April Fools Day - Hmmmm

I do have a writing for tomorrow it's actually something tremendous that has happened. Now that all being said there are going to be a entire bunch of hoaxes and, well you know what I mean so maybe I should hold of till tomorrow.  But now realizing this multiply, I may hold off in doing so.
Why do we have these traditions I ponder and where did April fools day come from. Without searching I have that feeling it came from England. I could be wrong.

To post or not to post on April Fools day in an authentic manner.
Hmm - this is the question.

~The Last Sunday of March~

Well it’s slowly warming up here.

The snow is all gone and last night for some reason I could not sleep. I woke up and then went back to bed, I gazed for a while outside to see the night lights and how the streets were so silent.

Then this morning I woke up at 9am. I usually am up early, but it was nice to wake up and just have a coffee along with my friend Gary whom is going through a break up right now but that is his own business – and some of us have been there before.

So how do I summarize it, I have had a call from my mother, she always calls and then after than I wanted to just get out  to the gym or something as I am waiting so for the warmer weather to begin. I then headed down to the university as this week I will be having a few other meetings and I just got out by 10am and was on my way. I decided that I would head over to the aikido dojo, but then as I approached the university I pulled over and asked a few people on where there is some places to get some photographic vantages.  One had mentioned a certain route, so I went there and I came across this place – the house, I didn’t know what it was I thought it was some restaurant and then when I parked – I talked to a man that told me of some great places to take pictures he went into a long talk about the river side and the history of it. Then I mentioned about this house and he told me about it basically.

So I went into it myself, I have done this before and I was greeted by a nice host and I explained that I was rather new to the city and she then brought together a entire group of ladies and they talked about what they would do. Meanwhile I was looking around and I ran into someone from the CTV broadcasting service. And they asked me who I was. I smiled and indicated that I was just someone that was new to town and they indicated that they were filming as it was a one week special of some sort within this Rutherford House.

Amazing how on one side you had a crew setting up and then on the other you had young
musicians that were playing to a variety of people, some there parents and other wise.

So I finally got all these shots, I made sure that I didn’t get any people in it as it started to fill up and everyone was enjoying themselves. Especially me!  At the end of it all I gave all three people my page and who knows if they will see this or not as they really were fine people.

Before I left I saw the cutest you girl from Thailand that was only about 7, and I talked to her mother and she went on about her daughter and how talented she was.  I wanted so badly to do a picture of her, and her daughter and the father if there was one but I had to meet up with my brother whom lives here.  So I left and by that time it was already 2pm.

There is just not enough time, especially when a weekend is something that you wish to enjoy as I have.

I got to an artsy area of the city as my brother called me on my cell, and I saw him for the first time in a long time. I didn’t realize that it was his birthday.  He was doing what he always does – looking for the older Beatles and music from the 60’s. His wife left off and let us alone and we talked a bit and I then left and came back with a Beatles complication of music – he has it all – but it’s the meaning that counts. Then after that he asked how things were going – I said good, he seemed rather reserve. As I think he gets down each time he has a birthday and still wishes to be younger. I don’t know why but that is my brother. Now it was about 4pm, and I knew that I had to get going, as it was time to get back to my end of the city.
And now here I at 11:30 understand full well that tomorrow is Monday.

But there are some people that are on this blog that are from the other areas of the world.
That all said, I like this thought of “the stars”. Because they do shine. Each night now that it has warmed up in comparison to one month ago – I look up and I look at those stars and in some manner it’s a conclusion to the day.   So with that all said, there is one thing we do have all in common. We all can look up in the night sky and see the very same stars. 

It’s just a thought but a good one.  For those – most of which are on the eastern side of this continent – Good morning.

 

New Music 16

Like A Star lyrics

Just like a star across my sky,
Just like an angel off the page,
You have appeared to my life,
Feel like I'll never be the same,
Just like a song in my heart,
Just like oil on my hands,
Honour to love you

Still i wonder why it is,
I don't argue like this,
With anyone but you,
We do it all the time,
Blowing out my mind,

You've got this look i can't describe,
You make me feel like I'm alive,
When everything else is au fait,
Without a doubt you're on my side,
Heaven has been away too long,
Can't find the words to write this song,
Oh.,..
Your love,

Still i wonder why it is,
I don't argue like this,
With anyone but you,
We do it all the time,
Blowing out my mind,

I have come to understand,
The way it is,
It's not a secret anymore,
'cause we've been through that before,
From tonight I know that you're the only one,
I've been confused and in the dark,
Now I understand,

I wonder why it is,
I don't argue like this,
With anyone but you,
I wonder why it is,
I wont let my guard down,
To anyone but you
We do it all the time,
Blowing out my mind,

Just like a star across my sky,
Just like an angel off the page,
You have appeared to my life,
Feel like I'll never be the same,
Just like a song in my heart,
Just like oil on my hands Link

Taking a Look Around the Rutherford House.avi

Of course I had to do my own video walk through this place and ensure that I did not infringe upon what was taking place today.

There were people slowly coming in to take in a recital and the was the local broadcasting company there. I was just there doing my own thing what struck me was the how much this looked like a few old historical homes I have been in. But the amazing things was that front hall and main stair case were designed symmetrically. Mr. Rutherford had a book collection/library exceeding 1,000 thousand books somewhere within the home he managed to hide his other 3,000 thousand books as his wife, Mrs. Rutherford always asked him to refrain from collecting and reading books. Ironic.
As well, the features of this house were elements of Jacobethan Revival architecture, loosely based on buildings constructed in England in the early 1600's.
Visually, it translates many elements of the Queen Anne into brick, slate and stone.

