An Open Letter to London, Ontario City Council Regarding Green Bins

Dear Councillors,

I would like to applaud you for the recent expansion of our recycling program in London. The increase in recyclable products that will no longer be polluting our landfills will have a long term benefit for us all. Thank you for your forward thinking and your concern for the environment.

With all due respect, this is why I am troubled by your decision to once again shelve a green bin program for London, and I implore you to reconsider.

London is a growing city, and in a growing city there is a growing population. From the growing population comes growing waste, and from the growing waste comes growing landfills. From the growing landfills there is a growing environmental problem, and from the growing environmental problem there is a growing cost. Why watch the problem inflate when we know how to deal with it now?

I am sure you have been presented with several fact sheets on the reasons why a green bin program is environmentally responsible, and how up to 65% of landfill use has been reduced in other green bin friendly cities. You know that slowing down the growth of the landfill will help the land and homes around it retain a greater property value, and you understand that the city will benefit from long term savings. So why say “not now”?

If the promised 0% tax increase is holding you back, then I ask you to reconsider the freeze. We can afford the small increase that would be seen on our tax bills, and we will reap the benefits in the long (and short) term. What we cannot afford is to be short sighted when it comes to matters of our city and the environment.

Please, be leaders of vision and show the same long term thinking you showed with the decision to increase the recycling program. Please make the right decision, and do it for the good of the city, not a lofty promise.

Sincerely,

Jo-Anne Bishop

(will be forwarded to the Mayor and members of Council)

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Review: Josh Groban, Straight to You Tour - July 19, 2011

On Tuesday July 19, Josh Groban made a stop at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario with his "Straight to You" tour. Thanks to the JLC, I was able to see the concert and meet Josh Groban himself, asked only in return to write a review with my thoughts on the show. This is part of an initiative the JLC is taking that began with the Black Keys concert just a week before: engaging JLC concert goers and asking them to share their opinions and feedback through social media such as Twitter, Facebook and blogs. I was one of four "JLC Reviewers" selected via Twitter, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity.

When I heard Josh was going to be playing at the JLC, I was filled with mixed emotions. I enjoy his music and think he has a phenomenal voice, and considered purchasing tickets for the show. But I couldn't do it. My heart wrenched with the thought. Josh Groban was one of my dad's favourite performers, and the timing of the show fell almost on the 4th anniversary of my dad - who was in the last stages of lung cancer - being admitted to Palliative Care. Josh Groban's music was something he and I shared, and I sang the song, "You Are Loved" to him whenever we spoke on the phone.

When nominated by friends on Twitter to be selected as one of the JLC Reviewers, my initial reaction was to say, "No!!!" I didn't think I could sit through the show and not be a wreck of emotion. But I stifled the reaction, swallowed the lump in my throat and put on my brave face when the JLC said I had been selected. A friend, who knew the story of my connection to Josh's music said, "It's serendipity. You are meant to see this show. You just don't realize it."

I'm not sure if it was serendipity or just plain luck (mixed with some dumb luck, as I was in a car accident on the way to the show - a blog for another time), but it was a fantastic, once in a lifetime opportunity that I'm certainly glad I did not pass up.

Opening for Josh was an act who was seen just a few weeks before on the TV show "America's Got Talent". ELEW, a very talented (and humble) pianist who calls his style "Rockjazz" slowly warmed up the crowd with some interesting and passionate pieces. Opening with "Mr Brightside" by the Killers, the crowd was quiet and watching with curiosity. A few songs later the crowd came a little more alive with ELEW's rendition of "Sweet Home Alabama", which led into a quirky snippet of the Gilligan's Island theme, which drew laughter and applause. ELEW plays with great passion, often on his knees, arms outstretched with silver bands up to his elbows, and face up to the sky, never looking at his hands.

A woman seated behind me said of ELEW, "I think he's having an out of body experience!". I think we all did by the end of his set, which contained more gems such as Coldplay's "Clocks", U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and my favourite little montage featuring bits of "The Pink Panther" theme, "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies', "Paint it Black" and the theme from Peanuts. He concluded his performance with a "Smells Like Teen Spirit"/"Favourite Things"/ragtime piece. With each song, the applause was warmer and louder and by the end of the show the most common comment I heard was, "He was brilliant." I agree.

We were ready and pumped by the time the set change was complete and Josh Groban emerged from a side door close to our seats. He took a seat at the piano on a small hydraulic stage set directly in front of us. He looked around to every corner of the room and thanked us all for coming with a genuine warmth. He opened with the song, "Changing Colors" by Canadian band 'Great Lake Swimmers', followed quickly, and after much applause by the beautiful "February Song". Before launching into his third song, he told a story about a Norwegian cyclist who had won Tuesday's leg of the Tour de France, noting that the cyclist was riding a bike made in Canada.

The hurdle I needed to face, "You Are Loved", came next. An interesting arrangement straying slightly and creatively from the album version. He performed it beautifully and yes, folks, I was a wreck.

A song later, Josh was on the main stage talking about his Canadian connections, giving huge thanks to David Foster and Celine Dion for their hand in his early success, and mused about making it into a drinking game. Wearing black jeans, a white t-shirt with a black jacket and black Adidas running shows, Josh looked at ease on the stage telling stories and jokes in between songs. He talked about how he wanted to bring an intimate feel to his concerts for this tour and find a personal connection in arenas. I would say he accomplished that at the JLC on Tuesday.

