Life is a journey, not a destination...

"One day Alice came to a fork in the road and saw a Cheshire cat in a tree. Which road do I take? she asked.

Where do you want to go? was his response.

I don't know, Alice answered.

Then, said the cat, it doesn't matter."

- Lewis Carroll

Hat tip: Self Made Girl

Must. Learn. Flash.

This Land

Is it Saturday already?

I think I am still on island time... I guess being sick has thrown my sense of time off balance... But then again, time, itself as a concept, is relevant only to the situation at hand.

When we were travelling to Duncan B.C., on our honeymoon, Duncan and I had to laugh when we saw this sign, depicting truly the laid back nature lovingly refered to as "island time."

PSSSST... It's 2004 now....

Words cannot descibe how much of a stupid comment this is.

George W. Bush: I want to be the peace president.

Good job so far.

Nothing is as Nothing does...

Sitting here on my break this afternoon I am reminded of a warm spring afternoon spent in Buddhism class, years ago. Our Professor, Dr. Kawamura, was explaining (with some inner glee, I might add) the concept of 'nothing' to a classroom full of almost entirely western thinking people. Now, for most western brainers, certain Buddhist concepts are hard to relate to, and the idea that nothing exists (or doesnt exist) is no exception. I was enjoying the "discussion" maybe as much as my Prof was, as one of my class mates persisted to argue that "nothing" really did, in fact, exist. "Ofcourse nothing exists," she postulated, "It is right here, everywhere around us. Even nothing is something."

Dr Kawamura smiled sagely until her rant had finished, and then he calmly said, "Well, you had better be careful walking to the door (gesturing widely to the big empty space between her and the door) because you might bump into it."

Hmmm. I wonder if bumping into nothing would hurt. Or not...

Home Again!

 
We don't have the official wedding pictures yet but here is a picture (taken by Duncan's Dad) of Duncan and I at the Alberta Legislature, waiting with our bridal party for Murray (whom married us) so we could finish taking our pictures.  You can't really tell but there was a freezing wind blowing us around at the time of the pic, but it wasn't enough to dampen any spirits!
 
The ceremony was beautiful, the wedding night amazing, and the honeymoon delerious!  I am working on the pictures to publish and, while I make no promises that I could be quoted on in the future, they should be ready soon.  It has been very busy since our return and while we are re-immersed into daily life, it feels like we are still on our honeymoon.  But I guess that's the way it is supoosed to be! 

Where in the World is Duncan and Allie Wojtaszek?

Currently on North Vancouver Island, shortly to be on Cortez, and then Nanaimo, Duncan, Vancouver, Calgary and home.

But there will be an update upon our return - we are just having too much fun right now to blog - but we shall return!!

Happily Ever After

... and they loved happily ever after...

Ever have one of those days?

Independance Day...

If you are going to panic, panic constructively.

My momentary lapses into anxiety seem to be somewhat eleviated by Deven's arrival with his guitar. Dawn arrives here tomorrow. I am getting very excited now, but sometimes I allow myself to muse about how much there may or may not be still to do before the big event. Well, atleast I am finding motivation to finish whatever still needs to be done (there is no fate but that which we make for ourselves), and I am calm enough to have confidence that everything that is important has already been done. But, alas, three days...

"A school is a factory is a poem is a prison is academia is boredom, with flashes of panic."
— Joseph Brodsky

Subliminal Persuasion, or Self Fulfilling Prophecy?

You decide.

Living for the only thing I know

I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you

Forgetting all I'm lacking
Completely and complete
I take your invitation
You take all of me

I'm falling even more in love with you

I love you, Duncan. Only 5 more days to go!

Happy Canada Day, Eh!

He's sweet, like candy to my soul...

Duncan sent me an "Oryx and Crake" e-card this morning. This is what he wrote:

I love you. More than Jim loved Oryx.

I love you too, my sweetheart. You are my everything!

Fish Holocaust!!!