Introduction from Sarah regarding the Rutherford House.avi

I was heading down to the University to become more acquainted with the University Grounds - and I came upon this large house, I had no idea what it was and I took my camera in and was surprise with the reception I received. This lady was dressed in the attire that goes alone with the heritage of this historical home and I let her explain what the Rutherford Home was all about. Something I did not expect. But was most interesting. Indeed.

The Rutherford House

The front entrance.

Alberta's first home of the first premier, Alexander C. Rutherford. Now designated as a historical site aside of the University of Alberta and overlooks the North Saskatchewan River.

The mandate of this Rutherford House Society is to offer educational programs, exhibits and private events. A pleasant surprise while I was on the university grounds. And I thank the people that run this historical site for allowing me to take pictures.

Positive Recipocation

The golden term “do onto others” is a phrase that echoes in all cultures worldwide. Even when translated the meaning means the same thing. In Chimpanzees it was so interesting to find this one writing that I thought I would share it. For these Chimps empathy is alive and well.

After one Chimpanzee has attacked another it is very common for an on looking chimp to go over and embrace the victim. Now the screaming, yelping, and other signals of distress stop. When one chimp’s lives alongside each other there are many things that take place within their social structure. Such as, if one is chased into a tree or upon onto a rooftop - the only way to entice them down is for another chimp to sit and sob as if one was in pain, to entice the other chimp in distress to come down. The chimp will automatically recognize this and rush down to put an arm around the other - fascinating. Amongst groups of chimpanzees in captivity, reciprocity is very apparent. Researching shows that when one chimp shared food with others, the sharer is more likely to be generous toward the other chimps that have previously groomed it. Positive cause and effect I would think.

It’s obvious to see that the reciprocating ensemble of remarkable empathy done by way of these chimps. An astounding example done was learning to pull a chain to received food. This was a study done by scientist in Russia. One part of the study was a small shock when there was a refusal to pull on the chain. The scientists were studying behavior much in the same manner that Dr. Pavlov did with dogs. However this was not about conditioning, this was a study to see if empathy and consideration exists with Chimpanzees.If one refused to pull the chain to gain food there was a small electrical shock that took place in the area of the compound. In this study, one monkey stopped pulling the chain entirely for five days, and for another chimp within the group twelve days passed without receiving food after witnessing the shock that the one fellow chimpanzee went through. The entire community of monkeys were literally starving themselves to avoid pain upon each other. They were working in a unity. The study part is not the most interesting part to me as I am not much for testing of animals. Within science we would not be were we are today unless there was some manner in which there were humane tests done, but the manner in with there was a empathy that was very prevalent indicates that empathy is not restricted to only we as human beings. The March Issue of National Geographic most interesting subject. It was on the minds of "Inside Animal's Minds". It was a most interesting read as I never knew how many words a dog understands. Not to say dolphins and what I think to myself is how we as civil people make things so complicated in comparision.

 

Thank You

Within the writings I have found it to be without a definite definition as to what this is and how we can connect within the writes.

When you can write and see the authenticity that came from my other blog. We all have elements of our life that are not perfect - but we embark on our path as we deem fit.

April is around the corner and I ponder what comes next. We all have something that is contagious. What that may be is that we all write from the depths of our own thoughts.

As well, from my last post I certain thank you to each and everyone. I was a move from the usually writes, however within all of this - there certainly is substance with each and everyone on this "internet canvas" that we share thoughts and ideas with. For which I thank you of recent.

Maybe each travels a different road, Robert Frost has his writing on the path that he took in life and I think that we all desire to walk a path in our own unique manner, while by way of choice deciding on where we wish to go too.

All said, was a good day, I had the day off and enjoyed embarking on some areas in which I have not yet had the chance to do since I moved here.

Peace...

~ An Adult within Society - A Child within Family ~

I know I am grown up and probably don't recognize myself as a child that I was when I was young, there is a thread however, that I think that we do retain that never does leave. In my previous blog I had placed out something that is certain true. With regards to one sibling I have in my family.

The one thing that I do know is that until both of my parents are passed I will remain a child to them in a sense. With family I do believe that one has to be courteous, patient, and co-operative with parents. That is how life is.  Yes, yes I know this drives some of us nearly mad but I honestly do know that there are some things that I do as honour with them. And I won't stop - from the distance that I live from them.

To behave impeccably, to look after them in a manner that is requested, to back off and allow them to make their own choices, as most parents will get to an age that they just wish to do things there own way. As well to listen - especially with my mother when she does call as that is done in honour and love. Not to bad mouth or talk with regards to anything within my family that would be foul as it's a time that you RESPECT the people that brought you here into this life. And they did their best for each of us to have a good foundation, although we may not feel so - but I think we are far better off in doing that. 

Regardless of any situation that exists within family, parents are deservedly to be treated with respect as well as love.

~ Hump into Useage ~

I am not sure about you but I have had a few things that have come up.  Seemingly I have a situation that is going on within my family. I heard the news this morning and it has changed my thoughts on going back to another city where my folks are.

Don't get me wrong I do respect them very much. I was meeting with a associate with work and as we were talking there were several things that as we talked came to be something that we both shared.

I was there to meet with him with regards to areas of work, and as well another area that I have been working towards. I always will find a few people that I find I have in common and that I can trust. And that is not all that usual within the workplace. So we covered several areas with what I was working on. Thereafter he asked me why I was talking to him regarding it. Kirk, is one of those people that is very smart and on all levels. So we figured all that out and then we went into talking about some other things with regards to our own personal lives. He asked me if I had left for Easter to go back to another city to visit my folks and I explained it all to him and ironically he had the same situation in his family.

After the long coffee was finished I then headed over to meet with two other people one in a more formal manner and another that was someone that I had met at a meeting. Both meeting went well, and we will see what the outcome is. I won't know for a while however I have several things that are in the works, and somehow with the change of weather it's all seems to be working out very well.

