Getting to the Other Shore

It is that time of year again when the poppies, the crosses, the sacrifices, and the memories are in the forefront of our vision and our minds.  We think of loved ones lost and family that served over the years. We think of people we know of or hear of that are still serving. We think of and reflect on the sacrifices that seemed to make sense to all, the "clean wars" and those that inspire constant political debate on whether or not they were right or wrong. The truth is war, conflict, violence, never makes sense. Whether necessary or not, there is so much in it and that spirals from it that never, ever makes sense.  We may not all agree on whether or not certain conflicts, occupations, peace keeping missions etc. were right or wrong but I believe that there is always a part of it that can bring cohesion; that ties us all together on this day.  People are brave.  I'm not talking just about going into a battle, running full force toward and away from fear. While courag

The other day I went for a walk; just took my time, strolling down the main streets of town, relishing in the sunshine and the sights around me. People were lined up for ice cream, waiting patiently, likely mulling over the multitude of eccentric flavours the shop had to offer. Couples sat on park benches with coffee, walked small, wobbly children across the street, browsed for antiques, guitars, and cute, little knick knacks with clever verbiage like "Friends don't let friends do stupid things...alone."  Everything delighted me; I felt like I was walking through the middle of a smile.  It was a lovely, warm day, albeit windy, and the heated breeze was fiercely pushing all of the fallen and falling leaves around at my feet and around me as I walked.  I looked at those leaves, still holding onto their stunning, burnt colouring and thought to myself, "it looks like they are dancing, they seem so joyous." It was as though, on that lovely, fall day, the leaves were

Well, once again, it is my birthday. Funny how that happens every year.  Last year, in celebration of my 37th year, I made a list; a long, lofty, somewhat laughable list. Was it impossible? No. Did I accomplish all of those things? Not even close. The list was ambitious to say the least. It was largely about accomplishing goals, tackling obstacles, getting things done, challenging myself physically, and pushing myself to be stronger in a way that I really truly wanted to be.  I look back at that list and I do not feel disappointed in myself for not accomplishing even 75% of those goals, not a bit.  I look back at that list and I think...I need a new list...a very different list.  And so....in celebration of my 38th year...you know that one that leads up to me turning 38, here is my list. Here is my simple list that is not about goals, not about things, or anything material, it is simply about life and peace and light. In honour of my 38th year, I vow to commit to.....  - Dance

I promised myself I would try to come back to this blog; to pour myself back into my life and write something, even something small, once a week. It's happening, but very slowly.  Sometimes when we cannot find our own words, we find little bits of our hearts and minds in the words of someone else. That was the case this week, I had no words, and then I read some. I am surprised my cousin Laura ever learned to walk. She was a beautiful, little, doll of a girl, captivating all of our hearts and so we (her older cousins and myself) carried her everywhere; we never wanted to let her go or put her down.  Now our little dolly is all grown up and still she captivates me.  The other day I saw a post from this lovely soul, who happens to be family, and I had to share it; I am in awe of her. I am in awe of the passion and commitment in her words, whenever I read them, and of the way in which she (and her brothers by the way, who are equally amazing) live their lives with such joyful inte

14 years ago today, when the world stopped, and we all stood in shock and disbelief of what we were seeing and hearing and feeling, we were united not in our opinions of what or who was right or wrong, not in our politics, cultural or religious beliefs. Rather we were united, on that single day, in our respect for the unquestioned bravery of those who went in, without hesitation, to the rescue. We were united in our deepest sympathy for all the loved ones lost and lives that would never get to be or were forever altered. We were united in the heartbreak that comes from innocent lives fractured and dispersed as a result of righteous violence and perpetuating hate, on this day and on all those that came after in the name of vengeance. Our hearts ached in unison as we found that we could be simultaneously, overwhelmingly proud and deeply ashamed to be part of the human race. Today is a day that is worth remembering for that alone and to reflect on an intention that we should all carry

Every now and then we are treated to moments in our days that can change our mood and our outlook, for the better. Even if those moments are the simplest of things,  somehow they are magic; they hold us up and warm us.  It does not matter if it's someone holding the door open for you and smiling, joking with a complete stranger while waiting in line, someone offering you a transit ticket when they see you realize you don't have one, or a sweet, little, old lady making you smile as you somehow get overwhelmed with the simplest of tasks, like having to buy new pillows...its in all these seemingly small, wonderful moments that we are reminded that the world, and most of the people in it, are good, and decent and are together in this life with us.  We don't thank people enough for providing us with these glimpses of unity; those people who's acts of kindness are so much larger than the acts themselves.  And the only thing better than having your day transformed by the acts