Escorted by his personal security, Josh walked through the crowds easily interacting with people. He stopped at one man on the floor and said, "You look dragged here. You alright?" The gentleman replied something to the effect of, "Sing The Prayer and it'll be fine." Josh said, "I'll sing if you sing it with me!" He continued walking, making a few wisecracks and charming the crowd. When he returned to the stage he remarked how polite London was. "Toronto was a little grabby!"

"Bells of New York", "Higher Window" and "Alla Luce del Sole" preceded a touching tribute to service men and women, and the song "War at Home". Beyond that, we were treated to a side of Josh not often seen. A 13 piece ensemble took over the stage while Josh momentarily disappeared. They played a beautiful instrumental of "Live and Let Die". Josh suddenly reemerged to play a drum solo, effectively proving he is more than a strong vocalist and pianist.

Josh, as a part of his connection plan, asked questions submitted by fans in the arena via text messages. The questions were selected during the concert and presented to him to read and address, and added more opportunity for Josh to show his comedic and personable side. A few songs later, he was running through the crowd gathering fans for the stage. He joked with them, seated them on blow up couches he said were for the crew, and served them drinks - wine for the two married couples he chose, and milk for a 12 year old girl. The end of the show was nearing and he serenaded them with the songs "Broken Vow" and "Per Te". He took a bow and left the stage only briefly before returning for his encores of "Play Me" and his huge hit, "You Raise Me Up."

The crowd - a full house - was incredibly receptive through the entire show. Josh was able to find the connection he was aiming for, and delivered a positive concert experience. He is a natural talent and true performer. He is growing as a musician and I look forward to seeing what he comes out with next. For me, this experience was slightly serendipitous, and largely cathartic. I now have a new memory of Josh Groban, and I do believe my dad would have wanted that for me. Thank you, Josh and ELEW, for a fantastic evening and safe travels on the rest of your tour. Don't forget that you are loved in London, Ontario.

Thanks again to the JLC for such wonderful experience to see this show and provide a review. If I were to rate the concert on a 5 star scale, I would give it a 4. The entertainment value was there, but I found the sound (vocals in particular) a little off, and I was straining to hear the lyrics over the music.

Tranquility

I thought I'd share a few more of my favourite photos from our recent trip to Rondeau. We took a guided canoe hike one evening on Rondeau Bay and were treated to a cloudy, but pretty, sunset.

This is where I find my tranquility. Just me, the air and the people I love...

Good bugs...

Since my last post was about nasty, icky bugs, this one will be about nice, beautiful bugs. The kind we don't take time to appreciate often enough. We did a little bug and butterfly hunting on our recent trip to Rondeau Provincial Park, and this is what we found.

This butterfly looks like a Monarch, but it's really a Viceroy. A Monarch butterfly is toxic to it's predators, but this butterfly's only defence is it's "stolen identity". It relies on the Monarch's good looks (or bad, depending on your vantage point) to keep it from being eaten!

Alice turns over every leaf looking for something interesting. Under this leaf she found an exoskeleton of a Cicada.

On a nearby tree we found a Cicada nymph ready to shed his outer layer and find his wings!

Blue damselfly, hanging on for dear life against the wind.

I believe this is called a Question Mark butterfly, but I'm not entirely sure. Can anyone confirm?

A red dragonfly spotted on one of our hikes.

On first glance, you might think the photos below are of bird droppings. But don't be fooled! It's really a Swallowtail larva. The larva will have 4 molts and it's body will transform once again. In the next stage, it turns green and is almost camouflaged by the leaf. Once it has gone through it's pupal stage, it emerges looking like this:

Swallowtail Butterfly

(Sadly, they were too elusive all week and I could not get a shot of my own.)

“The way a child discovers the world constantly replicates the way science began. You start to notice what's around you, and you get very curious about how things work. How things interrelate. It's as simple as seeing a bug that intrigues you. You want to know where it goes at night; who its friends are; what it eats.” - David Cronenberg

Always remember to laugh...

My mum always had great advice. She knew what to say in every situation, and usually delivered her advice followed by a quote. (Now you know where I get it from.) Her favourite - recited every time we were in some sort of teenage distress - was, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." I rolled my eyes at 16. I live by it today. She really knew what she was talking about! Well, she agreed with Nietzsche, anyway.


I swear, I have heard her speak through me sometimes when consoling friends. I'm sure they have heard it too. And last night I could hear her speaking to me as I suffered through the mother of all nightmares no parent should have to endure - head lice! Oh, I know. I was spontaneously itchy from the mere mention too.


I could hear her quote Nietzsche as I hung up the phone with the ECE teacher at Jack's daycare and realized I had a heck of a night ahead of me. "It won't kill you, Jo-Anne. It will only make you stronger."

My mind made a quick list of priorities as I left work:

• Pick up Alice and tell daycamp she might not be back this week.
• Pick up Jack and apologize profusely to staff.
• Silently curse the parent who's kid is responsible for this mess.
• Hit drugstore and get every product and appliance known to man that will rid children's heads of these disgusting little beasts.
• Throw in toy for kids, for pain and suffering. Add chocolate bar for me.
• Come home and begin daunting task of nitpicking.

As I suffered through the horrifying procedure, my mum's voice came to me again. This time she said, "You've got to laugh, Jo-Anne. ALWAYS remember to laugh!" Her other favourite piece of advice, and the one I have relied to get me through life the most. "Always remember to laugh." You can find humour in almost every trying situation. You really can, if you try. Unless it is going to kill you, don't stress. Stress kills. Laugh it off.

