Archive for the ‘Life Reflections’ Category

It is the 11th day of the 11th month in 2011 and it is on this day we salute our veterans and troops.  As I watched the coverage of this event and saw the faces of young and old I am warmed by the thought that we really appreciate the sacrifices these individuals make.

Across the miles our troops still serve and I want to let them know we remember you! As we have supported our allies in wars we didn’t start we have paid dearly but the souls that passed did so with great honor. It is through their dedication to our country, their selflessness and commitment to the greater good that all of us can be proud. It is not that anyone wants war but when conflict arises it is these men and women that step up and say “Yes” to defend freedom and democracy. Sometimes the reasons for going are not fully understood but because of long-standing friendships our troops extend a hand in the hope of stabilization and reconstruction.

For those that have come home and still deal with the scars of war I wish you healing. There is a need to offer men and women the best post combat care upon arrival home. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is real and there has been a steady increase in veterans experiencing the often complex and debilitating effects of this condition. Today, I think deeply about those veterans. I offer an empathetic plea – Please try to find the appropriate support that will help you talk about what you saw and how you feel. Your mission is to release the pain, anger and helplessness that encompasses your days right now. Find the strength to tap into your true spirit again; let peace, love and laughter come back into your life and the lives of those around you. We await your full return home.

We, as a nation and a people, are so lucky to live where we do and as we do. Very few could say they have the richness of life that has been bestowed upon Canada. When we gripe about so many things that bother us from politics to weather we do so because we are free minded. There may be times when we question the role others have in our existence but ultimately we move throughout our days with the ability to exercise choice. We stand on solid land that was defended on our behalf along time ago. The names of all the people that made this possible are not etched on our minds but their energy exists all around us. We pass by them on the streets, we step on the soil where once they trod, we gather once a year to honor them and that my friends is how their legacy lives on.

This is only a simple post to say “Thank you” to all those who served and continue to serve our country. Support the troops and support the Royal Canadian Legion.

To: Dear Jeannie

Now you can spend a few minutes with Andy Rooney whenever you wish and have a chuckle or two.

Love Billie Boy xxx

This was the inscription on the inside of a book I purchased at a use book store, the book was Pieces Of My Mind by Andrew A. Rooney.

Today, I learned that Andy Rooney passed away and for that I’m sad. It doesn’t matter to me how old he was, I hate that preoccupation with attaching an age to everyone we write about, I’m just sad that he is no longer here. With his recent parting from 60 Minutes I was thinking he would write a book or do something that would keep us connected to his life musings. That was not to be. It would be hard for me to even pinpoint why I loved his work so much, sometimes it is just hard to know why you appreciate someone as much as you do. No real point in trying to unearth reasons other than to say his truthfulness and ownership of what he said and wrote was admirable.

When I read his words or heard him speak I was either laughing or nodding my head in agreement. In a previous post I referred to him as the “George Carlin” of news/opinion writing…without the profanity. There are few people who can thread the perceived complexities of life perfectly with the simplicity in which it needs to be seen. To me, there was always an undercurrent in his words that flowed into “see it for what it is.” The ‘it’ could be anything: a situation, an item or a sentiment. Whether experienced, bought or told we really can make a whole lot of something out of nothing.

He didn’t feel there was any ‘magic’ to what he did but I still think he underestimated his contribution to our world. Mirroring the strangeness, joys and frustrations associated with our human experience is what Andy Rooney did best. It is hard to imagine that he ever turned off his mind from observing life, if he did it was fleeting because the amount of material he has on how he and we have lived is really incredible. From war time to breakfast cereal, fan mail to politicians, the usefulness of household items to holiday observances; was there anything that got by him?

Now, the shelves of papers and books will be packed up and the desk will be cleaned. An old typewriter will find another home to proudly sit and his clothes donated to a community organization. His books will continue to be sold and his 60 Minutes appearance will be prized. His friends, family and all of us who appreciated him will have unified moments of grief for a man who did what he loved to do. I guess, like Jeannie, I will be able to spend moments with Andy Rooney every time I flip a page in his book, followed by a chuckle or two.

