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

First world problems

15 Friday May 2015

Posted by in Health, pets, photography, writing

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Our apartment building is out of hot water – again.

That’s two days in a row where my morning routine is knocked off kilter.  Yesterday, I was able to perform some work from home during the outage.

Thankfully, I have today off but am delayed in preparing for a medical appointment, performing my errand run and eventually enjoying a slow dinner with writing friends.

These inconveniences and interruptions to lifestyle are good opportunities for us to pause and look at the big picture.  They help us see how lucky we are in comparison to others who have been affected and displaced by natural disasters or civil war.

Sometimes one may become overwhelmed by the calls for assistance. You can compensate by picking a couple of causes that you can afford the conscience, time and money to support.

For the rest, you rely on the compassion and foreign aid funding through your government.

I am grateful that I have:

  • Access to clean, running water;
  • A safe, comfortable home;
  • Family and close friends;
  • Access to safe, local food sources;
  • Public libraries;
  • Work I enjoy;
  • Reliable electricity, Internet service and other essential utilities;
  • Volunteer opportunities;
  • The freedom to speak out and express.

Black cat sitting at computer screen

I am lucky for the freedom of whimsy, creative license to express through my cats >^..^<  They don’t seem to mind my body odor as I sit and stew with my thoughts.

Thanks for dropping by. Where are you from and what are YOU thankful for?

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