My kids are pretty funny, whether they mean to be or not. They are easy going, but on that odd occassion they can give me a good run for my money with a hearty meltdown. I had mentally prepared myself for the worst, especially with Alice who hates getting her hair brushed on a good day. Jack's reaction to the "de-lice" plan was surprisingly excited. "COOL!!! I'm going to be BALD!" I shaved his head with a #1 clipper, then began the shampoo treatment. He was patient, hillarious and allowed me to pick his head after it was washed like a mama monkey cleaning her baby. Good boy, Jack.

Alice resisted a little at first, worrying I was going to shave her head too I think. She was reluctant to agree to a haircut (I wasn't combing all of that "stuff" out of her shoulder length hair), but soon gave in when I explained how much combing was going to be involved over the next couple of hours. She is now sporting a cute little bob and has informed me I should be a "haircutter person". After the cut her only concern was for the loss of the poor little lice bugs and their unborn lice babies. I'm serious. Some kids have a passion for life, mine has compassion for lice. It's beautiful and disturbing, all at once.

"I know we have to get these little bugs out of my hair, and I really do want to stop itching, but, well... I feel sad that we have to kill them. I mean, it's sad that they will die because, well, they just need somewhere to live too and something to eat. I don't want it to be my head, but, well, it's just sad, you know? Poor bugs."

I teach the kids compassion, but for me, last night, that was going a little too far. Buh bye, buggies. And don't let the lice comb squish you on the way out!

*shiver*

It was disgusting and trying of my patience, oh yes, but it made a memory to last a lifetime. Yeah, not one I'd prefer to have, but one I'm sure every parent (sadly) will have at some point in their life. And some day that parent - me included - will dispense their best advice on a frantic mom or dad who is facing his/her first case of head lice, grossed out and mortified. When you do, don't forget to tell them this:

"That which does not kill you will make you stronger. Remember to laugh about it later!"

Always remember to laugh.

xo

Jo

It's in my blood

I claim that human mind or human society is not divided into watertight compartments called social, political and religious. All act and react upon one another. - Mahatma Gandhi

My dad was a political, social and religious kind of guy. He was always busy in our city with some committee or another, sitting on boards for this and that. He was a Free Mason, had a love for politics and many political friends. He was outspoken, but never spoke without knowing what he was talking about. He was a man people either loved or hated - there was rarely a grey area. He taught me a lot about politics and religion, and showed me the door to find knowledge and form opinions for myself. (Which later proved to be very much different from his...) He gave me the key.

Mum was no slouch either. While not as "active" as dad in the social/political arena outside of the home, she was vocal and often put pen to paper. Mum was an activist. A lobbyist. A letter writer. She usually knew what she was talking about, and she was very good at getting her point across diplomatically. Mum passed on that gift to me. How to be honest without being ignorant. How to be kind and mindful of other's feelings and situations. How to speak up for what you believe in and say it eloquently enough to be taken seriously, even if you are not always right or agreed with.

Politics, society, religion. It's in my blood.

Dad and mum encouraged my decision in University to change my area of focus from French and Spanish to Political Science. The interest had always been there, and although the languages would have served me well (I still sometimes kick myself for stopping french courses all together - damned hindsight), they knew I had something deep in my heart for politics. As early as 12 years old, I loved to educate myself and others on issues that affected us all. I remember delivering speeches on Child Abuse, Euthanasia and Dr. Martin Luther King, all before grade 8. I loved public speaking and had a knack for not looking as nervous as I felt. I entered every competition I could, even though I rarely won. I did it for the love, not the glory.

I developed my interest in religion very young as well. We grew up in a house next to a church, so of course that piqued my curiosity. Why did those people come in and out every week, and what were they singing about? I started attending the church, St Paul's Anglican, at a very young age and didn't miss a Sunday or holiday service. I still have my "3 Year Perfect Attendance" pin somewhere around here. Although I have "turned away" from Christianity, I still keep it as a reminder of all I learned in the church, and it's relevance to my life today.

I think I heard someone gasp when they read that last paragraph. "You turned away from Christianity?! What do you mean??" I mean this: I believe in Jesus Christ. He was a great prophet of peace, just like the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him. <-- Is it okay to write that in there for any Muslim readers who may pass upon this blog?), Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi and many other great religious leaders. But I no longer consider myself a Christian, despite the fact I was baptised in the Presbyterian church and attended church and bible study classes for a good 20 years of my life.

I realized in University that I could no longer subscribe to a religion that wages wars on other religions, preaches intolerance to other races and homosexuals, and that controls their followers with fear. Those who would cast judgement on others for not believing and behaving exactly as they do. Those who believe that the simple act of going to church and professing their faith makes them better and holier than the rest of society. It's not for me.

"Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car." - Anonymous

And no, not all Christians feel or behave that way, I know that. I was one. One who held the ultimate value of Christianity deep in my heart. To love, unconditionally. To help my fellow man, selflessly. To spread the word of peace, peacefully. But the hatred I saw between so many groups, the bickering, fighting and posturing of who is right and who is wrong, well, it turned me off religion completely.

After my mum passed away, I began studying Buddhism. I wanted to know and understand reincarnation after a psychic friend of the family informed me that one day, I would reincarnate my mother. I became deeply moved by the teachings of the Buddha, and the philosophy behind Buddhism. Buddhism, technically, is not a religion. It is a commitment to a way of life. A philosophy born of common sense. Today I think of myself as a "Humanist with Buddhist leanings". I will not subscribe to an organized religion again. To quote His Holiness the Dalai Lama, "My religion is simple. My religion is kindness."

The belief that religion and politics are and should be separate is a little misguided. Religion, after all, is political. Think about it.

