New Years Eve

This morning I headed out for a run and again I never looked at the temperature needless to say I had my camera but the temperatures have gone down to extremely low conditions. So I was planning to head out for the evening to this one place but naw it's just too cold. Up here we had this cold front that came and it's going down to -40 tonight. I have no problems with this as it's one day of many too come.　 So I just see it as another day. I have never been an isolationist within my life. But I do admit this has been a year. I am not too proud to say that. But what I do know is what comes within the future and what is within the making. So I am content with that when I reviewed my blog and the last year it's been a large undertaking when I moved here. Yet I have had those times that one really does ponder the meaning of it. I could go there but it's much more of what we embrace and enjoy. To each there own. For myself when I look at this year I find that it's been one of a transformation of sorts. I have come to learn the hard way (there for it’s now not hard) as from the day that I moved here from another city, which benchmarks the time that I was back on here, to the situations that happened within my family and then my own areas - it was something that has been an ordeal. But I think past it all, certainly everyone wants something a little more but within that more I think there is that contentment that one does find within. Actually I am much more happier within my own manner now than I was just six months ago, for that matter even as I have been going all over I have learned more about this area of cadence. I would have never imagined that I would go through a period as such but one comes to gain more of a good understanding.

I think we place too much weight in holidays. Perhaps each day is a new year and a new day. But don’t get me wrong I certainly do look forward to the beginning of this New Year.　In a way it's already began. So there is a large difference in being alone or in being lonely. I don't feel lonely at all not due to this blog but just within the last month I have come to realize that transformation effect. One never completely changes but we do move ahead, not due to a date within time but within our own cadence. What can be is what shall be, and that is within what I see as the true value of individuality. As there are no two people that are alike. Yet there is this thing called "herd mentality".

But within this cold weather that just came overnight I think that many are just staying home tonight the younger ones are heading out but after this morning and going for a run I was thinking of several things. It's funny how one tends to think, yet for me the best thing of all is freedom. Freedom means so many things. And within freedom there is abundance even on the coldest day. Ironically the forecast is that the day after the New Year it's going up to -9 Celsius + 32 in Fahrenheit. You can't forecast the weather but you can estimate where you are going.

I step back look at the past and then work forwards. It is what it can be and out and out with the old and in with the new.

 

To those that are within the ~ Americas ~ I wish you a very happy 2010!

The First Decade of the 21st Century

The New Year, I have already put many things in place I am coming back and forth to this and it's something when you look at how ten years of the 21st century has gone by. It did go rather fast and so much happened during this time. We are the ones that have lived during a very unique time within history. And then again here is the start a step soon to come that is another decade. How things have changed with respect to so many things.

Remember the beginning of the year 2000? It seems like it was just yesterday. There are so many things that happened over these last ten years. I really have not begun to think about it till this evening. It really blows me away as I just am starting to think about all the things of the last decade. I am not sure about you but I do feel that these now are the times. And yet there is that tad of old school within me where I enjoy the ordinary things yet where we have come to is really something that is amazing think about the technology that we now have in comparison to 1999.

Where will we go from here as this is the beginning of a new decade and I ponder on where it will all go? I know personally where I have gone during this decade. That's gone yet here comes another new year of the first of a new decade. Where are we going? Or maybe it's just another day. One could really look at things in review an entire decade and literally things have moved so fast within ten years I ponder on what the next ten will bring.

We all have our own personal agendas as far as what we have at hand and where what we wish to do within the New Year as we all do celebrate the coming of a new year yet to regard the last ten years would be a rather lengthy write. Just think about all that has come about within ten years. Have we gained from it? I hope so. Will we move in a different direction in the next ten years? Or is it just the same old. I am not sure where we are headed.

Hmmm just thinking...

To all friends that are abroad I do wish you a tremendous New Year. One decade has past by and another comes.

~ Yeah ...

~ The Trail of Discovery ~

The Trail of Discovery

 

View the stream

All straight and crooked

A hidden energy seemingly pulling

At a speed just barely visible

 

Discover the air about

Fluidly as it pushes

Against a soothing surface

 

Find the tangle of small willows

With leaning reflections

And there too the stones

Ahead on the bank

 

Slight movements

Gently mirror the way

Where water meets air

Within the climate of the calm

 

See the swallows

Skimming along the water's surface

Twisting their narrow wings to rise

Without a thought nor surprise

 

All these and more

Encompassed with robust depths

From within and be more

 

Within find One

All encompassed without surprise

For there lays the foundation

Of true discovery

~ Jgs ~

 

Commentary from Jack

After reading some friends blogs tonight I thought I would just write from a manner of observance in general find that I have come to appreciate this much more within the writes and as well my own expressions.

I thought it would be fitting as there are many perhaps some that are trying to make decisions within blogging. I am fine yet I have been there with doing the very same. I enjoy the wit, I find to be most amazing. I will sit down within the eve and just write. There is my guest book that I see as a passing by place to say hello, I find the small notes to be unique but it does get to be much I think for some and I to have been there too. Yet I enjoy it and I respect those that I have come to find of value. < Now why did I write that ?

There is a mixture of people that it's just very extremely interesting within the shares that we do. I know there are many on my blog but at the same time to each their own. I have read some vents, some jokes, some poems, and some pros. What is it all about? I don't really know as I was reading one friends blog actually a few there were troubles seemingly they had and the question comes to how quick we miss out and just jump from one blog to another. For some it's obvious to see it's a matter of     self-promotion I think it's rather few that do that these days.

There are time I feel that we all have that time that we really ponder on sharing with others some of the precious things. For me it's all within the writes, I enjoy just the dialogue that takes place. Over this year I have shared so many things it's truly amazing those that are the most enjoyable people that one comes to respect. Yeah - this is what it's all about.

