Canada Sticks with a Decision

Canada will not extend its mission in Afghanistan beyond 2011, Prime Minister Stephen Harper told U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday. Harper and Clinton held a brief meeting Tuesday morning ahead of a meeting of G8 foreign ministers in Gatineau, Quebec.  Harper's statement came after Clinton indicated to the press that she wished for Canada to stay in Afghanistan after 2011. 2011 has been the year Canada's combat mission in Afghanistan is has been scheduled to end. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs reiterated at a news briefing in Washington that the Obama administration would like to see Canada continue its mission.” There are a host of civilian non-combat activities that Canadians can and we hope will contribute to. They're our valuable partners in this coalition. Canada’s parliament passed a motion in 2008 agreeing to keep Canadian soldiers in Kandahar until 2011.In the interview, Clinton suggested the possibility of keeping "non combat" troops in Afghanistan to assist with training and logistical work. Yesterday, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon indicated there would be no military mission after 2011. Canada’s government dispatched troops right from the beginning and as well through several administrations have made amendments to when requested yet was one of the first that went into Afghanistan and stayed in there and has amended the dates two times in leaving. The feeling of the government is that Afghanistan must assume a greater responsibility now. President Obama decided to send 30,000 more troops to the country but also said the U.S. would start withdrawing troops in July 2011. Under this plan, there will be nearly 100,000 U.S. forces in Afghanistan this year nearly triple the level when he took office. NATO has not made an official request asking Canada to extend its combat mission in Afghanistan, which began in 2002. At least 2,500 Canadian soldiers are in Afghanistan, serving under NATO. Since 2001, when the mission began, 141 Canadian soldiers and two civilians have died. Canada never went into Iraq in 2001, Canada went into Afghanastan and has maintained its presence since day one in. I truly believe that when one takes all things into consideration there is a time stay true to what you have done and there is a time to bring troops home. The way I feel is that you can’t fix everything that is going on in the world and economics plays a large role within this one as well. Sometimes a country stay true to decisions that are made. I do believe there is a time to bring back troops, as you can't fix all the problems within the world. Yet within NATO there is this great commodity called surveillance, it was done during the cold war and now by way of NATO there is a much better surveillance coupled with the idea that Afghanistan would continue to rely on nations for years. In my opinion

I believe it's time to bring troops back - not just for Canada, but within many countries and do what was done years before. Peace is not easy but there is a large cost to trying to maintain peace.

http://www.cbc.ca/video/player.html?category=News&clipid=1454977778
 

~ Trust By Way of a Blog ~

The three markers within life are trust in thyself, trust within others and trust within your own beliefs. Trust amongst friends is what nurtures life within any form of space. We all have that nature of our being. We certainly come to have dialogue within writing when there is that understanding. There are times that I will reframe, as I see it if it’s not worth saying then don’t say it. I think this is what keeps this in some ensemble that is very gratifying. Soul words. Now there is a thought. There are some that have varied writes, yet for myself I love writing on several things. Mind you time is a precious commodity. Recently within the news, there have been some thing that have taken place and one can’t solve the worlds troubles but one can certainly write there own points of view. Some reflect, some write on the current times within the news well there is such a vast area from which to write but in all within good taste. We all have or own thoughts and most of all it’s something we all value. If we didn’t we wouldn’t be writing about it. I find that intuition does play a very significant role within writing.

As well there are so many topics that one could write about and then there are ones that usually you just wish to reframe. However, I don’t the only thing that holds me back is this precious commodity called time. Time is precious and whatever one seeks or desires there is these are the times. The arrays of thoughts are something that truly brings about the intentions of what we wish to say. I thought it was worth the say. For the one that is controls is the one that has a shallow ego. The one that writes within an authentic manner is one that is not self indulged but just merely expressing their thoughts. Good intentions lead to prosperity. So meanwhile, I will follow the stars and the sun. As we all are within a global arena that certain brings about something within this blogosphere. Yet what is rendered is always something that is worth the consideration as it’s an abundant avenue of global views.

It's just another day...

There are those times that I truly want to get to friends pages and write back yet there is only so much that one can do within a certain time frame. There is a great render of friend and I just thought I would make mention. Peace

Nearing the Beginning of Spring

A few pictures taken over the weekend...

~ In Like A Lion and Out Like a Lamb ~

Isn’t there an old saying that if this month comes in like a lamb which it appears to be doing it will go out like a lion? Actually,“In like a lamb-out like a lion” is the converse of the original proverb, “In like a lion-out like a lamb”, which seems logical considering today its still winter but on March, 31st it will be spring. Turning the saying around was probably done by people wondering what to say if March came IN like a lamb this year. The original saying probably has its roots in astronomy because in early March the constellation Leo (the lion) is rising in the east; while at the same time Aries (the ram) is setting in the west. March is a transitional month and in most of North America winter weather is essentially over by the end of the month. I say this as one never really knows. However, on average, the weather at the end of March is more pleasant than at the beginning of March. Even though this month appears to be coming in like a lamb be comforted by the fact that statistically it is more likely for March to remain lamb like when it starts that way...

Keeping in mind who they say statistics are for.

Common Grounds

I have my own manner that I enjoy writing. Doesn’t everyone? Now and then there are those that will play that silly game and I don't place much weight within it now. I used to but I don't on this here now, as there really is no meaning within it. If one posts something it's all within reason. Some do and will think they are better than another person. What creates the malice within some people I ask myself? I know the group from which they come from. There is this word called ego. We all have an ego, naturally we are human beings yet there is much more to life. Yet there will always be those that for whatever reason they wish to play it. I have no intention in being a people pleaser. Where my intention does lay is within writing in the manner that I do. Everyone does. There will always be some that have anger or will play it for all it's worth. I don't place anything on my blog, which isn’t something that is authentic. As for where this one came from that I deleted was one that I would think part of a small group of people that literally get off on doing what he does. For myself, I write and enjoy this and I am certainly not perfect but man I will tell you there are some child like adults that feel they are above the rest. The way I see it no one is better than another. But within the nature of some you really have to question why they do these things. Yet it's that old thing of postures. Life is much to short. I literally look at things on the brighter sides when I write. I can only be myself. And nothing more.  The fake game is not for me, nor the pretentious personalities.  There are those areas in which I do get from a few now and then. More than often I am writing with what I had thought. It's a blog, yet it's something we do enjoy. For one that I deleted and band, I have no remorse, as I literally don't care. This is about enjoyment as well as respect, at least that is the way I see it. My intention has never been to please everyone yet to enjoy this. Certainly we all have commonalities and differences - yet some have that mentality of either "I am better than you" - I can't say I am into that concept. Then there is the "different strokes for different folks". You can't please everyone but you can make the choices. This is a place from which I enjoy the good fun coupled with writing within my own “non fake” manner. So for the one that is intertwined with a few others, within a small philosophical moment I will say the crap may flow down as well the sludge does come up. As common as they really are there is always that need to play it.

There is that nice little botton called click and delete.