About 8 years ago, I began my family and seemed to lose my time and interest for political matters. I kept up to date on all that was going on and continued to educate my friends, family and anyone who would listen on the facts (with a healthy dose of opinion, of course!), but I really lost a lot of the spark that had been there post graduation. I feel lately as though my spark has been reignited, and the flame keeps growing every day.

It's exciting.

I said recently that I would like to run for office in 2014...maybe. I will need these next 4 years to decide where my heart really lies in the arena of politics. Am I an activist? Am I a leader? Or am I an advisor? Right now I lean more to the latter. I am a debater, a reasoner, able to rationalize and negotiate. I love (love, love!) taking a problem, analyzing it from all angles and not stopping until I find a solution. There is nothing more satisfying for me than finding that middle ground. I think that "talent" would be better served in a supporting roll. But I could change my mind. I'm wont to do that now and then...

The door was closed for a while, but wasn't locked. I'm opening it again. A little slowly perhaps, but that's okay. With time comes maturity and wisdom and, although I haven't seen those qualities in many of our elected officials as of late, I believe - for me - it is a necessity to acquire before diving into the business of managing people's lives. My journey will start slowly, taking cues from mum, and will develop over time to be more active, like my dad.

It's in my blood.

Dear Diary...

It's been a full year since I've logged in and written a blog post. A year!! Too busy? Too lazy? I'm not sure. But I'm here, once again, with an itch to write. As always I will give it my best shot, keep writing and keep my creative juices flowing. I can't always promise an interesting read, and I won't, because my writing is entirely self indulgent and for, well, me! Of course you are more than welcome to spectate and comment, and I hope you will.

Blogging reminds me of the diary I kept (or attempted to keep) when I was a young girl. It was sporadic at best, only a little less mature. I found my old diary - a small book with a white "pleather" cover and cute brown bears eating dandylions - a couple of years ago and had a good laugh at some of my entries. Silly girl stuff, you know. "I'm not friends with X anymore" or, "I'm soooo in love with Y". If there is one thing I learned about myself and my childhood reading that, it is how utterly and ridiculously boy crazy I was.

(Ahem. No comments from the peanut gallery out there on that last line. You know who you are, and I know what you want to say.)

So what have I been up to since my last post a full year ago you ask? Lots. Too much to go into so here is the condensed all encompassing list: fall, winter, spring and half of a summer, work, children, daycare, school functions, more work, home renovations, gardening, family weekends away, camping, hiking, playing, canoeing, fun, fun and more fun!

Yep. It's been a busy year.

More blog posts to come, when I think of something of more value to say. For now I must pack. Off on a 5 day camping trip after work tomorrow. Very much looking forward to the R&R, and a disconnect from "life". And perhaps a reconnect with my ol' Nikon. Sadly, I haven't picked up my camera in quite a while. A good nature shoot is long overdue.

Until next time, peace! Be good to each other.
Jo

Whoa, Nelly!

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”
Henry David Thoreau

I feel like I've been on a runaway horse for the past 8 or so weeks. Preparing to go back to work for the first time in 7 years, going back to work, chasing around after kids, summer holidays... I'm exhausted! But honestly, I'm exhilarated at the same time! What a fun whirlwind this has been.

Mid-June I started working for the Federal Government in a data entry role. Due to the flailing economy, Service Canada needed more help, and lucky me - I was hired along with 12 others. In just 8 weeks, I have been trained, cross trained and just last week received a "small" promotion. I don't know if you can see the gleam from my smile where you are, but trust me - I'm beaming. What a great job.

Sometimes I feel like I should have gone back to work a long time ago. But I would never, ever trade my years at home with my kids. To be able to watch them grow and see all their firsts was a blessing that can't ever be taken away or replaced. But being back to work, using my smarts, interacting with adults..... Let's just say, it was time.

I feel re-energized. At last.

We've had an amazingly busy summer. I can't believe it is August already! We went camping at McGregor Point and Rondeau and had a blast, despite the rain. And what about that rain, huh? I don't know about where you are, but here we've had steady rain fall all throughout July. I'm expecting a very dry and humid August, and possibly a steamy September. I hope Mother Nature gets it out of her system now though, and our winter isn't quite as wet.

Life is busy and is getting in the way of my computer time it seems, but I will try to get on here more often and post. It will be easier in the fall and winter to write. Earlier nights and less time lounging outside will provide me with more opportunities on the computer. And now that I'm working, I'm dreaming of a laptop...

Peace and love, all!
Jo

I got a job!

After 7 years at home raising my kids, I am once again returning to the land of the gainfully employed!

And I'm crapping myself.

Two weeks is all I have to get my mindset changed from "Mom" to "Federal Employee". Two weeks is all I have to find childcare for my kids (which is not going so well, but I haven't totally given up yet), get my house in order, get some meals made for the freezer (because the transition is going to be tough enough!) and buy a new work wardrobe. Ack!!!

Most women would probably look forward to the shopping part and be quite excited about it. Not me. I hate shopping - with a passion! But I will soldier on and head out with debit card in hand, ready to do some damage next week. If I can do it sans kids, it will make it at least partly enjoyable. I'll make capri pants my focus and dive headlong into the racks. I.can.do.it....

I'm sure I will feel like a kid on the first day of school, walking into that big old intimidating building on my first day of work. I'll worry, "What if they don't like me?" or, "What if I make a fool of myself?". I'll check my hair and outfit 15 times before I make it out the door, and adjust my makeup in the car. Not too much, but not too little.

Back to the brown bag for me. No more lounging in the yard, soaking up the sun all summer. No more day trips on a whim with the kids. No more freedom to drop everything and go.....