It's kind of like the boomerang effect. You write and without expectation something comes back. Those that are friends and others that have other prerogatives. But it's all within the flow.  A meaningful one of variety.  I have seen the dissarrays as well but I find this to be just fine the mutuality that takes place.  I don't have all that much expectations, I have just read a few writing in which I can relate with as there are a variety of people that write within here but it's the friendship and I mentioned within this one friends blog that was venting on rude people - "if I had only 5 people on my blog list I would be fine". Yet this is a great sphere in which we all write within our own ways. I truly enjoy this I know there are many that are on my list as friends but it's all within respect. I will never go to a friend’s blog and not read it without reading it throughout. Perhaps that is just my way but I think that there are a variety of ways. The manner in which people write does come out within the writes. 

I have learned from, I have seen pictures from various parts of the world and the dialogue that takes place is within that area in which I view as respect. You can’t please everyone in life nor on a blog but certainly there is this word called respect that seemingly resonates with those that are able to understand. For myself I love to write and I certainly have enjoyed reading this very evening. But the benefit of this is still within the dialogue, value.

Just perhaps it’s an extension of ourselves…Yeah

 

A Fine Day

A busy one again today but productive. But my intentions are to read some blog whom ever is on and it's been a very productive day. So as I just sit here going to come around and I know there are those time zones but going to do some reading. So some have wrote some have not but within it all I just logged on and thought I would now read as I have wrote much lately.

I heard this term called "Blog God" in a blog pm. Nope, I think we all write and do this within our own very way. Who's to say who is the best. No one is it's a free flow of creativity.

All within a flow,

Jack

Logged on quickly between doing this and that peace all...

December by Norah Jones

With a great new album I watched this during Christmas and she has a new album out and it's late and I should be off here but I wished to place this one. The is one song from here new album called "The Fall". It's a show here called, the Hour that goes right across all of Canada by way of the CBC.

December come to me
I hope I can see
You not just in dreams

I will let you be
Why can't you believe
How much you really mean

December won't you come
Back with snow even sun
Don't say that it's done

I will carry you home
Take you from the loneliest
Place you have known

I will carry you home
Take me from the loneliest
Place I have known

 

~ Are We ~

Are We

Are we the time?
And are we the famed?
Or are we the water?
Humbly flowing
But not the solid diamond
Not one remains still
For we are the river
Looking out and beyond
Seeing our own reflection
While we carry on

The mirror of the river
Moves so slow yet swift
Much like a crystal
That vibrates its hues
A diversity of rays
Are we the vain?
A predetermined river?
An ever changing blaze
That can never rearrange

I think not...

History does not pound
Within a coin nor nickel
For all that we have
We are the charmed
For we are the river
Seemingly flowing
Towards a new route
One in which...

Only we know

~ jgs ~

~You Just Make things Work Regardless ~

I have not had a car for the last week. Unfortunately, the car I was driving was a loaner from a friend. So I have been tending to all things by way of taxi's and so on and as most of you know I have several things that are coming up. I have probably spent more on cabs over the last few days than I ever imagined, yet as of today I am all to glad that after making some arrangements I have a new vehicle. As I have many things coming up within the beginning of this month not to mention the having my knees attended to as well as having my retraining which starts at the end of this month. So pending the weather I have not been able to get out to take pictures and I do look forward to having that ability to drive again within my own car. So right now these are the times and how I have managed things has been only by way determination. So this afternoon as I just arrived home, I am reliant on just my own writes and reads.

So I certainly do look forward to driving again. Yet for the most part it's been good to walk however this is not a small town here. So I am not much for the bus, I have never took one but I do look forward to being able to have the comfort of driving again. Meanwhile I am just patient. Keeping it on the up in up is what one has a choice to do.

I choose to keep it on the upside!

 

~ As of today I will have a new car effectively within the next week ~ Yes!

My Favorite Time in the History of the World in 2009

For this year of 2009, I thought I would touch on the year in review within my own way. I think out of all the stories. I feel the best story or a benchmark that will go down in history. President Barack H. Obama. I don't think that regardless of politics has the entire world really come together to a better extent do to the words of this man. Remember the Inaugural address that took place in the beginning of this year? I find that regardless of the political sides of things as one of the most symbolic time of this year was this man and what he stood for. Amazingly people not only from within the United States but so many from other countries as well. I would have to say that within this year of 2009 this was probably the most sensational time that I have found taken place within this year. He resonated change, and a very intelligent man that so many from all different walks of life seemingly unified to a better extent. Yes I know there are things that are political - I don't think this is one of them as within the year of 2009 this man from Chicago seem to touch so many people within the USA as well as in other lands. I would pick this time within world affairs as being one that truly was the best of the best within as we come to a close within the year of 2009. For me ironically January 20th was the milestone of this year to me within the history within the world on the year of 2009.

I thought I would place a few quotes by the man as there is no doubt that we have never seen the likes of the speeches that he has given.  Some of my favorite quotes by President Obama:

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

“We can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.”

“If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress.”

“We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.”

“For we know that our patchwork heritage is strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and non believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.”

“Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths.”

“I understand why war is not popular, but I also know this: The belief that peace is desirable is rarely enough to achieve it. Peace requires responsibility. Peace entails sacrifice. That's why NATO continues to be indispensable. That's why we must strengthen U.N. and regional peacekeeping, and not leave the task to a few countries.”

“Responsibility and leadership in the 21st century demand more. In an era when our destiny is shared, power is no longer a zero sum game. No one nation can or should try to dominate another nation. No world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will succeed. No balance of power among nations will hold.”

“With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.”

“I don't oppose all wars. What I am opposed to is a dumb war. What I am opposed to is a rash war.”

“There's not a liberal America and a conservative America; there's the United States of America.”  My favorite, which was prior 2009 at the Democratic Convention.