Weekends with Spring

The recent weather has been is right on the mark, we are well into spring now and for the forthcoming weeks it's going to be just right. You have to enjoy the weather at this time of the year as in the midst of last winter we had to have a good sense of humor. Now I can say spring is within my step. As it's here.  A portion of my Saturday was going to this place called Amigos. Since I have been here for nearly a year there are some places that have surpassed time. Amigos is a restaurant by day and a club for musicians by night. I met up with some friends here and low and behold the owner was the same one that I knew. Really in these times I find that to be amazing where there are proprietors that have something unique that stands throughout two decades. I went in here with a two friends and I after an enjoyable get together over brunch, I went over and started talking to the owner and then there was something about him that I couldn't’t place a finger on. So I outright just asked him his name and told him mine as well as my brothers. Ironically he hadn’t forgot and that was amazing as we talked for five minutes on how his business has done so well. Ironically, just like that he did. My brother was much more into this place than I was. Yet back then it wasn’t fixed up it was rather new and yeah - grungy. It was ironic, I looked across and I was looking right into the 70's and there was something that again I couldn't’t place my finger on. I am not a big fan of reality shows. However with that all said this there is one very popular celebrity that has a mother in law that has lived here for years. Now this is getting too coincidental. So I went over and talked with these people and ironically there is someone within this picture that possibly many have seen on television. I used to love the band years ago believe it or not but within this one picture there is the son of a rather major celebrity that comes here now and then to visit with his grandmother. I am going to do the KISS method here (keeping it simple and silly). And I will let you see if you can pick out whom I am talking about. One hint, the father of this person has a television show that features his family, as well has still continued with a band that has played a major part of the 70's, 80's, 90's and is currently on tour right now. His son was here as they do come into town every few months.

The brunch was great and the rest of the day was good and looking forward to a continuation of this weather.

 

~ It Will Be All Right ~

I'll Be All Right

I know that you are sleeping
There’s some thing I ought to say
These endless miles seem so far away
Yeah how it feels during these days
These times seem so endless
Yet baby there is never a time
They are un relentless
The reason is my heart and thoughts
Remain true-yeah they do
This certainly isn’t any dreaming
These calls I know are not quiet the same
With so many things heart felt
I hope you can see and know
That right now it’s what binds us
Yet I will see you within my dreams tonight
I want you to know it will be all right
All I know is that I want to hold you close
Baby what can I say till tomorrow comes
Just think of me till tomorrow
It’s just for now
You know I want to hold you close
Think of those little ordinary things
Yeah the significant little ones
It’s what keeps us together
While we're apart
Till tomorrow comes
They say dreams come true
For in every part of you
I never forgot one thing to do
I adore you I wish for you to know that
And I promise it shall be all right

~jgs~

 

Character with Gratitude

Most of the people I’ve met or observed who are at the top levels in their chosen fields have these attitudes of gratitude. It’s really humility of sorts. After all, when so many high achievers reach for those areas in which they wish to achieve. I find most have obtained something significant. Regardless of age. So often we hear this word called thank you, especially with ones that have achieved something. Confidence becomes a higher state of being when we are not overly proud. It can be a cultural thing, but even within cultures that I have been fortunate to meet with proud is one the same level as humble. It’s as if they can’t help but see beyond there own ego. Gratitude is something that comes with success – and success is not measure in only one commodity. I adopted this attitude within an early age I suppose. I don’t have a photogenic memory, yet I literally can remember things since I was three or four years of age. There was a time where I was around five years of age and I was upstairs within my bed as a child and I would always look up into the stars. With a childlike holler to my folks that were downstairs, I said, “there are all these stars and a moon and is there more out there?” I will never forget my father saying to my mother this one has to be placed in the proper schools. Now that is myself, but to this very day each evening I will go outside and I will think. I just look up into the stars and there is always some insight that comes. One does take into consideration all the things that come to being. Of course there are many sides to each ones character I can be reflective, introspective and it’s all within what I enjoy. I was talking to someone out east this evening and a many things were discussed, actually one could talk all night. I guess where I am leading with this is humbleness and perhaps thinking in accordance to my own thoughts while taking into consideration with others. Within nearly every day there is not one thing that I can’t find which is good. I think that we all have that entitlement to write as we feel as well as for some reason there is an inspiration that comes from it. Being grateful has not status, it’s a state of mind. For that matter a state of which is not rendered by a self inclined ego. More so it’s the gratitude that services mankind as I see it. Everyone has had a rainbow of influential people within life. For some the learning curve bend up and some it bends down pending on our egos. We all naturally have an ego, but being grateful is not something that is manufactured nor fabricated. Rather, it's the manner of which we just are. It’s something that each person connects with. The ones that seemingly are the wisest are those that are the most humble.
Being grateful helps remove the influence of our egos, which is certain that we’re not better than everyone else. Rather we connect with others online and within life in several levels. It’s much like unity in the way that I see it. Don’t get my wrong, I am not just one sided, I look at things from all vantages. And truly I do have that funny side, yeah the wit but it’s all within good cheer. So often I will say thank you don’t think for a moment that I have not expressed some gratitude at the same time – that could well be my multi task. This word called thank you translates in so many different languages yet it truly all has the same meaning. Now I just took a sinus tab, and I think I am going to have an enjoyable time in writing as I can breath through my nose. Never take one after supper as when it says non drowsy, it means your going to be up for a while, yet it’s the weekend that time where you can place you feet up and just enjoy a some areas as the day is over. Yet I do say thank you, it’s not an old saying, especially within these times it’s maybe a saying that on the return from the older days of the past.

The Renovations of a Landmark Building

It's a building here that used to be held within a family. In the 1800s it was used for the production of equipment that was agriculture related. In 1995, it was abandoned and then one family took it on and decided with the need for more dwellings.

The concept was to maintain the brick and mortar as well as the high ceilings and by the end of this summer it shall be completed. The renovation to into regards creating something that was conceptually commercial, while still maintaining the symbolic history.

Come August of 2010 this shall be completed as already it's gone beyond what is known as the critical schedule of development.

Yet it shall be done. The schedule in the last two months has been a 24/7 in order to meet the mandates as well as the investment.

Gracefully We Grow - I think and thunk it Over :)

How have you aged?

I wear dentures. Yet I always tell people they are cosmetic implants.

 

 0

I nearly have to go to the washroom so much that I wear "elderly" diapers now.

 

 0

I used to be concerned with holding my breath now I worry about holding gas.

 

 0

I decline to comment.

 

 2

I leave it up to my cats to satisfy my curiosity.

 

 1

If that cat can't then I look at "Fido" my dog.

 

 1

I used to eat steak and cheescake, now I look forward to prunes.

 

 0

I went with my 80 year old uncle to get him some groceries and the cashier said, will this be for both of you?

 

 0

I wake up and forget what day it is.

 

 1

When a picture is taken, they say cheese and I sneeze, dang it!

