Taken this past June at Bouvaird House in Brampton Ontario. One of those days when I had wished I had a tripod for the camera, but in hindsight this pic works out quite nicely for this week's theme

Wishing you all a bright and Happy New Year 2011!

And of course happy photo hunting too!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

We live in an urban center with public transit at the door. For us car ownership would be more of an albatross than something that would enhance our lives. At least that is my view on it.

I cannot imagine living in a urban metropolis say like Los Angeles where car ownership seems to be mandatory. I shudder at the expense. There are just as many car dealerships, and Los Angeles auto repair shops, as there are convenience stores or so it would seem.

Certainly there are some cars such as the Honda Civic, or the Honda Element that have caught my eye over the years, and I've thought it might be fun, and convenient to own a car for weekend use only, particularly a vehicle that is fuel efficient with good overall ratings. However, for us weekend rentals in the long run would be far more practical and financially sound than ownership.

I had this talk with one of my daughters a few years back who at the time needed gentle reminding that no, cars are a privilege, and not a right, and for many the afford-ability is difficult. From loan, and lease payments to insurance costs, and even parts like tires, head gasket, brake pads etc etc etc.....car ownership is expensive, and is one added expense we are currently happy to be living without.

Wordless Wednesday

I want to take this opportunity to wish my family and friends a very Happy Solstice and new year ahead. I do not look upon this time as simply the darkest day of our year, but as the beginning of moving towards longer, sunnier days.

It is a bit of a weird time for me as I started a cleansing fast a few days ago, and I am currently feeling a bit surreal, but happy and content at the same time. It is a really neat headspace to be in especially today.

Over the last three years I have had plenty of opportunity to encounter people who are wearing medical uniforms lab coats, and other hospital gear. First my diagnosis with Graves disease that led to twice monthly trips to the hospital lab for blood work, then my Mother's stay in the emergency ward before her doctor allowed for her to come home, and then Matthew's heart troubles of the summer. And from these observations I can tell you that what they say about white coat syndrome is true, people in lab gear, and hospital scrubs can be very intimidating.

Perhaps it makes more sense for the wearer to be kitted out in the more plain looking discount scrub sets that is most commonly worn in the hospital. However, when I would see a staffer who at least tried to personalise their look a little they somehow appeared more human if that makes any sense, and in turn the patient does feel more comfortable.

I think it would be great from the patient perspective to see more staffers in high fashion scrubs, or at least something a little more personal than the plainer uniforms.

Many years ago as a teen I had to have general surgery. Naturally I was very scared. However, when the anesthesiologist entered the room I was in wearing a Donald Duck cap I actually giggled a bit, and it broke the tension I was feeling (despite the meds) before having a rather scary procedure done. I never forgot that, and in turn have always thought how cool it would be for both staffers and patients if they were a little more creative in their uniforms.

My Boys!

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Wordless Wednesday

I find the antics of my daughter's cat Maya to be quite funny!

Kittens at play are just too adorable......

A few months older makes a big difference.....and being raised with dogs she is pictured here.....

......guarding her bone!

And finally....as an adult..........

Funny kitty thinks she'll be going shopping with me ....

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal.

They died because they were women.

A good man is hard-to-find............

I'm a lucky lady......

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Wordless Wednesday

Last weekend Matthew, Kas, and I decorated the Christmas tree. With a light dusting of snow falling over the city during the Santa parade, mugs of hot chocolate, and Charlie Brown Christmas music playing in the background, we had the perfect ambiance for tree trimming.

Our friend Jacque Sue in Texas wanted to see some pics of our ornaments so I thought I'd share some here

including the skeleton garland, 24 in all, that run throughout the length, and width of the tree

we try to really personalise our tree with decorations that are meaningful and reflect our interests, and taste

no tree would be complete without a disturbing elf

and finally with "shining guts" lighting the way on top we are all done!

I would describe myself as a voracious reader of books. At any given time I tend to be reading at least three books, devouring a few chapters of each and then switching them up until they are all finished, and of course more are introduced. This has been my habit since my early teens.

Over the past several years most of my reading has been confined to non-fiction, but over the past year I have rediscovered the joys of fiction. I'd like to blame my middle daughter who is an English major for this renewed love of fictional works. On her recommendation I have been reading both Margaret Laurence, and Margret Atwood. I have also been getting into supernatural thrillers, and gothic horror.

