people. 

I was hoping to meet a friend there as well.  Due to our loosely made plans and my forgetfulness to confirm, she was waiting at home for my call.  I have since apologized with intentions that we get together for lunch this coming week.  In a way though, it's a good thing I forgot.  If I were to apply the belief in fate or divine intervention, I could offer that something made me forget... for a reason. 

Don't run away!  Please continue reading about my solitary journey. You may find it interesting.  That's right, take your hand off the mouse or touch pad thingie and just scroll down.  Go with the flow...

The morning attendance was a little sparse.  Not many audience members were willing to take part in the dancing and vocalizing activities that encouraged participation on the stage.  To less open-minded folk, it may have seemed a little "airy fairy" and would require some "herbal inhalation" prior to engagement ;o^ 

With catlike elusiveness, I retreated to the back of the room where I chatted with acquaintances, toured around the silent auction tables and wrote down my bids on various items.  Aside from books and practical items, an adorable ceramic frog candle holder tickled my fancy.  He was the cutest frog prince I had seen in a long time.  Jaded, with a touch of bitterness and a sprinkle of dark humour, I figured he would be a crowning consolation for the number of toads I've had to kiss in my life time.  I chortled as I out-bidded a gentleman in line ahead of me.

The afternoon activities were well-attended, especially the Orkidstra performances and the awards ceremony with special guest, Mayor Jim Watson.  Ode to Joy, Lean on Me and other songs lifted our spirits and sealed the bond of peace and connectedness.  Peace and love were in the air :o)

During a lull, I toured around the exhibitors and made another round of the silent auction tables.  What's this?  That guy was outbidding me on the frog candle holder!  A strange, competitive force came over me.  I was determined to win that frog so I upped the offer once again before I turned to explore the exhibitor booths.

Carol's Jewelry Box booth appealed to my love for The Tree of Life, as relates to the Egyptian print still in storage since our move in May and... to the beloved cherry tree in my novel.  Carol's table was adorned with gem stone pendants in different colours and sizes.  I decided that a Tree of Life pendant would make a lovely souvenir - something to wear as a talisman while I write poetry, purple prose and inspirational blog posts ;o)  I'm wearing it now. 

While I was strolling around and smiling at folks, one of the exhibitors from the east coast engaged me in conversation about his involvement in Aboriginal initiatives.  He mentioned several services he provided and responded politely when I questioned if some of them were perhaps in the category of "new age" medicine.  We shared an interest in ancient wisdom by indigenous peoples around the world.  I expressed my interest in aboriginal mythology - especially the trickster rabbit (and took advantage of the opportunity to mention the novel as I handed him one of my business cards).  In response to the "Fate, Family and Foregiveness" description, he stated "Things happen for a reason" and suggested that I try his Australian Wildlife Wisdom cards.

"What? Are they like Tarot cards?" I asked, resisting the usual rolling of the eyes.

"No," he replied as he dug into his bag of tricks and pulled out a small flat box covered with what I could describe as a psychedelic pattern.  Inside was a deck of cards, each with an animal character on one side.  The box also contained a book with descriptions of each animal and what they could represent to the card holder.  He suggested that I find a quiet place to sit, shuffle the cards then pull one out and read about it. 

What's the harm?  I was tired from walking around and being surrounded by the noisy crowd.  Even for a peace festival, I was feeling a little overwhelmed.  I found a bench in the relatively quiet foyer of a side entrance.  I shuffled the deck.  I shuffled and shuffled then pulled out a card. 

It was the Rabbit. 

I laughed nervously then braced my cynicism as I opened the little guide book.  Without giving away details of my current life journey, one of the key things I took away from the description was the risk of having too many ideas or offspring (i.e. initiatives and creations).  I knew this.  I have felt this for months.  My pretty blonde head gets full of ideas and I've been juggling creative initiatives for a while.  I had wondered if or when one of the balls would have to drop or become placed in a back pocket for a while.

As my new-found guide was preparing to serve a client, I returned the box and thanked him for the opportunity.  He shared a smile as I revealed that I had pulled the rabbit card.  In the midst of the noisy crowd, what I could discern from his advice was to take away the positive message from the card. 