The day started with some situations with family. And how there is a protective manner within my family but I have come to learn that there is only one person that can live withing the dynamics of life. Myself. I have a choice as to what I want to surround myself with and the right to take actions with what I wish to do.

And then before I left work to leave to go downtown, I was on my way and then I ran into a lady that had moved here from some place in Africa five years ago. We talked and she asked me where I was from. I get that so much I am not sure if it's due to the accent (if I do have an accent) or that I just enjoy people. Or maybe it was due to the fact that I took some time out to understand where she was from and that gave way an understanding of respect. I am not sure but it all went very well was a great "hump" day if I say so myself. And for the life of me I can't remember this ladies name, but she asked if it would be possible to talk next Monday as she works a shift of 9 to 9. I said I would try my best.

Thereafter I went into the parkade and for the life of me I could not find my vehicle. I must have spent 45 minutes wandering around.

But I found it...

 

It's not for me to say, it's a choice.

What is self discipline? Real discipline is when you have trained your mind in such way that you consistently get the behavior you want. Self discipline may appear to be a problem of willpower. “Willpower,” however, has connotations of just pushing ourselves harder to do things, even when we feel miserable, or fighting temptations. Notice the rewards of self discipline. The more you see the benefits, the more you’ll be motivated to continue the useful behaviors. Ask for assistance where you can get it.

If you can’t stop whining, for example, have friends point out when you’re doing it. However I do believe there is merit in having an outlet from which to write - as some by way of writing do have situations that are taking place in life. And there not the only ones we all are at different times. Reward yourself. Set behavioral goals and reward yourself for their completion. A writer, for example, could decide to write 20 pages per day, and reward himself when he reaches this goal. Imagine the consequences of your useful and damaging behaviors.

When you are tempted towards damaging behavior, see all the possible results, and be vivid in your imaginings. Give yourself a good scare, if you have to. When you are trying to get to work, see all the future rewards that are possible. Relax. Willpower is low when you’re stressed, so close your eyes and take three deep breaths.

Sometimes a little push with the willpower goes a long way.

Not in Our Defence but Within our Right

To be patient means to have an absolute knowing within that we harmonize with the pathways that we are en route towards with our own goals.
Rather than results based on other's peace is the ultimate regard of doing something for someone else.  A negative will never equate to a positve no matter how you bend it.   That's the logical side and yet at the same time for those that can take that chance in gaining an understandment. Sometimes this can lead to a gain, rather than a loss. As nothing in life
has a perfect nature to it. We just do as best as we can.

Attempting to rush the routine and schedule of our own timetables is similar to getting down on our knees and cleaning something when it’s already clean. It can be redundant with no satisfaction. Actually to the contrary, it can lead to feeling defeated. However patiently creating that sculpture of our own. Is just that - our own very own. An outcome is revealed not immediately but as I see it stage by stage.

Life has a way of just moving about in some direction regardless of where we wish it to flow, but for myself as well as I am sure most of you. You know what I mean. For our writes are not based one they are the assembly of the sum.

I view life as a sculpture of my own making. An understanding from within and perhaps it resides within of each and every one of us in our own style. It’s just there and some utilize it and some don’t. And some do in a tremendous manner without even realizing it. Sometimes that is the best way as everything just flows in thier own manner and way.

On a personal side there were several things that came to be. A friend of mine and myself rebonded in a manner that we were probably going in a direction that was going to come to some finality. However by means of communicating - we spoke and talked it out and for two friends that have been like brothers for some 20 years that does have worth. And then on the other side I have been working today on projects as it was a holiday for federal workers after the long weekend. And then I had a call from a good friend in Iraq. I while we were having coffee this morning and talking a call came in and it was someone that is very special. And we talked for an hour on what all was taking place as well we laughed. Then on the other hand I have a tad of a disposition with my knees and wanted so bad to get going and start running again but with the cold it's much better to wait.

But all in all it was a Monday whatever Mondays are. In a society that people work shift work and some still work the 9 to 5, I can recall a admin assistant I had back when I was in my early 20's and I learned allot from her. I recall her indicating that everything is going to be changing where the normal lifestyle of a 9 to 5 becomes unclassified. Meaning that there would be more of a shift in the terms in which the average populas works.  And over the span of time this certainly did come true to some extent.

I have never been on here for a reason of doing anything but writing in my own manner. I could write about a few subjects but cadence is the key. So often I am asked why do I write. I don't know I could write on paper. I just find that there is a great connection. And I am not all that observant as I wrote about religion. But I believe in all sorts of things and since making a move  am coming to slowly enjoy things much better.  Slowly yes. And I would think that the videos that I have show a different vantage compared to just the writing. To hear someone and see some part of their life gives each of us a glipse of whom we are. I have said this before, but I will say it again, the authentic ways that people write is gives some understanding of whom we are. Not completely but to an extent.  As I recall "in an adult fashion". Makes good sense to me.

Whom we are and what we write is what I see as a relaxing enjoyable thing. For myself, I just looked outside after giving a ring to my mother to let her know that things may take a little longer before I am there as I have a load of paperwork to go through and if there is one thing that I love to do is write. 
There are always friends that one can make that are not about love - I think that a man as well as a women can be good friends. It does not have to be about looking for love. 

It's all within the share. There is a person along with her husband and daughters that I have known for nearly 5 years. And this picture resonates something and I bet you would not know where it's from.  However there are a few people that I have kept in contact with by way of a letter now and then. And it's a sensational thing. However, all within balance. It's about communication and trust.  And trust is something that we all enjoy once we have it.  Once we take that time to understand that we all have something in common - not always mind you. We gain an allowance to be able to talk to friends that we never thought we would have.