It started out a few months back with the fairly new release of Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith, (I believe it is being made into a movie) which I found to be a lot of fun, and a perfect lazy summer day read. Since then I have read several titles of a similar genre. Just last night I finished John Harwood's The Seance, which I read in the span of two days because it was too good to put down.

Here is a snippet from Amazon:

A haunting tale of apparitions, a cursed manor house, and two generations of women determined to discover the truth, by the author of The Ghost Writer Sell the Hall unseen; burn it to the ground and plow the earth with salt, if you will; but never live there . . .” Constance Langton grows up in a household marked by death, her father distant, her mother in perpetual mourning for Constance’s sister, the child she lost.Desperate to coax her mother back to health, Constance takes her to a séance: perhaps she will find comfort from beyond the grave. But the meeting has tragic consequences. Constance is left alone, her only legacy a mysterious bequest that will blight her life. So begins The Séance, John Harwood’s brilliant second novel, a gripping, dark mystery set in late-Victorian England.

It is a world of apparitions, of disappearances and unnatural phenomena, of betrayal and blackmail and black-hearted villains—and murder. For Constance’s bequest comes in two parts: a house and a mystery. Years before, a family disappeared at Wraxford Hall, a decaying mansion in the English countryside with a sinister reputation. Now the Hall belongs to Constance. And she must descend into the darkness at the heart of the Wraxford Mystery to find the truth, even at the cost of her life.

I put this book high on my recommended reading list, particularly for those who like a good Victorian style detective story with strong supernatural undercurrent.

Very spooky!

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Wordless Wednesday

A juicy roast

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I personally find it very sad that the Canadian Senate killed The Climate Change Accountability Act with no debate, and no consideration despite it having been passed in the house back in May. You can read more about it here.

Layton argued Harper had no right to use his "unelected senator friends" to kill the bill, which he called the will of the House.

"He's lost his moral centre," Layton said. "He's fundamentally undemocratic, Mr. Speaker.

I agree.

I am an admirer of James Lovelock. I think he possesses one of the most brilliant minds on our planet today. This is what he has to say on climate change. I wish more people would listen to him.

The time to get serious on this issue is right now if it has not already passed us by....and I am afraid the powers that be just aren't listening to those of us who want to see action taken on climate change at least ..... those in the Canadian Senate don't seem to be.

Wordless Wednesday

Since when has ignorance become a desirable trait? In the last week alone I have learned that Matthew and I were poked fun at for being too "sciency" and "smart and stuff" and my middle daughter was called a "university hothead" for strongly stating an anti-racist belief. No, I'm not kidding, and particularly with a sense of sadness the latter.

While growing up my parents always praised intelligence, and education. Knowledge was, and is something to strive for and is limitless I was told. I guess this upbringing is why I tend to gravitate towards people who I feel will impart some sort of knowledge or wisdom on me. I desire to learn.

I used to think that most people valued gained knowledge in the same sense I do, but I'm beginning to seriously doubt this. Last week's personal examples were just the proverbially cherry atop the ice cream sundae for what I believe is a current trend.

From political movements that loudly, and negatively proclaim the educated as the "elite" (and since when has the word elite become a slur? - I'll save that for a future blog post) to the popularity of celebrities that depict ignorance as fashionable or even desirable, this notion that "dumb is good" is rampant throughout the media, and the internet. This is based on my own casual observation only, however in discussion with others I know I'm not alone in noting this.

In my opinion this "ignorant" trend is disturbing.....

This week's theme photo hunt theme is itchy, and I thought I might share a photo of my favourite pure wool sweater, which I love, but is sooo itchy. Instead, and perhaps because yesterday was Remembrance Day here in Canada I decided to feature these pics instead.

Itchy wool jackets, worn by historical military re-enactors.

Can you imagine what it might have been like for 19th century soldiers who had to wear itchy woolen jackets, throughout battles, and even in hot weather!

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

To all of those who have served, and are serving....Thank You.

Wordless Wednesday

I had a situation crop up over the weekend with a young woman that I know who was greatly upset by a series of statements that were made by someone who later claimed they were joking. The young woman was publicly accused by this person of lying to get out of a social obligation, and when she made it known how upset she was, the accuser stated that the accusation was only meant to be funny.

Huh?!

I told the young woman I've been in situations like this before. I think we all have. Someone attempts to explain away their own poor behaviour that has caused some hurt by claiming it was just a joke. Often they will then blame you for not getting their jokes, or not having a sense of humour as opposed to offering any sincere apology for the hurt they've caused.