 

 1

They say we’re supposed to age gracefully. Accept the passing of the years with a smile. Give up graciously the things of our youth. Nuts to that! Young people aren’t offended when asked their age but when someone asks me how old I am, I want seemingly it's different to when I was 21. Then again you just embrace it or do we? George Carlin did a great bit on age. When you are very young or very old, you round up. You’re not 5, you’re “nearly 5 and a half”. You’re not 92, you’re “almost 93! As for baby boomers like me, when someone is ill mannered enough to ask, “How old are you?” I turn the tables by smiling and asking, “How old do you think I am?” which immediately puts the person on the spot. They certainly don’t want to guess high so they go low, usually somewhere within the vicinity of five years. Whereupon I answer, “Close enough”. I may be older than I once was, actually lighter than I once was, I’m more forgetful than I once was...hmmm can I multiply as fast within my head as I used to, no it takes a little more time.

But........."big but lets just stop for a moment." 

Aging doesn’t happen until you lose your curiosity…. you no longer care what is around the next corner or over the next hill but are satisfied with what you know now. The way I see it is you're as old as your doubt, as young as your confidence, as old as your fear, and as young as your hope.

 

Feeling the Breeze

There is something about taking a long drive or even walking through a park. I think that we all find that precise area that we all really do enjoy. Perhaps it’s a self time, mind you within my own opinion, everyone needs that self time. It’s not a selfish thing.  I find nature brings so many things together. Not entirely mind you but it’s certainly apart of my scope. That realization without organization. It’s that departure from the everyday things that we do to that time that we take. Mind you time usually isn’t a consideration. I really don't think much about time when I have my own time. If that makes any sense.  . It’s something that I don’t think that we often consider that much. Yet if anyone has taken that time to hike or walk within areas and surroundings that contain a forest and especially the water river or lake, it’s truly something that brings about some sort of peace. I suppose this is why I am looking forward to spring. I know that when I head out on some excursion. During and after there is that peaceful state of being. Seemingly, it’s not pertaining to any specific time. Well, of course we all have the elements of times and things that we are accountable for. Yet that self time more than likely it’s something that renders peace – self peace yet it is that time we do take within our spare time. Perhaps it’s being within peace while taking those excursions that seemingly follow your own bliss. Days as such I don’t have any organization. Yet within being unconventional within this way one can render the old saying "you can't see the forest for the trees". How often we do forget the insight of what is of most value? Certainly we all have the intricacies of life.

As far as the big picture? It's all within not they eyes of the beholder but by way of leaving that certain area open to be inspired. As inspiration is never sought, it just comes. I really don't think that one can force inspiration. What I do believe is that it's something that happens by way of taking those moments to enjoy - then so often I find it does come. When I think about the word inspiration there are many things that come to mind. But then again there is that mindless time seemingly its render in those inspirational moments that we do come into a harmony.

That’s my way, it’s not the way – it’s just my own way.

 

Picture Perfect #6 ~ Sound ~

The theme for Picture Perfect this week is:

S O U N D

This was done last winter as I walked within a session of a few. For myself music is something that resonates throughout each land. I like many have played for years as well within my earlier years recorded and toured, now and then over the past seven years I have come to just love producing and just enjoying music.

There is not one day within our lives that sound is not involved. Lyrical content is much like poetry I am not sure if there is a difference between the two. Yet within sound is a harmony that truly enriches "the art" of life. I have never seen one person that could ever go without sound. Sound is so many things but yet for myself it's always been very close to my heart. I will post a past lyric if this is alright.

You were sitting and I was thinking
Of all the times that we have been spending around
The situation could only get better
And I never uncovered
Nor discovering what I found
 
 
This situation can only get better
Seemingly it's all quiet right
 
 
In the morning, just moving easy
These moments seem so right
The sun is rising and those soft whispers
These moments we just seem to understand
Nothing fancy just so easy
One realizes what may be found
 
 
This situation could only get better
As it's all quiet right
 
 
When the night comes while you were dreaming
I was thinking about the things we've said
It's looking forward
With a certain ease now
Time isn’t passing us by
This situation can only get better
As it seems quite right

~jgs~

 

On going additions to the university.avi

Snow fell again over night and right till 7 in the morning.

I work half time right now and am in the midst of doing something…but this was taken today and gives you an indication of all the work that is being done here within the university. There is someone, not myself that dedicates more that 3 million dollars to the university each and every year. I am being very authentic and this place shall be one great university built to a higher level once all portions are complete.

This is just the front of the university and there is so much more to be seen as far as what has been done by way of a many agreements that took five years within the making.

~ Be There ~

Will Be There

Out of trace with you for so long
This feeling has been coming over me
Down this line it’s message I've learned
One can take love granted yet so easily get burned
Even when you’re strong you can stand on your own
But doesn’t time move so quickly
 
I'm not alone when I'm strong inside
Yet I realize

These few years have come and gone by
All those moments just seemed to slip away
I recall seeing the future when I look within your eyes
Those very echoes of a promise I made
Seemingly just slipped away
Yet the heart runs so deep

I'm not alone when I'm strong inside
Yet I know it’s up to you dear I do realize

Only my soul runs to you I promised to be true
So I do a swear to not slip away
For each and everyday
We both know about the things that we feel
And the things that we we wish to say
 
I'm not alone when I'm strong inside
Yet I realize

Keeping this promise is like a seal from my heart
Only you would know what that means
We can never know where our lives will lead
Wherever you go whenever you need
I will be there as I have come to realize

I will be there

~jgs~

Intentions and Abundance

One of the most important decisions you’ll ever make is choosing the kind of universe you exist in: is it helpful and supportive or hostile and unsupportive? Your answer to this question will make all the difference in terms of how you live your life and what kind of Divine assistance you attract. I find that one of the most important decisions one will ever makes is in the choice of what field of energy one exists within. It’s something that only one knows. So often one finds the abundance within what they usually know exists. Yet when one is within harmony there is something abundant. There are a varied amount of people within this world in which we live to think that one favors one rather that another would be and example of a rigid point of view. I often think about what I get is in the manner that I think about it but more some how I embrace it. Perhaps some are the same.
I implore those that are within an authentic manner not self-indulged. I often remind myself each day that I live within a universe that is friendly and is abundant. I cast of the material things and truly find that there is far better than good. Good fortune only flows within a source in which we travel and render our thoughts and spirit’s of our up most. We all originated from one place and as she flow within life we find the abundance of what is rather than what is not. We are our own instruments of our own prosperity for that matter even within our peace. I have never wavered within my beliefs as they are ones that are not confined myself within one only "sphere" of thought. Just think of it the colors of the universe. We all do have our own egos, we all do have our own manners in which we write but deep rooted within myself, not only is there peace there is tranquility within the cadence of calm. Each day I know that I rest well as I have done my very best within an energy or source that is very well within good intentions. Spirit is intention, god is intention, the way we treat our feel man is good intention. Some will often find that there is a negative and a positive the two go hand in hand. Abundance is by way of choice in what you wish to allow. Life is not a perfection yet it’s tapestry which weaves within an abundance by way of our own passages. This is a picture taken one month ago and this gent and his son come from Kenya and he literally works hard and is as happy as can be. It's not within color, it's not where you come from it's all within the human factor of what we deem as good will. Nor am I a preacher, rabbi, minister or priest.