The Harmony of Winter Steps

The Harmony of Winters Steps

Shuffling through
The fresh new snow
While strolling in the park
Seeing shadows launch and form
So quietly and peacefully
My boot secured the ground
Against a pure white layer
They never make a sound
A fresh feel within it all
As I strolled through this place

The trees are covered
Frozen branches
With a crystal glow
The only sound that I can hear
Are little wisps of wind
There is that feeling
From within
Gentle, soothing, a calming feeling
Rendered from within
I stop to meditate
And feel the breeze
Upon my face
Harmonizing my feelings
Which I embrace

The time to stop and smell the air
The time to treat all others fair
For where I found peace on earth
Was within this park
As I walked within the snow

~ jgs ~

 

The Final Merry Christmas of 2009

Heading out for an early morning run and then heading to visit my folks where the two priorities of my day. Yeah it's below zero here. I dressed up and took a good 20 minute run. Aside of the fact that my eyelids were all frozen up to the point that I had to take off my gloves to take of the ice - it felt good, coupled with meeting and seeing the smiles of two that brought me into this world on this Christmas Day.  I knew this was not going to be a typical Christmas but yet what really is typical these days? Last night was a very nice evening and well here it's the eve of a day that we have been celebrating. I feel that each day has the merits of doing something yet one can only do so much and it's all within a cadence. Nearly everything is closed down.

So it's been primarily an indoors type of day and now as time goes on the days are going to start getting shorter as we have now already past the dateline of the Equinox. You know in many ways I think that there is far too much commercialism put into occasions. I was talking to my mother and father today at the hospital and it was good just talking with them. How she went on talking about "the good old days". They used to give simple gifts such as fruit and candy. Yet maybe just maybe there is an obligatory tendency to spend, spend and charge. I have my own thoughts on that but yet it's the simpler things that are precious. Having done my own style of gifts for this Christmas Day. It’s been an atypical but good Christmas. Yet then again what is typical these days?  Typical is what we do within our own days and lives.

~ And here comes 2010 ~

 

 

Health Care Studies

Here again I would tend to think that this surveyed that was conducted in 2008 would tend to be close to what would be projected at the end of this year of 2009. There are several areas that one mention on as stats are merely stats, but yet they are more than often used and I have been very interested the past hour in reading these and sharing them.

Canada Remains Americans’ Most Favored Nation

Great Britain nearly ties Canada for top spot

by Lydia Saad

PRINCETON, NJ -- Barack Obama's first foreign visit as president on Thursday will be to a country, Canada, that enjoys the highest favorable rating of 19 nations rated in Gallup's Feb. 9-12 World Affairs survey. Nine in 10 Americans view the United States' neighbor to the north favorably, while only 6% view it unfavorably.

Great Britain, another English speaking ally of the United States, nearly matches Canada in its U.S. popularity, with an 89% favorable rating. Japan and Germany fall a notch lower, viewed favorably by about 8 in 10 Americans, followed by France, India, and Israel, all with positive ratings around 64%.  Iran ranks last on the list, with a 12% favorable rating and an 80% unfavorable rating, followed by North Korea and the Palestinian Authority, both with 15% favorable scores. Afghanistan and Pakistan are viewed as only slightly better, with 19% and 20% favorable ratings, respectively.

This is the fourth straight year that Canada has topped the country rankings...

 

U.S., Canada Show More Interfaith Cohesion Than Europe

This afternoon, I decided to do a little research with regards to international affairs. This comes by way of a study done in February of 2008, I am not sure where it stands at the nearing the end of this year of 2009. I would tend to think that they are very much the same.

Other key findings from The Gallup Coexist Index 2009: A Global Study of Interfaith Relations show that almost 4 in 10 British (35%) and German (38%) respondents are considered "isolated."

Gallup defines "isolated" respondents as those who are unlikely to be members of any particular faith group and who tend to believe in the truth of their perspective above all others. They do not want to know about other religions. They also neither respect nor feel respected by those of other faiths. "Tolerant" individuals have a "live-and-let-live attitude toward people of other faiths, and they generally feel that they treat others of different faiths with respect. However, they are not likely to learn from or about other religions. "Integrated" respondents as those who go beyond a "live-and-let-live" attitude and actively seek to know more about and learn from others of different religious traditions. They believe that most faiths make a positive contribution to society. Furthermore, integrated people do not only feel respect toward people from other faith traditions, but they also feel respected by them.

Prior to Midnight Mass

I decided to head out and get a few things before everything is closed. Tonight there are several masses going on throughout the city. This is a Catholic Church that is very nearby.

I thought I would go in while returning home in order to get a few pictures. There was a priest there that was very kind and allowed me to come in how this time of the year is exceptional. I wish I had more time to have taken a few more.

Done rather fast with the cold and all but within faith - there is always that precious commodity.

Taking pictures within this church was artistic - yet at the same time it's a place that is within spirit. To each their own. Within this phrase in which we call Christmas there seemingly is meaning and value. Every faith structure has it but we keep it with a regard within our own souls and hearts regardless of what we hold. It's something that we regard from within and celebrate.

It's not about money it's more about what we desire to have a regard with in our own way. Needless to say, I wish I would have had more time as I have done pictures within the church before, although I was in a rush, it was not just done it was something more for me this year.

~ If you want to cultivate Peace, protect Creation ~

~ The Morning Eve ~

I had arrived in rather late last night and after doing a few things from 10am right to 8pm I arrived home. I thought I would head off to bed and then I logged on and really we have said so much within all these writes. I was tired but I headed off to bed, but first I watched this DVD that I had rented called, The Holiday. It came out in 2006. A very touching story I felt, as there were parts within it that one tends to comes to understand so well. I was reading a few blogs this morning while then I went looking for a few things and had a coffee. And there are so many that are married that one does ponder on this area, as it's a time of family, I mean one with another.
I loved how the English actress Kate Winslet portrayed her role, as there was one very touching area that really did some it up. I know that most of you know I am single and as well that I have some things at hand but within the New Year I certainly do look forward to it. A quote from the movie, "What about the rest of us, those of us that fall in love alone." How I didn’t think I would watch a movie as such but I enjoyed it right to the end. It brought back so many memories. Love at during this time of the year, hmm. It’s that certain thing that one cannot really place a finger on but love is and as well I know there are many that are in the same place as myself, and this movie called, “The Holiday” really touched me. Now lets see what I plan for today as I have been going left right and center and maybe just maybe this is my own time to just take in. And then tomorrow I will head to the hospital. I thought I would post part of this movie on here and may you enjoy this time of the year. I am in my own way perhaps it’s time to make a few calls and then get on within it mind you it’s minus 30c.