As an example once when I took exception to what could only be taken as a very offensive blog comment, I was told by the commentator that my "funny bone was broken." And "I obviously just didn't get it."

Unfortunately we all have to deal with negative types of people in some capacity throughout our lives. You know the type I'm talking about, people who seemingly desperately need to unload their own negative feelings on someone else, and in doing so may or may not realise how much harm or hurt they cause to others.

I try to avoid people like that, particularly when they try to defend their negative actions with the guise that it was meant to be funny.

Since entering my 40s and facing an unpleasant chronic illness and a potentially life threatening situation with my hubby I've realised that life is too short to allow others who knowingly or not make me feel uncomfortable, or unhappy have any influence over my life. I just won't give them that kind of power.

If you feel you cannot be yourself or honest with someone because they may use certain information to hurt you or if people make you feel embarrassed, ashamed, sad, or angry and try to explain their actions away as it was all in good fun, you may wish to seriously assess your relationship with these types, and ask yourself is it really worth maintaining a relationship with them.

This week's theme photo hunt theme is alive, and it was not too difficult for me to find a fitting photo from my collection.

This tropical house plant came from a basket that was brought to my grandmother's funeral back in 2005. I have several plants in each room of our home, mostly ivy because they are fairly easy to care for and keep alive.

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I'm proudly joining Mimi and many, many others by adding my peace globe to the blogsphere today!

Blog Blast For Peace

Telling spooky stories around the camp fire in August 2009. And if you like spooky stories of ghosts, monsters, and ufos please have a look at Paranormal Studies and Investigations Canada website, which is one of my current projects you may also be interested in The Toronto Ghosts & Hauntings Research Society the oldest established Canadian website devoted to ghosts and hauntings, and founded by my hubby back in 1997. Happy 13th anniversary TGHRS!

Happy weekend, happy photo hunting, and happy Halloween!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Can't get much more orange than these two!

Happy Almost Halloween!

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Some of my Dr Who action figures that adorn my desk, and my shelves. I figured they would work for the "miniature" theme.

Thank you to those who sent their well wishes last week. Matthew's treatment at the hospital was a success, and he is on the mend

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Matthew was booked in for a procedure called cardioversion this morning at the hospital, which should return his heartbeat to a normal rhythm. We just found out yesterday, and I have not had a chance to hunt up a suitable photo.

Catch you next week!

Elaborate initials at George Brown House, Toronto, Ontario

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

A nature path near my home where natural beauty, and tranquility can be enjoyed by all.

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

A view of the kiddo's classroom from last year. Sure looks different then when we were kids eh!

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I took the above photo of the Royal Conservatory of Music here in Toronto this past summer 2010. You may be curious as to how it relates to our "anniversary" theme, and I'll be happy to explain that to you.

The building you see above has a long, and storied history of being haunted. And considering its rather spooky appearance, this building in my opinion does deserve to have a good ghost story attached to it. Since it is one of Toronto's more famed haunts....I thought I would share this photo with you as this year marks the 13th Anniversary of the Toronto Ghosts & Hauntings Research Society - which my hubby founded back in 1997.

Nice tie in with the theme eh....well I though so...and I just love the above pic and wanted to share it with you.

Happy weekend, and happy ghost photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

A refreshing way to spend a hot summer day

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunt!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I love this pic of us.....

A pic of Matthew and I with friends who also happen to be fellow PSICAN members.

We had a lovely afternoon celebrating Lynn's birthday with yummy Chinese food, and a special presentation from Chris Laursen on some historical poltergeist accounts. Chris had just gotten back from the UK where he lectured at a University in Ireland, and was invited to visit Cambridge. He also had a fascinating meeting with famed SPR investigator Guy Lyon Playfair most noted for his work with Maurice Grosse the Enfield Poltergeist case, and an authority on the subject of poltergeists in general, and was able to give us further insights into the case.

Very cool stuff, and awesome people! Definitely a highlight of this past summer for me.

I thought I'd post a quick update on Matthew's condition since we've received so many well wishes, and kind, thoughtful queries as to how he is doing.

While he is not out of the woods yet so to speak, the medications he is on are keeping his pulse rate steady, and his blood pressure under control. He is also taking extra strength aspirins to keep his blood thin, and to prevent possible blood clotting due to the atrial fibrillation.