On the other hand, no more wondering how to budget out the single paycheque, and worrying that we can't afford to go camping or on special weekend trips. No more wondering how much to put on that bill this week so they won't harass me for payment next week.

Yes, for everything I am giving up, there is much I am gaining. And if I don't like it, I can always quit! ;)

Wish me luck!

Twits on Twitter

I did it. I joined Twitter.

(Bah, that's old news! I've been on it for a month or so now).

Yeah, I know. As if I needed something else on the internet to get hooked on. Facebook, parenting forums, Blogger... What's one more, right? As long as one's life does not revolve around the internet, everything in moderation is fine. (Repeat it til you believe it!)

When I first signed up for Twitter and looked around I thought, "How ooky. How stalkerish! I don't think I like this..." (Look back at my first Tweets if you can. I really said those words!)

At that time, Ashton Kutcher (aka @aplusk) was having a little friendly competition with CNN. Who could reach a million followers faster. I decided I would help his cause, but couldn't help but wonder, "Does he really want me to follow him?" It felt so voyeuristic to click on that little "follow" button and read his updates sent out to the world at large. But hey, he had the option of closing off his profile and allowing only those he wished to read his "Tweets", and he was asking us publicly to follow him, so I thought what the heck. Follow.

I found out quickly that it was kind of fun! Oh my goodness, Ashton Kutcher a bonafide human being with thoughts, a sense of humour (like we didn't already know that), a heart and a sense of community towards his followers. Wow! And it wasn't coming from the rag mags or paparazzi. It was coming from HIM. Amazing! From there it snowballed. I found any person of celebrity status that I admired and began to follow.

Demi Moore, Kevin Spacey, Kevin Smith, Ethan Suplee, Trent Reznor, Rob Luketic, Malcolm Ingram .... all of them, real human beings - and stars - using Twitter to keep in touch with their fans. Unreal. But so real! So human! So interesting. More interesting than I could have imagined.

It's funny the picture you paint in your mind of what these people are like, perhaps based on a role they played in a film, a movie they directed, an interview you saw or a story the tabloid ran. And it's funny to see that the picture was maybe nothing like what you had painted in your imagination, or maybe it was, only better! Brighter! More vivid!

I decided early on not to be one of those ass kissing, "OMG, I LOVE YOU!" kinds of fans. That's so not me. I don't "do" ego strokes because in all honesty, I don't "love" these stars like some of these fans proclaim it. I admire them, definitely. (Read on and you may too!) But "love" - how does someone know from movies, tv and rags that they "love" someone. In the general sense of 'love your fellow man' (which I do), then yes. I love these various celebs. But I can't imagine sending them a Twitter message telling them so.

And I also can't imagine sending them a Twitter message telling them "ur stupid", or "I think you're probably an a$hole", or "Hey man, can you put me in one of your films?". Really. People do say these things. And some of these stars appear to take a lot of abuse. Trent Reznor, front man for the band "Nine Inch Nails", being one of them.

This is a guy who I have always been a huge fan of. His music, anyway. Very formative in my late high school days, "Head Like a Hole", "Get Down Make Love" and "Down In It" were heard daily, blaring from the stereo in my room much to my parent's chagrin. I still pull out my NIN albums (amazing cleaning and driving tunes!) when the kids aren't around. :)

It shocked me one day when Mr. Reznor decided to start giving away concert tickets for his current tour to his fans on Twitter. Posts would pop up saying, "Be the first 5 people to enter at this link, and you will get tickets to any show in the US". And he held true to his word! I lost count how many tickets he gave away, asking nothing in return.

But it seems after a little shit and abuse from some *cough cough* fans, I think he had enough of being so generous and not knowing or feeling it was appreciated. Instead of quashing the idea all together, he took up a cause and asked his followers for their help. Donate to help save "#Eric", a CNN personality's brother who is gravely ill. For a monetary donation of $1000 or more he would give a pair of tickets to any show in the US. His fans heeded the call, and to date - in just over a week - Trent has raised shy of $1,000,000 for the cause. Can you imagine?! Yeah, such an a$hole as some on Twitter would like to tell him. And he calls his fans the heroes. Trent, you are the leader of the pack.

Ashton and Demi started a campaign to purchase bug nets to combat Malaria and urged fellow celebs and fans alike to take up the cause. Rob Luketic does streams from his iPhone to his fans, allowing them to see a major motion picture in the making. How many times in your life will you see that? Kevin Smith is a huge supporter of the Walter Gretzky Road Hockey tournament and has entered 4 teams to play in Brantford, Ontario next month. And Ethan Suplee gave away a pair of pink crocs his wife was disposing of to a fan! (lol) Yet these folks are abused, cursed at, accused of being egotistical, ignorant and "stupid". How is that for a fine howdy-do? Sickening.

Maybe they do have some a$holish tendencies. Don't we all? Maybe sometimes they can have a bit of an ego. Can't we all? Wouldn't you if thousands of people were telling you "I LOVE YOU!!!" on a daily basis, without having ever met you? Maybe they can be ignorant at times. I know sometimes I forget to excuse myself after a bodily function slips. So sue me! So sue them!

Oh...my...God. They're human. *gasp*

And that is the point of this blog post today. Folks, these people - despite their star status - are h-u-m-a-n b-e-i-n-g-s. First and foremost. It's like Shylock says in the Merchant of Venice (oh no, you weren't getting away without a quote from me!):

...If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us

do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you

wrong us shall we not revenge? If we are like you in the rest,

we will resemble you in that.