Contentment is a High Aim

If you ask a lot of people what they want in life the fitst thing that will come to mind is to be happy. Happiness is something that I find that older people have figure out. I am not sure why. It could be due to the fact that they have endure the good and bad within life.

Today I headed out and I had a few things to do, but I got out of my routine and I went out and headed to church. Sounds kind of nerdy maybe to some, however I have never been a practicing church goer for a long time. I have my own thoughts on how I feel with regards to that.

I had a talk with my father today and that all went well. He is doing well and he was asking when I would be coming home. I think he is anxious to see me and from being a very powerful man if there is anything as such - we had a great talk. There after I headed out went to the airport and then I went to about a 45 minute drive back into the downtown which is far from here.

While I was at mass, I was given the right from security and I took pictures towards the end of mass. And then there were these very cute, old people taking picture with an old camera. I was busy taking some pictures of this place and talking to a few people. Then I went over to these old people and asked them how long they had been married and if I could take a picture of them ( I never push it if you know what I mean ). Over 50 years. And it was obvious to see they were content. There was nothing boring to them, nor was there anything that was anything but something I really can't describe. Then they asked me whom I was. I told them and the older man and showed him and his wife the picture I had taken along with the rest and their eyes opened so wide.

Thereafter the older man asked me what heritage I was and after that he grabbed my hand and said "God Bless you". His wife followed and did the same and thanked me and then there was an entire Filipino group of younger people and they all said good bye to me as I left. I am not preacher, I am just myself and that made for a great Sunday. Seems to me it was a very worthwhile in deciding to go to church on this Easter. And no fiction I have been in a Hindi temple and invited back two months ago.  I had pictures of it from the outside but they didn’t come out right so I deleted them.

I don’t have a $2000.00 camera, I just have one that is not that expensive. So all in all I am content with the day.

Leading back into > http://initiativestain.multiply.com/journal/item/83/Ramblings_and_Thoughts

Easter Mass at the Basilica.avi

I ended up going to church and amazingly while there there was several people that that I had a talk with after. I have not been into a mass for a long time. But it was a great thing. To my amazement the security guards said there was full allowance to take pictures, so I sat up in the balcony after being given the ok film and take some pictures. Even with faith you have to ask yourself - why not. It's not about one religion, it's about faith. And there is nothing wrong with that as each person has the opportunity to celebrate what they believe in as an adult.

Interesting enough while talking to this one man and his wife he was telling me about how there was a place where all priest were barried from various part of the world in a place under this largest church we have here.

~ A Considerate Write ~

What Easter means to me...

It is very easy in the hurly burly modern day life that we all live in as complex as it can be. But to deal in life with human beings and not just someone that we bounce around with but we do give regard and respect is something that takes us far. To go back to square one and be courteous in perhaps an old fashioned way may equate to what faith is about.

I don't have children and I do have a family that has gone through much - I think that are entire family has - and I recall the days that we all did go to church together as one. I don't write much with regards to religion as I think that to stand rigidly with religion. I believe that each person regardless of where they are from has the right to believe in what they believe in.

I recall when I was a child when I asked my father if he believed in God. My mother was catholic and we were all raised that way - BUT - what always impacted me was that he said "if you treat your fellow man good perhaps there is a place up there in with God.  I never forgot that. And I do believe in the thoughts of what people say as well as write.  Some play it for all it's worth and some are authentic. You can pick that up so quickly when you meet a person.

I was going to drive down to go to church for the first time in a long time tomorrow morning but I am going to take some time. However I am not lazy I have many things I have to prepare for for this upcoming week. So with all that said, I believe in God - I think that I have matured into it as I know that I have taken on challenges that only by way of determination and faith could one do. Yet in no manner am I evangelical. It's just not my way.

Most of my friends are agnostic or at least so it seems they are. This is all fine with me as I believe in an ethic of good intentions and consideration to people I come to know as well as to those out there on the internet that I have come to know by way of writing.

Going back to the foundation of how we were raised sometimes comes to give way to an understanding that some things are worthy and do prevail. I think that indicates my values in a moderately personal manner here on this blog.  I so often think of the substance. As within the write is something that is of value. 

Being kind is one element of our characteristic.  And I think that to do as such does enforce what the meaning of life is. As well during a time in which most people are spending with family.

However I know that some are alone and to take consideration of those that are out there and that do have some manner of exceedingly having an intention for good things. Is what this is about during this weekend. Going back to square one does not mean anything more than giving some understanding to the act of being a human being.

Being nice during certain times is worthwhile. As it's a faithfull act perhaps. The words that come to mind are sincere, kind, understanding. And that all said it's a time in which communities are becoming more rare as we live in that "fast lane".

So as I have wrote so often before - it's not about where your from, it's not about where your your born. What it's about is then genuine that gives what to some structure of faith. It may sound intense - but I really find the value of authenticy to be the one marvelous thing.

~ A Great Easter to You ~

Was up early this morning and later on did several things it’s nice to have a day that everything slows down even in a large city. Ironically it’s rather quiet and I ended up doing a few things this afternoon. I along with a friend picked up another friend’s dog at what they call a “Dog Home Kennel”.

 

Earlier called my mother and wished

my folks a happy Good Friday. Soon my mother was telling me that what Good Friday and Easter means. However I knew that I just wished to have her laugh. I am looking to go after Easter back to see my folks. As I have a few things that I am tending to which does not allow for me to leave till later but going to get there, as it’s been half a year since I have seen them.

 

So it’s a silent day now and I am just going to kick back and watch some movies and as well say hi to a few friends by telephone. She seemed as though she wished for me to be there but I will be there soon enough and probably next weekend pending, if all things work out the way they should. 

*I had to throw this picture in as I didn’t realize what it was till I left and then I had to get a picture of it. 