We will find out more from the Cardiologist next week, and hopefully have a better understanding of why this happened (in at least 10% of cases they have no clues as to why according to the emergency room doctors) and where we go from here.

It was VERY SCARY....but since we both are learning so much more on this condition, its causes, and its prognosis...we are both feeling much better and more positive than we were a week ago.

Aside from having to take it easy, and not over exert himself with tasks raising his pulse rate to high (the danger being he could faint) he is almost back to his normal self......you just can't keep a good man down ...or there is no rest for the wicked .... or insert your own cliche here. He is back to work, where I am assured they are taking it easy on him, and with each passing day feeling a little more confident.

I also want to take the opportunity to thank my Sister (the best sister anyone could ever ask for) who was at the hospital with my niece in under 1/2 hour from the time I called her. They were in the middle of a hike, and must have sprinted back to the car. The kids, and the rest of the family who called almost immediately expressing concern, and wanting to help including my ex and his wife.

Then there was the flood of calls, and messages, and even blog comments.... and with the exception of one idiot who you can read about on our paranormal blog who thought Matthew was withholding some sort of paranormal secret to life after death, everyone was just great.

THANK YOU SO MUCH! We really do appreciate all of your kind words, thoughts, and gestures....it is at times like these you realise who your friends are, and how much they mean to you.

I'm not going to participate in the photo hunt this weekend. I might have if I could have readily found a good pic from my collection for the theme, but I can't and I'm in one of those moods where I don't feel like looking.

For those who don't know, we had a very stressful Sunday just past. Matthew ended up in the emergency room of our local hospital with atrial fibrillation, which in everyday talk means his heart was not beating properly. There was a real scare that he might have had a heart attack, but thankfully that was not the case.

Currently he is on heart meds, and back to work, and will see a cardiologist next week, which should hopefully give us some answers as to why this happened, and if there is anything that can be done to prevent it in the future. We already do not smoke, nor drink, nor eat red meat so who knows.....

I was going to blog about it earlier, get my feelings on the matter out, but after coming home from the hospital, and having a good long cry I've sort of felt numb about it, and not in the mood to write.

What I have been doing is reading everything I can on atrial fibrillation and the heart in general, making lists of questions, and notes on things I want to bring up to the doctor. By the time we get to the Cardiologist next week I will know far more than most non-medical personnel should know about the heart, and Matthew's particular condition. That is just how I cope with things, by filling my head with as much knowledge as I possibly can on any given subject. My Mom used to say "ignorance is bliss" for me that works in reverse, knowledge empowers me.

Trinity College, Great Hall, University Of Toronto, August 2010

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunt!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I am not quite certain what the purpose is of the orange/rust coloured thing on the left. The photo was taken while I was away on vacation last weekend in Northern Ontario. It is located on the site of a long ago abandoned water treatment facility.

Happy Friday the 13th, happy weekend, and happy photo hunt!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

A view of High Park Public Library, on Roncy, here in Toronto, Canada.

Next weekend I will be away on vacation and unable to play along, but I'll be back in two weeks for whatever the theme will be. Until then....Happy weekend fellow photo hunters!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Earlier today I came across a blog called Snarly Skepticism. The blog's name and subject matter caught my interest, and I started reading through some of the entries, which is how I found the post titled, Uber-skeptoid with way too much time on his hands gets libx warning and nearly peed myself while reading it. I assure you had it been much earlier in the day a mouthful of my morning coffee surely would have ended up all over the mothership (my desk) keyboard and monitor.

Go have a read via the link ..... but in a nutshell (the word nut being very apt here) a JREFF regular took it upon himself to rearrange books on the paranormal within his local library to sections that _he_ believed were most appropriate...of course without actually consulting library staff. When caught he was reprimanded, and for some peculiar reason, psuedo-skeptical logic perhaps, was upset at how _he_ was treated for mucking about with their shelves.

Anyway about a month ago I noticed something similar in our local library. I came across some UFO books in the Sci-Fi section, and then I noticed some true ghost story books written by our dear friend, and Order of Canada recipient John Robert Colombo in the mythology section. I pointed this out to Matthew, and we speculated that maybe a new employee was an evangelical Atheist and filing them this way. I even noted that we couldn't find even a single cryptozoological book anymore. Who knows where they were filed.... It was very weird, and now I've got to wonder what is actually going on.

Next time I'm in the library I'm going to check the numbers on the book and see if they match the library catalogue as to where these books should be located. And if not then I'd bet we have a JREFF fan in the neighbourhood who was inspired by this idiot.