Remember as you go through your day to day, that regardless of a person's job or social status, the people you encounter are human beings. They have hearts, minds and souls. They have feelings that can be hurt. They have esteem that can be damaged. They have heads that just might explode from hearing too much praise or too much negativity day after day after day. They are humans, folks. I know. It's shocking. I'll give you a moment to digest.

...fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer...

I hope you took it all in, and I hope some of you from the Twitterverse have read this blog and will take it to heart. Every religion or ideology in this world (other than neo-Nazis or supremacists, I'm sure) share the same "golden rule". Do unto others as you would have done to you. If we all took this to heart and practiced it every single moment of every single day, we could wipe out hatred. Calm the anger inside so many souls. We would all get along!!! Do you think you can do it? Will you follow the calling? Stop being so unkind to strangers, stars, Joe-Blows and everyone in between. It's just so unnecessary, and so uncool. Be cool.

Quit adoring these stars on an unhealthy level. It will make you bitter and angry when you realize that they just can't be your friend. Your lives are too vastly different, and you likely live too far away. Don't get mad if they don't respond to your messages or give you a shout out. Imagine how many messages they have to tread through daily when they have hundreds, thousands or millions of followers! Give them some space, and give them the respect they deserve as human beings. Can you do it, Twitterverse? Yeah, I know you can.... I have faith in you.

To the stars I follow, I'll finally say it - I love you! Just not in "that" way. I love you for being generous of spirit, mind, body and soul. I love you for sharing your thoughts and Tweets with us and for using your status for good and not evil. And I love you for holding your cool when you probably would love nothing more than to throw some good choice words back at the dumbasses pestering and harassing you. Major kudos to you, and thanks for showing us your human, "touchable" side.

Touch with gentle hands, folks. Stars have feelings too.

That's all I have to say about that. ~ Forrest Gump

Butterfly update

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory and beauty
belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

~~Author Unknown

An update to yesterday's blog post about the butterflies, and our little butterfly friend with the crumpled wings.

Sadly, he has passed. I calculated his days, and he lived most of his 30 day lifespan, so that's okay. We treated him well, gave him a home and food and daily love. Gone, but never forgotten. Rest in peace dear butterfly friend. Thank you the joy you gave to us in your short life.

Burial will follow this afternoon, under our little crab apple tree in the front yard. "Mariposa Libre" performed (via CD) by Sting will be the musical selection. Feel free to send your messages of condolences to Alice who was upset for all of 2 minutes, and quickly found more caterpillars in the yard to bring inside and watch (although, I think they are the yucky moths).

Butterflies....

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. ~Maya Angelou

This spring the kids and I tried a little experiment. We ordered butterfly larvae and watched as these teeny tiny caterpillars ate, grew, pupated and morphed into beautiful painted lady butterflies. Here is a little photo blog of our quite successful experiment.

Week one, the larvae arrive!
This was after 3-4 days growth. I'm disappointed I didn't get pictures of them sooner, because these little guys grew fast! At this point the 6 little caterpillars were eating like crazy and practicing making silk for their pupas.

Week 2, the larvae have grown!
At about 8 days old, the larvae have eaten most of their food, doubled in size and are starting to head to the top of the container where they will hang upside down and get ready to form their chrysalis'.

.... and the next day....
....the larvae have attached themselves to the top of the container and are ready for their big transformation. I wonder if they "knew" what was about to happen to them, or if something inside them just said that this was the right thing to do, and they trusted that instinct. Oh, to be in the mind of a caterpillar....

We went away for a few days, and came home to this:
Our 6 little larvae had pupated and were beginning to make the transformation of their lives.

We watched and waited for about 10 days, until finally:
Our first butterfly emerged...

One after another they came out of their chrysalis' over the day, and we watched in awe as they hung to dry their wings, occasionally exercising and unwinding their probiscus'. Sadly, 2 of the 6 butterflies did not fare so well. One became trapped in his chrysalis and did not emerge on his own.

After a few days we helped him out, but he only survived for a few days. My daughter showed him such compassion and took the best care she could of him.

Another fell from the chrysalis before he could hang to dry his wings, so they didn't have a chance to unfold properly. He is still alive and with us 2 weeks later, but I'm sure he won't be around much longer. My daughter takes him out every day to say hello and give him some love (including kisses). I hope his short life has been a fairly happy one.

The other four emerged and transformed with no difficulties, and one by one we set them free to explore our glorious earth before their short lives came to an end.

All in all, it was a very successful, educational and FUN experiment. If you ever have the chance to witness the miraculous transformation, I highly recommend it.

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.
~Rabindranath Tagore

Once again, it's been a while...

Yes, I took a little hiatus from blogging. Boredom? Perhaps. Nothing of interest to say? I think so. Busy life? Definitely. And I probably still don't have much to say that will be of interest to my readers (if any should still exist), but a wise woman advised me some time ago, "Write for yourself, nobody else". So once again, I am going to attempt it. We'll see how it goes this time.

Life hasn't got any less busy. In fact, I am much busier these days. Chasing my kids, managing/promoting a dear friend's comedy career, training to become a Birth Doula and living life on this gorgeous planet of ours has been keeping me very busy. The difference is, I am wasting less of my spare time than I was 6+ months ago. The departure of cable from our household has made a huge difference in our lives, and a welcome difference to be sure. Perhaps not from my kids' perspectives, but definitely from mine.