I mulled that over as I departed on a quest for groceries.  After two bus rides in search of a particular store, I got off at the wrong stop.  I noticed a book shop.  Oooh.  What's the harm in taking shelter from the wind in here for a while?  Besides, I wanted to find a book on Jungian Archetypes so I could do some independent research.  As I browsed the crowded shelves, I felt at home.  CBC Radio 2 was playing in the background.  As I dug through the merged psychology and self help section, I pulled out a book with white and black covers titled "Second Time Around".  Author Anne Lovell provides advice to people on overcoming anxieties of failed relationships and how to build a strong, lasting and rewarding relationship for the future.  Ha! I scoffed bitterly. 

As I turned the book over, I half listened to the radio interview.  The interviewee said, "oh yeah... I also had a rabbit"  Hello?  What?  From what I could harvest from the conversation was that he had been or was a magician. 

Coincidence?  Perhaps.  I bought the book anyway :o\ and proceeded on my way to procure provisions for my family then return home.

Yesterday provided me with quite the little adventure blessed with encounters and opportunities.  After I ate dinner, I settled in to check email and perform some volunteer tasks.  One of the messages was from the silent auction organizers, informing me that my bid had won the coveted frog prince. I laughed out loud, nearly spraying Chai Tea on the Mac. 

Now... was that a lovely coincidence or the result of self-directed destiny?  

~ ~ ~

Thank you for reading this far.  If you like my writing style, you may enjoy reading The Year of the Rabbit, a novel about fate, family and forgiveness.  Sample some excerpts and enjoy feedback from people who read the earlier print version.  I'm pushing the Ebook version with a special discount until October 31, 2011.  No trees were harmed ;o)

T

Nostalgia from the Large Print Aisle

It was the winter of 1985.  Due to being in the right place at the right time, I scored a  work term at a small town Public Library.  Those were fun, promising days.  I was able to use my creativity, satisfy a sense of order and learn what it was like to corral and calm energetic children during story time.  I also had a sweetheart who made my heart thump and my knees wobble.  Good, tender memories. 

I am not sure if the sense of order came before or after working in the library.  What I am sure of is the enjoyment I had touching, skimming and sorting those books.  The library brought in the local news paper to photograph the three of us participating in the government-funded program. 

Holding a pile of large print books and smiling coyly for the camera.

Although I enjoyed that work term, I did not pursue a career in library sciences since I heard that it would take years of college and the pay was not great.  I did not have the patience, money nor deep enough love to commit to that dream.  I was still not sure what I wanted to be when I grew up!  I later scored a retail job at our local Canadian Tire (Yay!) and box office night work at our local Cinema.  

I eventually saved up money, joined my sweetheart in Ottawa and continued working retail.  Working in "the big city" was a cold disappointment compared to the relaxed pace of a small town.  After a couple of weeks I registered for a word processing course (when a word processor was an actual computer!) and aimed for office work instead.  


A few months later, good Karma - and possibly a pinch of good work ethic from my stint as an office temp - presented me with more opportunities.  The Information Services department in a small organization created an Administrative Support position for me.  I used this thing called a dumb terminal that connected to this thing called a VAX.  I learned about computer operations, how to run batch jobs, perform backups and apply user permissions using ACLs.  I learned how to use a wonderful word processor called "Word-11" before it and other decent products were crowded out by aggressive brands offering WYSIWYG features - on a new piece of hardware with a new operating $ystem, of course.


Even with those windows of opportunity in the working world, dreams of a future with my sweetheart soon faded to black. I distracted my loneliness by making new friends and taking more courses.  I read to escape the pain.

My work life evolved in the exciting world of Information Technology.  In the blur of that late-1980s existence, I soon married a seemingly wonderful man and subsequently co-created three beautiful children. 

IT work provided plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and attend courses.  I became immersed in the world wide web, electronic mail then online collaboration tools. My aptitude and creativity were recognized and nurtured by a succession of superiors.  The pay has helped me as an eventual single parent.  I have been a valued contributor to the objectives of my work family.

I am toying with the idea of owning a cell phone (yes, I'm one of those hold-outs) or committing to a smart phone with Internet access.  I still cannot justify the cost and possible distractions.  Those small screens do not appeal to my reading preferences.  I have come to realize that my electronic skills, my love of pen & paper and appreciation of the QWERTY keyboard for creative writing will soon be augmented by the pinching, stroking and zooming techniques of a tablet. (A-hem... my birthday is coming up this month.  Nudge, nudge.)


