I'm sorry, friends, that I won't be posting more bits in the A - Z Challenge.
I have a new job, and, sadly, life is intruding on my blogging.
Which is why I'm missing.
I'll drop by and visit as I can.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Showing posts with label change. Show all posts
Showing posts with label change. Show all posts
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
H IS FOR HARD TIMES — STILL WITH US.
When I look at news, one of the stories which always gets my has to do with jobs and statistics. As rule of thumb, I believe things are good when the number of jobs is growing. And, as a rule of thumb, the real unemployment rate is about twice what the government says it is. In Canada, the United States, and elsewhere, I suspect.
But, in relation to unemployment, I also think of the 1930s. Like the years since the 2008 financial near-total collapse, those were hard times.
My long-time friend The Blog Fodder sent me a note about this some time ago. It is Mavis Staples version of Stephen Foster's old song, Hard Times Come Again No More.
That is something I think we would all like to see. The end of hard times. For everyone.
Sadly, I believe there are those who get rich when the hard times come, and who wouldn't want to see that reality change.
But, in relation to unemployment, I also think of the 1930s. Like the years since the 2008 financial near-total collapse, those were hard times.
My long-time friend The Blog Fodder sent me a note about this some time ago. It is Mavis Staples version of Stephen Foster's old song, Hard Times Come Again No More.
That is something I think we would all like to see. The end of hard times. For everyone.
Sadly, I believe there are those who get rich when the hard times come, and who wouldn't want to see that reality change.
Friday, October 7, 2011
BEAR, MISSING IN ACTION
Bear is going to be blog-invisible for a little while. No, I'm not going to be going on a holiday. I'll be right at home.
But I'll be busy.
I don't know if all you have heard about the "Occupy Wall Street" movement. Basically, thousands of people are saying, "We're mad as hell and we're not going to take this any more." (That line is from the 1976 movie Network; the script by Paddy Chayefsky and direction by Sidney Lumet.)
There are many situations to which people are objecting. They're mad about the collapse of civil society, and the banks messing with the government "bail-out" money (taxpayers money that went, apparently, into profits and handouts, rather than helping the people who had put money into banks and were supposed to be helped.) There are a lot of other issues as well, including the misuse of power by police, and the failure of government to effectively handle problems facing the nation.
In North America, this process began on Wall Street the same day as my birthday. Slowly alternative media picked up the story, then mainstream media were embarrassed into following the events.
Here is one of my favourite pictures on the event.
Responses to the "occupation" have been very different.
In New York, billionaire Mayor Michael Bloomberg, has sicced the police on the protesters.
In Los Angeles, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa handed out 150 ponchos to protesters in the rain. Yesterday, seven of 15 members on that city council voted in favour of a motion calling the protest "A peaceful and vibrant exercise of First Amendment rights." The motion goes to final vote next week.
Which in a way, is making the protesters point. If there is difficulty, maybe its being caused by the politicians.
So far, the event has spread to 147 cities. In Barcelona, the activity has been going on since May 15, with major demonstrations almost every day.
And now, even to Canada, that quiet little backwater best known for it's chronic politeness.
Saturday, October 15, is going to be a nation-wide solidarity protest in Canada, supporting the Occupation of New York. It will be happening in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. And it will be happening in smaller cities, too, like River City.
So, Bear is going to be busy helping get things ready. Our first planning meeting was Wednesday night. Hastily called, primarily through Facebook, 52 people met in a church basement to consider options. Bear is helping with communications (which probably won't surprise any of you who are regular readers).
As I said, I'm going to be busy. If we do it right, it will convey a powerful message, and be a good time.
See you when the "fun" is over. Or we take a break.
Blessings and Bear hugs until then.
But I'll be busy.
I don't know if all you have heard about the "Occupy Wall Street" movement. Basically, thousands of people are saying, "We're mad as hell and we're not going to take this any more." (That line is from the 1976 movie Network; the script by Paddy Chayefsky and direction by Sidney Lumet.)
There are many situations to which people are objecting. They're mad about the collapse of civil society, and the banks messing with the government "bail-out" money (taxpayers money that went, apparently, into profits and handouts, rather than helping the people who had put money into banks and were supposed to be helped.) There are a lot of other issues as well, including the misuse of power by police, and the failure of government to effectively handle problems facing the nation.
In North America, this process began on Wall Street the same day as my birthday. Slowly alternative media picked up the story, then mainstream media were embarrassed into following the events.
Here is one of my favourite pictures on the event.
Responses to the "occupation" have been very different.
In New York, billionaire Mayor Michael Bloomberg, has sicced the police on the protesters.
In Los Angeles, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa handed out 150 ponchos to protesters in the rain. Yesterday, seven of 15 members on that city council voted in favour of a motion calling the protest "A peaceful and vibrant exercise of First Amendment rights." The motion goes to final vote next week.
Which in a way, is making the protesters point. If there is difficulty, maybe its being caused by the politicians.