If there is an after life for Mr. Rooney, I sure would love to be his connection to giving us his viewpoint of life on the other side. I bet it would make for some great writing.

Rooney on Thanksgiving

Andy Rooney – My Lucky Life

60 Minutes – Andy Rooney

Human Sex Trafficking is something we would prefer not to know exists but it does. Lisa Ling is prepared to take us into that world on her show OUR AMERICA this Sunday October 30th at 7pm PST on OWN (Oprah Winfrey’s Network) and I will be watching…

3 AM GIRLS.

I encourage you to do so even though I know many reading this may not feel comfortable with the topic. However, I believe those girls whose stories will be revealed deserve to be heard; their stories ARE important. It is highly likely nobody has shown them any respect in a very long time, if ever and if they were brave enough to come forth and share anything with Ms. Ling I feel compelled to honor that.

The fact is that people are buying and selling women and children and that is a crime against us all. When we learn what is really going on out there in our communities we are put in a position of strength. We are able to offer safety and compassion to a child or woman. The charity starts at home and by that I mean, watch this show or anything else you can get your hands on to become informed and move outward from there. Send a message to the lost souls that we are trying to shine a light on their darkness. One story can make a real difference in your thinking; I know that it did for me.

As the days countdown to Halloween, I wonder just how many will be on the streets trick or treating? As the years have gone by I have seen less and less children wandering around with parents to collect their goodies. In a past post I described my sadness and slight frustration that children were no longer coming to the door, as I have always enjoyed seeing their costumes and giving away candy on Halloween night.

The sadness came as I realized that I may live on a street that will not support this event properly and the frustration followed when I saw that many trick or treaters were ushered to the mall because of parental fears for their children’s safety. I don’t think I will ever get the picture out of my mind of children in costumes lined up outside the mall doors with a mall security guy standing there waiting to allow their entry. In my mind that is ridiculous! However, whether out of fear or busy parent schedules, kids Halloween memories may be solidified by shuffling up to a store counter rather than a welcoming door.

If some of it is based on fear…How did we get to be so afraid of our children (with their parents) going out on Halloween?

What caused such a need to insulate children from the one night that in generations past was such an anticipated event?

For those who are older – Think about all those pictures that lay in an old photo album of yourself, or your children, in costumes that were destined to be talked about for years to come. Do you remember the thrill as a kid of going out at night, no matter what the weather, with your parent, siblings and even friends…out at night! How cool was that?

Every day there are far more ways for a child to be in danger than on Halloween night but still there are many out there that are afraid of Halloween. People have stopped decorating their homes (including me) because it just didn’t seem worth the bother anymore. The fear mongers successfully changed the experience and now the sanitized, overly safety conscious version of it can be found before dark in a mall or some rendition of the like. I debate my role in this, as I feel I have given up and should be more a part of the revitalization of this event.

In the meantime here is my positive shout out…For those that still make the trek through the neighbourhoods, leave on their lights to welcome the kids and put on a fabulous displays my hat is off to you! Have fun and don’t ever be afraid of Halloween!

Here is a link to Dunbar Haunted House – read the about page to find out more about the people who also noticed a drop in children to their door; so they did something about it. Dunbar Haunted House is attracting families and supporting charities through their hard work.

It was disappointing to learn that Andy Rooney whom I have watched for… well I don’t know but it is a heck of a long time, is signing off from his segment on 60 Minutes. He made it clear he is “not retiring” but will no longer be part of the Sunday evening show. Though, 60 Minutes itself captured my attention most of the time it was Andy Rooney who I waited for all of the time. I loved his curmudgeonly personality and never for one moment thought it was an act. Just by looking at his desk and surrounding items it was easy to tell “he is, who he is.”

He was like the George Carlin of news/opinion writing…of course without the profanity and funky wardrobe. He reflected life back at the viewer in a way that was both thought provoking and even humorous. He demonstrated in words and visuals some absurdities in our logic and strangeness in our activities. Up to that point we hadn’t clued in but Mr. Rooney did. We peered into so many aspects of our existence that it was difficult not to get hooked on his commentary. There was something for everyone!