Almost every fish in Raven's tank has mysteriously vacated this world. There is one left. Emergency Rescue is in progress...

Ebb and Flow...

Writ dropped in August for a September election?

Hmmmm. Interesting...

*Allie speculates poignantly*

There is still so much work to do...

Remember folks, you heard this speculation here first.

Seven Days to go...

Almost everything is done now. Soon all I will have left to do is panic ;-)

In the Land of Meaningful Opportunities...

"History and common sense teach us that an unchecked system of detention carries the potential to become a means for oppression and abuse of others" wrote american Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor in a decision that was just one of the high court's first rulings on Bush's terrorism policies; in particular with regards to his assertions of presidential power in order to indefinitely detain prisoners deemed to be enemy combatants.

Making It Count

"... It feels as though people will be voting for the party they dislike the least," said Ottawa computer salesman Mark Harrison as he waited to vote.

Yep. I know how that feels.

Don't forget to vote today, even if you just consider it practise for the real upcoming federal election...

Fahrenheit 9/11

George Bush continues to read "My Pet Goat" to a classroom full of grade two kids after being told of the Sept 11 terrorist attacks. The first plane hit the World Trade Center's north tower at 8:45. The Second plane hit the South tower at 9:03. What is he thinking?
Dude, where's the president?

Brilliant. The theatre was absolutely packed. We clapped afterwards. We talked until 2:00 am, because we had too.

Welcome to Ireland

Ever get the feeling that you
are not welcome?

When to look a gift horse in the mouth...

I can't shake the sense that this may be one of the most important elections I have ever voted in. I just can't clear my head about the field of choice, and the more I consider this election the more concerns I have. Some people are very excited, but the little voice in the back of my mind whispers "be careful what you ask for..."

The Conservative Party is not really what it would have us believe it is. I am old enough to parade Reform Party inflicted scars, old wounds picked open again by the new Alliance Party - and now this trojan horse appears. I can't tell whether I am just naturally skeptical, or deafened by the alarm bells ringing in my head.

I like knowing where I stand. Trust is not something I am comfortable injecting into federal politics, where I appreciate stability to lay, although I am not afraid of a shake up now and then and a political challenge is always welcome. But maybe that's because I live in Canada, where nothing ever bad has really happened politically and our normative lifestyle seems as assured as our sense of security does.

But how easily and how quickly could that reality change?

I don't think I like any of my current choices, especially locally, but federally as well. And when I do, it is short lived, and on second thought I find myself undecided again.

I think I have Voters Block.

Another Meme: Where was I when...?

Ronald Reagan Died

Calgary, Alberta. Duncan, Quynn and I had just arrived at the hotel for the now infamous Game Six of the Stanley Cup Finals. We had read on the internet before we left the White House Statement that he wasn't in good health. I remember thinking if the White House is issuing a statement like that, it's probally game over already.

September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks

Canmore, Alberta. Dawn, Wesley, Raven and I were helping a friend clean up her house in Canmore so she could sell it. The kids and I sat down to watch it... we speculated on the consequences and possibilties. I spent many long minutes on the phone with Duncan who was at work in Calgary at the time, and I also spoke on the phone with some people in a New York Call Center who were at work (in tall buildings) and didn't know what had happened yet, or how much had happened. The cracks in my world were immediatley and undeniably visible, and I knew everything had changed.

Princess Diana Died

Calgary, Alberta. The day the music died. I didn't have a TV at the time, so I watched the live coverage late that night with my neighbour Thomas Wharton (yes, the famous Tom Wharton). I knew she was dead before anyone reported it, just knew it in my heart. I phoned my sister in England that night, who was still asleep, and I remember her first words were "Oh my god, they killed her."

OJ was Acquitted

Nanaimo, British Columbia. Not guilty my Ass. That trial was a mockery and I refused to watch it on TV.

Curt Kobain died

Nanaimo, British Columbia. I was at work with my young son at the Army Base. I was not entertained.