So far, the event has spread to 147 cities. In Barcelona, the activity has been going on since May 15, with major demonstrations almost every day.
And now, even to Canada, that quiet little backwater best known for it's chronic politeness.
Saturday, October 15, is going to be a nation-wide solidarity protest in Canada, supporting the Occupation of New York. It will be happening in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. And it will be happening in smaller cities, too, like River City.
So, Bear is going to be busy helping get things ready. Our first planning meeting was Wednesday night. Hastily called, primarily through Facebook, 52 people met in a church basement to consider options. Bear is helping with communications (which probably won't surprise any of you who are regular readers).
As I said, I'm going to be busy. If we do it right, it will convey a powerful message, and be a good time.
See you when the "fun" is over. Or we take a break.
Blessings and Bear hugs until then.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
UNEMPLOYMENT (A-Z CHALLENGE)
"Unemployment isn't working." ~ Anon.
Yes, it's true. Sigh!
For the first time in a very, very long time, Bear isn't working. Bear is unemployed.
Of course, I'm retired, and drawing several pensions. I'm not facing the hard times most people face when their work ends. But that's not the point.
I've been writing (with some friends) a regular column for a Canadian newspaper for about ten years. I was told last week, just before I submitted my latest piece, that the paper is making changes, and there is no space for us because of the changes. So our contract is ended, at least for the time being, after my last column. Sic transit gloria mundi.
There really was a shock to the whole thing. One day I had a job; later in the day, I didn't.
I can begin to feel what others have felt with such news.
Ironically, I was the one who ended up comforting our editor. She genuinely felt badly about letting us go. She hated the idea of talking to us about the situation. I said I would break the news to my colleagues, and we might come back to her with something. She called me "kind" for doing that. But that's just Bear being Bear. You know that.
Just because I'm retired, there's no reason why I have to give up everything in the wording world; the working world.
I suppose I could go on looking for work. The little bit of income (pocket change, really) was useful. It would mean more research, queries to editors, etc.
Or I could be content just to do my volunteer work with several different ethics committees (about one meeting a month, on average). And, of course, keeping up with my blogs. There will be two of those starting sometime in July.
Honestly, I've done enough of working. I have other goals to accomplish with my beloved J. That's what I really want to do. Other things come after that.
Lawrence Peter Berra put it succinctly: "It ain't over 'til it's over."
Guess what, Yogi. It's over!
------------
Also brought to you by the letter U:
• understanding
• ubiquitous
• unsettled
• ultra
• unlimited
And in the New Phonetic alphabet: U for me.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
YES, WE'VE ARRIVED
I'm writing to you from our new locale.
And it's a zoo! (As in crazy busy with bringing the last bits over from the house, unpacking here, and figuring our what goes where.)
But it's a zoo with a view!
I don't have the time to give you a full explanation of these pictures, except to say that the first two pictures are of the downtown riverbank area of our city, and the last picture is looking up the river valley (which runs north-east from downtown). BTW, what you can't see, to the right of the third picture, is our sprawling University Campus; another time.
By time we get fully settled in, I'm sure our sixth-floor suite will seem much less zoo-like.
And it's a zoo! (As in crazy busy with bringing the last bits over from the house, unpacking here, and figuring our what goes where.)
But it's a zoo with a view!
I don't have the time to give you a full explanation of these pictures, except to say that the first two pictures are of the downtown riverbank area of our city, and the last picture is looking up the river valley (which runs north-east from downtown). BTW, what you can't see, to the right of the third picture, is our sprawling University Campus; another time.
By time we get fully settled in, I'm sure our sixth-floor suite will seem much less zoo-like.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
MORE CHANGES, INCLUDING DISASTER
I'll start with the simple.
I decided, at the end of my last post, to "try to get myself looking presentable." As if such a thing were possible.
But, by pre-arrangement, I am using a picture of me snapped by Genie's daughter, Holly, at Paris and Beyond. Now this is a good picture!
But there are bigger things than me. Much bigger.
One of my first discoveries, upon waking, was that Japan had experienced of a massive earthquake and tidal wave (tsunami). I saw the pictures of the tsunami hitting village and city alike, rolling over and sweeping away everything that stood before it.
I remember a reporter picking a porcelain doll out of the detritus at the Sendai airport. There was wreckage from all over — construction materials to cars. And I wondered. Was this doll owned by some little girl? Is she alive or dead? Did she treasure this doll? Will it ever get back to her?
Perhaps the most frightening thing for me was the ongoing story of nuclear reactor failures, and the threat those failures pose — for Japan, and the rest of us. How big is the radioactive plume? How far will it spread? What will be the consequences of Japan's electrical industry? How will this affect other nuclear installations? (I've seen a story that Germany is shutting down any pre-1980 nuclear plants for inspection; there is question of whether any of these will reopen.) And what lies ahead for children, even un-born children, who were caught in the wrong place during this nuclear disaster?