 

As well, a good wish to those that celebrate Easter. And to those that merely are enjoying the weekend.

Bringing Two Great Dogs Home.avi

Well I think they were happy to be going home. Definately!

The Hotel Dog Kennel.avi

"Hotel Kennel". It's a place where people will drop off their pets if they don't have a place for them to stay and this was just an over night. I forget the name of the place the owner was to timid to be interviewed, a nice place not like a dog pound - but a hotel is there is such a thing for dog lovers. The sound was not that great but I am sure that each dog could not wait to get back home.

~ Sping is Here ~

Spring is here, and that is what it looks just down the street where I so often pick up fast food.

In a different manner to each and every one of us, however in some manner we all do share something with the change of seasons regardless of where we reside. I know there are people from all corners of the world that write on here. Several of the words that came to mind where. Hold on let me see if I can open up this old post and see what they were...

I found it and can do it! So here they are:

~ A new beginning and bright sunshine by Toni, ~ Refreshing by Norma, ~ Warm weather without as much rain, by Rev Scott, ~Intense colours, aromes, movements everywhere, feeling the sun on my skin, recharging with good vibes on the top of a pyramid. from Mati,  ~ Renewal from Jo, Growth from Dee, Rejuvenation from Danielle, ~ A chance for change from Lorna, and ~ A cool morning breeze while in the sun. And then bouncy! Well let spring bounce right in!  I think they say how we feel with the change of climate.

Probably more so for those that live in areas that climates have a more varying change. Regardless I find that the length of time is something which is grand, it all depends I suppose on where you live but the days are getting longer.

What is so interesting is that we all come from different places and have different views as we don't all share the same climate however we do share something with the change of season. In Australia they are going into what they call their fall during a period of one of the harshest hot spells that have taken place in years. In Mexico, they are coming into what is the windy and storm stricken time, and then in California they have more of a climate that is like Mexico where if I am right this is the time where it's kind of a costal climate.  Montreal is a climate that is what is called a continental climate, which means you have a different system going through all the time, much like several areas such as Chicago, Detroit.  And then here in Alberta we have what is called a prairie climate with a touch of Chinooks that come from the Rocky Mountains. Similar to Montana to some extent.

The one thing that I will never state is the "S" word at this time and I am referring to that white stuff that we are tired of - not all of us as some have never seen the "S".

But welcome people as spring has Sprung. Now the Grass just has to rise!

~ No Delays For Spring ~

I could be wrong but... I think that tomorrow is the first day of spring. And with that all said it's been nice. Spring in an area that is North - could be anywhere north - has a meaning of some sort.

As I am sure that I have mentioned I have some decisions from which to make but of today's date I have come closer to the decision that I wish to make. Which I think is a good thing. As to wait too long is to just stagnate. As well if I may mention have come down with a viral infection which makes this tedious to say the least but regardless of that I am feeling alright and I returned to the same place I had traveled just a few days ago within my pictures as I did not wish to just do nothing within this time.

So we are nearing what is Easter as well we are within spring and the change that comes with it is something that is something that I think not only I but also many have desired.

The link that I placed in earlier was started one and a half years ago it's a story onto it's self. So regardless of where you come from, regardless of where your born all that matters is Spring has or hopefully is Springing (if that is a word) or SPRUNG.

In one word or within a sentence what is spring for you?

Winter Vantage

~ Revised ~ - Test Your Irish Skills

1. Which of the following writers has NOT won the Nobel Prize for Literature?
1	Samuel Beckett
2	James Joyce
3	Seamus Heaney
4	William Butler Yeats

2. Who has been described as the "Irish Joan of Arc?"
1	Sinead O'Connor
2	Elizabeth Bowen
3	Maud Gonne
4	Lady Gregory

3. Which of the following quotes was NOT from Brendan Behan?
1	"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
2	"I am a drinker with writing problems."
3	"When I came back to Dublin I was courtmartialed in my absence and sentenced to death in my absence, so I said they could shoot me in my absence."
4	"Critics are like eunuchs in a harem; they know how it's done, they've seen it done every day, but they're unable to do it themselves."

4. Which President of Ireland was born in New York City?
1	Eamon DeValera
2	Douglas Hyde
3	Mary Robinson
4	Sean T. O'Kelly

5. Which play was NOT the cause of a riot in Dublin?
1	Voltaire's Mahomet
2	Synge's Playboy of the Western World
3	O'Casey's The Plough and the Stars
4	Wilde's Salome

6. What is Ireland's most common surname?
1	O'Connor
2	McManus
3	Murphy
4	Kelly

7. Why wasn't Ulysses banned in Ireland?
1	The Irish government hoped to convince Joyce to return from exile.
2	The censors didn't read far enough into the book to get to the explicit parts.
3	The book wasn't published in Ireland until 1981.
4	No one complained to censors about the book.

8. Which fact is true of the Irish?
1	They buy more books of poetry per capita than any other English-speaking people.
2	They grow more potatoes per capita than any other country in the world.
3	They have the largest population of sheep in the world.
4	They own the fewest dogs per capita than any other country in Europe.

9. Which of the following is NOT a correct translation of a name into Gaelic?
1	James = Seamus
2	Jane = Sinead
3	Julia = Sadhbh
4	Francis = Proinsias

10. Which of these countries is smaller than the Republic of Ireland?
1	Panama
2	Austria
3	Cuba
4	Denmark

11. Which scandal actually happened in Ireland?
1	A fugitive wanted for two murders was discovered to be staying at the home of the country's attorney general.
2	The Bishop of Galway resigned when it was discovered he had a teenaged son whom he supported with church funds.
3	A tribunal concluded that a former Prime Minister of Ireland had "misappropriated" funds raised for a colleague's liver transplant, sold passports to an Arab sheikh, and accumulated a fortune in clandestine payments from wealthy businessmen.
4	All of them.

