Happy Canada Day and Happy Fourth of July!!!!

Another beautiful day outside in Timmins, Ontario – a break in the crazy humidity which makes it all that more nice as it is easier to breathe and think when you are comfortable. I wanted to take this opportunity to once again thank all my fans and followers for your support, encouragement and words of positive criticism – you make a difference in my life. So for all my Canadian followers – I want to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Canada Day !!! May you have a wonderful and blessed day off – filled with good memories!! Be safe and have fun!!!

 

 

For all my American followers, if I do not remember to post on the fourth of July – I wish you a happy Fourth of July in advance!! Have a wonderful, safe and blessed holiday and thank you again for all your support and encouragement.

 

Well, I should get to the business of working on a new Chapter of “The Antique House: Book One”  (http://meloniesmorsels.wordpress.com/2014/05/31/the-antique-house-chapters-one-to-four/). I am thoroughly enjoying undertaking this project as it is a new start for me because I am not used to writing stories as my strong suite has always been poetry, which you can see on the blog as well as on my e-book called “Wings of Hope” !!

Before I answer to the muse’s call, I want to leave you with a quote from a wonderful book I am reading at this time (ok I have three on the go – hehe)..

“We fear discovering that we are more than we think we are. More than our parents/children/teachers think we are. We fear that we actually possess the talent that our still, small voice tells us. That we actually have the guts, the perseverance, the capacity. We fear that we truly can steer our ship, plant our flag, reach our Promised Land. We fear this because, if it’s true, then we become estranged from all we know. We pass through a membrane. We become monsters and monstrous.”
― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks & Win Your Inner Creative Battles

 

The Most Beautiful Song

Working with the elderly, you learn to appreciate the things we take for granted. You also discover the most beautiful things that can bring a warmth to your soul and become imprinted on your heart.

In my experience, the saddest and scariest thing about aging is Alzheimer’s Disease. Working with these beautiful souls is one of my greatest pleasures and saddest moments as well as it is where I have learned the most and experienced beautiful moments.

There is one beautiful moment that stands out for me and that is when music transformed a silent, withdrawn and confused woman into a singing and responsive individual. The lovely lady I am talking about has had a severe stroke and has dementia and is in a long term care facility. In her past, she danced ballet in Europe and sang Opera in England but has not sang since her stroke.

I had bought a Side Walk Prophets CD and played for her and she began to attempt to sing along with the music, even attempting to change notes and levels while singing. This was amazing to watch her do and it was a beautiful sound.

Another awe inspiring moment was hearing this wonderful woman attempt to practice Operatic singing with and without music playing, even though it was sadly off key and words made no logical sense it was the most beautiful song.

Every day since then, she will sing her song to me and share her love of music with me while listening and aiming to any music we hear. It is heart warming as you can see parts of the Opera singer coming out of her and watch a smile form on her face when you ask “are you singing?”

I encourage everyone to spend a day with an elderly person because it will change your life for the better and you will never be the same. Our elderly are the greatest teachers and bravest warriors as they have survived so many trials and tribulations in their lifetime.

Take a moment, share your time, open your mind and listen not just with your eyes but with your heart.

Legacy .. What your books say about you?

Have you been hit with a question that seemed to stop you in your tracks? Not because the answer eluded you but because the mere thought of what was purposed seemed to take a hold
of your mind?

Lately, I have seemed to be fixated on the thought of what my legacy to the earth and my family would be once I was no longer on this earthly realm. The question “what will others say about me when I am no longer here” or “what message will I have portrayed to those who knew me?” popped into my head a few weeks back at the most unusual time.

It all started when I was tidying up my bookshelf and organizing my craft room. I was sorting books and reminiscing about books I have read and started laughing to myself “what would the world be like if we judged each other by what we read?”

Can you imagine how confused and puzzled the world would act? Labels would have to be refined and almost tossed aside!

Think of this scenario – guys who acted macho reading harlequin books in free time! What would your mind process the information as? Could he still be macho manly man with a harlequin book in his hand?

Have you ever tried to look at someone on the street and ponder what kind of books they read? Ok, confession time I have as I love to watch people (not in creepy way) and try to incorporate what I see into my writing.

Imagine how the world would be defined if each of our perceptions of each other was based on what “great read” we held in out hand. Consider how risqué someone would be perceived as if they were reading books banned by society? Would be judge their values by what we see them read?

Suddenly I realize I have been babbling and probably not getting my point across, so I apologize!

As I was looking at the array of books I have in my arsenal, I stopped and questioned what people would perceive me as. Would future generations be confused by the vast topics I read and unable to form an opinion? Or would I be perceived as the confused one?