It is said the Japanese people are both stoic and resilient. They will rebuild. At the cost of a few trillion dollars, perhaps.
I decided, at the end of my last post, to "try to get myself looking presentable." As if such a thing were possible.
But, by pre-arrangement, I am using a picture of me snapped by Genie's daughter, Holly, at Paris and Beyond. Now this is a good picture!
But there are bigger things than me. Much bigger.
One of my first discoveries, upon waking, was that Japan had experienced of a massive earthquake and tidal wave (tsunami). I saw the pictures of the tsunami hitting village and city alike, rolling over and sweeping away everything that stood before it.
I remember a reporter picking a porcelain doll out of the detritus at the Sendai airport. There was wreckage from all over — construction materials to cars. And I wondered. Was this doll owned by some little girl? Is she alive or dead? Did she treasure this doll? Will it ever get back to her?
Perhaps the most frightening thing for me was the ongoing story of nuclear reactor failures, and the threat those failures pose — for Japan, and the rest of us. How big is the radioactive plume? How far will it spread? What will be the consequences of Japan's electrical industry? How will this affect other nuclear installations? (I've seen a story that Germany is shutting down any pre-1980 nuclear plants for inspection; there is question of whether any of these will reopen.) And what lies ahead for children, even un-born children, who were caught in the wrong place during this nuclear disaster?
It is said the Japanese people are both stoic and resilient. They will rebuild. At the cost of a few trillion dollars, perhaps.
Friday, March 11, 2011
MAJOR ANOUNCEMENT!!
On Bear's behalf, the Editorial Committee for this blog is relaying news of a major development.
It concerns Her Ladyship, Miss Sadie, Duchess of St. Swythun's Punt-on-Thames, Duchess of Cardigan and Wooly Boots, and (by Royal Appointment) Guardian of Offa's Dyke. Miss Sadie, Bear's long-time and faithful companion, is parting company with Bear. This decision has been initiated by Bear.
Her Ladyship has released the following statement (which is also to be found on her blog).
Two members of the Editorial Committee, Frank Serif and Mary Italic, accompanied Miss Sadie to her new home. They are happy to report that Miss Sadie received a warm and enthusiastic greeting from all but Dugan, who growled at her when they first met, and paid little attention to her after that. We trust Miss Sadie will be a long and happy relationship with her new family (despite Dugan's initial response). Indeed, Sadie was so busy playing with Willow she did not see the Editorial Committee members leave.
It concerns Her Ladyship, Miss Sadie, Duchess of St. Swythun's Punt-on-Thames, Duchess of Cardigan and Wooly Boots, and (by Royal Appointment) Guardian of Offa's Dyke. Miss Sadie, Bear's long-time and faithful companion, is parting company with Bear. This decision has been initiated by Bear.
Her Ladyship has released the following statement (which is also to be found on her blog).
By time you read this, I will have moved to a new home and new family!
I have a big brother, who is a Malamute, and who is twice my size. His name is Dugan. I've also got a sister — a black Standard Poodle just like me, but about six years older than me. Her name is Willow. My new master is a veterinarian, who really loves Poodles. So this is going to be a very good thing. At least I think. I hope.
"But where is Bear?" you ask. Bear and J are "moving house." They're leaving their house a block from the river, and moving into an apartment in a building on the opposite river bank. It's a mile or so downriver from where they have been living, and right across from downtown. But one of the rules is that people cannot bring animals with them. I cannot come.
I realize all of this is peculiar, so I'll explain.
At least some of you, maybe all of you, realize that Bear has been getting sicker since last fall. Last weekend, he spent some time in hospital.
For many years Bear has suffered quite a bit of pain, from several "misadventures." Since last fall, the chronic physical pain has has been getting worse, which simply added to the emotional pain of his chronic depression.
So when he was briefly out of hibernation a while ago, he explained things to me, and we had a good cry together. Just taking me for a walk, on my lead, hurts his neck, and shoulder, and back so badly that he has to take strong medications and lie down when we're finished. And when we play fetch in the back yard, he hurts so badly that he has to lean on his grandchildren's play house in order to stand up.
I had no idea that looking after me, and doing things with me, was hurting Bear so badly!
And that's when he said he had found a new home for me. And that's why he and J are moving. They'll be in an apartment, so he doesn't have to look after the yard, and trees, and gardens, and so he doesn't have to keep up with the house repairs.
I really don't want to leave Bear. I don't want him to leave me. And I'm sure he doesn't want us to part. But I guess neither of us can help that. As Bear would say, "You win some, and you lose some, and some get rained out."
Good-bye, friends.
I have a big brother, who is a Malamute, and who is twice my size. His name is Dugan. I've also got a sister — a black Standard Poodle just like me, but about six years older than me. Her name is Willow. My new master is a veterinarian, who really loves Poodles. So this is going to be a very good thing. At least I think. I hope.
