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
 

Stop over-thinking things!

That's the key message I received after reading "Middle Age" (Art of Living) by Christopher Hamilton.  Too much navel gazing and thinking-thinking can make you depressed!

I had picked up "Middle Age" at a used book store while out on Rideau Street with a friend last month.  At first, my choice was on a lark as we chuckled at the book's title and the fact that each of us were either in the middle of middle age or starting to feel it.  I have recently been going through changes in different roles and areas of my life.  Although there are many life change books aimed at women, I chose to try reading this one written by a man.  Meh... It was on sale.  It was also thin and compact enough to read on my daily commutes. 

The book was a difficult, slow read at the beginning, enduring this man's lengthy tale about his family, his strange childhood and the impact of the revelation about his real, biological father.  I gradually appreciated and related to his comments about religion, faith, philosophy, family and relationships.

The focus was that he felt the need to re-evaluate who he was after hearing the news about his real father, confirming  suspicions of his mother's dalliances in the early years.  Was he who he was - who he had grown up as?  How or why would one feel any different knowing this news?  Talk about serious navel gazing and philosophical questions! 

I am curious to hear comments from visitors if you at some time wondered about your family and if you had been adopted - or switched at birth?  I used to.  I sometimes wished it.  I would look up at the stars at night while wandering outdoors, avoiding family outbursts and wished I could be taken away by some benevolent alien race.

In my novel "The Year of the Rabbit", twelve year-old Sera Fletcher eventually discovers who is her real, biological father.  Does it change her view on life?  Does she look at Matthew Fletcher in a different light?  Could she forgive him for his neglect since he had learned the shameful, disappointing news himself?  Well... you'll have to read the book. 

So, thank you very much for reading this far.  I am really flattered.  If you'd like a free copy of the Ebook version of "The Year of the Rabbit", hop on over to this page by July 1st. 

In addition to performing glamorous domestic duties and reviewing my short term and long term goals, I would like to get back to writing in my pen and paper journal. That's where I record the mundane as well as my goals and deep reflections on life.  I will certainly return to this blog on occasion, offering my deep blonde thoughts. I hope you will return to read them :o)

T

Middle Age (Art of Living)

• http://www.amazon.co.uk/Middle-Age-Living-Christopher-Hamilton/dp/1844651657
• http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/jun/20/middle-age-christopher-hamilton

Send in the Ghouls?

I was very disturbed after watching the news a few days ago.  More like shocked, horrified and ... angry.

Hopefully the majority of fellow humans can commiserate. 

According to CTV news, "The appalling details revealed in the media coverage of the Luka Magnotta story have had an unsettling effect on many.

One psychologist said that it's normal for such unpleasant revelations to leave people stunned and outraged."

No sh*t.  I cringe every time mention of this story comes up or the revelation of new, gory details slither into view.

It's something that makes you shake your head and say, "No way.  How can someone do something like that to another human being?  What kind of childhood did this ghoul have?  How can someone do something so cruel - to kittens?!  And seriously... What twisted sicko would want to post videos of these events online?"

This is definitely not something that one would want children or fragile seniors to see.  But how can you shield them from information that is available all over the Internet?  It's a strange new world, adding on to the crimes committed by the likes of Paul Bernardo, Karla Homolka and Jeffery Dahmer.

To add to the disbelief, you discover that there are web sites that cater to hosting these ghoulish videos.  Next you learn that there are people who record their friends' responses while watching these horrifying videos then post them online. What the h3ll is wrong with these people?  What harm are they doing to their psyches and those of our future world leaders? 

What a troubling time we live in, when gruesome information is freely shared using common forms of publishing and Internet technology, bordering on violent obscenity yet being defended under freedom of expression.  

While writing, expressing and offloading in my pen and paper journal yesterday, I surrounded myself with three lit candles:  one beeswax tea lite within the aromatic diffuser; one in the lovely wine bottle lantern; and another white candle of hope.  Call it quirky but this works for me.  It works by being in a place of semi-solitude and calm.  Sometimes, I wish I could be hermit, wrap myself within a safe cocoon and shut off the outside world.  

Yesterday I tried out Skype video calls for my first time.  I shared updates, congratulated recent accomplishments with family members across town and across the Atlantic Ocean.  It was exciting to use this technology to gaze upon smiling faces and send love over the ether.

That is what I want to remember.  That is what I prefer to know people are doing with their time, energy and use of technology.  Sounds naive, doesn't it?  

Now it's Sunday morning and I'm fuelled up from my first cup of coffee and strawberry Eggos while listening to CBC R2's Choral Concert.  

While we cannot deny the dark side of humanity, we can each take a moral stand, working together to dilute that twisted darkness with acts of compassion, respect and good cheer.  


Thank you for reading this far.  Relevant comments are welcome.  