The Persian Gulf War

Nanaimo, British Columbia. I was at work at the Nanaimo Battle School. I had predicted this was coming and was watching events unfold closely. When I was called to say that my office had recieved a "Secret" memo (which had to be guarded, in a locked safe) I knew shit was going to fly.

Gretzky traded to the Kings

Nanaimo, British Columbia. The King is Dead. Long live the King. It was the beginning of the end, as I saw it. I was 16, and my heart broke. I was angry for years at Gretzky and Sather; perhaps I still would be if maturity hadn't mellowed the edge.

The Challenger Exploded

Nanaimo, British Columbia. A budding astronaut wanna be, I was at school, in Grade 8 Science Class. The teacher said the Space Shuttle had just exploded and everyone was dead. I thought it was a joke, but then they got a TV in the classroom and we watched it as it happened, live. I was devastated, really my first experience of mourning shared by the world. I named all of my gerbils after the seven Astronauts.

Reagan was Shot

Nanaimo, British Columbia. I was only 8 years old, Reagan was really the first President I cared about. I remember watching it on the news with my Dad. This is my first real recollection of a news story that had any impact on me - I was totally fascinated. I had just watched all the election excitement while they elected a president, I had no real concept they might shoot him! "Bang, bang, bang, bang." That's what I remember. My first shooting (I think).

Lennon was shot

Nanaimo, British Columbia. Nothing to kill or die for... I was pretty young, and his death would have a greater impact on me in later years.

Mt St Helens Exploded

Nanaimo, British Columbia. I was outside playing in the front yard when I heard a huge explosion far off in the distance (which I thought must be more of the construction that had been going on). The next thing I knew, the earth moved so violently that I was thrown forward to the ground. The earthquake didn't last long, but the "big" boys who lived next door ran from their tent in their underwear screaming "Mommy" even though I was there to see it. I remember at school during the next week huge flakes of ash falling from a clear sky, like snow...

Munich Olympic Hostage Crisis

Burnaby, British Columbia. I was barely born, but I do have a memory (seen at some point of time in my early childhood I imagine) of the helicopter exploding. Welcome to my world.

Paul Henderson's Goal

Vancouver, British Columbia. I was present in the room at the time that the game was played, even if I was too young to realize how much of an impact hockey would have on my life. Maybe that moment helped define my absolute love of Hockey.

Hat tip: Jon and Rea in Calgary.

With every great love comes a great story...

The NOTEBOOK

A beautiful telling of the most important experience of our lives; all those who are lucky enough to have ever fallen in love will recognize these tender moments of deep truth with fondness and levity of spirit - the feelings this movie evokes touches the heart in a most gentle, yet integral, way.

This is one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen - and the best this year. So many of it's key elements speak to my soul and the experiences I have had over this lifetime - learning the difference between loving and being in love with someone, loving someone with all of yourself and the satisfaction that brings to an existence, the patience and wisdom that comes from making difficult choices in love, the romance of dreaming a life with your best friend, and the tragedy of sharing some one you love with dementia. It's all there, it's all real, and it's all true.

Duncan and I saw this movie in previews a while back, and I just finished reading the book. When we left the theatre, almost everyone was crying, but it wasn't a sad story, it was just that touching. I recommend it to everyone. Go and see it - for it is the story of life, what is important in life and how we remember how and who we love.

Still our Hero...

Remember the wedding invitation we sent a while back to the Stanley Cup, care of Captain Jarome Iginla?

I found this in the mail box today.

Along with this note...

We are saddenned too by the summer's lack of the Cup, but they are all still our hero's! Go Flames Go!

Talking Heads and the Human Cost of War

"I think that some heads should roll over Iraq"
- retired General Anthony Zinni

Apparently, people agree. And heads seem to be rolling.

Long before I myself had actually seen a human head severed from it's body (I saw a man decapitated in a motorcycle accident when I was 14) my imagination regarding the condition we refer to as "decapitation" was informed mostly by my father's own illustrations: his early memories, that he would relate to me in story form, whenever he would get it in his head to talk about 'the war'. Being a typical 5 year old in London during the now infamous Battle of Britain (July through October 1940), my father had many images burned forever into his formative memory. The one visual that keeps replaying in my head lately is the story of his neighbour, or perhaps I should say, his neighbours head.