"But where is Bear?" you ask. Bear and J are "moving house." They're leaving their house a block from the river, and moving into an apartment in a building on the opposite river bank. It's a mile or so downriver from where they have been living, and right across from downtown. But one of the rules is that people cannot bring animals with them. I cannot come.
I realize all of this is peculiar, so I'll explain.
At least some of you, maybe all of you, realize that Bear has been getting sicker since last fall. Last weekend, he spent some time in hospital.
For many years Bear has suffered quite a bit of pain, from several "misadventures." Since last fall, the chronic physical pain has has been getting worse, which simply added to the emotional pain of his chronic depression.
So when he was briefly out of hibernation a while ago, he explained things to me, and we had a good cry together. Just taking me for a walk, on my lead, hurts his neck, and shoulder, and back so badly that he has to take strong medications and lie down when we're finished. And when we play fetch in the back yard, he hurts so badly that he has to lean on his grandchildren's play house in order to stand up.
I had no idea that looking after me, and doing things with me, was hurting Bear so badly!
And that's when he said he had found a new home for me. And that's why he and J are moving. They'll be in an apartment, so he doesn't have to look after the yard, and trees, and gardens, and so he doesn't have to keep up with the house repairs.
I really don't want to leave Bear. I don't want him to leave me. And I'm sure he doesn't want us to part. But I guess neither of us can help that. As Bear would say, "You win some, and you lose some, and some get rained out."
Good-bye, friends.
Good-bye, Bear! Gonna miss you!
Two members of the Editorial Committee, Frank Serif and Mary Italic, accompanied Miss Sadie to her new home. They are happy to report that Miss Sadie received a warm and enthusiastic greeting from all but Dugan, who growled at her when they first met, and paid little attention to her after that. We trust Miss Sadie will be a long and happy relationship with her new family (despite Dugan's initial response). Indeed, Sadie was so busy playing with Willow she did not see the Editorial Committee members leave.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
FOLLOW UP ON * * * (cannot be translated)
Bear has retuned to his den. He and I both agreed that weather in the -20°C range, with lots of snow, is just not warm enough to end hibernating. (By time he and I had convinced him of the wisdom in that plan, he looked very relieved!)
Besides, there's nothing out here for him to eat. Except me, perhaps.
Moving on.
Before he left, Bear and I had a "heart to heart" conversation about Some Really Very Important Things. I'll share some of that with you, presently.
Besides, there's nothing out here for him to eat. Except me, perhaps.
Moving on.
Before he left, Bear and I had a "heart to heart" conversation about Some Really Very Important Things. I'll share some of that with you, presently.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
TAKING RISKS — HOPEFULLY SURVIVING
Sonia (over at Gutsy Writer) got me thinking about this topic a few days ago. I had some questions for myself.
What does it mean do take risks?
Why should I take risks?
What kinds of risks could/should/would I take?
I've taken a lot of risks in my life. Changing jobs; changing careers; moving across a country for work; walking into burning buildings with nothing more than an inch and a half (diameter) fire hose; getting married; having children; writing, broadcasting and blogging; upholding unpopular beliefs and ideas. In each case, these were things I did because I thought they were the right thing to do. A couple of those proved to be really bad (two were health destroying); the vast majority were good, and I'd do them again.
Even though I'm hitting retirement, I don't expect my attitude will change much. I'm probably a bit old for walking into burning buildings and having more children. I'll probably spend more time upholding unpopular ideas, in a time when democracy, human rights, co-operation, citizen action, and faith are all under attack, particularly in North America.
I'd love to have you come along. And if you're coming along, I really hope you will chat with me about what you and I are thinking.
Do we have a deal?
What does it mean do take risks?
Why should I take risks?
What kinds of risks could/should/would I take?
I've taken a lot of risks in my life. Changing jobs; changing careers; moving across a country for work; walking into burning buildings with nothing more than an inch and a half (diameter) fire hose; getting married; having children; writing, broadcasting and blogging; upholding unpopular beliefs and ideas. In each case, these were things I did because I thought they were the right thing to do. A couple of those proved to be really bad (two were health destroying); the vast majority were good, and I'd do them again.
Even though I'm hitting retirement, I don't expect my attitude will change much. I'm probably a bit old for walking into burning buildings and having more children. I'll probably spend more time upholding unpopular ideas, in a time when democracy, human rights, co-operation, citizen action, and faith are all under attack, particularly in North America.
I'd love to have you come along. And if you're coming along, I really hope you will chat with me about what you and I are thinking.
Do we have a deal?
Monday, June 28, 2010
LAMENT FOR MONDAY, JUNE 28, 2010
The G20 summit meeting wrapped up yesterday in Bear's home town, Toronto, Canada. This was the gathering of the leaders of the 20 economically-strongest countries in the world, which account for about 85 per cent of global trade. (I could watch the action, and still, after all the years of being away, figure out roughly where the people were.)
Three images stood out for me.
1. The Presidents and Prime Ministers — heads of the G20 nations — smiling, and waving, and chatting. Looking like they had been on a holiday! Political showmanship at its best.