I just love cultures and a variety of things that are abundant within my sphere.

Peace,

Jack

 

 

 

Good intentions are.....?

Morning Coffee Talk - Jack

Well, it's a damp rainy day. I thought I would write while having my morning coffee, I have received a few "pms" within Multiply and I wish to clear up one thing rather fast. I was born and raised within the United States. Secondly, I do reside up here in Western Canada as I returned here nearly a decade ago. I have no hate with America in any manner. In fact I love American history. Last but not least with regards to not hate messages but the questions. I am not a Muslim. I guess this one picture that I place from a very good friend I came to know over the last year is. However, I have always believed in all faiths and I regard them with respect.
Aside of that the weather is damp, there are changes going on by way of government and otherwise and from "this neck in the woods" it's changed to be very damp and cool. So I thought I would mention that to the good friends on here and I just write as I feel. I would never place Canada against the USA, as there are too much that we do have in common. But I certainly do enjoy global views with certainly will include these two countries and more.

Why not!

The US Health Care Reformation - Shall be a Declaration

Just saying the way it is. I really have never seen so much bickering in the attempt
during an attempt with the GOP and as well for that matter the people that reside in United States. Congress by way of only the one party was able to pass this and now it goes to the President of the United States. Lets not for get he was not the first to attempt this. It's been on going for years. Certainly it's a change that has been long in coming. And I am sure that it's very costly right now for a segment within the United States. I don't buy into everything I read, however most all know or I would hope know the key elements of this heath care reform. As well, it's within an American manner, not a Canadian manner but a system works pending on the culture and population of its people. The key changes to this legislation are that he truly desired for an American Universal Heath care system. Yet it's a major reform to say the least. The key elements of this reform are:

Key changes to U.S. health care

• Very little change for people with coverage through their employer.
• More lower-income people under 65 would be covered by Medicaid, the federal health insurance program.
• Low- and moderate-income people would receive subsidies to help offset the cost of health insurance.
• Insurance would be available through state-run exchanges.
• Fines for people who do not buy health insurance.
• People who lose or change jobs would be able to buy coverage through the exchanges, so they would not lose coverage.
• Dependent children can stay on parents' coverage until they turn 26.
• Many plans will be prevented from placing lifetime limits on coverage and they would not be able to cancel coverage for people who become sick.
• Children could not be refused coverage for pre-existing conditions.
• Adults who have been unable to get coverage because of pre-existing conditions will be eligible for coverage through a high-risk insurance program.
• Higher taxes for high-income families.
• Expensive insurance programs would be subject to a new tax.

Meanwhile the other party intends to appeal it but if they only looked to see what every industrialized country provides and then took into account where the world is going within the next ten years they may see a reason why there is a two tier system of Universal Health Care coverage in the world - not just within Canada. I say this as from living on both sides of each country and truly with a respect. Some things are just not that convenient but need to be done, some things are not necessary pending the times. But I do believe that some things do have the merits and have a very historical value although they might not be the most pleasant as we all live in a different means and ways...

 

Well it's That time...

I have not been on here much but I look forward to some writes within the new season as here we are within a time where comes spring. We did have a few days that went to the wayside as far as weather but all is coming to gether very nicely. So as the days become equal there is something to be said for that as well. But within goo faith I wish everyone a great time as I have been doing much more than being on blogs yet I shall be back to this as well within a good faith as I think that for the most part most all do know where that stands for me. I wish you  a great weekend. For some we will see within just two weeks how quickly things do become green.

 

A peaceful weekend to all,

Jack

 

 

~ Pure ~

There is not much that I can say with this post with this picture. There are many different things that come to mind but a good friend of mine allowed me to take a picture of his daughter. Form the render the only thing that I could think of is pure.  Sometimes there are pictures that are fulfilled just within the vantage and within the eyes of the beholder.

 

Question of the latter part of the week.... If there was one word that would describe this time of the year for you what would it be?

St. Patrick's Day

 

 

There is much to be said in being lucky of fortunate. We all are when we think this is something of significance. One does not think all that much but one tends to get to enjoy the time that is celebrated by way of tradition at this time. I might add that I had been to a few different places but yet the render is green on this day I feel lucky or fortunate as the charm of the Irish say and within the midst of some things that were done there was a very fortunate thing which would fit within this day of the lucky charm.

An old saying from the past is,

"May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire."

 

Yes it's St. Paddies day and with a "green" delight!

 

 

Happy St.Patricks Day - Video.avi

It is a time of Green. Although there is one musician that is in orange - who really cares it's more of what the intention is. There is one friend that is directly from Ireland and I do wish her and everyone a great "Paddies" day.

Within this while I was downtown I had the chance to capture some Irish musicians and there are some that are here from Ireland. So I truly wish to send this to you, as today is the day in which we welcome the day of the "luck charms". An oldie yet a goodie. :)

Back into the Bessborough Hotel - Video.avi

I had to get back into the Bess to just capture the best rooms within the hotel. The Prime Minster was here just last week and many other notables whom usually book the entire floor but this just give you a glimpse of it.

"It is What it is"

Yes it's spring and I literally have several things that are on my mind. I am not sure about you but I just enjoy the evening time to write something down. As far as the news, I have not kept up on all things that are happening of recent. I am focusing more on the areas that I find are rendering something of value as I am getting on with my legs by way of taking a small walk and run. My goal is to be running entirely for half an hour within one week. Yet there are other goals as well. I think of it this way, if you try to do everything within one day - it's a mindset that I know I will fail. If I chronologically set a few goals with an understanding that there is no perfection, more than often I will obtain them. I suppose it's all within cadence much like one that is training for anything, they set up a agenda that has some areas that are "loose". This morning after a run and then heading down town have given me not only sore legs which is good, but I am getting that cardio as well as that area where I am re acquainting myself with some people that I have never seen in literally years. There is one person that owns a bike shop as I was considering buying one and we sat within his store and talked about how the city has changed and what all is taking place in the future. So I am really enjoying each and everyday and when I hit the sack, I know that all truly has been accomplished to my very best.

It's never entirely perfect but it's certainly something that is gratifying. Life that is, the manner that we live out our days and do we just stay constant? I don't think so. Yet there are some constants within life that render the best or foster the best within life. There is one friend within here by the name of Dannette, we have never chatted, but there is a mutual respect - sound ironic but it's true and there are several other as well. Dannette has this "Question of the Week". Before logging off last night I sent her a pm to see if I could "borrow" this theme that she has done for some time. And with a yes I think I shall post it tomorrow night. As after reading last night there was a thread of thoughts that many were writing on.  I will admit that I have never really recognized how I came to be so into this Multiply. It really all came by coincidence but there is truly many people that are writing within a manner that is not exactly like my own style, but then again there are so areas of interest and as well similiarities that which make it so enjoyable. Now is certainly know that this motto that I have had since day one still applies.  Which is, "It does not matter where you come from or where your born - all that matters is where your head is at."

