Category Archives: community

Keeners and coffee drinkers

24 Sunday May 2015

Posted by in community, Health, pets, reading, writing

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For most of this week, I was up and out of the house earlier than usual.

I was not bright-eyed and bushy-tailed yet I was fuelled on at least one cup of instant coffee in addition to a rushed breakfast. I think my early departures had one of the cats concerned although he received his breakfast and a hug from the servant woman –  plus she took time to scoop out the litter box.

Black cat in bed with comic bubble

I attended a three-day conference that is prominent in my annual learning plan at the work place.  This year’s theme was Design Your Destiny. Live the Change. I was pleased when organizers announced the theme many months ago.

It was great to catch up with old volunteer acquaintances, to listen to interesting session presentations and inspiring keynote speakers.  We were well-fed, body and mind.  By Friday afternoon I was tuckered out, body and mind despite the nutritious meals and copious cups of coffee during the day.

As an introverted person, I can become overwhelmed and tired out after too much socializing and networking.  I need to retreat to a quiet corner to rest, reflect and re-energize. I am not being rude :-] 

At least I managed to focus and scratch out handwritten notes in the program booklet and identify key points. This afternoon, I deciphered my handwriting and created a point-form report (in the rare event that my boss would ask). Next I created a word cloud (Thanks, Wordle) to highlight the frequent words from key messages.

word cloud

Word cloud from key points in my conference notes

This weekend, I started my first day of a new volunteer gig that requires less time sitting. Momma needs to move her body more.

Due to a combination of communication assumptions by a resident message-taker and unintentional omissions, I arrived by city bus three hours early.

That’s okay.  I was able to take in a healthy walk, have an early lunch and become familiar with my surroundings.  The ensuing volunteer activity was slightly overwhelming yet provided an educational experience. It was the beginning of new opportunities to support literacy in my community. I look forward to more.

Today, I serendipitously tripped upon a quote by one of my favourite authors:

I can control my destiny, but not my fate. Destiny means there are opportunities to turn right or left, but fate is a one-way street. I believe we all have the choice as to whether we fulfil our destiny, but our fate is sealed. ~ Paulo Coelho

During web distractions between today’s glamorous domestic duties, I also learned possible explanations why cats bolt from their litter boxes after pooping and run around the house like fools.

Now you know too. You’re welcome. 

Cat box haiku. Apologies to the serious poets.

Thanks for dropping by.

T

Detours and gentle paths

03 Sunday May 2015

Posted by in community, Health, therapy, Travel, writing

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I got lost on my way to a Jane’s Walk Ottawa event yesterday.

To put a positive spin on it, I got in plenty of walking time as planned for my spring stay-cation activities.  I also got a sunburned nose and hands although I had ample skin coverage.

I take full responsibility for not making better arrangements ahead of time … and for trusting the vague instructions in the OC Transpo travel planner.  Something tells me I should have listened to the loud yellow songbird as I ambled down the wrong NCC path.

yellow song bird in tree

Hey! You’re going the wrong way!

I didn’t make it to the event but had plenty of opportunities for deep blonde thoughts and walking meditation.

When planning jaunts about town, I make sure I pack:

  • A full water bottle
  • A snack of fruit, nuts or grains
  • A loaded Presto pass AND OC Transpo bus tickets
  • Charged cell phone (for communication and taking pictures)
  • Seasonally appropriate attire (hat, sunglasses, overskirt, change of socks, umbrella)
  • A book to read
  • A notebook and pen.

The lengthy detour along the picturesque Rideau River gave me a good workout.  It provided a warm and sweaty reminder to accept responsibility for my actions and my choices – but to forgive myself for occasional mistakes.

Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life.
– Sophia Loren as attributed on The Quotations Page

I eventually made my way to a recognizable road then a location where I could catch a bus downtown to my next destination. At least I arrived with enough time to refill my water bottle and freshen up.

During the Vesak 2015 Ottawa celebrations, there was frequent mention of the recent earthquake in Nepal. The attentive audience members sat or stood quietly as the Buddhist monks and nuns said prayers and chanted songs. It was beautiful and sad.

After a while, I found a few empty seats where I could relax while listening to speeches and watching performances.

feet resting on back frame of chair, buddha eyes of compassion bag

My tired feet

Colourfully costumed people from various Asian cultures took to the stage in dance and celebration.  It was disappointing that some audience members stood in the middle aisle and at the front with their iPads or smart phones to record them.

Vesak 2015 celebrations Ottawa City Hall

iPads and smart phones everywhere! Vesak 2015 celebrations Ottawa City Hall

Ironic in a way, that on this day with much talk of compassion and mindfulness, these folks were blocking the view, lessening the enjoyment for others!  

Little Buddha

As with other belief systems I have explored, I find that Buddhism has sprouted into complex teachings as evolved in different cultures over thousands of years.  Although it seems to have many levels and paths of enlightenment, it is the one belief system most compatible with basic virtues I embrace.

  • One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.
  • One should not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated.

– Golden and sliver rules

Overall, attending the event was a good learning opportunity as I continue to broaden my knowledge, to get out and experience new things.

Thanks for visiting. If I may lead you down one more path, please sample a bit of the ebook for The Year of the Rabbit where the author touches on a few belief systems.

T

Femmes extraordinaires

15 Saturday Nov 2014

Posted by in Art, community, Health, therapy, writing

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I have been introduced to some interesting and extraordinary women over the past couple of months.

Our French conversation group consists of many artistic and philanthropic women who wish to expand their French language skills. Some want to improve due to Federal Government job security (a-hem) requirements.  Some wish to communicate better with in-laws, grandchildren and other relatives.  I am familiar with the latter.

I enjoy our weekly gatherings – mais Mon Dieu! – one is lucky to get in a few words if the “taking turns” concept is followed.  The discussions eventually detour down the road of culinary delights.  à chacun son goût

This week’s session skirted around religion, mutated bible interpretations, and language politics.  Thank goodness one member jumped the queue (and my turn to share) in order to change the subject, to describe an extraordinary woman named Anita Moorjani.  Anita is a former cancer patient and near-death survivor.  She came out of her coma with some very wise words based on simple advice.

 

Another inspiring survivor is Allison Woyiwada, co-author and subject of the book “Allison’s Brain“.  It was her love of music that brought Allison out of her muddled world.

 

I can relate to what happens to people who encounter near-death experiences, and the wisdom, the lessons they share after resurfacing.  

Sometimes we get bogged down in the day-to-day survival, raising a family and making ends meet over the years that we forget some of that simple advice.

Sometimes it takes one or two extraordinary individuals to make us marvel at the ability of our bodies and minds to overcome hurdles, to beat the odds and embrace a new love for life.

I think that if you are able to create new life and nurture it successfully, you’re pretty damned amazing.  If you are able to create art work, things of beauty, you’re pretty awesome too.

Who is your inspiration?  Qui est votre source d’inspiration ?

T