They had been arguing among themselves about how to keep the world's economy on a level keel, and apparently reached some significant plans.
2. Vandals, calling themselves anarchists, destroying property. Our Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, condemned their action, saying it was "not the Canadian way." And he was right.
3. Probably the strongest image for me was also picked up by veteran CBC journalist Susan Ormiston. She was reporting from "street-level" about protests, violent and peaceful. The image she was left with was one of seeing, wherever she turned, rows of "battle-ready" police — heavy gear, shields, clubs — three deep, waiting. Then often charging, and beating and grabbing people, often indiscriminately. At last count, over 600 people were arrested. It's turning out that many were simply on the streets of their community, the community where they lived, minding their own business, or watching, in wonder and amazement, as things unfolded. The innocent were simply scooped up with the supposedly "guilty." This was because of sweeping new powers quietly granted to police, by the Federal Cabinet, but never made public. (So much for transparency and accountability in government.) I could say to the Prime Minister, "that is not the Canadian way," either.
Except it is. I don't like this new "Canadian way" that Stephen Harper is bringing us. It feels too much like a "police state," perhaps a new blossoming of fascism.
Lord, hear our prayer,
and let our cry come unto thee.
Three images stood out for me.
1. The Presidents and Prime Ministers — heads of the G20 nations — smiling, and waving, and chatting. Looking like they had been on a holiday! Political showmanship at its best.
They had been arguing among themselves about how to keep the world's economy on a level keel, and apparently reached some significant plans.
2. Vandals, calling themselves anarchists, destroying property. Our Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, condemned their action, saying it was "not the Canadian way." And he was right.
3. Probably the strongest image for me was also picked up by veteran CBC journalist Susan Ormiston. She was reporting from "street-level" about protests, violent and peaceful. The image she was left with was one of seeing, wherever she turned, rows of "battle-ready" police — heavy gear, shields, clubs — three deep, waiting. Then often charging, and beating and grabbing people, often indiscriminately. At last count, over 600 people were arrested. It's turning out that many were simply on the streets of their community, the community where they lived, minding their own business, or watching, in wonder and amazement, as things unfolded. The innocent were simply scooped up with the supposedly "guilty." This was because of sweeping new powers quietly granted to police, by the Federal Cabinet, but never made public. (So much for transparency and accountability in government.) I could say to the Prime Minister, "that is not the Canadian way," either.
Except it is. I don't like this new "Canadian way" that Stephen Harper is bringing us. It feels too much like a "police state," perhaps a new blossoming of fascism.
Lord, hear our prayer,
and let our cry come unto thee.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
LAMENT FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 2010
Two very different events, contests of a sort, are making news today.
On one hand, the FIFA World Cup of Football (or Soccer) continues in South Africa. The defending champions, Italy, and the highly favoured French, have been knocked out of contention, along with the United States. One of today's key matches pits England against Germany. The quote that hangs in the air comes from Bill Shankley, a former Liverpool manager. "Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I can assure them it's much more serious than that."
On the North American continent, leaders of the 20 major industrial countries, the so-called G20, are meeting in Toronto, Canada. Their presence has be marked by large, peaceful protests, but also violent and destructive action by anarchists. In the midst of talk about global banking and economic reform, and the possibility of a second recession, ordinary people on the street are asking, "What about us, and those even less fortunate? What about safe food, clean water, pure air, effective health care — especially for women and children?" Real matters of life and death, or things perhaps "much more serious than that."
Holy God,
Holy and mighty,
Holy, immortal one,
Have mercy upon us.
On one hand, the FIFA World Cup of Football (or Soccer) continues in South Africa. The defending champions, Italy, and the highly favoured French, have been knocked out of contention, along with the United States. One of today's key matches pits England against Germany. The quote that hangs in the air comes from Bill Shankley, a former Liverpool manager. "Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I can assure them it's much more serious than that."
On the North American continent, leaders of the 20 major industrial countries, the so-called G20, are meeting in Toronto, Canada. Their presence has be marked by large, peaceful protests, but also violent and destructive action by anarchists. In the midst of talk about global banking and economic reform, and the possibility of a second recession, ordinary people on the street are asking, "What about us, and those even less fortunate? What about safe food, clean water, pure air, effective health care — especially for women and children?" Real matters of life and death, or things perhaps "much more serious than that."
Holy God,
Holy and mighty,
Holy, immortal one,
Have mercy upon us.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
ALL IN THE MERRY MONTH OF APRIL
We awoke this morning to a glorious spring day.
Thought I suppose "glorious," like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Admittedly, Sadie was a little perplexed, but I didn't try to explain; she's much less concerned about weather than I am.
Anyhow, had breakfast, got dressed, cleaned the show off the wagon, and went to worship at St. George's Anglican Church — all of six blocks from our house. (I'd have walked if there was less snow.) My friend, Fr. S, recently became Associate Priest there, which I just learned a few days ago. So I went to early Communion. And I'm glad I did.