12. On which days must Irish pubs close by law?
1	Good Friday through Easter Sunday
2	Good Friday and Christmas Day
3	New Year's Day and Easter Sunday
4	Election Day and Christmas

13. Which Irish actor has said, "I couldn't care less who sees my bits?"
1	Colin Farrell
2	Liam Neeson
3	Peter O'Toole
4	Barry Fitzgerald

14. Which famous horror author was born in Dublin?
1	Mary Shelley
2	Robert Louis Stevenson
3	Bram Stoker
4	Stephen King

Decisions, Decisions

Well I have some decisions to make and some from which to take and make. How that is going to turn out I am not sure, but what will be will be. Over the next two weeks I have had some things that need to take place and I think that is a challenge within it's self.

So how that will be I am not sure. I have been contemplating it for a few days now. And will see what the outcome is. Should is a word that I rarely use within my diction however I will find what I can do with some things that probably are necessary at this point.

 

A Great Photographer

I wished to send this as I just looked and if there is one person that does much with a camera it's this person. The pictures speak for themselves.

http://sandpearl.multiply.com/photos

The Walk

The man knew that there was many things that were and had taken place during the past month. So he decided to take for a walk. The idea of looking for a place that was somewhere nestled within a city that was so crowded with suburban developments of one house after another. He drove down and found the spot that he recalled years ago and how the developments had grown around it that he was fortunate enough to pull to the wayside and ask an elder lady walking her two dogs "where is the river". She smiled and told him the way to get down there and he went.

He walked the trail and took in all the things that come with a day with just himself with nature. And how it was a peaceful walk while just allowing the things that surrounded him not effect what his aspirations and goals were.

However during that journey it was a small little understanding of whom he is and where he was going. With each step he could see how others that had walked the trail the same morning probably just people that just lived near there. But he was there along with nature just allowing the steps in the snow to tell him where he was heading. However the path was now changed. In a good way. Slowly...

 

March Winter Vantage

Perhaps it's the last of the snow to fall. However I found a place I was looking for. And it's a river that spans over three areas of land. I do believe it's the longest river in all of Canada. But the Trail was all that was of interest.

Just Another Day

It really has been fairly dull recently and there is not much going on. I do have a deep rooted feeling for what is happening with my family and I am here within a new city and I hope that your all doing well. I have been doing fine and making my way.

I have not had a camera out in some time but to those of you that wrote and write I sincerely thank you.

In a social network how do you maintain your own privacy - I guess that is a matter of choice.

Just a thought...

Time for Some Self Acceptance

I am not sure how many were on my y360 blog however that all being said I have had some unfortunate news. And I don't write for the sake of just writing. A few things have taken place and some may know that I had put many things of my life on hold when my father was hit with Cancer. The first one was back some six years ago and since then he has had a return of it.

I just got the news at supper time and I am not sure what all is involved however this is the first time that I am not in the same city as my mother is tending to things. Apparently he goes back in tomorrow and all I can say is that it is not somthing unexpected - not sure what to say with regards to it to be entirely honest with you.  I am reserve with many things in comparison to what was in Y360.

Now that I am here in a new city the one thing that I do hope is that he lasts this one out again. He goes into the Cancer clinic tomorrow and I certainly hope that he is alright. This man my father has been one that I cared for and know so many doctors that at a certain point there was a reliancy on me.

But we always do the best for our own folks as they did thier best for us. I am hoping a great man/father does not anguish.  And I really hope that my mother is alright. It's something that I could write endlessly on however all that I desire is for the best to be.

I never jump to conclusions on this as I have attended to him in the past and seen everthing take place and all that I hope is that there is some manner in which it all works out. And how that is I certainly have no ability to attend to know and all that I can hope is for the best as I have done before.

"Acceptance is the Key for the things we have no control over" `jgs < I have lived my this quote of mine ever since I came back from United States to Canada during my father's first hit with Stage 4 Non Hodgkins Cancer.

March 10, 2008

Our reputation is not located in us. It resides in the minds of others.  Therefore, we have no control over that what so ever.  If we speak to 30 people, we will have 30 different reputations. 

Listening to your own inner self and conduction yourself based on what you inner self says to you is your own purpose.  Most people will have a “gut instinct” of sorts that usually becomes true.  Ironically there is nothing from which to base it on but some means of self-understanding it comes into being. 

I know there’s nothing I can’t do within reason, however I have come to learn that unless you disconnect from the your own source being based on what other people think – and connect with what your own needs and inner self tell you – life is a trail that has no path as it’s intent is not for myself but it would be for only the guilt of having to please others continually and as well to please my ego.

Becoming or being convicted to ones own self is by not means selfish, it’s the ultimate of bringing about all the areas that continually define whom we are and affords the ability to have an openness to many dynamic things that can come into one’s own life. 

I know for myself that I once was based on all ego and reputation, but with some aging and maturity, I have come to realize that we all are people, and people are a part of our trail but not ones in which we pave our own dynamical path for, we walk it in or own way - and people do come into play. 

We all take in what we desire and we love. I guess it would be more about attitude than reputation.  One’s attitude has a the ability to take a person to places they would never have believed there would get to, only by means of being connected with their own selves, creating their own harmony based on nothing more than what they at in tune with and wish to associate with. There are ones that will come into my life that are substantial, but yet where my true sense of self comes from within.  As my own inner voice, or my own centre commonly known, as “ki” in Japanese, or “chi” in Chinese are what I am and who I am.  And that source is the one in which guides me and gives allowances that allow me to walk my own path in a manner that is very purposeful.