~ One the eve before the Eve, I have been out all day into the night. One would really love to read all the writes on this day but there is always tomorrow morning - I bid you all a very Joyous Season ~

~ Within the Gift ~

As the eve of Christmas approaches I have been sending out "gift" messages. To look at things with a respect to all during this season or any season is truly what I feel is the meaning of what faith and this season is all about.  The gift of giving is something that you humbly do it as it's something that one does deem worthy. Every country has different rituals within culture, the manner that I was raised and have always lived by offline is to treat every person within the same manner. Gratitude does come into play with all that is within our sphere of a nature of cultural equality and goodwill to all mankind.

~ Within the Gift ~

God gave the eagle wings to soar
Aloft, and heaven's high arch
from which to explore
With keen dazzling sights
God gave to man the wings of the mind
Coupled with the soul which both intertwine
Dwelling to search, find and explore
Not afar but maybe within a certain space
Nor far beyond the source of light
Need not be concerned
As the pathway so often
Not afar but so endearingly near
What is all encompassed within it all
Merely the most simple touch
Within the stem of life
Life, Love, Peace and Gratitude
Render the precious and not much more

~jgs~

 

~ Life is given to us, we gain fortune within the Giving ~

A Christmas Practice at the Cathedral Movie.avi

~ A gift with music during this time of the year ~

A Few Pictures Nearing Christmas Eve

Just a few random pictures from today. It's that time of the year.

~ How Santa is Tracked ~ :)

NORAD uses four high tech systems to track Santa are radar, satellites, "Santa Cams" and fighter jets.Tracking Santa starts with the NORAD radar system called the North Warning System. This powerful radar system consists of 47 installations strung across the northern border of North America. On Christmas Eve, NORAD monitors the radar systems continuously for indications that Santa Claus has left the North Pole.

The moment that radar indicates Santa has lifted off, a second detection system is then initiated. Satellites positioned in geo-synchronous orbit at 22,300 miles from the Earth’s surface are equipped with infrared sensors, which enable them to detect heat. Amazingly, Rudolph's bright red nose gives off an infrared signature, which allow our satellites to detect Rudolph and Santa.

The third tracking system is the Santa Cam network. We began using it in 1998, which is the year we put our Santa Tracking program on the internet. Santa Cams are ultra-cool, high-tech, high-speed digital cameras that are pre-positioned at many locations around the world. NORAD only uses these cameras once a year on Christmas Eve. The cameras capture images and videos of Santa and his reindeer as they make their journey around the world.

The fourth system is made up of fighter jets. Canadian NORAD fighter pilots flying the CF-18 intercept and welcome Santa to North America. In the United States, American NORAD fighter pilots in either the F-15 or the F-16 get the thrill of flying alongside Santa and his famous reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and, of course, Rudolph.

 

A Blizzard Rocks the Mid Atlantic

The Mid Atlantic, Northeast United States and Canada have been hit with blizzards this weekend. crippling travel across the region and causing hundreds of thousands of power outages. Five deaths appeared to have been caused by the storm system, which stretched from the Carolinas north to New England and spread into some midwestern states.

The 33 centimeters of snow that fell in Washington, D.C., by late afternoon was the most ever recorded for a day in December. Earlier Saturday, snowplows cleared the runway at Andrews Air Force Base in suburban Washington as U.S. President Barack Obama returned from climate talks in Copenhagen. The White House said Obama rode in a motorcade back to the White House, instead of taking his helicopter, because of the conditions. Washington was declared as a snow emergency for the city and forecasters warned that conditions could worsen. Philadelphia also declared a snow emergency and the school district cancelled all weekend activities. The storm was coating streets and highways in Philadelphia and the rest of southeastern Pennsylvania. Forecasters said the storm system was expected to generate winds up to 55 km/h, which could cause near whiteout conditions. Authorities in many areas asked drivers to stay off the roads if possible. Officials at Dulles International and Reagan National airports warned travelers to check on the status of their flights before heading to the capital's airports. The storm system coming from the Gulf of Mexico has been spreading out across much of the Atlantic coastline bringing a mix of snow and freezing rain to North Carolina, Tennessee and parts of western and central Virginia. Several hundred motorists became stranded in western Virginia had to be rescued by four wheel drive vehicles and Hummers driven by members of the National Guard. Virginia was declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm. State police responded to hundreds of accidents statewide as snow accumulated on interstates and rural roads.

A number of flights departing from airports in Toronto and Ottawa were delayed or grounded as a major snowstorm churned over the eastern seaboard. Toronto's Pearson International Airport have been outright cancelled. Ottawa International Airport made cancellations as well. The east coast seems to be getting hit with one of the worst snowstorms in the history of 2009.

Obligations during the Season

Obligation has many sides to it we do what we deem fit. And I am not sure it that is obligation or if it's something on just does. I met with my folks with the hospital and I just arrived home just an hour ago. One will go through many feelings and then come to understand it once they find that center of what they are and whom they are. So here it's that time of the year and I can honestly say that I am starting to come to terms with it all. Of course on is human and it can be very trying but you just carry on. I am in that state of being if you will that I am comfortable with it all and in some manner perhaps that is from something within. I have not had the time to take any pictures today as it's been a busy day. For myself there merits of life are those in which we choose. Hence, the glass is half empty of the glass is half full.