After a particularly bad aerial fight and a spat of bombing, my Dad had ventured out of the shelter to survey the damage, and see if any help was needed. Thats when he saw it, his neighbour's head, rolling down the gutter towards him. The head was rolling.

The more I think about it I realize that my Dad's story may even have contributed to that nasty dream I had in Grade two, where I was at school naked, and then (as if matters couldn't get worse) my head fell off and I had to chase it as it rolled down the hallway...

And why are these things rolling around in my head?

Beheadings are rapidly becoming such common place news from the Middle East I fear losing count. How many people have lost their heads in the modern and televised spectacle of medieval origins? And if one is violently seperated from their head against one's will, is it fair to refer to it as "losing their head"?

Daniel Pearl. Nicholas Berg. Robert Jacobs. Paul Johnson Jr. Kim Sun-il. I don't see an end in sight...

Oh yeah, and I found this today... didn't I say all of this?

Pre Wedding Stress?

Who would have thought that a Marriage Licence would cost 70.00? That renting chairs could be so painfull and difficult? That the dressmaker might have forgotten my maid of honors dress? That all my measurements remained the same from my last fitting, except my boobs, which somehow grew? That my maid of honors plane ticket might be screwed up?

We are coming down to the wire... I am mostly very excited, and geniunely happy, and ever body remarks about how calm we seem, especially so close to the wedding. But thats only because, as well adjusted intelligent, mature adults, we have perfected our coping skills and created a wonderful support network of amazing friends (thanks everyone).

Allie's 8 Ways To Reduce Pre-Wedding Stress

8. Walk. Round the block, up the street, wherever. (Ride bike, rollerblade, run)

7. Breathe.

6. Drink water.

5. Laugh and sing.

4. Stretch your muscles out.

3. Nice hot bath. With candles.

2. Wine. Butterscotch Ripple Schnapps. Chocolate.

1. Sex. Remember you are in love!

For adults only; my few moments of fame...

My Boobies have achieved Google Fame. My Boobs too!

But Google has always liked me...

Midnight Romance

Ahhh... what else are gardens and summers for?

I want to plant flowers today...

We were actually on our way to the mall... sidetracked by the neighbours moving out sale... and now our household has a surplus (like we didn't before) of computer components.

I guess I can't blame Duncan since he found a Pentium 2 laptop for 25.00. And then the other computer was only 25.00, with the 10.00 printer thrown in... and there are now cables everywhere.

But I still want to go get my flowers. I'm gonna call Quynn.

Lifetimes

Well, like everything else that is alive,
people have lifetimes, too.
They live for about 60 or 70 years,
sometimes even longer, doing all the things
that people do like growing up and being grown up.

It can happen, though, just as it does with
all other living things, that people
become ill or they get hurt.
Mostly, ofcourse, they get better again
but there are times when they are so badly
hurt or ill that they die
because they can longer stay alive.
It may be sad, but that is how it is
for people. It is the way they live
and it is their lifetime.

So, no matter how long they are,
or how short, lifetimes are really
all the same.
They have beginings, and endings,
and there is living in between.

That is how things are.

- excerpted from
LIFETIMES: The beautiful way to explain death to children

Take your time, leave mine alone...

(EDIT)So we went to Calgary, partially for business (Duncan was presenting to the U of C Student Council, and we attended the Calgary West federal election forum while supporting CASA, CAUS, the SU and Rob South, and he picked up his divorce certificate from the court so we can now get a marriage licence) and partially for my Dad's funeral.

It was good at the University - I appear to be a bit of a celebrity at this time. I sopose you can guess why...

Also, I have a message for Calgary West:

PLEASE, anyone but Rob Anders.
May I suggest Justin Thompson?
(Thats for my good friend Rob South)

Life is suffering...