You didn’t have to always agree with his opinions (though, I rarely disagreed) but it was easy to respect the cleverness in his words. Thankfully we have several books to keep that alive. However, I really do think I will miss seeing him. There is something about his presence that makes me feel good. It is like taking a class from a very important professor…but he wouldn’t like that. In fact, he doesn’t care about what people see in him and certainly didn’t understand why anyone would place him on any pedestal. He is a writer and producer; that is all.

So, he probably wouldn’t appreciate me missing him or my opinions on what made him great to watch but I don’t care either, Mr. Rooney. You will never see my blog or even care about blogs and that’s alright by me. I don’t need your autograph and I don’t mind that I will never speak with you personally. Being in the same room with you was never even a goal I could aspire too. However, giving you a heartfelt thank you for being good at what you do and helping me think outside the cereal box should be OK with you, sir. Mind you, that’s just my opinion and you are free to disagree.

The One and Only Andy Rooney

Have you traveled the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia? Well, we just did. What a beautiful adventure. It was a short trip for us to visit a beloved friend who has now made Powell River her home. Though it took two ferries to get there it was well worth it. Between ferry rides we weaved our way through the towns and forest scape that makes BC unique. The further we made our way from Vancouver the slower the pace and the friendlier the people. Sorry but it’s true.

What I noticed was also a difference in the housing development. Where we live, also a seaside community, people tear down the old homes and build big mega homes. Cookie cutter cape cod styles popping up left, right and center. A million dollars later you have a lot and home that looks very much like the home next door or down the road. In Powell River, for instance, we saw well appointed and wonderfully maintained older homes that have tremendous character. You know, the kind of house with carports and maybe a sundeck that looks like a family actually uses it. They have more land than home rather than the reverse here and get this….apparently a family of four or more can survive comfortably within these smaller houses. Imagine that?

Of course, I’m being facetious, but you get the drift. People are proud of where they live and live well. The stores were more than happy to stay open later to accommodate last minuted buying and the merchants quick to acknowledge your presence. People drove slower and didn’t seem to mind so much if someone stopped in front of them. Around my neck of the woods when someone stops to turn left that means drive on the curb to get around them.

The trees were awesome; the sea and inlets captured every moment of attention. We really are a lucky Province. So, even though the summer has faded and the leaves are getting ready to fall if you are considering a trip up the coast I say, “Go for it!” Even on a whirlwind trip like ours, it was well worth it!

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.  ~Kahlil Gibran

The last few days could not have been scripted with any other title than “Sorrow.” Not directly of my own but more in the recognition of other peoples pain and loss. Loss of hope for a new relationship, loss of a childhood friend, loss of a beloved pet. In each of these cases the news came as a shock; no fore-warnings of what was to come. Each took a call that would change the trajectory of their day(s) and each reached out to those that could help.

The arrow of sorrow strikes swiftly to the heart. As the observer there is a sense of helplessness and an understanding that despite wishing you could lessen the grief ultimately this is the journey for one. But, as the quote above suggests there truly was one other theme to these events; each can remember something delightful. The first remembered what it felt like to be touched, to have conversation, laughter and intimacy. The second, recalled the good nature of their friend, his talents and accomplishments. The third, thoughtfully decided on how best to honor her pet and considered whether the collar should be buried with her dog or not. She lovingly brought to mind that it ‘really never liked wearing the collar’  which for a brief moment connected her with the dogs well enjoyed character. A flower bed of roses is being planned as a commemorative space for a dog that brought many happy moments to the family home.

There are always two sides. With the joy surrounding our life and experiences comes the  melancholy when it slips away. However, we are resilient and have a great capacity to live, love and give again despite the risk of loss.What we also have is each other and that connection is all that matters when life gives us a little more than we can handle on our own.