I've taken up all sorts of hobbies again, reading being the one I missed the most. Like many of my friends, I succumbed to the hype that is "Twilight". I couldn't understand why all my 30-something friends were so ga-ga over these books, and this teen aged vampire named "Edward". So one day while grocery shopping, I spotted the book with a big sticker that said "25% off" and thought, "Why not?". I opened the book that night after the kids were in bed, and settled into the couch with the CBC playing gently in the background. I read until 2 am that night, unable to put it down, and finished it the next afternoon. I went stir crazy trying to find the next 3 to read, and wouldn't begin the last chapter of each until I had the following book in my hands. They each sucked me in as easily as the first, and within a week I had read the four books in the series and was satisfied.

Team Edward, all the way. ;)

That was 2 months ago now. Since then, I have read 6 more books by various authors. I pat myself on the back because save for parenting and self help books, I have not read for pleasure in the past 6 years. I'm back, and I love it! (And book suggestions are always welcome!)

I think the return to reading is what has inspired me to return to writing. I was being fed with too many pictures for a time there, and not enough words. I love words. Of course, I love pictures too which is why I love photography. But I want to see pictures I choose, not those that are fed to me by corporate sponsors trying to influence my decisions and take my money.

With the summer soon to arrive, the blog will be filled with photos and stories of our many summer adventures. I hope you will enjoy it and keep reading. Please, say hello once in a while and give me your thoughts, feedback, thoughtful debate... anything!

For now, peace and love.
Jo

So I was wrong...

In my last post, I was certain the Conservatives were in for a fall in the election, and would lose some of their seats. Huh. I was wrong. I expected a slightly different outcome than what we received. Too bad, I was hopeful. Next time.

It is being said that Stephane Dion will be stepping down as the Liberal Party leader today. What a shame. I'm not his "biggest fan" as a politician, but I think as a human being he seems fairly decent. But it's a shame the Liberal party selected him in the first place and generally wasted his time. There were other candidates who I personally felt could have fared much better. I didn't understand why they chose him at all, but hey I'm not a Liberal, so what do I care. lol Back to the drawing board for the Libs. Bonne chance, M. Dion! Thanks for your attempt to have a "fun Canada!". (One of the best lines from the leader's debate, ever!). And good luck to the Liberals in finding a replacement. Choose wisely, grasshoppers...

I hope we do not see reform in the NDP party. I think I am one of the few I know who actually likes Jack Layton. Sure he's a little shmultzy and over the top with that big smile of his at times, but he's got charisma and character, and a good head on his shoulders. I see victory for Mr. Layton in the future, if the party allows him to continue on. And if the people of Ontario get their heads out of the sand and quit saying, "I can't do it again! Not after what Bob Rae did to Ontario!", perhaps this country could see some reform for once.

It's funny - Bob Rae has jumped ship to the Federal Liberals, and now that he wears a different colour, he's okay? He was elected in his riding the other night. So who was the problem in Ontario? Bob Rae or the NDP? (It was Bob! A new red coat doesn't make him any less of who he was when he led the Ontario NDP, folks!).

*shaking my head*

Elizabeth May - time will tell her fate. She is getting all the glory for bringing the party up to where it currently stands with nearly 7% of the popular vote, but it must be noted that the momentum was started back in 2004 with Harris as the leader, who led the party to an almost 4% jump in popularity. May and the Greens have continued that momentum, and for that she should be proud, but she did not create it.

What an interesting county we live in. So divided, so torn. What choice we have though! For that I am very grateful. We all should be. Regardless of majority, minority, seats or none, we have choice!

Oh, Canada

DSC_0827
Originally uploaded by ms_czyph

Today is election day in Canada. Or, as I am calling it, the biggest farce and waste of money this country has ever seen. The Conservatives stand to be re-elected with a very narrow margin, forming yet another minority government (and this time with a smaller minority!) which will cause another election to be called, likely next fall. Farce.

It sickens and saddens me that they are entering this election polling at about 34%, and they stand to win. 34%! The majority of Canadians do not want the Conservative Government to retain power, however they are so bloody well torn on who to vote for on the left that we will continue to suffer until next fall when an election is sure to be called again. Wasteful. Shameful. Irritating!

We need serious electoral reform in this country. This "first past the post" stuff doesn't work for us anymore. A more proportionate representation is what we should be fighting for. "Should" being the operative word. Canadians, sadly, are so complacent and "la-di-da" about the Government and policies that affect them that it will never happen. Nobody cares enough. That troubles me. It also troubles me that more Canadians tuned into the US Vice Presidential debates than for the Canadian leadership debates.

Come on, people!

I'd love to see penalties for those who don't vote included in our electoral reform. Fines, jail time - I'm not picky. It is your civic duty to vote, and I see no excuse for NOT voting, other than your own apathy, ignorance and laziness.

I cast my vote this morning. I waffled, I debated myself, I questioned what was the "right" way to vote. In the end, I just marked my X where I thought it would be best served. I know I can't really affect the outcome of the election that much with my one little vote, but dammit - I'm willing to try.

If you haven't voted yet, please do. If not, don't complain later when things happen and changes are made that you aren't too pleased with. You give up that right when you ignore your duty.

Red-tailed Hawk

"The wild hawk stood with the down on his beak

And stared with his foot on the prey."

~ Lord Alfred Tennyson, 'The Poet's Song'

In early/mid April of this year, my husband and I noticed a pair of Red-tailed Hawks circling a building across the way from us. You could hear their decending cry, "kree-eee-ar....kree-eee-ar", as they flew overhead looking for a meal and as it turned out, a place to nest. They couldn't have picked a better location to hunt and live in. The building they chose is an old abandoned bread factory which now serves as a hotel to hundreds of pigeons who spend their days sitting in a line on the roof, basking in the sun. I can only imagine the smorgasboard of rats, bats and other small animals that are sure to be found inside. A ready food supply without needing to leave the nest - pretty astute creatures these hawks are! Since the bottom half of the building is used as storage for a local company, Novacraft Canoe and Kayak, we aptly named the pair "Canoe" and "Kayak".