...give me the calmness
to accept the things
that I can not change
and the courage
to change the things
that I can change
and the wisdom
to distinguish one from the other

Buddha taught us that the First Noble Truth of Dukkha is "Life is suffering." Not just physical suffering, but also emotional and psychological suffering. Dissatisfaction, disappointment, even love itself, causes us to suffer throughout our days.

Birth; decay; illness; death; hate; separation; love; happiness; loneliness; frustration; fear; embarrassment; worry; guilt; disappointment; anger; revenge; clinging to our existence... all is suffering.

This is the truth of life - life includes pain. Pain is not a unique experience; that we all feel pain is part of our shared human experience, an irrefutable fact that cannot be denied, no matter how hard one might try. Beyond our ordinary ideas regarding the importance of avoiding our neverless inevitable pains, the real uniqueness lies within how each human individually deals with, and learns from, their pain. It is the suffering that is optional. We all chose how to react and respond to our life experiences. Some choose to get lost in their misery and paranoia... stop clinging - free yourself.

Wisdom teaches us that we don't have the means neccessary to change those around us, or to even judge whom needs to be changed, it is a wasted effort. If we are lucky enough, we just might learn how to change ourselves, and perhaps in doing so affect so positive change in our world as a result.

Soak up life. Meet adversity and challenges head on. Take risks, take your chances. Learn from the pain that develops our character as we mature. Reconcile your problems within yourself so that they no longer exist for you as problems. Grow stronger. Remember, there is peace in acceptance.

In acceptance, one accepts.

"Now watch this drive."

About to be released in Canada, Fahrenheit 9/11 is ready to make some waves. Check out the trailer!

I am very excited!

Three and one half years

Happy Anniversary Baby

We’re Still Number One – A Tribute to the Calgary Flames

Wow. Thanks for the Memories!

Team achievements; winning, battling, and sometimes losing, but definitely exceeding our expectations and igniting our fondest dreams. Feelings; happiness, anxiety, astonishment, excitement, inspiration, heart-stopping hockey-crazy madness. Memorabilia; jerseys, t-shirts, car flags, green hardhats, stickers, signs, flags, a Sea of Red known affectionately as the Red Mile - expanding it’s volume with each game – swelling with belief as a city united. And Pride. And awe. And great hockey – some of the best I have ever seen.

In the quest for the Holy Grail, the adventure has tantalized and brought out the truest of fans in each of us, even those that were not previously fans. Even brought Canadians together in the hopes of cheering the cup's return to Canada.

Game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals, down by only one goal, isn’t the best possible finish to the series, and maybe some would effectively argue that there really isn’t a “good” way to lose the Stanley Cup, but it is an honorable finish. It was a great run, a terrific fight, and the Calgary Flames have nothing to be ashamed of. They are still heroes in our eyes. Still number one. Still our team.

I wish, and I know Duncan feels the same way, that I could have been one of the 400 fans that greeted the team at the airport coming home. If only just to show our appreciation for all their efforts this post season, but mostly to show we still care, still support them. Still believe. Still love them.

Calgary is planning downtown rally this Wednesday (Olympic Plaza) in honor of our beloved team – our team that defeated three division champions (Vancouver, Detroit and San Jose) to bring us to the Stanley Cup Finals. I am sad that I likely won’t be able to be there to cheer them, so please, everyone that goes, cheer some for me too. Cheer a whole big bunch, because they deserve it.

GO FLAMES GO!

It really was an awesome Play Off run

I didn't really know what to post but I couldn't pass up sharing what I found on Rea's Blog:

Jon: Can we go to bed now?
Rea: I'm waiting for Allie to post...
Jon: She's probably crying.

I bet she's not alone!

Hmmmm. Yes, I did cry. Duncan held on to me in our shared anguish as I watched in somewhat numb disbelief the Stanley Cup get handed to Tampa Bay. There are too many emotions to really do it complete justice right now - but I am proud of the Flames, it doesn't get much better or closer than that. Now for next year!