What do you think the world would perceive you as if they can only judge by the books on your shelf?

Here is my confession: I am a book hog and a sponge – any book that I can get my hand on I read – almost absorbs it. So my arsenal goes from true crime to religion to romance to history.

So, I wonder what my legacy would be and how the future would perceive me if looking at my kobo and my book shelf?

To be continued

The Divine Discovery

A week ago, I was out exploring with a friend in the Porcupine Mall (Porcupine,Ontario) and I discovered the greatest little store.

I felt compelled to enter this store and when I entered the greatest sense of peace came over me. I felt at home and at one with the Divine.

Harmony House Religious Book Store is filled with Christian books, music and inspirational and Divinity merchandise. The staff are the friendliest, most positive and sweetest people I have ever encountered.l

Apology for Absence and Tardiness writing

I would like to take a quick moment to apologize for my absence and thank everyone for being patient with me!

I had to remove the app for WordPress on my phone as it was having problems syncing and just now re-added it and haven’t really been on my computer last few days to week.

So far this week has been a busy week, my client finally got into Golden Manor nursing home yesterday, so Monday was organization and packing day and yesterday she was moved in morning and the stuff that was hospital was brought there,labelled right away and put away in her room.
I have small stuff to bring over throughout week that i gathered Monday but other than that, she is settled nicely.

Today, i have interview at 10am that I am in process of getting ready for (so this will be a short blog) at Extendicare Timmins.

Wish me luck!! I will update later!!

Lessons Of Life Through Elder’s Eyes

i thought today I would share some insight about what I have learned and gained from working with the elderly.

I am compelled to share as I find so many people discount what they can offer to anyone.

This is kind of a hard topic to broach for me because trying to pinpoint the most important aspects and lessons is like pulling apart a crystal to see what parts are more valuable. To me, the whole experience is a valuable and precious gem.

But for the sake of not being overbearing and boring. I will choose the lessons and tidbits that stand out to me.

Lessons On Life From Elders Eyes

1. Life can change in an instant – live everyday like its your last
(My client used to dance ballet in Europe and sing Opera in England before she moved to Canada)
2. Hold onto memories or record them in a book too quickly they can be forgotten
(Alzheimer’s and dementia robs you off your precious memories)
3. Cherish where you rest your head no matter how big or small your home
(One day your surroundings will be so foreign and strange to you – the room you took pride replaced with hospital and nursing home rooms)
4. Keep a box of special trinkets
(They can travel with you when you can no longer stay home)
5. Write letters to those you love and tuck away
(One day your voice will be lost to what you need to say)
6. Sometimes listening with your heart to what cannot be said is more important
7. Little things we take for granted will one day seem so huge when lost
8. A simple hello can cheer up a scared and feeling alone seniors day
9. Listen to the stories that they tell – wisdom and experience is hidden in the lines
10. Human touch is sometimes more important than words – its universal and can reach the farthest corners of the heart

Help with Story

I am writing this to ask for my fans and followers and of course you are all friends for assistance.

My request for help is advice and opinions:

1. Read my short story
2. Question: If you were old woman what would you do? Why? How?
3. Question: reading story whats a good title?

Thank you for your help 🙂

Unique Leaves Award

Thank you to http://barbmca.wordpress.com/ for the nomination!! Much appreciated!!

My Nominations for this award are hard for me to narrow down as there are so many wonderful and unique blogs, but I will try. Please know that if your name does not hit list is just because I randomly selected list (but would have love to include all of you):

1. http://pagefortyone.com
2. http://cariwiese.wordpress.com
3. kevinbrennanbooks.wordpress.com
4. http://jumpingfromcliffs.wordpress.com
5. http://NancyYamahiro.wordpress.com
6. http://dmgreen2013.wordpress.com
7. http://raelynbarclay.wordpress.com
8. http://morguemouse.wordpress.com
9. http://thelearnedkat.wordpress.com
10. http://papermudandme.wordpress.com/

Thank you to all my friends, fans and followers for leting me share my world with you and sharing a piece of yourself with me.
Although, sometimes there are times when remembering to keep up blog can be overwhelming – I do not regret it for one moment.

Remember if I could have listed all of you – I would but it would be a very long list and an extremely long blog entry. However, I send an extra shout out and nomination to all of you as you all deserve accolades!! Keep up the great work and may the muse always be present and the whispers be loud enough to hear! God bless and have a great weekend..