Well, then, what to do with the rest of the day, when it's not the right weather for working outside.
I did something I haven't done for 20+ years. I got out my art supplies and put some paint on paper.
This isn't art. Art is what artists (or "artistes") do. Putting colour on paper is what Bears do. J was already painting when I got home from worship, so I decided to join her, and we had a grand morning.
After lunch I had a snooze, and when I woke up, I put the roast, potatoes, and yams on the roasting pan (then in the oven) for supper. I went upstairs and found K, our granddaughter, had joined us for the afternoon. So she played at a whole range of things, and I played a bit more with paint. Then I got my banjo out (something else I haven't done for a while) and we sat in a circle and sang. (We got out some rhythm instruments so we could all sing and play.)
(Just to make sure you understand, I am not the re-incarnation of George Formby or "Banjo" Patterson.)
After supper, K went home. J and I focused on some DIY projects — and by then it was bed time. So I quick finished this off — and now it's yours.
(BTW, by mid afternoon the snow melted, then it started snowing again. That's when I decided to take Sadie for a walk — bad planning. After that, the snow turned to rain, about the time Sadie and I went for our evening walk. Yes, more bad planing.)
It was a very different day, but a very enjoyable one. I think I'm going to try this more often. I think J is, too.
Monday, February 1, 2010
DESERT EPIPHANIES — "BIBLICAL AND POST-BIBLICAL (GREEK) CHRISTIANITY"
While I've been busy telling you about Bears Noting, I didn't mention my other blog: Desert Epiphanies. That's were I do my wonderings about God, faith, and the world.
Ironically, I have blogged there before my promised comments on Bears Noting. In this case it is about the Greek influence in the writing of the New Testament and Christian doctrine, which confounds many peoples' ability to believe today. That confusion arises because we do not live in the context of Greek philosophy, particularly the writings of Plato and Aristotle.
What we need to do is find a 21st century context for our faith, realizing that ideas are going to be "lost in translation." I'm sure that's going to be scary for many people. And helpful to others.
If you're wondering about this, click on the link and hop over.
Ironically, I have blogged there before my promised comments on Bears Noting. In this case it is about the Greek influence in the writing of the New Testament and Christian doctrine, which confounds many peoples' ability to believe today. That confusion arises because we do not live in the context of Greek philosophy, particularly the writings of Plato and Aristotle.
What we need to do is find a 21st century context for our faith, realizing that ideas are going to be "lost in translation." I'm sure that's going to be scary for many people. And helpful to others.
If you're wondering about this, click on the link and hop over.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
CHRISTMAS (P)RESENTS
Since I try to be an ethical person, I make of point of giving credit where credit is due. In this case, it's all Sonia's fault (more or less).
If you don't believe me, you can check here current piece on gift buying, or an earlier piece on a similar theme.
Christmas, I'm told, is the time of year when we spend money we don't have, buying presents we can't afford, to impress people we don't like. Or words to that effect. That's really bah, humbug!
I was reflecting on Sonia's second piece about people who "have it all." I wouldn't say I have it all. I would say I have WAY TOO MUCH (a problem which plagues our entire family, and much of most of our nations). And I am desperately trying to unclutter my life. I'm seriously focusing on simplicity. Besides, like many people, our economic resource base is shrinking in today's "interesting" economy.
This year, I'm going to "re-gift" some things I got last Christmas, that I haven't really opened.
Basically, if I need something, I buy it, when I need it. If I need an extra shirt, I'll get it from the Salvation Army or the Mennonites. There are a number of things which will work wonderfully if I sew a missing button on them. (I"ll wait until after my eye surgery to try that.)
I recall a tape to which both my wife and I listened a number of years ago. One of the notes was that, if you want to have a happy occasion, buy yourself the present you really want. There are only two things I want. One is a beautiful Celtic ring -- silver with a green stone -- modestly priced. The other is a brown leather vest. I like vests because they have so many pockets, and I tend to carry lots of different (small) things with me -- easier in a vest than in a brief case.
This year, we are consciously giving donations to groups and individuals which/who need some help. Community projects, friends going through a bad time, etc. We're giving some things to our kids and grandkids, too. (Or actually, some things to each other that we can do with the grandkids.)
I think we have far too many unfortunate, overblown expectations about presents, and mind-reading, and present-giving. As if, somehow, it's Christms so we have to give somebody something. If you look at Christmas, for example, God's gift was a person, not a gold watch for everyone in Bethlehem. If you know something that would really brighten someone's day, get it. That's great. But if you're just guessing -- skip the thought.
Kahlil Gibran, in this book The Prophet makes the observation that we give very little when give of our possessions. It is truly when we give ourselves that we really give. So what would happen if we thought, instead of giving a present, we decided to be a present to someone? What form might that take?
Back to you, "gutsy" Sonia.
If you don't believe me, you can check here current piece on gift buying, or an earlier piece on a similar theme.