You can also visit Rea's Tribute to my "fame & feminism" in her "Allie is a C-Cup Winner" post.

Hmmm Rea... does the C stand for Calgary? Cause really, it should be a D for Duncan!

THE RED MILE: a photo essay

Dare to Dream Calgary, Dare to Dream.

When I wake up, well I know I'm gonna be,
I'm gonna be the man who wakes up next to you



When I go out, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you



If I get drunk, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who gets drunk next to you



But I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more
Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles to fall down at your door



When I come home, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who comes back home to you



And if I grow old, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's growing old with you



When I'm lonely, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's lonely without you



And when I'm dreaming, well I know I'm gonna dream
I'm gonna Dream about the time when I'm with you

Hat Tip: I'm Gonna Be: The Proclaimers

Sunday Coffee News Briefs a la Allie

TO LAY IN STATE: A President Dies. Ronald Reagan, 40th president of the United States (1981-1999), died June 5th 2004 at his home in California. Reagan was 69 years old when inaugurated, the oldest candidate ever to have such an honour, and 93 years old when he died. He left office with the highest personal popularity rating of any american leader since Franklin Roosevelt, despite such notoriety as the Iran-Contra affair scandal, but will be better remembered for his role in ending the Cold War - standing at the Berlin Wall shouting "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" A little more than two years later, in 1989, that wall would indeed come down, hailing the beginning of the end of the Cold War. In 1994, he announced that he had Alzheimer's disease, and in 1995, together with his wife, founded the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute to help find a cure for the disease.

Smarty Jones Denied Crown: Birdstone takes Belmont win. Smarty Jones is the 10th 3 year old colt since the last Triple Crown winner (Affirmed,1978) to win the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness only to falter at the end of the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes, and it is speculated that Smarty Jones will named the top three year old colt regardless. Birdstone closed the four-length gap in the home stretch to overtake Smarty Jones in the final 100 yards, effectively denying him his Triple Crown Victory, which he was favoured to win. Jockey Edgar Prado, who rode the 36-1 long shot Birdstone to the finish line to win this years Belmont, also rode aboard Sarava in 2002, who spoiled War Emblem's Triple Crown try that year. Future plans for Smarty Jones likely involve the October Breeders' Cup Classic, for it's $4 million purse, and perhaps even a trip overseas for the $6 million Dubai Cup, horse racing's richest event. Go Smarty Jones, Go!

Lessons Learned: D Day Anniversary.(My unit landed on Juno beach as part of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division 60 years ago).

OH CANADA: Go Flames go! Canadians unite behind Flames for hopeful Stanley Cup Victory as the possibilty that the cup will return to Canada will be determined by the outcome of tonights game. Go Flames Go!

Calgary Kicks Ass!

Stanley, here we come! GO FLAMES GO!

Oh yeah, Go Smarty Jones!

P.S. Scroll down for the now infamous Calgary Flames Boobs Picture.

One. More. Win.

Right now, it's all about Stanley.

For everyone looking for Flames Boobies

Here is my contribution to the Flames Boobs phenomenon.



GO FLAMES GO!!!!!!!!!

It's not quite the same trying to celebrate the Flames mad success up here in Edmonton, but the spirit is willing! Duncan and I are HUGE Calgary Flames Fans - and we are sooo excited, we are going CUP CRAZY!!!

The new cold war or world war three undefined?

Having been both a member of a Cold War Military Force and a student of Religious Politics, I have often observed that, in needing an external enemy to define themselves, americans were a little lost when the Cold War ended and "Communism" was no longer a cause to fight against. I would suggest that they looked around to find a suitable replacement and for whatever reason settled on Islam.

Many people have argued or agreed with me, and their insights have informed and influenced my opinion over the years. Obviously I see this new "Cold" War against "Terrorism" (read Islam) to be more dangerous with every escalation and/or matter of retaliation, a sort of perpetual cycle of tit for tat abuse feeding itself as it spirals into potential armageddon (of biblical proportions), dragging all of us with it.