It's the option of the person to render the best of what can be rather than what can't be. In no manner am I feeling down with regards to this one has to just realize their own foundation and carry on. As that is what life is. I will be going back into the hospital tomorrow to once again speak with specialists. And these professionals are truly doing there best and it's very good health care I may add.  So you just place in the cadence and carry on in a manner the fits your own way. I thing that falls into the category of rendering the true independence of ones own being.
Over the last three days I have been fortunate to have some old family friends calling from primarily New York as I have always kept in touch with all of them as I literally was raised with them and one really can't just do it on there own. It's all within the spirit of the season and then some. Certainly I feel obliged to tend to these medical family matters, but at the same time the manner the manner I am dealing with them are within a cadence if you will. What may lay in the outcome I am not sure but this is were one really renders the best of there most inner self. So within the day it's been what one would call a busy one but at the same time you render the best of your own self without burning out. I think that is all within cadence. Certainly I do feel fine with everything and if I was to say I feel perfect with the situations that have been going on I would certainly be in denial. I know there will come a day that I can look back on this and see it all from a very different vantage. In the meantime, I have talked with a few friends of mine as well as have found that there are others that are going through the very same thing within their own families as well so you place it all up on a "mental" bookshelf and come back to it the next day and one does carry on.

Certainly I never expected so many things to come about during such a short period of time but where there is hope and acceptance there is always something good that does come out of it all. I think it all comes down to how one handles things is within sync with there own inner harmony if you will. Everyone seemingly handles things in different manners. However, I have come to realize that this could be taking place at any given time of the year.

~ It's getting far too late but good night ~ ~ And good morning to others ~ ~ May your day shine ~

Mother Teresa

“We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.”

On August 27, 1910, a child named Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu was born at Skopje, Macedonia. Agnes was also known as the famous Mother Teresa. Throughout her life, she had helped others and lived a poor life from the time when she was merely an adolescent, to when she was old and ready to go to God. Her life was dedicated to caring for well being of others & helping those in need of love & affection.
When she was just at the age of twelve, she felt the calling and knew that she had to be a missionary to spread. When she was eighteen, she left her home in Skopje and joined the Sisters of Loreto. Sisters of Loreto are an Irish community of nuns with missions in India. She was sent to India after a few months of training in Dublin & took her initial vows as a nun on May 24, 1931. Mother Teresa taught at St. Mary's High School in Calcutta from 1931 to 1948. She had caught glimpses of the poverty 
and suffering of others outside of the convent and she was so moved that she got permission from authority to leave the convent school to devote herself to working with the poorest of the poor in Calcutta. She had no money, but she started a school for the poor children. She was later on joined by voluntary helpers and people helped with financial support. That helped her to carry on with her work.

Towards the middle & end of her life, Mother Teresa had gotten permission to start her own order, The Missionaries of Charity. Their main job was to give love & care to people that had no one to look after them. By 1965, the Society had become International Religious Family because of a decree issued by Pope Paul VI. Now, the Society of Missionaries is spread throughout the entire world by one woman providing effective help for the poor living in poverty. Because of Mother Teresa's order, there is now help for the most needy when there are floods, epidemics, and famine, and if refugees are in dire need of help. The Missionaries of Charity are taken care of and assisted by a variety of people and foundations who became an official International Association on the date of March 29, 1969. Then, by the 1990's, there were more than one million Co Workers in more than 40 countries all over the world. The lay Missionaries of Charity also try to follow Mother Teresa's spirit & attitude with their own families. Everywhere in the world, Mother Teresa's work has been seen and awarded and she was given many awards for her selfless and humanitarian acts. Awarded Mother Teresa the Peace Prize in the year of 1971. Also, she was awarded the Nehru Prize because of her promotion of international peace and understanding in the year of 1972. Mother Teresa had died on September 5, 1997 in her convent in India when she was at the age of 87. Before her passing she had wrote her own memoirs that she so often question before the end of here life yet her convictions have serviced so many.  One person so small came to be over time to truly profoundly impact society.

Yeah I Did Grow the Beard

Yeah I did grow this beard and this was taken back a week ago and I literally did grow this beard as mentioned. In fact it’s been nice not having to go through the ordeal as mentioned a while ago when I mentioned about how women may have leg hair but we men have other areas of hair to contend to. This was taken two weeks ago and it's grown in. So it's just myself nothing more nothing less.

Peace, Jack

 ~ Plus Season's Greetings ~

 

Don't Smoke

Hundreds of people die in residential fires in Canada every year. In many fires that have been extinguished in their early stages, people have been found dead of smoke inhalation without having suffered burns. It has been conservatively estimated that many of these lives could have been saved by the installation of properly functioning smoke alarms. Although these devices are no substitute for carefully planned fire prevention measures, they are invaluable to providing an early warning when fire strikes. Smoke is the cause of the majority of fire-related deaths. Hot flames are low on the list of killers during a fire. A smoldering fire may go undetected for hours, especially while people are asleep. In addition to deadly carbon monoxide, smoke carries poisons such as hydrogen cyanide and irritants such as formaldehyde and acetic acid. Added to this lethal potion are other toxic substances that come from the burning of synthetic materials commonly found in the home, especially those emitted from plastics and foams. Oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide and ammonia are just a few examples. These agents can have a lethal effect before a sleeper is even disturbed; especially when one considers that the fire itself consumes life-sustaining oxygen.
Normally, air is made-up of about 21 percent oxygen. When it falls below the 17 percent level, thinking and coordination become difficult. Below 16 percent, a person's behavior turns irrational, hindering escape efforts. Breathing becomes impossible when oxygen levels fall below 6 percent.
Super heated air and gases rise quickly and produce what is known as a "hot" fire. Temperatures above 370°C (700°F) are common in a "hot" fire. At such high temperatures, unconsciousness and death can occur within minutes. Bedrooms located in the upper floors of residences are frequently subjected to these conditions in the advanced stages of a fire.