One of "our" birds when they first starting building their nest.

Second window in , second row from the top...

It was mid to late May when we heard the first cries from the nestling. It was difficult at first to get an idea at first of how many chicks had hatched, but we narrowed it down to one squawking cry - all day long. It was absolutely amazing to hear the youngster's call, but unbelievable how loud 'he' could be, and how it reverberated off the building walls. We named the baby "Nova", keeping in theme with the unwitting landlords. As the nestling grew, we heard the immature "kree" call as 'he' learned to fly. Day and night we listened and waited with anticipation for the day we would see Nova emerge.

One of the hawks in flight, late May.

The pigeons take flight as the hawk perches on the fire escape and waits for his take out.

The adults didn't hunt outside of the building very often through May to July, but had started coming out a little more lately. We would all run excitedly when we heard the call overhead and turned our eyes (and cameras!) to the sky trying to catch a glimpse of their majestic flight. A few times I watched as one of the hawks sat in a window on one of the lower floors and tore apart it's catch with it's big, strong beak. Other times they would just sit and watch us, as we watch them, while they caught a breath of fresh air (and probably a few moments of peace) before the baby would begin to squawk again, calling out every 3-4 hours for food.

I know I can't describe the sound adequately, but one of the calls reminded us of a duck that was hurt or trapped (we called it the "psychotic duck sound"), and at other times we heard a sound comparable to an excited monkey. It's calls would be followed by a series of loud shrill "chirps" which we thought maybe were the parents answering back, but we can't be sure. Later we heard what we thought may be the immature "kree-eee-ar" that the hawks make in flight and while hunting, and knew Nova would be leaving the nest soon.

In the last few days, the squawks and calls for food from the baby have stopped. A sense of panic almost overcame us yesterday as we realized we hadn't seen or heard from our friends in a few days, until that familiar cry came once more and we looked up to see one of the adults flying with the much smaller nestling right above our house. I ran for my camera, but they were gone again before I could get a picture of the moment we had been waiting for - Nova's first flight!

I am hoping to get a picture of Nova before he and his parents leave for the winter, if they do leave that is. Some hawks will migrate, others will stay. We hope they will stay, or at least return next year, so we can witness it all over again and perhaps document them even further. Such majestic creatures, they are. Someone I loved very much once told me that in Native folklore, hawks are watchers and protectors. I can think of many times in my life when I have needed comfort and had an encounter with a hawk at that moment. It is nice to think that they maybe are watching and protecting my family and I. And even if they are not, it's truly amazing to watch and has been a wonderful lesson in nature for us all. I've enjoyed our friends immensely and will be sad to see them go.

Say cheese!

"You'd think he was the first person to ever lose a tooth!" ~ Judy Blume

Alice lost her first tooth last Friday. It had been wiggling for what seemed like an eternity, before laying completely flat for a few days (gag) and eventually coming out with a little tug from Alice. I must tell you, I have a serious aversion for anything to do with teeth. *shivers* I keep having to remind myself that this is the first of many that she is going to lose, and Jack next. Ugh. It should get easier by then, I'm sure. Oh, man, I pray!

The tooth fairy came that evening, and what a lucky girl she is! She was left $5 and a book with a note stating that first teeth are extra special, and the rest of her teeth are valued at $2 a piece. I checked with other moms to see what they were doing, so we wouldn't blow our cover. I can't get over the rate of inflation on teeth though. I remember getting a quarter! But then, that was 30 years ago... *sigh*

Gotta love a cute, toothless grin!

"Produce great pumpkins....

... the pies will follow later." ~ Unknown

We're not sure what is going to come of these, as they weren't planted until around July 9th, but hopefully these little plants will yield us a few pumpkins to carve and use for pies this fall! It's amazing how much growth we have seen in just a few weeks though. I'm hopeful!

July 25th

July 27th

July 31st

All 4 pumpkin plants, cauliflower and tomatos. There is a row of green peppers at the top as well. I'm thinking we might end up pulling the cauliflower etc to make room for the pumpkin vines...

“We fancy men are individuals; so are pumpkins; but every pumpkin in the field goes through every point of pumpkin history” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

We'll see what happens!

Long Point

Last Sunday we took a little trip to the beach at Long Point Provincial Park. It's a gorgeous park located on a 40 km sand spit on Lake Erie, and one of the nicest beaches I have ever set foot on in Canada.

The wind was up and the waves were quite high on the day of our visit, but the water was warm and shallow. We had a wonderful time "wave crashing" and splashing around in the water. And I, of course, had a marvellous time taking pictures with my new camera. Enjoy!

Jack climbing up on a drifted log, thinking he would be safe from the waves.

Now you see him...

... and now you don't. It hit that log and sprayed right over top of him.

Off the log he went. Alice had a great laugh over it, but it didn't deter Jack from running into the oncoming waves again and again.

A new baby to love!

Oh, exciting news from my front. I have a new baby to love!

Last week I became the proud owner of a Nikon D40, digital SLR camera. I am overjoyed with my new little friend and have hardly put it down since charging the battery!

As a result, I have decided that much of this blog will become a "photo blog". I plan on posting a photo or two each day with a little story attached to them. Yes, I've got the bug again. I lost it for a while, as I was feeling left behind the times still shooting with film in my Nikon F90X. But I'm back, and more excited than ever!

So sit back and enjoy the show! I hope to see some feedback from you. Help me as I grow!

Peace,
Jo