I see, as many do, several uneasy comparisions between our modern conflicts and the evils of World War I & II, and I often wonder if we are actually, without acknowledging or admitting it, a world at war again.

George Bush recently compared his war on terror to both america's propellant into World War II and to the subsequent cold war fought against the enemy of Communism, warning americans that the work of fighting terrorism would take "decades."

"Like the Second World War, our present conflict began with a ruthless, surprise attack on the United States," said Bush, as he prepares for his trip to Normandy (note to PM Martin, it's N-o-r-m-a-n-d-y, not Norway) in commemoration of the 60th anneversary of the start of the D-Day epic.

Flaunting the appearances of a war president, Bush yesterday addressed troops with Eisenhower's words from the eve of D-Day, comparing america's current war on terrorism with World War II, saying "The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you." Drawing obvious comparisions to Hitler, Bush took the opportunity to add "In all these threats we hear the echoes of other enemies in other times, that same swagger and demented logic of the fanatic."

Swagger and Demented Logic. The fanatic. Enemies. Words that I am not sure where they should find their definitions in our time.

What is your personal life?

And when is it no one's business to interfere with it? Just some random thoughts.

I have almost finished my Dad's Memorial page, off of our home page. You are welcome to visit if you desire - the only thing that it is missing is a story my Dad wrote that I would like to eventually include (when I can get it off his laptop).

We are a middle earth family

Reading the Fellowship of the Ring, my 10 year old son, described the experience as "like looking into a painting." I would have to agree. It is one of the most beautiful stories to ever entertain my imagination. Here are some of my favourite quotes from all three movies:

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING

"I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone."
- Arwen, as she gives Aragorn the Evenstar

"So do all that have lived to see such times. All you have to do is decide what to do with the time that given to you."
- Gandalf to Frodo

THE TWO TOWERS

"It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo, the ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. Sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when too much bad had happened? But in the end it is only a passing thing...this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer. Those are the stories that stay with you... that meant something. Even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going because they were holding on to something." "What are we holding on to, Sam?" "That there's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it's worth fighting for."
- Samwise Gamgee

RETURN OF THE KING

"A day may come, when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of Fellowship, but it is not this day!"
- Aragorn at the black gates

"The end? The Journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path we all must take."
- Gandalf to Pippin

Watching all three stories together was an amazing treat, and I highly recommend it. But now Duncan and I are going for a walk, cause sitting down in front of the TV for almost 12 hours was harder than we thought it would be! Gotta stretch those legs!

Taking a break today

Due to a death in the family I am not publishing a Sunday Morning Coffee News Briefs today, even though there is some excitement abrew in the world today. Check back next week, I won't be lacking then.

We have an exciting day planned for today - Quynn has just arrived and we are watching all three Lord of the Rings movies (extended versions) one after the other. It is certainly something I have always wanted to do - the movies are so beautiful and I am very much looking forward to it. I must go now as Quynn brought Second Breakfast with him and everyone is feasting.

My Daddy

Firefighters's Prayer

When I am called to duty God, wherever flames may be
Give me the strength to save some life, whatever age it be
Help me embrace a little child, before its too late
Or save an older person from the horror of that fate
Enable me to be alert, and hear the weakest shout
And quickly and effeciently to put the fire out
I want to fill my calling, and to give the best in me
To guard my every neighbor, and protect their property
And if according to your will, I should lose my life
Please bless with your protective hand
My children and my wife.

Why the Flames will win the Stanley Cup

"You know, I don't know, I just know that I'm thankful to be in the NHL. This is something I have dreamed about since I was seven years old. This is the time of my life. It really is."
- Flames Captain Jarome Iginla

The whole team believes. They play with heart. They inspire each other. They feel that it is an honor and a privilege to play for Hockey's most sacred trophy. They skate hard, play and celebrate together, refuse to give up and they have fun doing it.

They are bringing home the cup because they deserve it.