Hanging with my girls. Taken much earlier this past year while on a nature walk.

Happy weekend everyone!

Next week the theme is: Public

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

You never know what you might find on Sue's desk! This is my paperweight, and it just happens to work out quite nicely for this week's triangle theme.

Happy weekend everyone!

Next week the theme is: Hanging

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

A view of Grenadier Pond from High Park, here in Toronto.

High Park is an urban green space that is free for Torontonians, and tourists to use, and enjoy thanks to the kindness, and generosity of George and Jemima Howard who gave the park to the city.

Happy weekend everyone!

Next week the theme is: Triangle

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I took this pic of an older factory last summer while out for a stroll through an area of Toronto that I had not really explored before. The open windows work with this week's theme.

Happy weekend everyone!

Next week the theme is: Free

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I am saddened, and disgusted by the violence that has happened in Toronto today. Not only has some really good messages that needed to be heard from the majority of protesters been drowned out by the few who decided to trash our city, but small business owners, and people who live in the Queen West area have to suffer because of it.

Ultimately I place the blame on the shoulders of the powers that be who must have known the strong potential (one billion dollars spent on security) for these black bloc anarchists showing up, and still subjected our city to this mayhem, and put the safety of our citizens, and police at risk. Surely there could have been a better place to hold this? And for what, a meeting by leaders where past promises have been broken, and I personally hold out little hope will result in real positive change for our planet.

Image Credit: CTV

Mitzi's Cafe with a welcoming purple doorway, and a sign of 1950s pin-up Mitzi Gaynor. They feature the work of local artists, and serve up a yummy brunch!

Happy weekend everyone!

Next week the theme is: Open

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

At approx 1:43pm today we experienced an earthquake here in Toronto! We've had minor quakes before, but this one was actually strong enough to scare both myself, and our two dogs.

According to news reports the quake was 5.5 and the epicenter was near Ottawa.

So far, all of our friends and family that I've touched base with are ok thank goodness, however I am still a bit shaken, and wonder if we'll feel any aftershocks here in the city.

With the oppressive heat, and severe thunderstorms that forecasters are now predicting will hit Toronto overnight, I'm starting to wonder if Gaia herself has joined with the G20 protesters.

What a day to be in Toronto!

Six Feet Under

I enjoy taking strolls through cemeteries. I find cemeteries to be a lovely place for quiet reflection, many are beautifully landscaped, and I am a fan of funerary art. The above photo was taken last summer at Mount Pleasant Cemetery here in Toronto. The headstone is almost completely illegible, and the marker itself is now being reclaimed by the ground.

Happy weekend everyone!

Next week the theme is: Purple

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I actually had a fairly difficult time finding a photo that was a decent representation of the theme this week. I even attempted to think outside of the box with it, but came up with bupkiss. So here you have a very weak pic of "bubbles" taken at the base of a very small stream in High Park. I've tried to contrast the pic a bit so that the bubbles are more easily viewable. They are there, just tiny.

Happy weekend everyone!

Next week the theme is: Six (6)

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

This photo does not actually do the sparkle of these shoes justice! I bought them a couple of years back at Payless along with the sparkly gold handbag that is partially pictured.

Happy weekend everyone!

Next week the theme is: Bubbles

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I came across this image a few times while surfing the net, and it is an apt representation of my mood today. I'm not certain who the image belongs to, but if you recognise it let me know so that I can give proper credit or seek permission to use it.

It is lovely in its sadness.

I had a strange sleep last night filled with dreams of UFOs, and aliens. I never really woke up from it if you know what I mean. I had one of those surreal days that are more dream-like than normal reality, and with an undercurrent of melancholy that I truly could not pinpoint as to why.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm suffering a mild depression, a hangover maybe of when the Graves Disease was out of control. I've been thinking about death a lot lately, and my Mom, and Dad mostly my Mother, but the sadness as I call it has been around off and on for a few years now.

Maybe it is just the extreme heat that triggered this feeling as I'm not as fond of it like I was when I was younger, or a sugar rebound from all that birthday cake (was Matthew's birthday) consumed last night. Not really sure what leads up to the sadness as sometimes the feeling just creeps over me even if I have been having a good day otherwise.

Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day, and brighter one at least in spirits.

Memorial to WWII soldiers that belonged to the local Kiwanis Club tucked away in a residential area.