Christmas, I'm told, is the time of year when we spend money we don't have, buying presents we can't afford, to impress people we don't like. Or words to that effect. That's really bah, humbug!
I was reflecting on Sonia's second piece about people who "have it all." I wouldn't say I have it all. I would say I have WAY TOO MUCH (a problem which plagues our entire family, and much of most of our nations). And I am desperately trying to unclutter my life. I'm seriously focusing on simplicity. Besides, like many people, our economic resource base is shrinking in today's "interesting" economy.
This year, I'm going to "re-gift" some things I got last Christmas, that I haven't really opened.
Basically, if I need something, I buy it, when I need it. If I need an extra shirt, I'll get it from the Salvation Army or the Mennonites. There are a number of things which will work wonderfully if I sew a missing button on them. (I"ll wait until after my eye surgery to try that.)
I recall a tape to which both my wife and I listened a number of years ago. One of the notes was that, if you want to have a happy occasion, buy yourself the present you really want. There are only two things I want. One is a beautiful Celtic ring -- silver with a green stone -- modestly priced. The other is a brown leather vest. I like vests because they have so many pockets, and I tend to carry lots of different (small) things with me -- easier in a vest than in a brief case.
This year, we are consciously giving donations to groups and individuals which/who need some help. Community projects, friends going through a bad time, etc. We're giving some things to our kids and grandkids, too. (Or actually, some things to each other that we can do with the grandkids.)
I think we have far too many unfortunate, overblown expectations about presents, and mind-reading, and present-giving. As if, somehow, it's Christms so we have to give somebody something. If you look at Christmas, for example, God's gift was a person, not a gold watch for everyone in Bethlehem. If you know something that would really brighten someone's day, get it. That's great. But if you're just guessing -- skip the thought.
Kahlil Gibran, in this book The Prophet makes the observation that we give very little when give of our possessions. It is truly when we give ourselves that we really give. So what would happen if we thought, instead of giving a present, we decided to be a present to someone? What form might that take?
Back to you, "gutsy" Sonia.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
IT'S CRISP!
November in our part of the world was quite lovely: warm, sunny, dry.
December is, however, like Eric the Red -- a Norse of a different colour. Last night's temperature was down to -33°C (-27°F), the wind chill took it down to -37°C (-35°F). When Sadie and I tried to go for a very short walk, she would just stop and hold her paws up, one after the other. So we beat a hasty retreat home. I went out for a short walk by myself, mostly just to stretch out my back. But it was too cold for me to go very far. By then, the temperature was up to a balmy -31°C, when I checked it out.
Yesterday, the ice pans on the river were quite large. We could hear them scraping against each other. Sadie kept stopping and trying to figure out what this strange, new noise was.
Today, we're one step past that.
The ice pans have piled up, and river is frozen right over, except for a few open spots.
There is still mist coming off the open bits of water, and the sun lends an etherial quality to the scene.
But the geese haven't left!
Silly as a goose, or what?
This is pretty much what it will be like until spring. Makes for hardy stock -- human and animal. If you want to come for a visit, just make sure to bring your ice skates (we've got lot of skating rinks -- but no skating on the river -- too dangerous!). Or you could bring your cross-country skis.
Here's hoping you have a pleasant day, wherever you are. Sadie and I will likely sit on the sofa, beside the gas stove. I'll read; she'll sleep.
December is, however, like Eric the Red -- a Norse of a different colour. Last night's temperature was down to -33°C (-27°F), the wind chill took it down to -37°C (-35°F). When Sadie and I tried to go for a very short walk, she would just stop and hold her paws up, one after the other. So we beat a hasty retreat home. I went out for a short walk by myself, mostly just to stretch out my back. But it was too cold for me to go very far. By then, the temperature was up to a balmy -31°C, when I checked it out.
Yesterday, the ice pans on the river were quite large. We could hear them scraping against each other. Sadie kept stopping and trying to figure out what this strange, new noise was.
Today, we're one step past that.
The ice pans have piled up, and river is frozen right over, except for a few open spots.
There is still mist coming off the open bits of water, and the sun lends an etherial quality to the scene.
But the geese haven't left!
Silly as a goose, or what?
This is pretty much what it will be like until spring. Makes for hardy stock -- human and animal. If you want to come for a visit, just make sure to bring your ice skates (we've got lot of skating rinks -- but no skating on the river -- too dangerous!). Or you could bring your cross-country skis.
Here's hoping you have a pleasant day, wherever you are. Sadie and I will likely sit on the sofa, beside the gas stove. I'll read; she'll sleep.
Friday, October 9, 2009
"HEY, SADIE . . .
. . . whats all this white stuff on the ground?"
"I dunno, Nuala; tastes kinda like water, but it's cold."
"Sure is slippery, too, Sadie!"
Such was our puppies introduction to snow. Environment Canada had been saying for several days we might get a few snow flurries on Thursday, When I was out with the puppies at noon, I think I counted four snow flakes -- almost too small to see. "Yeah," I figured, "that's the snow we were promised." But when I woke up following my afternoon nap, we had a few more flakes than I had imagined.