In June my oldest child graduated from university (insert warm, gushy feeling).  I satisfied her gift request by purchasing an Amazon Kindle.  This device can "hold" thousands of public domain books.  This seemed perfect since she is an avid reader and loves the classics.  At least that is a small consolation as I lament the future of the printed word and methods we choose for publishing, writing and reading. 


Regardless of the potential for massive data storage and oodles of options for reading devices, I still enjoy the tangible book.  I like holding it, dog-earing special sections - gasp! - and - the horror! - writing notes in the margins.  Not that I would do this in books I borrow from the library but I find it interesting to see scrawls from previous clients.

Perhaps you do too? 


T


Thanks for reading this far.  If you like my writing style, consume some excerpts from my novel "The Year of the Rabbit".  Sera Fletcher, the main character loved to read and volunteer in her library.  The library also served as a refuge from the loneliness of losing her best friend.  

My Ideal Man

So I was writing an early morning blog post for the novel, reflecting on the coming celebration of Fathers' Day.  I was in the process of sharing the description of Sera Fletcher's father, Matthew.  

In the process, I think I described my ideal man.  

Hmmm, a goal for next year perhaps?  Meh... We'll see.  I'm not expecting "perfect".  I'll accept one or two flaws like... he has too much money.  Or - he only wants to give me a back rub with no ulterior motive ;o)

T

How do you like them apples?

In an effort to push more fruits into my diet, I am forcing myself to make more visits to the basket on our dining room table. 

The new rental home is shaping up with less boxes lying around.  I don't like our small kitchen though.  Due to my avoidance of using the new stove and the horrible humidity of this past week, we have been ordering a lot of pizza lately.  At least it's good quality, Colonnade Pizza :o)

As I bite into a Cripps Pink apple, I think about and appreciate the fruit so simple as an apple.  Apples are sturdy, portable, reliable fruit packed with fiber, vitamins and natural sugar.

Last weekend, after I unpacked more boxes from our move and sorted dirty laundry, I managed to sit long enough to enjoy watching The Cider House Rules on TV Ontario.  It's a beautiful, touching story that I discovered had many themes similar to those in my novel, The Year of the Rabbit.  (teen pregnancy, adoption, abortion, apples, love and... breaking rules)

In The Year of the Rabbit, the apple appears many times - mostly as a symbol of innocence and discovery.  It leads Sera through thoughts of life after death then the accidental revelation of her true paternal origin.  There is another scene where its innocent influences cannot prevent Sera from acting on uncontrollable rage.  

So... have I tempted your interest in reading the story?  Visit the YOTR blog for more excerpts and links on where to purchase your copy of the book.

Thanks for dropping by.

T

I don't own a cell phone

There was a time when I had to carry around a cell phone at the insistence of my then spouse.  He bought it for me shortly after 9/11.  We were touched by stories of people contacting their loved ones via cell phone shortly before their demise.  My reserved opinion during our own troubled times was that if I was in a life-threatening situation, he would not be the first person I would want to call.  I would not want him to call me.  I would find a call like that disturbing and trauma-inducing due to the feeling of helplessness for the person on the receiving end.  Why put that stress on someone if only to tell them how much you loved them?  Can you not show that in your daily actions and resist to let parting words be angry ones?

I use a cell phone for work purposes but still cannot see the benefit of having one in my personal life.  I am either puttering happily around home, on my way to work, volunteering, running errands or on my way back home.  I will leave a note listing my whereabouts and any number where my loved ones can contact me.  I make sure I have access to a phone, either a friend's or one of those endangered pay phone breeds. 

Cell phone technology has evolved over the past 25 years - so much that now your smart phone can track you.  That has caused concern for the paranoid types.  It is disappointing that there are people who rudely insist on checking their phone in-between real-space conversations and thumb-typing onto the little keypad. Good gawd! We even have to create laws to stop people from using them while driving vehicles! 

What have we become? 

It is comforting in a way to hear that some youth are not fond of a heavy reliance on technology.  They are beginning to question the widespread proliferation of technology and the role it can play in their lives. A group of performing artists came together in Vancouver to address the decline in face-to-face communication.  They admit they already have to update the content of the performance so that it reflects current technology.