It's really as simple as that.

The very center of the city within the morning.avi

This was taken early this morning. I shows in some manner how things are here in one part of the downtown. Today we hit record tempertures and spring is definately here. I never pay too much attention to those that keep contemplating on the possibility of some more...
Mornings are tremendous - they literally are the best part of the day.

Kind of funny if you ask me...

This was taken a while back or a two weeks ago and I had taken a Taxi and was returning back and I am not sure that the mans name was but he was Hungarian. I am partially Hungarian and well he went on with just talking.
It was interesting yet kind of funny at the same time. Yet there were some thing that I had never known about Hungary. Apparently, he has lived here for the last 16 years. Sometimes it's best to just listen. Yet it was all in good fun...

An Arrangement obtained within a portion of March

Adaptations

I will be very honest with you I have looked into this Facebook, and I really find that it's rather amazing. Yet I have come to find that I am starting to get used to certain things. Yet I have yet to get beyond just placing on Utubes so do I wish to mix it up at this time of the year with a new era platform of Tweeter? Gosh I am not a multi tasker, not with applications and all on a computer. That I have come to know for sure.  Remember when you were a kid and had several things from which to choose? I was that one that wanted to not just have one but do several. I find that within the very techno savvy world there are so many things that one really could do but it more about laying down a foundation. So I have not yet really came to understand everything within this Facebook yet I will often peek into it and look to see if I can figure and set down a good platform before I start inviting some of my friends that I have known for years. I guess it’s more real?

Then again lets face it, we don’t really have much to say unless we are embarking within life. Which leads me to the quality of time. Right around the corner is the first day of spring and I certainly am not complaining, as the weather has been grand. I have been up in the morning and doing these slow runs and then going on excursions as well as looking forward to a trip I shall be making in a two months. What I really enjoy the most is that change and adaptations we do with regards to our own lives in connection with the climate change not necessarily the clock. Today was much more like a day in which you just knew that there was more time and much warmer weather. Is it nice? Oh I can't begin to explain how nice it is in comparison to freezing off your behind. So often I love to bring about some theme but yet there could be many yet today was one that was just several things done, yet nothing immediately was accomplished but yet there is. As when there is that beginning of something combined with several elements I really still am a kid at heart. Can't one still be young and yet be mature? I guess it all depends. However there is nothing like these days where the weather is on your side. I guess that is why spring and summer are so precious and they're always something to look forward too. So the clock have changed mine hasn’t, and yet still within the evening it’s that time that one has to enjoy there time within there very own way. I have been doing that while at the same time I did my small jog, went walking and took in the new weather by way of a camera. So it's that time of the year where there is much more choices to be enjoyed.One thing is for certain we are within a different time as of just yesterday. But then again we do it every year.

Seems Quiet Right

Seems Quiet Right

 

You were sitting and I was thinking

Of all the times that we have been spending around

The situation could only get better

And I never uncovered

Nor discovering what I found

 

 

This situation can only get better

Seemingly it's all quiet right

 

 

In the morning, just moving easy

These moments seem so right

The sun is rising and those soft whispers

These moments we just seem to understand

Nothing fancy just so easy

One realizes what may be found

 

 

This situation could only get better

As it's all quiet right

 

 

When the night comes while you were dreaming

I was thinking about the things we've said

It's looking forward

With a certain ease now

Time isn’t passing us by

This situation can only get better

As it seems quite right

 

~jgs~

 

I believe everyone is now either one hour forward or one hour back. Here my time stayed the same. As like some places around the world this province does not observe daylight savings time.

The 2010 Paralympic Winter Games

Athletes from 44 countries were welcomed to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympic Winter Games this last Friday as they paraded into BC Place Stadium to the cheers of close to 5000 performers, mostly volunteers, who participated in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. As the International Paralympic flag was raised, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympic Games were declared opened. The Paralympic Cauldron was lit, the external cauldron was lit at the same time and will remain lit until the closing of the Games. As for these athletes truly aspire to the stars and in many ways define something that is far and beyond the common grounds of competition. Now these athletes illustrate the true meaning within going far and beyond.
Their disabilities became abilities of the utmost in true spirit and quite achievement and you just have to applaud them for that. Yet within a manner where the competition had begun I find it to be on a much different level. One of which is really defines achievement to say the least. These athletes in my opinion have so much more really when it really rightly comes down to it, take a disability and render it into an advantage.

I think there is something to be said for that.

 

Disable Canadian nearly beaten to Death

A vicious attack was committed this week by two Australian teenagers in Sydney, Australia on a disable Canadian that has left him in hospital. The attack was on Heath Proden, 35 years of age. New South Wales police, which is the oldest and largest police organisations and one of the biggest in the English speaking world, indicated that Heath Proden was waiting for a train following a concert he had went too in Sydney. Then these two teenage boys approached him. It's really unbelievable in all that happened. There after beaten repeatedly. Heath Proden tried to leave but was punched in the face and knocked from his wheelchair while security surveillance captures and was witness throughout the entire crime as it was being committed. Video security surveillance of this attack displayed these two teens stomping, punching, and hitting with a metal bar pried from Heath’s wheelchair. Now what on earth were these kids on? Where they on something or did they have a history of being young offenders, or I would really like to know more with regards to the teenagers. This took place in Australia but these acts are happening everywhere. Especially young offenders and they are not just the poor kids no - many are from very affluent families. I am not sure with these two teenagers. Yet this was an incident that hit the airwaves here in Canada and all over the world especially within Europe. It was a case of not just one act this is what amazes me the most is that it all took place very fast but there was a continuation of a criminal act by these two teenagers.  They ran off but then returned and beat him some more. The 16 year old faces assault and robbery charges and a second teenager surrendered to the police authority after the crimes were committed. Heath Proden is from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Heath has been in a wheelchair for ten years after a snowmobile accident.
He left Canada for an Australia trip with his girlfriend in November with the plans to return in six months bring him back in the month of May. After the beating Heath went into the hospital for a surgery to relieve swelling on his brain. He suffered a fractured skull in the attack, police said. Police Commander/ Superintendent, Wayne Cox indicated the multiple attacks were all in duration of merely three to five minutes. All these new technical surveliance systems certainly do more good, yet it still remains that there are personnel that are operating these systems. I was just at one yesterday here where there are five large LCD screens, and there is a special constable which sits and over watches everything and has a fleet of other constables that surround the portions of the insides of the university as well as the grounds. I was obtaining a special allowance to take pictures around the campus. So to some extent I can certainly understand what this train station employee was watching and I kind of think that this employee was a special constable perhaps with a different name but yet one that receives two years training by the city or federal police force there. You would think that a security surveillance employee would act accordingly especially while watching this crime. Now here is my last question why didn’t the train station employ immediately dispatch in house security? He was sitting there and watching it while it was taken place. He described the attack as being a calculated intentional assault. Within Cox's experience it's one of the most serious attacks that he has ever seen especially when a person is disabled and confined to a wheelchair. As these two teenagers repeatedly returned back and continually assaulted Heath. I believe there is more too this story and there are more besides the kids, that are accountable within all of this.