This was a situation whereby three homes were totally destroyed only due to one leaving a smoke and forgetting about it.

Addendum to Blog - if you have the time to read.

The things to know about me are that I don't take much "bull" especially during this time of the season. There are things that have taken place here yet one prevails and
I do believe in Christmas but this is the worst year I have had on here as there has been so much that has gone on. I have taken a few off for a few reasons of my own - a big period to that one as well as I have blocked the ones that were aholes for the last year. So lets leave it at that, there are a few that for some crazed reason have drawn me to conclude with taken them off my blog and as well I don't want a huge network of people. I looked at a few last night and I could stand to be corrected but you do have the ability to write and have a network that you desire and then if you wish write outside of it. That is my choice. There is a small tree in here as well as most everyone has been running to buy things but I have been running back and forth to hospitals. I have not taken one picture since the 15th and I am sure that most levelheaded understanding people would understand the reason of why. After being away for a few days I came back and you know how it is one jumps from your blog and will use it as a manner to gain new members within a group or their own blog. I may very well do some very kind things here this morning pending on the time as today is definitely a me day and I do wish you the up most for this very season. I am not (especially at this time of the year) into a passive aggressive behavior but I certainly am into those that are able to have some consideration. There was a people that was wrote by a Bill Johnston from England that literally touched me and anyone that read he bog as it was not all about selfish needs - it was more abundance with life and so forth. Where as when I see some things I really do shake my head with how self-nurturing some people are or need to do which are off my blog. I am certainly not the grinch, but when I logged on and from the past with a few groups there are some real underhanded people that I have returned to blocking. You look for the betterment and realize that there is no change within there demise. So you just leave it be and go about your own way - they way I see it. Perhaps I am being too sentimental but I don't think so it really comes down to different strokes for different folks. So I will continue to write as I wish but at the same time in no manner do I need to get home and open this up and get ticked off with what "play" I am seeing take place, believe you me I do know and can see what is going on. That all said a great weekend to you all as well as it's not in what you say you are it's within the actions you take. Some if they wish can take me off there blog, some can keep me I was going to wait till after the new year as I have read many PM's from some people a week ago that were very displeased with some that were really overstepping the bounds. So I just deleted them off and blocked them - this is supposed to be enjoyable. Where as I  - I don't chat to anyone with the exception of Meebo on this thing. So making a long story short I have tried with some people but never have great expectations - and I am doing the very same now. I guess I could have said it yesterday night but I was not in the mood as I literally would have gone placed on my blog in posting a few names but within those that posted within my two posts of last night in surely did indicate that area called friends. Will we ever meet? No we all will never meet in concert. But it's certainly nice to write and see the good wish rather that the opposite. I could name the names of the people that will actually trying to post right after I have posted something within one group called PP. And why that is. Heck if I know as since some time back I used to let them go on and make there posts on my blog but as we are approaching this important season I have decided to again make a choice for myself. It's not anger coming out of circumstances but there have been a few unwarranted blogs. As well I don't wish to be the host of people sending of invites to others, as I stand on my own. And truly I find it rather ridiculous as to all the things that can go one with some that are older than I. I have never been one to hold back on my thoughts and I will exercise them when the time warrants it. As I have done. The games that some will play even at this time of the year.  Yet I look for the other side of things. I have had three offers back in Alberta and one in Quebec and I think I may very well be moving effectively Feb 01, so it's a new year. Meanwhile I have decided not to wait anymore and to place aside the camera and to go for small jogs and perhaps tonight I may take my camera out and capture a few - Why not. Yet this being said never have great expectations but have sound valid ones in whom as you will never people everyone and unless you have talked to someone on here now will you really get to know most all of them. Yet there still is a share.  Such as I have done and if anyone wishes to take me off by all means go ahead and do so if you need to do the old gossip thing during this time of the year.

Some we value as our own Privacy

I think that does go alone way these days and the last few day have been very difficult and I am one that is a tad private with all the matters that have been taking place over these last couple of days.

There is one thing that does come first and that is the things that one has at hand within there own life. That for me is a first. I don't know much else to say as I will never say I have left but I can honestly say that this has been a very hard time for myself and I have rendered the best within it. So for me I will never say I have gone away. The last time I was on here it was a "Good Morning" post and well as everyone as that time in which they need to take a break - I do. Well I am not sure what I really am saying here but 2010 will be very much better.  Hmm, this is a banter but I do wish to write but we shall see.

I have not been on here due of family matters it's has not been an easy one over these past few days and I don't really feel like going there but thank you those that have taken the time...Please no questions...but wish to say thank you.

Good Morning

Well it's the same cold and they say it's supposed to be warming up. Yesterday when I arrived home I formatted this computer and placed all things back on. And as well I have not been much within the writing mood yet I will log on here and well its nice with a cup of coffee.  Today is an important day as my mother will be undergoing a surgery tomorrow and I don't wish to go there so please don't ask. It's that time where you just render the best and keep you head up high. Otherwise you just get tapped out. Outside of this I guess with the weather an all it's kind of a bit of a hibernation with this weather  yet one does go from one place to another but I can tell you running out with your sweats on to start the car and then get back in and unwind or warm up really is something that will do much better with waking one up.

I was reading a friends blog and I read where you only keep your writes down to a certain amount of words. Do we really just skim through those that write and say something nice? I know that I will read each on that I wish to make a comment with. Which leads me to Bill Johnston's writing, on Sunday eve, I was browsing around and I could see all that had been wrote by many and then Bill's was something that was exemplary as it was more within the real. Many times I find that people would rather like to see the eye candy that the substance if you ask me as well maybe it was a just a thought as well as write that was very much worth reading as I see it.  Looking forward to doing a few writes as well as a few reads and I think I would like to do something creative but will see how this works with this computer and it's funny how one can break a routine as we all have areas that are of most importance to us.