When you read the novel The Year of the Rabbit, you will be brought back to a simpler era (the early 1970's) when there were no smart phones,  cell phones - not even computers.  You can purchase the book through a Print on Demand service.  Since one of the themes is the respect for trees and our natural world, I didn't think it right to print hundreds of copies.  I am hoping that the word will spread about this bittersweet story and enough people will be interested in reading it. You can start by reading the PDF version of Chapter 1. 

Ironically, I am fiddling with tools to publish the novel to a digital format, to have available on the Kindle, other eReaders and yes... even mobile devices.  And yes, I will need to test it out at some time ;-)

Thanks for reading this far.  Have a nice, distraction-less day :o)

T

What is Family?

If you were to Google "what is family?" you would get about 1,460,000,000 results.  

According to an imperfect Wikipedia article, "In human context, a family (from Latin: familiare) is a group of people affiliated by consanguinity, affinity, or co-residence. In most societies it is the principal institution for the socialization of children. "

The key point here is about children.  Children need a stable, healthy environment in which to learn and grow.  Without sounding cliché, I feel it is important to state that children are our future.  If they are nurtured and taught well, they will be responsible, well-balanced members of society.  If they are led by good examples, they will be ready to take on their roles in their own families, communities and our beautiful world.

Last night, two of the offspring and I watched The Kids Are All Right on Rogers on Demand.  It was a welcomed form of entertainment after a cold, wet afternoon of slogging around slushy streets to view our future community and a potential new home.

The family portrayed in the movie was certainly unconventional and non-traditional.  The story though encourages us to ask the question about family.  Can a family consist of children and two parents of the same gender?  Can a family be headed by a single parent?  Can it be one parent and one child?

In my novel The Year of the Rabbit, young Sera is presented with this question as her own family makeup changes as do the ones around her.  She struggles to understand while she loses and gains family members.

I have been the head of my own family as a single parent for seven years.  It hasn't been easy but is much more preferable to what we lived with for many years prior.  Although we have had emotional struggles and hurdles, I am hopeful that we can continue as a healthy, loving family.  

The kids are all right.

International Women's Day March 8th

"International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies." (Details)

In some parts of the world, women are still struggling for basic rights like education, health and safe birth control. This week I was horrified to hear about security forces shooting women during a peaceful protest in Ivory Coast. (story link).  I was uplifted to hear of The Middle East feminist revolution (story link)

How can we as civilized men and women demonstrate peacefully our wishes for a healthier, safer co-existence? Can we trade in misogynistic ways for those of a more cooperative time? 

On this Women's Day and every day, what must we teach little girls, young girls and women around the world? From a philosophical perspective this March 8th, you may be interested in hearing about the Four Faces of the Feminine Identity (Venus, Athena, Demeter, Hera)

I recall the the words of Canadian musician Damhnait Doyle in one of my favourite songs: "I should teach the little girls to scream before it's too late to be heard" (List of Things / Shadows Wake Me CD)

In my up-coming novel The Year of the Rabbit, readers will meet characters who represent the hopeful girl child, the passionate, strong woman and the wise, patient crone.  Come read about Sera who tries to make sense of her lonely world as she misses her lost friend and clings to hope as she loses people close to her one by one.  Meet Aunt Georgette, a strong and passionate woman and unlikely role model.  Meet wise older women like Edith George and Rachelle Johnson.  Unfortunately, due to the lack of awareness and compassion in the 1970's community, it was too late for one little girl to be heard...

Have a peaceful and loving Women's Day. 

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

Blonde Philosophy 101

On Monday evening, I completed the introductory cycle of New Acropolis' Active Philosophy Workshops.  I feel enlightened as I walk the path on my constant (yet often interrupted) quest for wisdom.  Many thanks to the instructors for their patience in answering my frequent questions. 

According to an UTNE Reader article, Philosophy classes are conspicuously absent from (US) secondary schools' curricula.  The author of a related article "...argues that a philosophical foundation is an essential tool for discerning and skeptical students and citizens." 

I recommend the New Acropolis introductory classes to anyone who wants to share in "...reflections and philosophical dialog in order to face today's world challenges and contribute with actions to a new and better world." 

There's something to be said about meeting in person, about "being there" and discussing with others over reading a book.

Know thyself and don't stop asking questions!

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