Go Flames GO!

Happy Birthday Daddy.

When Time Stands Still

There really are no words possible to describe what it is like to hold a parent in your arms until they die, cradling them as they have no doubt cradled you. There is no real way to measure the passing of such a time, no way to weigh the importance of each moment or to reflect how suddenly obvious the real priorities in life become.

And today I noticed the grass beneath my feet, revelled in the sun upon my face, breathed in the sweet smell of spring and tried out my first day as a daughter without a Daddy.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder;
You get your fill to eat, but always keep that hunger;
May you never take one single breath for granted;
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed;
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean;
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens;
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance;
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance...

I hope you dance...

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance;
Never settle for the path of least resistance;
Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin';
Lovin'might be a mistake but it's worth makin';
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter;
When you come close to sellin'out, reconsider;
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance;
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance...

... Dance...

Lyrics: Lee Ann Womack

Sunday Coffee News Briefs a la Allie

ELECTIONS CANADA: We're off to the races. The "pre-election" spending spree can now become the "election" spending spree, as Prime Minister Paul Martin dropped the Writ today, asking Govenor General Adrienne Clarkson to dissolve parliament and call a June 28th election. Current polls suggest that the Martin government is precariously teetering between majority and minority status, so this could be an interesting election run for Canadians. Hmmm. I think elections in our country are carefully disguised ways to stop Canadians from enjoying our only real periods of anarchy...

The Burning Bush: Top Prize at Cannes. Michael Moore's controversial film, "Fahrenheit 9/11," won the Palme d'Or at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. The film, which takes a critical look at the Bush administration following the Sept 11 2001 attacks, received a twenty minute long standing ovation after its premiere at the festival. The subject of the movie was to illustrate the corruptive influence of the war on Iraq on americans - and contains previously unseen footage of american soldiers' abuse of Iraqi detainees taken last Christmas Eve. It's bound to encourage some interesting conversation in an election year, that is if, ofcourse, if it is allowed to be distributed in the "land of the free."

Learning from History: Hiding in Shadows. The 72 hour long Israeli troop "rampage" through Rafah last week seems to be drawing to an end while the International Committee of the Red Cross was working to get food, water and medical supplies to 25,000 people. Israeli restrictions on the movement of ambulances have been hindering the evacuation of the wounded. A three year Palestinian girl, Rwan Abu Zaid, was shot in the head just outside of her home Rafah yesterday. Rwan's family was able to bury her, in accordance to Muslim tradition, a few short hours after her death. The bodies of more than 16 Palestinians who died in the beginning of the attacks are still waiting to be buried, the morgue they are in sealed off by Israeli tanks. Israeli Justice Minister Yosef Lapid, a Holocaust survivor himself, called for an end to the demolitions, saying "I saw on television an old woman picking through the rubble of her house in Rafah, looking for her medicine, and she reminded me of my grandmother who was expelled from her home during the Holocaust."

Signs of the times...

Powerful and Continuing Nationalism - Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.

Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights - Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of "need." The people tend to look the other way or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, and the like.

Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause - The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial, ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, and the like.

Supremacy of the Military - Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda i s neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.

Rampant Sexism - The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Opposition to abortion is high, as is homophobia and anti-gay legislation and national policy.

Controlled Mass Media - Sometimes the media are directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media are indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, is very common.

Obsession with National Security - Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.

Religion and Government are Intertwined - Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government's policies or actions.

Corporate Power is Protected - The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite.

Labor Power is Suppressed - Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely, or are severely suppressed .

Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts - Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts is openly attacked and governments often refuse to fund the arts.

Obsession with Crime and Punishment - Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses and even forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations.

Rampant Cronyism and Corruption - Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions and use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.

Fraudulent Elections - Sometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against or even assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.

Hat Tip: Dr. Lawrence Britt, Bridgewater State Poli Sci Dept.

Just a random blog post today. No idea where it fits into relevance... Just something I stumbled upon today.