The best I could do was to hold a hand or send a hug,  listen and provide a token of comfort. Sometimes even the smallest of things can help for a moment to ease what hurts so bad. Just be a friend.

It felt like a full circle moment as Kim Mitchell rocked the 2011 Pacific National Exhibition! Why? Because, it was many years ago when I sat in the stands at the PNE marveling at the stage that came alive with all my favourite Mitchell tunes.

I don’t remember the year but I do recall the feeling. The backdrop to his performance was Vancouver’s majestic mountains and the sun setting over the city. The mood was like you were partying and singing with a few of your old friends. People belted out the lyrics and reveled as each song was played. What stood out more than anything else was when Kim Mitchell played “All We Are.” With the beginning line “All we are is all that loves brings,” the last remnants of the day were captured. The sun cast a beautiful glow over the mountain scape and everyone noticed; they wrapped themselves in both music and nature.

Fast-forward to last nights performance and though in a different location of the exhibition it still held some magic. People of all ages and ethnicity’s gathered early to stake their spot to party with Mitchell. He didn’t disappoint. Though, he joked about the occasional technical glitch it was not noticeable to the crowd. In actual fact we were commenting on the clarity of the sound; the instruments and vocals were pure. I, like those around me, waited to hear just what songs were picked for the set. I wanted to hear a few songs, new and old but what I really wanted was “All We Are.”  Then he began…

Immediately, I was transported back years ago to my youthful self, perched on the bleachers enjoying two things I love music and Vancouver. I moved to the sound, a natural sway that seemed to be universal as I briefly scanned the crowd. The connection to this song was shared. As arms grasped around loved ones and children on top of daddy’s shoulders swayed to the beat a new memory was created. It all stems from the same man’s creative talent.

Kim Mitchell and his band should not be missed if they cruise into your town to entertain you. He is funny, he is thoughtful, he is an excellent guitarist and vocalist surrounded by a great group of musicians. He appreciates the moments and sends only good energy out to the crowd. He doesn’t need to prompt people to get into the experience but I have to say I wasn’t the only one in a zone when he plays. It is easy to get lost in the music.

At the end of the night, you walk away saying “Ain’t Life Amazing” and have a craving for drink after listening to “Lager and Ale“; all is good. Thanks to Kim Mitchell and the band for rockin it out in Vancouver!

Post Script:

Go to the link provided and take a trip through the official website click on the downloads tab, then steaming video to check out the original video for “All We Are” among other great songs.

Another great song from Mitchell was when he was with the band Max Webster. He partnered with another great Canadian band called Rush for his song Battle Scar —a supremely epic tune. Performed live now with Kim Mitchell’s friend and long time band member Peter Fredette who provides impressive vocals.

The Honorable Jack Layton, Leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, passed away after waging a strong battle against cancer.

Whether you believed in his politics, or not, it goes without saying he worked tirelessly to do his job in representing his party, his constituents and indeed Canada. He stood tall in his convictions and felt compelled to stay focused on being the voice for those whose issues and words often fail to be heard. It appeared from the outside looking in that Mr. Layton often pushed his physical limits in order to keep commitments and be available to those that wanted his time. This was never more evident when we saw him in the last election lead his party to official opposition status.

I often thought he had a real presence when he moved through the crowds or spoke. Not the kind of presence that is typical with politicians but something that was more refined. He talked the talk but knew when to bring it down a notch, simplify a process or respond to a question without double speak. He wasn’t perfect and his parties policies along with decisions will remain debatable for those on the other side of the political fence. I’m sure that’s what made his job thrilling.

I guess what I take away from watching him was that even in face of great personal challenges try to do what you love! He showed all of us that you can oppose something but you don’t need to be a bully; treat people with respect. Keep striving to attain a goal even if you may not live to see it to the fullest completion. I learned that some things are meant to be your legacy, for others to grab the reins and stride forward.

No matter what side of politics we land I hope we can agree this man used his skills, new what he valued and stayed passionate right to the last breath. Condolences are sent to his wife, children and colleagues.

Jack Layton’s Last Message to Canadians