Again I wish and will mention that this does not just take place in Australia. It takes place in nearly every country. However there is much more to this story.

 

It's a good day for Shining you Shoes

I went to bed last night and I thought about yesterday where I was looking for a gym and then after I have taken a few pictures I met this one person from Kenya. Neat guy if you ask me. The there were all these older people getting lined up and then I could see that they all go into an area and walk on the running track. This was amazing to see the amount of people over 70 doing this while I was looking over the equipment within this place called the Field House. Literally every morning at 8:30am all these older folk walk the running track for a morning exercise. These ones have had a good time as they have reached there golden years and to go exercise or walk like this as they do during the winter. Oh this is something. Yet this weekend is supposed to go up in temperatures where we hit the 60's in F. These recent warm sunny days literally are the harvest of a spring that is coming into being. I went out as now all the sidewalks are all clear and I went around the block, which is rather long two times. There are places that you can't avoid the snow that has melted and the wet. Last week my intention was to walk and walk and if all was find then to get some good cardio going even if it was only for 20 minutes. So I have and now I am finding that all things are not perfect but there is nothing perfect for anyone. The most important thing is to find areas in which make one happy and if the byproduct does something for your well being as well as your health. I think that is kind of golden. Mind you my sock and running shoes were as wet as if I had walked in puddles that is kind of like life itself you render the good and know that there are some things that you have no control over. Yet there are some that you do. Let them grow...

Wishing all a great weekend, as spring is literally here and the abundance is within the growth of what comes within the colors that return from nature.

An Unforeseen Capturing within my own Essence

I just literally had my own revelation if that is what you call it. One of a sort that leaves me thinking and yet I just went outside and I have come back in. I really don’t wish to mention it but I do believe that there is a good meaning within the past and the present. Life is a journey some and I have been so cautious in many ways in the past year within this stride of mine that seemingly I can see with much better clarity. I am sure there are some that have areas of there life that they wish never would happen yet then there is that time that I feel that you have to get on with it. I am in that mode of going forward and yet what brings us to where we are today are a host of things that have shaped us. We have a conscious mind and as well we have the subconscious. I saw someone that I have never seen in years. And I looked a few times and it may sound rather different but in seeing this person which I have not in so many years. I feel that I have closure. This is so hard to explain. Have you ever felt that there was that area within your life that you left uncompleted? Perhaps within my mind I have. I have been literally so busy with so many areas since returning to Canada. That there was a time where something, or someone was always on my mind. Perhaps it wasn’t a complete closure, but literally one this evening I feel very good. Now I don’t know what one would call that – perhaps my subconscious or a part of it was negating some elements but I cannot express in words how I feel this very moment. I literally feel that I have obtained a complete closure, or I feel complete. Quite possibly the reaction is a measurement of where one is at. And this literally did happen just a while ago and it truly is so hard to explain within writing. I kid you not I feel complete as of this very night. Now is that a revelation or what? I don’t know but what I do know is that I certainly feel very complete with myself. Some of us have been through a divorce and some have worked it all out. But all on the surface and sometimes deep within there needs to be that final closure to make things complete. I know there is this song, “I can see clearly now” but this is not just an ordinary evening this was something which at first took me by surprise and then ironically if it makes any sense at all I do feel very complete. How long that took – I am not sure but I am certain of this is that there is something that has come over me this evening within a good way. A way that I never thought I would find within my own inner self that entire completeness. It’s really as simple as that. For some reason things are coming into alignment within my personal life.
And here all along I thought that I was on the right trail for the most part I know I have been but there was that small area that was left unattended too. And is this a coincidence? I think that is for myself to set, but regardless of how small or how large there is a part of my inner self that literally is complete. I have been working on certain areas of my life of recent and all literally is going very well. And with this certain areas that literally just happened it seems to me that it's all within apart of the things that I have been working on within the last two weeks. Some never get over a loss and some do, I had but as of tonight with some time to write this is not fabricated this literally was something that happened and I can honestly say that I feel more whole. I don't write often or ever within this manner but I guess there still are good defining moments within life. I don't guess actually I think one knows when it comes unexpectedly or not. I can't begin to say how I feel as I feel like some sort of weight has been taken off my shoulders, and within my own inner being, and it onwards I go with these days as they have been going so well, and perhaps there is a meaning to everything even when least expected.

Yeah.

Pictures within my Stride

I don't want to get pictures going galore, but I went from the university gym then to the outskirts of the city here to see what was happening. Fortunately, there were no on going performances taking place at TCU Center. All in all by the time I arrived home I edited out some 40 pictures, but within a segment of the day I am certainly doing my part within walking as well as meeting up with people. There are so many places and spaces that it's just something I find to have a philosophical feel with.

Finally this computer is working, and within the vantages sometimes I find that I just will take something without any theme at all. I am not sure what I find within it but the excursions are all within ones stride. Does anyone ever get conceptual with there photography? I certainly do.

Not all the time---------------------------> but some times. Why not?

Going Forwards and Backwards in Time

This Sunday many will be were some go ahead one hour and some go back an hour pending where you live in accord to the zero meridian.

Daylight time was first endorsed in Germany in 1915, soon thereafter it was adapted by Britain most of Europe and Canada. Since the sun shone for a time while most people were asleep, it was reasoned that light far better utilizing time by way of amending our time within the day. The solution was to push the clocks ahead one hour in springtime, causing people to wake an hour earlier. Expending less energy in light their homes, the thought was if time was adjusted patterns would adjust with it. And all would change their daily routines. When the days started getting shorter in the fall and people awoke to increasing darkness, the clocks were turned back an hour to get more light in the morning. Although first instituted in 1915, the idea of daylight time had been batted around for a more than a century. Benjamin Franklin suggested the idea more than once in the 1770s while he was an emissary to France. It wasn't until more than a century later that the idea of daylight time was taken seriously. William Willett, an English builder, revived the idea in 1907, and eight years later Germany was the first nation to adopt daylight time. Reason being it was to conserve energy. Britain quickly followed suit and instituted British Summer Time in 1916. Several areas, including parts of Europe, Canada and the United States, followed suit after the First World War. In most cases, daylight time ended with the armistice. During the Second World War, a different type of daylight time was reestablished by Britain and clocks were set two hours ahead of Greenwich time during the summer. It was known as “Double Summer Time”. The time shift didn't end with the summer, as clocks were rolled back to be one hour ahead of GMT through the winter. The Uniform Time Act, enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1966, established a system of uniform for each region, as do other countries around the world. Yet there are some places that still don't observe daylight savings time around the world but the majority of the world have.

 

Computers

I had my computer serviced and I am not sure if there is a problem there are a few that have sent me a message and I hope this is working. I do. If you have one moment just to say hi, I would appreciate it to see if this is working correctly now. Hopefully...