T
 
- - - 

I acknowledge there is a violent scene in my novel The Year of the Rabbit.  It was not written to shock or glamorize violence but to demonstrate how within a few seconds of anger and passion, even the most innocent person could be pulled into harming another human being.

Supporting Earth-like Life

Recently in the news:  "European astronomers announced the discovery Monday, along with news about 50 other planets outside our solar system, at a U.S. conference. The most exciting of those planets is only the second to be confirmed as lying within what astronomers call the Goldilocks zone: not too hot and not too cold for liquid water to be present – water, of course, being the key to supporting Earth-like life."   

Details at:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/newly-discovered-planet-in-the-goldilocks-zone-just-right-to-support-life/article2162816/ 

I appreciate their discovery and report.  My subsequent reaction is... Perhaps we all could remind ourselves, politicians, big dirty, power-hungry industries that we should be maintaining the support of Earth-like life here on Earth itself.

Just saying...

Relief

After hearing about people displaced by forest fires in Northern Ontario, earthquakes, droughts, famine and violent acts occurring in other parts of our mixed-up world, I suppose I shouldn't complain about this past week's heat wave in the Ottawa Valley and most of Ontario.   These bigger events offer stark reminders as I reflect, offer thanks every day for what I have in food, safety and shelter. 

As for the weather, Environment Canada says we're supposed to see some relief soon. To aid in this transition, I invite followers, readers and lurkers to enjoy an excerpt from The Year of the Rabbit's Chapter 1.  This is where Father Gio meets Sera, his newly discovered biological daughter.  Well... imagine his surprise!  

Come experience the refreshing breeze from Georgian Bay and sit under the shade of the "famous" cherry tree. 

 

Now excuse me while I primp and prepare for a Summer Social with my writing group this evening.  Once again, I stepped up to the plate and volunteered to coordinate tasks.  At least this year, it won't be raining!  We will enjoy a meal near the water, get to know other members in a relaxed manner and perhaps take a walk through the Arboretum.  That will provide us the opportunity to "shake down" our dinner.  It will also give me a sense of relief and connectivity to like-minded humans and nature after feeling imprisoned in the concrete city all week.   I look forward to hear some light readings, appreciate the shade of trees while accompanied by a trusted guide book. 

Follow me

No, I'm not some self-absorbed, wanna-be cult leader :o)

I AM a recently published author.  I want more followers.  If you have a Google account, you can follow this blog.  See that "Follow" button at the top of this page?  See it?  Please click it.  Ahhh, thank you!

Now that I have your attention (she coyly purrs), hop on over to the Year of the Rabbit blog and do the same thing.  

Follow Florence on Twitter.  She's a deep blonde too.  

Thank you for stroking my ego.

T

Public Speaking

The past three months have kept me occupied with my family's move, the release of the novel, navel gazing and lately... preparations for a public speaking opportunity.  The latter started three weeks ago when a talented writing friend and local author contacted me.  She was scheduled to present at an Arts Night event but unfortunately had to cancel.  She suggested that the organizers consider little ole me as her stand-in for the Writer Artist portion. 

On one hand, I was flattered and saw it as a serendipitous opportunity to promote the novel.  On the other hand, I saw it as an Oh-my-gawd! a public speaking event?! That's the hand that immediately clasped my face and gaping mouth.

Standing and speaking in front of twenty or more people is a lot more difficult than pounding out a few paragraphs in a blog post or email newsletter.  I can perform satisfactorily when speaking in front of a group if I am relaying announcements or technical instructions.

I admire people who can perform in front of an audience, speak clearly then with grace and intelligence, handle challenges as they are thrown at them.  Those who know me, will know that I had done my best to prepare by listing out the order of speaking topics related to the art of writing, gathered appropriate props and chose an excerpt to read. I am anal about planning and preparation.  Those who heard me chatter nervously lately will know that the last time I presented formally at an event like Toastmasters was almost 20 years ago when I was eight months pregnant with my youngest child.  I hadn't persisted with opportunities to continue since. 

The reading of the novel excerpt went well except I hadn't thought to print it in a larger font so I didn't have to hold the paper close to my face (d-uh) and block it off from the audience (d-uh).  Well, there was a microphone, so couldn't they audience just listen to my voice and follow along with the story?  Sure but this temperamental device was tormenting me with it's persistent projections of p-words.  Augh!

It's a good thing the heavy rain that Friday evening kept other prospective attendees at home so that I was speaking to a smaller welcoming group of art lovers.  I was relieved to see friendly, familiar faces in the crowd.  I even sold three copies of the book.  It's a start... My primary goal was not to sell the books; it was to promote the story and share my experiences with writing as an art, an outlet and a form of therapy. 