My Premium Multiply is now activated and I must say that in speaking with the one person from there offices they certainly do customer service very well.

A Poem for our Time, Past and Future by Bill Johnston

Last night I was readying several writings and there is a one friend that is from England that does write poetry and pros now and then and this really had a huge impact on me when I was reading it. This morning I obtained approval to post this and within a time where some tend to be so onto themselves isn't this very different and par few really can write in this manner. Bill is 86 years of age and I will tell you there definitely is substance withing his writings as follows below:

A poem for our time, past and future.

 ~ Pain and Suffering ~

Circulation wide, conditions finite, how deep do our poems go?

Do they touch those really in need, whose agony to us is unknown?

How can we help or deal with these, or console them so?

We are in ignorance of their needs as their numbers continue to grow.

Such pain as theirs will never heal, by well meaning sibyllic words alone

Human we are, and busy with it too. has it left us with hearts of stone?

And so I dedicate this poem here today, to help those who need it so

For I have lots about loneliness to say, and this is how it goes.

Trauma has so many different clothes, to hide its personal effect

Unemployment, the loss of home, a child drowned in a 'beck'.

The loss of someone dear to us, or another human being

Are we not made of marble that we can be so unfeeling?

Well of course the answer for most is No, and we do feel their pain

We don't know not what or where, but we're not giving up in vane

Could we join thoughts right here and take a moment's pause?

Let's give up our thoughts to you today, 'YOU' who deserve this cause.

To you my friend, and stranger too, this reader's wavelength's now reaching you

We wish you well this our poem day, and hope you'll soon rejoin the fray

One cannot live a life alone, so on this subject let's all atone

Give someone a ring, a letter maybe, absorb their pain, so they are not alone.

Whomever you are just reading this, there is someone you know in need

Alone in grief or suffering, or longing for a friendly word on which to feed

Cry a little for them now, but how can you help them here?

It's easy if you give the time, just write or say, 

'How are you, my dear'?

 

Bill. R. Simpson © 2009

 

Summary Sunday

The sun certainly did shine on this Sunday regardless of the drastic cold and having to have a car boosted. Yet within the afternoon there was that time to capture the essence of the mood for this time of the year.

Most everyone today stayed within, but I thought I would share again some of the pictures that I took within this day and then I went out in the evening and
it is what it is.

As I have always mentioned it really does not matter where we all are from but it's very interesting in the shares that we all have as I am not promoting where I live I am just illustrating where I reside. I think there is a difference in some way shape and form to that.

For the entire batch it nice on a slide show and it is here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/intiativestain/show/

Sunday Eve

Well it's Sunday, I did head out and went and took some pictures for an hour around the town. There are some tremendous places and spaces that are around town. It definitely has been a cold few days but it does give way to appreciation of what and what one can uncover during whatever temperature it is. I am not sure what happened with my premium account as I can't do as much as before but that fine right now as I just enjoy all within the writes. Getting in and then leaving back out it's cold but there is a grand feeling within the air.

 

A Good morning to all at - 40 degress, actually I live on the ground but when I come to think of it I could be 3000 miles in airspace as it's the same temperture...

~ He Did It His Way ~

Happy Birthday Frank    

 

Frank Sinatra was born Francis Albert Sinatra on December 12, 1915 in Hoboken, New Jersey. The only child of Italian immigrants. Frank Sinatra got his first break in 1935 when his mother persuaded a local singing group, The Three Flashes, to let him join. With Sinatra, the group became known as the Hoboken Four. He next teamed up with Tommy Dorsey. Frank Sinatra was indisputably the 20th century's greatest singer of popular song. Though influenced by Bing Crosby's crooning, and by learning from trombonist Tommy Dorsey’s breath control and blues singer Billie Holiday's rhythmic swing, Frank Sinatra mainstreamed the concept of singing within a very unique style of his own. Treating lyrics as personal statements and handling melodies with the ease of a jazz improviser. Frank was literally very frank he denounced rock & roll as a bunch of degenerates in 1957. That would change in later years after the Beatles and the pop culture at the time took over the charts. Yet Frank kept on performing.

There after in his later years he recorded songs of the likes of Stevie Wonder, George Harrison, Jimmy Webb, and Billy Joel. Not only did his freely interpretive approach pave the way for the idiosyncrasies of rock singing, but also with his character a mix of tough guy cool and romantic vulnerability, he became the first true pop idol, a superstar who through his music established a persona audiences found compelling and true. For over 50 years he was under surveillance by the FBI and when he passed away there was over 1300 pages of information proving nothing on good old blue eyes. Franks had a repertoire of songs that far surpassed ten. However I thought on the anniversary of his birthday I would list his top ten songs as set out below.

I’ve Got You Under My Skin

My Way

One For My Baby

That’s Life

Fly Me To The Moon

New York New York

Summer Wind

Strangers In The Night

Night And Day

The Lady Is A Tramp

 

"I would like to be remembered as a man who had a wonderful time living life, a man who

had good friends, fine family - and I don't think I could ask for anything more than that,

actually." ~Frank Sinatra

 

 

Certainly It's Saturday

Well a great day it has been despite the cold weather weekends are just that way and everyone seems to have that feel with regards to winter. Regardless of anything there really is something within the "doing". From a nice sleep in to a coffee and then dressing up and heading out to a few places. It was a very fine day. How the sun is just going down right now and on one of the coldest days there is no way I am heading out. There is something to just staying warm and I should have rented a movie but we shall see what is on the satellite. Now and then we say something and we do another so we shall see. I have one neighbour that went to Mexico - lucky her and I am tending to her dog while she is gone. Now to spend this time of the season in the tropics would certainly be something. Palm trees and highs of around 75f or 80 degrees yeah that would be a very fine two weeks if you ask me.