Peace and thanks,

Jack

 

Passing through the University.avi

Sinus troubles today - yeah. I was very congested and as well very tired since I had done several things within the day but I thought I would see how well this camera works as I was heading to the east side of the city where I live and when I listen to it man, I sound like I am on slow. It's been wet, but I thought I would just say a few words by way of a video. Yet I do sound very nasal. But so be it. This was the weather here today and I was going past the University.

This is a portion of my world nasal or not :)

The Bessborough 75th Anniversary

Have to type quickly :)


I was at the start of what is to become the 75th Anniversary of the most historical hotel here within the city. It's a place where my father had his own office and I have wrote about it before for the next two weeks there shall be much that goes on with this building that was part of what is known as the original CN Railway's Hotels that they built from the east to the very west of Canada.

I will write more I know that as soon as I place them on there might be comments on this but on a warm but cloudy day it was something to make a visit back into this building.

We All Look at Things from...

Our own vantages. Yet are we not all apart of this universal energy that really seemingly gives regard to life. We all have those choice those things that hit right form the core in a manner of abundance. The stars are out tonight and the manner of how things are is not within what they are but how they will be. Will, is will just a commodity or is it the essence of the meaning of life itself. So often we get so caught up in the material things within life yet when you look into the eyes of another you really do see what is most important. Life. How we see life, how we reflect on life what we perceive. We perceive many things yet within the foundation of life is not a manner of what we are but Rather whom we are. Who are we, perhaps we are symbolic values of the universe. Yet more. It's obvious that within spirit we are something yet one can not define one person completely. As there is more substance within a human being than just the dialogue of the fancy. Where do we go? I think that each one of us maneuvers in a way that they are attune towards. Comfortable if you will. State of mind maybe it's a state of being. Some where within all of this is a deep rooted essence within what surrounds us as well as what we inherently already know. Knowing do we know everything that there is to be known. I think not we are bounds of energy that within a manner seemingly have a pathway. Pathways, are they really pathways? Probably not - they are areas that we render within our own making just like an artist will start to splash paint onto a canvass and in so doing it just becomes.

 

Now and then there comes a write and it's something that brings you back to a foundation of or realization.

Like a New Car

"This car was only driven by an old lady that drove it to bingo three times a week." Typical sales pitch.

I went back to where I bought this car as the sensory devise for the engine light was in need of repair. Seems like it was just two weeks ago I was in there but it’s been a good couple of months. As I was waiting in the “waiting room” if that is what you call it you know the areas that everyone sits reading magazine after magazine for an hour if not more, I merged around and looked at all the new cars and talked to a few of the sales men. And a quick fast discussion with the owner. From which gave me a very decent deal on the car.  I am not one that enjoys waiting. I will be honest – I just don’t enjoy waiting. To my surprise by the time I arrived and in getting through all the traffic, within an hour the service department had all everything fixed. This is a rather large operation. This Ford dealership it services are very large radius area and only has one other competitor within the city. Meanwhile there was a lady and her daughter standing there and I knew. I just knew they were of Spanish decent. Ironically, I will always approach in a decent manner. And to my amazement they were from Colombia, yet they have been living here for six months now and we started to laugh together as my Spanish has became so rusty, that I can’t speak it as well as I once could. I think not only were they intrigued with how well we hit it off but I was as well. It's been some time since I have run into anyone from this part of the world here. In another city, I found that it all came as a very normal thing - yet this city is growing. I find when you encounter people regardless of the culture it’s such a something very hard to explain the enjoyment within it. We did have a dialogue and the one lady was about to hand me her card as she was bilingual but one I mentioned some of the traditions – she came to understand that there was a very sincere dialogue. We laughed, we talked about Canada and Columbia some of the traditions that I recalled and we were laughing so hard that as it’s a manner that I really can’t point out as one has to have lived within it to understand it. It would be much the same way as Italians as close to what I could compare it too.  Then before you know it the guys were all looking and saying, “Jack your car is ready. So I told the ladies that I have to go the one looked again for her card but she couldn’t find it but I can’t tell you how much I enjoy people and especially cultures. It’s the side of me that has shaped my life and I truly look at it in more of a plus than a minus. Mind you, I do tend to get into a conversation and if it’s really enjoyable, I really do get engaged with it all, come to think of it – now I wish that the car took longer to have this sensory devise replaced. It’s funny how when you get away from a language how it slowly does come back but thank goodness that they were bilingual and had a very great grasp on the English language – maybe even better than myself. And I didn’t pull out the camera to take a picture of them, I have started to realize that everything is not within a picture or moments can be rendered and remised without the need to capture every portion of life. However I did get a few pictures of this Merlin Ford as I thought while I sat there I would be bored out of my head. So that was a plus. Must be the luck charm of "Merlin".

I have always found that when engaged with positive people regardless of where they come from there is there is always some good cause and affect a reciprocating effect it you will. The car is working just fine, the weather and it's been a very decent day to say the least...

 

Morning Comments by Jack

Well I have been up for two hours now and there are a few people that I do find most interesting with regards to the pictures that they take. There is nothing like taking pictures and then on the weekend or within your picture "bin" you have something to work with creatively. I am taking my car (recently bought) as it's covered and there is a sensor mal s a sensor mal function. So there is nothing like sitting there in the car dealership and wasting time I bought it up in one of two Ford dealerships here. One is very close but I choose this Merlin Ford dealership, as there was always a good relationship with them. So I thought I would get on here and make a brief morning write and I am feeling very good in comparison to the end of the last week. It's time to get mobile and I have always found that walking while doing photography was a great means. So I do miss this camera but so be it for right now. The days are already much longer yet we have this fog that is taking place here. There is still snow but when the warm air hits the snow it creates a foggy haze that which I have never seen the likes of here. Now speaking of coffee, I love it two cups or three within the morning and now I can hear the birds as they all have returned yes I think spring is well on it's way and the high for today is + 7c/ 46f. So if this keeps up we are in for a great summer as we do go all the way up to 35 even 40c (somewhere around 90F), which I truly do love. Yet within this cadence thing, I have to get on with it and get active, as it's been a very atypical winter for me with regards to several things. But a great day to you and I have one more hour to just do something here but I wish to say that to those that have been gracious enough (three people actually) to send me a few pictures - I do thank you. I do miss my camera that was never covered but there is a reason for this. Meanwhile I will make do with this small little guy from years gone by and see what comes about over the week. 

So it's a good day for shining your shoes - after getting out of the wet!