That didn't stop the puppies from chasing round and playing in it, and having a dandy time.
Although the whole experience caused Sadie to stop for a moment and try to figure out exactly what was happening in her world.
Meanwhile Environment Canada is promising more of the same today, with temperatures of -2°C (wind chills as low as -9°C). It's a bit cool for me, but the puppies are wearing their fur coats, so I don't know that it makes a whole lot of difference to them.
But any crops that haven't been harvested ae going to take a real beating from this.
Oh, yes; I have to get out and shovel the sidewalks, too.
√
"I dunno, Nuala; tastes kinda like water, but it's cold."
"Sure is slippery, too, Sadie!"
Such was our puppies introduction to snow. Environment Canada had been saying for several days we might get a few snow flurries on Thursday, When I was out with the puppies at noon, I think I counted four snow flakes -- almost too small to see. "Yeah," I figured, "that's the snow we were promised." But when I woke up following my afternoon nap, we had a few more flakes than I had imagined.
That didn't stop the puppies from chasing round and playing in it, and having a dandy time.
Although the whole experience caused Sadie to stop for a moment and try to figure out exactly what was happening in her world.
Meanwhile Environment Canada is promising more of the same today, with temperatures of -2°C (wind chills as low as -9°C). It's a bit cool for me, but the puppies are wearing their fur coats, so I don't know that it makes a whole lot of difference to them.
But any crops that haven't been harvested ae going to take a real beating from this.
Oh, yes; I have to get out and shovel the sidewalks, too.
√
Friday, May 8, 2009
GRAY SKIES ARE GONNA' CLEAR UP -- MAYBE
Today is May 8th. In just over six weeks, summer will arrive (officially) in the Northern Hemisphere.
And today it is SNOWING right outside the Bear's cave!
Well, so much for the garden.
I knew I came out of hibernation waaaay to soon this year. @%$#*^
Merry Christmas, everyone.
And today it is SNOWING right outside the Bear's cave!
Well, so much for the garden.
I knew I came out of hibernation waaaay to soon this year. @%$#*^
Merry Christmas, everyone.
Friday, April 24, 2009
I WRITE THE STORIES (4)
Back a while ago on this blog, in posts "And Where to Begin" (April 13th) and "Done the Deed" (April 16th), I shamelessly let you into my personal struggles to make sense out of something, and share my thoughts with the world. That's what we journalists try to do. Sometimes we do it well; sometimes, not so well. You readers get to be the judges.
I promised that, after it was published in the newspaper for which it was written, I would blog it (in a revised form). I have done that. It is on the blog which I use for ethical and journalistic writing, the one called "Bears Noting." You'll find the story as "Newspapers, R.I.P.??" Should you desire to comment, I'd be pleased to hear from you on either site.
In other news, a cheeky, chattery red squirrel has returned. As with the Dark-eyed Juncos this poses a dilemma. Is the squirrel part of the clean-up committee, or another mouth to feed? Such a deep, existential question is too much for the Bear tonight -- I can bearly get my brain to focus on it.
So, be cool, but stay warm.
I promised that, after it was published in the newspaper for which it was written, I would blog it (in a revised form). I have done that. It is on the blog which I use for ethical and journalistic writing, the one called "Bears Noting." You'll find the story as "Newspapers, R.I.P.??" Should you desire to comment, I'd be pleased to hear from you on either site.
In other news, a cheeky, chattery red squirrel has returned. As with the Dark-eyed Juncos this poses a dilemma. Is the squirrel part of the clean-up committee, or another mouth to feed? Such a deep, existential question is too much for the Bear tonight -- I can bearly get my brain to focus on it.
So, be cool, but stay warm.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
CHANGE HAPPENS
I've made some changes in how I do my blogging.
When I first set up the blog "The Ethical Pilgrimage," it was in connection with my post-graduate studies in bioethics. When I became chronically ill, my plans to finish my degree evaporated.
Now, that blog is about to do the same (more or less).
I'm going to keep it up in the blogsphere, as a matter of historical record and reference (should I need it, or other people want to see particular items). Thoughts which I would normally have posted there will be found on my blog "Bears Noting."
Thank you to those who have taken the time to read and follow these few notes. If you'll "bear with me," I think you'll find the other site to be as noteworthy as this.
When I first set up the blog "The Ethical Pilgrimage," it was in connection with my post-graduate studies in bioethics. When I became chronically ill, my plans to finish my degree evaporated.
Now, that blog is about to do the same (more or less).
I'm going to keep it up in the blogsphere, as a matter of historical record and reference (should I need it, or other people want to see particular items). Thoughts which I would normally have posted there will be found on my blog "Bears Noting."
Thank you to those who have taken the time to read and follow these few notes. If you'll "bear with me," I think you'll find the other site to be as noteworthy as this.
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