 ~ Speaking of Green ~

It obviously appears that good old Tiger Woods succumbed to temptation just as many celebrities from the worlds of sports and entertainment have done in the past. Is anyone really surprised? I’m not, although I suppose there are those who always hope that someone as popular, talented, rich and famous as he is at the very pinnacle of the world of golf would in fact be the faithful and devoted husband and father everyone thought he was. What I’m curious to find out is whether this will affect his scores on the golf course. The man has seemed like a machine at times winning so many tournaments while still so young. Jack Nicklaus has generally been thought of as the greatest golfer of all time considering all the tournaments he won including, so far, a record number of majors. However, I think most of us were ready to pass the title of “The Greatest” on to Woods if and when he surpassed Nicklaus in terms of major tournaments won. I don’t recall ever hearing about infidelity or any alcohol or drug problems attributed to Jack Nicklaus. He retired with his image squeaky clean. It will be interesting to see if Tiger Woods still has his game after most of the dust settles on his current troubles because you know what they say -  golf is 90% mental and the other 10% is in your head.

A Very Cold Saturday

How we adapt. The temperature was -35c in the morning and then by the afternoon it was -22 in farenhiet. I really don't know how we do it but we do. I went around town with the idea of getting some pictures while I did the things I do. While going from one place to another it was something to see how many cars were getting boosted by towing trucks and for those that were well prepared it really is something to see the exhaust from vehicles. There were a few places I did wish to take some pictures while I was doing my Saturday so to speak. And still to this day it amazes me in how we adapt and just carry on with a variety of things. Yet early in the morning most people are staying inside, but as the day went along people began to "wake up" and just go about their own routines even though it was - 22 in Fahrenheit. I had went for lunch and after going to the hospital here one of three that are here and this one is called City Hospital which is tied in with the Mayo Clinic, and then before all this I was going to go up on top of a building that I know but the owner was in Mexico – go figure. So it’s truly the coldest day thus far and why, I don’t know but you dress and you just do it.

But this weather still amazes me even to this day.

Heading out and it's sunny but it's - 35! Time for the layers of clothing....

Authenticity

I know I will write things in a manner that I choose and here it's been busy. Perhaps I have learned from all this. Pictures, I love them I am still toying around with this new camera but it's all truly a pleasure in doing. I went back to this church on 3rd Avenue here. As most of you know I am a moderate yet I love to write in a variety of ways. When I arrived at this United Church it represented Christmas to me. As well, there are so many areas one can write on. But it's that time of the year and I within each picture that I take there is some symbolic feature behind it. I think we all have differing views but that is what makes it so precious. This picture I place within this write to me represents harmony, peace, there is something about it that drew me to it. In times that everything is by way of a group, I do belong to one, but aside of that I love to write within my own independent manner. Now I am just trying to figure out what template is best as I have looked all over and seen a few and Heather's is superb as well as some others but sooner or later I shall figure it out but regardless of the temperatures or beliefs I love the vantages that one can capture by way of a lens. The way I see it - it's much like painting within on a canvas as there is substance within it all.

A Cluster of Value

These are all with this new camera and I went to a place called the
Bessborough, which I have written about before. My father used to
have his own office at the top of this building and I wanted to test
out and as well see this Administrator that has been
there for a very long time just to catch up as well to try
out this camera. It's one of a chain of hotels that span
right across Canada from Quebec to British Colombia.

It's just a tremendous place. And during this time of the
year one does want to be more indoors than outdoors.

As well, before I left this city for two years I went into this
church called the 3rd Avenue United Church. I never knew
anyone there and back then I fell in love with these pipes.

When I arrived back here just last year I came to know people
there and while being there I ran into the minister - she is a
fine friend. As soon as the janitor saw me he said that she
would want to speak with me, as it's been a while. I mentioned
this once before there is another church that is exactly the
same in design and in age within somewhere in Chicago.
I love the pipes and have an open-ended invitation to
take pictures on Christmas Eve, which I hope to be
able to make. But this is what I enjoy very much and
some are good at painting and for me my small little
hobby is "painting pictures" if you will.

It's all within good taste and there is one picture that Queen Elizabeth
the Second gave to my father in here back many years ago.
So these are my "paintings" if you will that I so often call vantages
and there is symbolism within nearly each on.

“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.”

~ Within Pain there is a Gain ~

Just a quick follow up here as what I do right now is I will stretch and stretch. As I have been literally doing many things and I have this letter and will be going in to the hospital and the specialist whom used to train at the same gym that I did knows me all too well. Needless to say it's been a long wait, but obviously the cold has created more of a situation and I look forward to having this finished of with - I will tell you this has been an ordeal but I have been eating right with Omega 3's and taking calcium combined with vitamin C. And still there will be that time where after walking too much that I have leg problems and all that I know is to say active and then during the evenings after a hot and cold shower - which is good for neuro pain or RA - I may take this tylenol 3, but it's a narcotic and one should never be on them for more than two weeks, three days ago I did get a call from my doctor telling me that there is a letter coming - actually it was her assistant on my voice mail and then I was asked to pick up a month's supply of this medication so I take it not as prescribed, I will wait till the evening most of the times and just take one rather that becoming dependant on a medication as such. I have had a rotar cuff that needed surgery due to over training back two years ago - back then it was within the summer and I trained my way out of it. So I am fine when it hits it really does hit and I just render the best that I can and usually I have been very good with it. However with all this cold weather it was hitting me more than I would ever mention on here but now I will have this fixed up and for the meantime I will just go about things as I have been doing.  I don't believe in stopping. Some will tend to stop and not move but it's most important to keep active and work around this pain that I have had and I keep it on the up and up. Even with regards to what all is happening within my family. I find that when you get your mind off yourself you it's the best means in maintaining good health. I certainly thank you as this morning I woke up and literally wrote about this and I usually am not one to complain. Are there some good things happening right now for me. Yes there is. For every situation there is always a resolve.

However in just logging on here I do thank you wished to say that to all. But I am growing my beard and it's almost finished ...