The Oscars

Last night I took in the Oscars, I have to admit there were a few actors that I really have been my own favorites one which is Sandra Bullock. She seems so natural, yet I have always seen her much like Julia Roberts. I literally didn’t know her back ground till I did some research on it but in a way she came onto the scene and with the first hit with that took here into to the places where she is now. I love here speech, she is rather a wholesome lady or one would tend to think so. Then there was Jeff Bridges. As well a new era of actors. What happened to Jack? Morgan Stanley awe there is a sensational actor if you as me in his own way. It was a great night of performers. It was something that I always have found most interesting. Clooney of course is just George they guy just has it seemingly in his own way. Mind you all the women fancy that as well. Possibly a modern day Carey Grant? Could he be replacing Jack Nicholson I kind of think not. What as well what I found most interesting was the array of new actors coupled with some of the old. But not some due to that they did not have a movie out within the time frame of the Oscars, maybe that was what was different. But all in all they were all great. I loved the dedications done and you know there are some of the actors that truly have started right from rock bottom and worked up. I find that even the Oscars are changing but that is probably within accordance with the new times. I know who my favorite actors are. And then you see something new and before you know it there is another. Yes it's all within entertainment. Yet there is something to be said with regards to some of these great actors and icons of entertainment. Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, Nicholas if you as me are priceless as well with Denzel Washington. And then there is this older actor by the name of Christopher Plummer. Certainly we live in a time where things have change even within some of the great oldies. There was something missing within these Oscars I feel, but the actors themselves and what I found so fascinating was in how the short films act as a stepping stone or benchmark for many producers. The good old Oscars were without some, not all my favorites yet it all depends on what comes out in the movies within a given year. They say that movies have to improve with technology to keep up within Hollywood but there still is nothing like watching a great movie. As we have come back to an era where certainly there are some new people yet I still like seeing some of the older actors as well. Sandra was tremendous, I never knew she had the background to two prominent parents that were in the entertainment field. I recall here driving a bus, in a thriller that came to make create here career from that day on. Yet each one of these actors started somewhere. There have been so many great movies made and yet I still have ones that I recall from years back. Some movies and performances surpass the test of time.

An Amazing Story from a Friend

There comes a write that really takes your breath away. Last night I was reading several blogs and I came across on good friend on here and I truly was amazed with what she had wrote within here allowance I am going to place it within here, lets see if I can do this and this write I found to be very inspirational to say the least. Here is here story and I will as well place down her link.

http://amorevita2.multiply.com/journal/item/53/Taken_back_to_a_time_and_place_of_pain_remembered......

 

 OUR MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCE!

 

This story (see link below) was recently aired and it was if I had been taken back in time to a place that I thought I would never have to re-visit ever again in my lifetime.

 

 

StoryLink:  http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/03/02/eveningnews/main6260271.shtml

 

 

The similarities in this story are shockingly alike, and consequently, have triggered a memory I thought was long forgotten.  The only (one) dissimilarity is that thankfully; my brother and I were not adopted by (any of) our abusive foster parents.  This particular story (of the four boys) has been on my mind for days now, and I just cannot seem to quell the need to write about it. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Paul and Maryann:

 

 

Paul was eleven years old, and I was eight. (Or thereabouts)  One day, Child Board of Welfare came to our school (our clothing packed in suitcases waiting in the car), and took us directly from school to a new foster home.  We were not told the reason for removing us from our current foster home, only that we were going to a new home.  Well, by this time, we were pretty used to being bounced-around from one foster home to another, and so it had become part of our young existence. 

 

I can remember upon arriving at our new home, and our new foster parents greeting us with a smile and hugging us.  Our caseworker apparently felt satisfied, and so off she went leaving us to our “new life.”   This foster couple had two children of their own (daughter and a son) whom I think were in their pre-teen years.  Except for one memory, I do not have any other memories of interacting with them, which, in retrospect, is kind of strange.  Later on, as an adult, and taking into consideration how my brother and I were treated, I now believe that this (non-interaction) was intentional.  After all, we were not related, came from a broken-home, and therefore were inappropriate playmates for their children.  Not good enough, clear and simple!

 

This is the (only) memory I recall of interacting with their kids.  One day, my brother (Paul) and I were outside playing, and their son began taunting us.  Paul picked up a stone and threw it at him, and this kid ran inside the house crying and screaming.  Both his parents came running outside and began yelling at Paul.  I was then told to sit still on the outside steps, and to not move from there.  The lady went back into the house, and the man yanked my brother by his arm, and dragged him into the garage.  I heard what sounded like a muffled screaming, so I sneaked over to the garage, and to my horror, I saw my brother hanging upside down by his feet, with a rag stuffed in his mouth, and this man was beating him with a belt.  As I ran away scared and crying, I could hear Paul screaming in agony for what seemed like an eternity.  I spent many years of my life haunted by that sound, and by that image of my brother hanging upside down by his feet.  Just thinking of it now, is no less painful then when it happened.   This was my brother and I loved him.  As children, we were all we had.

 

From that day forward, our meals were served to us on the basement steps, while the family ate theirs together at the dinner table.  From that day forward we were restricted to the basement and not allowed to watch television, and/or join in activities with the rest of the family.  Our meals became sparser and sparser, and much less frequent.  I remember feeling so hungry as I could smell the aroma of the food being cooked upstairs in the kitchen.  They would beat us for the slightest infraction, so we pretty much learned to just do what we were told, and speak only when we were spoken to.  The only saving grace was when the family would all go out together, and leave us home alone in the basement.  We WAITED for this, as this was our chance to get something to eat.  We were too scared to take anything from the kitchen, so we would rifle-through the outside garbage cans looking for leftover scraps.  We were always so hungry!   (I can still picture the haunted look on my brother’s face, which today, I recognize as the look of hunger).

 

God intervened.  One of their next-door neighbors saw us going through the garbage, and evidently called the authorities, and so once again, we were removed from school, and taken directly from (school) to yet another foster home. 

 

How is this allowed to happen, then and now?  Where were the school authorities in all this?  Could they not see that my brother and I were mal-nourished, and dressed in raggedy clothing?  Could the school authorities not see the obvious signs that those four boys were being starved literally to death?  In our case, since we were not adopted and thus, under the jurisdiction of Child Welfare, where in the heck were the caseworkers during all this abuse?

 

My heart is filled with amazing joy and such a feeling of triumph for these boys who, for the last six years, have been living in a loving home with all the food, love, happy smiles, and laughter that they need! Today, they look absolutley wonderful, and completely healthy! Their years of abuse and starvation are over.  With lots of care, lots of love, lots of time, and counseling, their scars will begin to heal, and their nightmare will become dimmer and dimmer in their memories.  Just as I haven’t, they will never forget, but they can, and will, go on to happy and fulfilled lives.   God is good!

 

I don’t know about you, but I can say, without one second of hesitation, that I would literally give-up my life in the protection of a child. Our children are our most precious resource, and we MUST BE THEIR VOICE, when they cannot speak for themselves.  We need to protect, nourish, and cultivate each and every child, and provide him/her with a safe and secure environment so that each child may grow to his or her full potential.  It is our God-given responsibility!

 

The story of those boys has a happy and heartwarming ending!   I owe my life today, to God, and to God, alone!   It is through His Guidance, His Amazing Love and Grace, and His strength within me, that my story had a happy ending, too!

 

“That was then, this is now!”  

 

Footnote:

I often write on the subject of child abuse because not only does it touch me personally, but, I have, and continue, to stand-up and advocate against child abuse.  It needs to be even more out in the open than it is…. we are the VOICE for all the children in this world who are unable to speak-out for themselves. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am very passionate about this subject and will spend my life continuing to speak-out against any and all forms of child abuse. May God bless you as He has, and continues to bless my life today!