This isn’t about detachment, as we all need to be amongst people. However, being truthful with ones own self, give way to no guilt, no need to be someone we are not as well to be able to grow for the sake of our own self, rather than growing for a reputation based on what other desire or think regarding ourselves.  It’s about the power of our own selves and it’s something to be grateful for as it allows all possibilities to generate and unfold.  Reputations are slowly built in life and probably a reputation comes to unveil it’s self when we come near to a finality in our life. In which then we can sit back and reminisce, smile and understand that our trail led us to a point whereby we can reflect and be please about the reputation we made.  I would suppose it would be something like a symbolic reward at a point in life where one’s own life has finished, but from now till then I have always left my reputation for others to debate.
To live in the need of a glory of living life for an immediate reputation actually stymies the actual embarking on one’s own life.  I don’t know of any person that could obtain meaning within life by way of living for a reputation of immediacy.  By way of embarking on my own journey, and understanding where my own placement in life is affords me to continually grow. Along with others that are on that same journey of embarking on their own walks of life and yet merging together in a relative collaboration.

Three Old Friends Meet

A good friend of mine, Pat had come to the city as he had a convention that he had to attend.  He arrived on Friday and left today.  His primary reason for coming was attending a convention that he does two times a year in this city.  As well, his intention if it could take place was in meeting up with his former wife Brenda. I actually knew both of them was there his best man. The brunch was good, I was in a part of the city that I recall from years ago, but I am still learning my way around this city.  

 

I have had a few situations that have come about and in the midst of it – it’s very nice to have this time out where you could enjoy the time together and then.  Brenda is the person that had a partial operation as mentioned in my earlier post.

 

It never occurred to me that Pat and Brenda had never seen each other in all this time and than I had. Actually Pat had called me long distance to place me in contact with Brenda.  Years had gone by but the natural person had not.

 

After we left, I know that Pat was thinking several things. I admire both of them that after some 10 years if not more they could both look each other in the eyes and laugh and no snide remarks – it was all good. We spoke later by way of telephone while he was on his way back to his city where he lives. As he is married and has children and is a devote man as is Brenda with her new husband of five years.

 

A friend is one that can the same person rather than change to fit the occasions if you know what I mean. I think that it's something to do with being honest with your self. Just maybe. I have found that over the years that the people that are themselves and don’t have to place on an act are the ones that seemingly keep in contact with many of their friends from the past.   Pat is definitely proof of that. As was Brenda. I am not sure how many could do something like that and it will be taking place again between them - but it's a very different to what I have seen.

A Great week to ya...

Awaiting Spring

I am not sure about you but I am tired of this last winter. I can't wait for spring. There are so many things I found during spring. I miss spring, I look forward to it. Here again I had to go into my old blog as I don't have all the pictures I have taken.

By the time multiply started there was it was hard to get back some of the pictures in a resoluton that came out in a manner that gave some vantage of spring and as well summer.

But I am not sure about you - I am really looking forward to it. Meanwhile now we change our time by one hour with the exception of some areas that don't and then the next day is daylight savings time.

A Prayer in Spring
  
 
Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,
The which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends He will,
But which it only needs that we fulfil.

Robert Frost 

YOU ARE JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE

This is something wrote by the means of two people. And earlier when there was more time to write - sometimes there was something worthy that came out of it.  We merged thoughts and found that we had something from which to write in a collaborative effort

 

Separation and division is the central key as to why there are so many problems in the world. The Ego is looking out for some reason why they alone are somehow above the crowd so that their own personal experiences are better than the average common people.

Individuals want to feel special, as if their own life experience is something in which no one else can understand or relate. In fact, most people are almost in shock when they bond with someone else who seems to understand them as no one else can.

Some take pride if the fact that they view themselves as misunderstood as it is somehow glamorous to be so tragic while others go into another extreme and brag of being so popular as if there is no other place to be.

Like minded individuals can get together for a common purpose and when ego takes over the group feels as if it is misunderstood by everyone else and they are somehow above the people outside of the group. Groups can form to be cliques, clubs, churches, gangs, armies, and countries. No matter what you label it, the group will somehow feed into the common ego that their life experience, happiness, heartaches, pains, ad joys are somehow wrong or evil or someone to be avoided.

Such thinking is the core as to why people fail to connect to other. One group believes is supreme and the others have no rights as they do, in fact, they believe everyone outside of the group as some how interior and not deserving of the same merits of humanity.

This can quickly turn to prejudice, hatred, intolerance and lead to acts of war, violence, aggression and cruelty. This kind of thinking keeps hungry people starving, abused people in fear, and poor people in poverty. It enslaves your mind, even if you are in the group, which deprives other of equality.

Just look, we do have our own unique quirks and ways to do things among our peers, but chances are somewhere in the world you will find a few dozen people with all those exact qualities. It is inside, where really counts, that we are all equal.

The color of our skin, weight, height, shape and other outside features do not make you who you really are, it is your reaction to how people treat you because of your features that make you who you are. Twins with identical features could be subjected to the same rude comments from people who want to find a way to discount their importance by calling them on a physical feature. One twin could get offended by such remarks and adopt an attitude of hatred for those who don’t look like her. The other twin could forgive those and live her life in peace, waiting for those who will accept her as she accts herself.

Your religion or spiritual beliefs do not make you who you are, it is how you practice what you preached. Some like to brow beat a certain faith as hypocritical because they know members of that church who are sinners according to the beliefs they profess. In fact, there are hypocrites in every faith who hide behind them for various reasons. They have nothing to do with those who truly believe in that faith. To discount all faith on behalf of the handfuls of liars in a slap in the face of those who are doing what they believe.