P.S. To all my American friends – Happy Belated 4th of July
To all my Canadian friends – Happy Canada Day

Brand New Adventures

Today I decided that it was time to swallow my fears and insecurities and put my words in a publishing format.  It was an interesting adventure to be able to pick the selected poems for a small collection of poetry that had some meaning to me.

It was especially powerful to put some very personal poetry in the collection – ones that I have not even shared on my blog.  Funny thing is that I am not even sure as to why I shared the poems on the collection – something just said “It is time!”.  I swallowed the emotions and decided that I had to follow the direction I was lead to.

Right now, it is in review status and I can feel weird “butterflies” take a hold of my stomach and do magical dances inside me.  I am very excited, nervous and scared to have shared my words in an actual published poetry format, even if just in kindle format..

I guess baby steps is better than no steps and I have to walk instead of just trying to fly.

But, the true reason for writing this post is to give a shout and thank you to all whom have encouraged me, supported me and listened to my poetry with an open heart.

I would also like to give a giant hug and thank you to David M. Green for the publishing information!! You helped me reach a small part of my dream..

God Bless Everyone.. Please look for my poetry book on the kindle library “Wings of Hope”.

City of Timmins Fails

When you think Canada Day celebrations, most would automatically think of fireworks right!

Well, our crappy City Council in Timmins,Ontario Canada have dropped the ball this year!!

Canada Day is our Ribfest weekend too and they claim they had no sponsors for fireworks this year!! Then when confronted for their stupidity, they try to blame Rotary Club and then claims “ignorance”.

http://www.timminspress.com/2013/06/25/no-fireworks-canada-day
TIMMINS – Timmins residents will have to go elsewhere to see fireworks if they’re intent on celebrating Canada Day with a blast.

There are no organized fireworks displays planned in the City of Timmins for July 1.

“The city is not putting on any fireworks and my understanding is the Rotary Ribfest did not find an adequate sponsor this year” to pay for a fireworks show in connection with their event, said Guy Lamarche, manager of tourism, events and communications for the City of Timmins.

Last year, Timmins Rotary Ribfest concluded on July 1 and that evening there was a fireworks show over Pearl Lake. This year, Ribfest ends on June 30.

Lamarche said the lack of a Canada Day fireworks show in Timmins is not due to the emphasis being placed on the Great Canadian Kayak Challenge and Festival, which will have fireworks for a second-consecutive year.

“Fireworks at the kayak challenge have nothing to do with city sponsorship. It is sponsored by private business,” said Lamarche. “Last year, it was sponsored by the anniversary committee. This year, it is being sponsored by Panels and Pipes.”

Lamarche said Timmins is not alone in providing a quiet celebration for Canada Day, free of fireworks. Many smaller communities no longer host Canada Day celebrations after the federal government cancelled subsidy programs that enabled municipalities to pay for fireworks and hold such events, he said.

“That is unfortunate when you consider the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa and the fact that people living in outside areas can’t enjoy that big spectacle.”

Residents are also reminded that Timmins has a bylaw prohibiting the sale and setting off of fireworks within city limits.

This is our not so bright Mayors response:

City of Timmins

I want to provide residents with some clarity on the fireworks debate. Over the past number of years the Rotary Club coordinated the Canada Day fireworks as part of the overall Rib Fest programming. The fireworks display was done with financial assistance from the City in the amount of $7,500 annually. At the time Rib Fest was held at Gillies Lake where the weather could be unpredictable as it often is for any outdoor event.

After a few years of not so great weather the decision was made to move Rib Fest to the McIntyre Community Centre. With the change in venue the Rotary Club decided to re-direct the City’s contribution towards facility rental and manpower requirements and would now solicit corporate sponsorship to offset the cost of hosting a fireworks display. The Club successfully raised the required funds for a number of years. This year, the Club’s effort to raise adequate funds did not materialize, and so the decision to cancel the fireworks was made. Also this year, Federal Government grants to assist organizations with Canada Day celebrations were no longer available adding to the fundraising hardships that faced the Rotary Club.

From a City perspective had we known all of the above at budget time, Council would have entertained a discussion on the subject of Canada Day fireworks and would have considered the various options that were worth exploring. Finally and just as importantly, timing is everything when booking a licensed fireworks and pyrotechnic specialist, especially for July 1st. Companies specializing in fireworks are not available on short notice.

Going forward and given the circumstances, I can assure you that Council will have a discussion on Canada Day fireworks going forward. In closing I want to thank the Rotary Club for all that it does in our community and especially for the hard work that they put forward to ensure that Rib Fest continues to be a marquee event for the City of Timmins.

Mayor Tom Laughren