That week, that night, I ventured out in more ways than one.  I look forward to exercising my "voice" and sharing more experiences with others. 

Thank you for reading this far ... and for listening too!

T

For the Love of Older Women

No, I'm not referring to the 1978 movie In Praise of Older Women but it likely caught the attention of a few mature men out there, eh?  Or perhaps people were thinking this was a Mother's Day reference? 

This starts out as more of a self-assurance observation.  In a recent professional setting, someone assumed I was part of a "different age range" as in, older than my actual age.  At first I was taken aback.  That was the first time that I can remember when someone did NOT think I looked younger than my age.  Using a tool called "benign interpretation", I turned this around considering that perhaps this person thought I was more mature and wise than my biological age.  That's right... I turned it into a compliment!

I like being seen as a mature, intelligent woman who has many creative, productive years ahead of her.  I am a woman, a mother and a crone in training.  To balance and complement these feminine roles, I also like to nurture my inner child.

With Mother's Day coming up this Sunday, I look forward to my own young folk helping to prepare meals and tidy up in the kitchen.  That will give me more time to reflect, sort and pack for our move - as well as allow for some creative activities.  I also invite visitors to read a post in honour of Marie Fletcher, the mother of the nature child / heroine in The Year of the Rabbit. 

Merry, merry month of May

Anyone who knows me well enough is aware that May is my favourite month.  It has perfect weather for cleaning one's home, for outdoor activities, for moving and stretching your body and ... planting seeds. 

You may already know this but May 1st is the date of Beltane, a Pagan celebration.  "In the old Celtic times, young people would spend the entire night in the woods "A-Maying," and then dance around the phallic Maypole the next morning."  Fun times!  Well, except if it ends up with an unexpected teen pregnancy which is what happens in my novel "The Year of the Rabbit".  

Picture the month of May with greening woods and blossoming trees.  It provides perfect outdoor weather for children and young lovers.  Handsome Daniel Fletcher has returned from his first year at military college with hopes of a carefree summer vacation.  Family and friends gather for a barbecue on the Fletcher property. 

Read an excerpt called:  Hide and Seek - Childhood games and Lovers' Initiation

You will notice reference to the Pin cherry tree that is featured throughout the story - until its sad, symbolic demise.  I wanted to include reference to the Japanese tradition of Sakura where they celebrate the beauty of cherry blossoms.  This year, it provides a time of reflection.

 

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.

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

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!

I love quotations because...

"I love quotations because it is a joy to find thoughts one might have, beautifully expressed with much authority by someone recognized wiser than oneself."

Attributed to Marlene Dietrich in one of those online "quotes of the day" services.

I love this quote because... its words express thoughts that I could not ;-^ 

Marlene seemed like a classy lady - and blonde for most of her career.  I'm curious to watch Blonde Venus now...

One less chair

Well, we will have one less chair to move with us next summer. 

Youngest sprout applied too much force to the swivel office / computer chair's five feet while straddling it backwards the other day, waiting for colour printouts so he could personalize his locker for the new school year.  (I nearly freaked when he told me how many pages he was printing!)

Due to the plastic structure of the bottom, it would have been very difficult to repair. Instead of putting the broken chair in the trash pile last night, he decided he wanted to dissemble it and learn about the hydraulics mechanism.  I suppose we can put a positive spin on this loss as becoming a learning experience. 

As part of my down-sizing project, I am resisting any new furniture purchases.  Meanwhile, those of us who need to sit at the computer for long periods have the choice to do so on a hard, wooden dining chair with or without a cushion.  Some of us have plenty of built-in support ;-^  Another positive spin would be the opportunity to get up more often to stretch and move around.

There's often a plus side...

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.

Ah, the musical cloistered life...

Cloistered nuns cinch record deal    
From CBC.ca July 25, 2010

French Benedictines to record Gregorian chant for British label

"When you hear the sound of nuns chanting, it's like an immediate escape from the challenges, stresses, pace and noise of modern living," noted Lewis back in March when Decca, an arm of Universal Music, posted the search notice.

"This is a sound of something ancient, unchanging and timeless."

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2010/07/25/nuns-record-chant.html 

This would make a nice gift - for me :-)  I would love to listen to the CD (or MP3...) while taking time out and reading sections from Seven Sacred Pauses: Living Mindfully Through the Hours of the Day by Macrina Wiederkehr.  I acquired my copy at the Blessing Tree Bookstore during a writers' retreat last year. It surely has helped get me through some demanding days. 

My first post

Who would know that I'd be at a loss for words. This is my first post of deep blonde thoughts, reflections on life, life styles and experiences.

To begin in 2010, my focus will be on de-cluttering my life, identifying things and habits that are not conducive to a peaceful, healthy and environmentally conscious existence. I plan to log my progress, ask for help and hopefully offer some useful advice.