There is no one correct way to review life. Just as 10 witnesses to a car accident can come up with 10 different accounts of the scene that would be correct in their own point of view, the over 6 billion people in the world make their own correct judgments of life depending on what they are personally seeing. Someone who grows up in a life of exclusive luxury and not exposed to poverty will see life in a whole different light than one who lives in a third world country who is in abject poverty. One is not a better way to view life than the other, they are just different points of view in the literal sense. One sees life most likely as a great abundance and the other might see life as harsh and both would be correct.

We are all creatures who want the same exact things in life. That is the humanity within us that makes us equal. When the ego takes over, we neglect the fact that others have that same essence of life and quests we do.

We all want love. When we become balanced within ourselves and learn to love ourselves, we want love, not false dependency. We want respect. We want to achieve our goals. We want to be remembered. We want to feel special. We want our basic needs to be met with the least amount of resistance. We want peace. We want a quality in our lives. We want health and mental well being.

No one really wants to live in fear and conflict. No one wants to feel physical or emotional pain. No one wants to be hated, neglected, abused, starved, enslaved or disrespected. There are some twisted minds too caught up in the ego that have warped the essence of humanity that they would debase themselves and others. That is not the true nature of man. That is sick mind in control of a runaway vehicle.

Ironically, it is also human nature that brings out the best of humanity in a time of crisis. Our own need for self preservation can come out when we see our safety and security threatened, we tend to band together to help each other. Many people like to describe an end time scene where man will turn against man and kill each other, in a quest to survive. History will point out otherwise. During times of famine, earthquakes, acts of war, terrorism or any other disaster, people generally will help others in need when and how they can. Of course there will always be the losers and people who are deprived of their true essence of humanity, but for the most part you will find hones, decent people who will help another person in need if they can do something.

If we ever want to live in a world of peace, we are simply going to have to get over our own ego. We must be true to our own nature and ourselves. We must also learn to respect and allow others to be instead of controlling how we think they must be. We are all looking at the same world from different angles with the same inner needs, hopes and desires. We all will make mistakes as we learn how to play the rules in this game called life.

Just because we do not see eye to eye in some facets of life, does not mean we won’t come to our own right way to live, ratherly to enabling the process of thinking and  Being…

Ramblings and Thoughts

There are many similarities in the religions and yet wars are fought over their supremacy of one over another; prejudices are formed; bloodlines protected and marriages denied based on religion. I think in some areas of the world and even within our own countries we have come to understand moderation of faith and life.

A few years ago I found with organized religion is the hate generated by something designed to uplift and inspire. And, it isn't the religion itself it's the individuals who twist it to become what they need it to be and influence others with their manipulations.

You can always detect those individuals who are truly spiritual and it's inspiring to witness their peace, acceptance, and understanding. These individuals are the ones who impact you and make you wish to emulate them and strive to perfect your own personal connection.

As for myself, when I sit quietly and take in all that exists within this world of ours and can appreciate the smallest item to the infinite wonder of it all, I become grounded, peaceful, and awed at the same time. The logical part of me says that it is possible that all of this started with the first splitting of an atom. .

It comes down to a matter of belief. What we choose to believe and where we take it. It is more comforting for us as humans to believe that this is not all there is. We can choose to believe in a heaven, reincarnation, and a never-ending revolving door of energy...but it comes down to what works for us as individuals striving to make it from one day to the next.

 

We can say that organized religion was created to control the masses. Perhaps that is correct, or maybe better yet we all have the same structures of faith. Where would we be but in chaos if some guidelines for acceptable behavior were not established? But then again, legal guidelines perform the same function.

 

Could we easily be a policed state totally separate from religion and be the same?

I read once that religion was created because man needed hope and without hope mankind could not go forward. Yet I do have a belief value. 

But the freedom in which we utilize it might be the manner of what we deem as being righteous. Everyone has there own passion in life and seemingly I don't think we have become an agnostic society.

As faith is so many things...

The Patriotic Dream is Alive and Well

Regardless of what the outcome is within this American Presidential race – the one thing that it has stood for is a rekindling of a country. All three of the people that are running in this race all very decent people – you could profile each and everyone.

 

However I don’the see it as who is running now – I see it as who is voting. The vote is for some betterment in all affairs that United States. As John Kennedy said, “It’s not what you ask of your country – it’s what you do for your country”. Probably there is much more to this now. But I truly believe that from sitting on this side of the fence in Canada.

 

It’s very touching to see the patriotic dream come alive in a new manner. Or perhaps in some way – yet gaining an understanding of what can be done.

 

Here is a creative thought. Just imagine if all three could work together and work in office. That would be something else. But politics are harsh and it’s a race. As one that resides now in Canada – if I had my chance to vote I certainly would. The most fascinating country to me right now is the United States how a country is doing something that will be such a tremendous change in several ways. One to mention is that outside of Lou Dobbs talking in lingo of "colors" - most all people respectfully exercising a meaning full right. For America has come alive in a manner that is exposing things and allowing people now to see what is and what is not.

 

God Bless America

As America is not in the making of something that we have not seen in our lifetime nor shall we again. That all said I think the word that sums up is Hope. Not just America wishes for a change of “smart power”, but righteous power. And in the manner in which people are voting and respecting each other – sometimes you just have to be amazed at how it all is from a different vantage point.

Re Acquaintainces

I met someone I have not seen in nearly 15 years if not more and there is a great story behind it. But how somethings do change and yet don't.

Continum of the story...

I recalled here then and how she was and amazing where she had come to now. She was a person that had gone through some hardships however she is a tremendous person that when talking we came to understand that things change in a manner. Some thing which is different for each and everyone of us. 

The best manner that I can describe what and whom she is - is courageous. And she is not on the internet however she will be having a procedure done shortly. I thought it was a worthy post that I wished to share yesterday and then didnt know how far to take the write - however there is no picture with this one but the manner of whom she all in a short period of time showed her inner spirit of days sometime ago....