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I had to get a bit creative with this week's theme. Living in the middle of a metropolis such as we do makes it far easier, and cheaper to rely on public transit. Here in Toronto I actually prefer taking the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) for the most part, and enjoy taking surface routes such as the one in the photo above where I can relax, and either people watch or check out the scenery while traveling to my destination. As far as fares go they are pretty reasonable, and even offer a monthly pass.

Happy weekend everyone!

Next week the theme is: Memorial

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Close-up of the infamous Wem ghost photo.

Yesterday it came to light that one of my favourite "ghost" photos is actually a hoax. The photo was taken in 1995 when the Wem Town Hall had burned down. The photographer Tony O’Rahilly who was photographing the horrific scene claimed that the image of the girl appeared when he developed the roll of film.

There was much speculation as to the authenticity of the photo, and for those who believed....the identity of the young girl herself. A myth grew around the photo that it may have been the apparition of Jane Churm, a 14 year old who had accidentally started the great fire of Wem in 1677, and had been reportedly haunting the town hall.

Tony O’Rahilly died in 2005 and to his last days maintained that the circumstances surrounding the taking of the photo, and the image of the ghostly girl were true.

Postcard depicting the "ghost girl"

The photo has now been revealed as a hoax, by a keen eyed fellow who recognised the young girl in a postcard that he came across that was stamped in 1922. She (whoever she was) is the image of the girl in the famed "ghost" photo. You can read more about it here.

The revealing of the hoax is kind of timely for us as Matthew just a couple of days ago published a blog entry on how the bending of the truth, exaggerations, and outright hoaxes particularly those perpetrated in the name of paranormal "reality" tv shows is a great disservice, and detriment to the study we love.

As stated above the "Wem ghost" pic was one of my favourite photos. And while I am normally happy when answers are found to some of these mysteries, even if they turn out to be natural explanations, this for some reason just makes me sad.

I guess I was taken or I wanted to be taken by it because it looks like what I would expect a photo of an apparition to look like.

Oh well............HOAXES SUCK!!!

Wordless Wednesday

This week's theme was surprisingly easy for me as I immediately thought of my better half.

Here is a pic of Matthew out doing a bit of photo hunting of his own.

Happy weekend everyone!

Next week the theme is: Monthly

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

The HuffPo asks "what child wants this?" and I say what child would not! As a kid heck yes, I would have wanted one, and I'd be lying if I said that I wouldn't want one now! This sleeping bag is a must-have on my wish list! Would be great to take on our beach/camping trips.

The product's website says they do not ship to Canada. Boo!

Taken in High Park, Toronto this past weekend. There are lots of urban critters to be found there.

Wordless Wednesday

Taken last summer before my Mom's death from pancreatic cancer

I am fortunate in that today I will be celebrating Mother's Day with my own daughters, and my sister, and niece. I will be surrounded by love, and with the memories of my Mother who was a kind and gentle soul. Much of what is good within me I owe to her, and her memory will give me strength, and comfort today, and always as I remember the good times, and create new ones with my own children. The pain of her death last year is slowly ebbing, but the missing I know will never go away.

Wishing ALL Mom's a very Happy Mother's Day! And to ALL of you who can, hug your Mom a little bit tighter today.

Mama cat and her kittens. My sister found her a few years back inside her basement window well where Mama had given birth.

The runt of the litter with her adoptive Mama the kiddo. You may recognise the kitten from last week's theme, which was black. This is Maya before she came home with us.

Happy weekend! And Happy Mother's Day!

Next week the theme is: Half

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Taken two years ago somewhere in southwestern Ontario. For about a year this photo was the mother-ship's desktop wallpaper.

Wordless Wednesday

.....by another Canadian woman, and a senator no less!

Came across this news item on the CBC website:

Conservative Senator Nancy Ruth told a meeting of international women's equality rights groups Monday morning that it would be best for them to "shut the f--k up" about their concerns over the government's maternal health initiative.

Read more

I have never trusted anyone who has told me to keep quiet, particularly in such a rude way. Women throughout history have suffered by being made to shut the f--k up, or living within societies where their opinions and views are suppressed or not valued. No good has ever come from women being made or told to shut-up, and Senator Ruth should be very ashamed of this statement even if her comments were not meant for the general public to hear.

Perhaps she already knows how offensive her comments were.....it would explain this later statement made by her in regards to the shut the ef up.

"I'm not going to repeat them in front of microphones. You gotta be crazy."

If anything I hope this spurs Canadian women to speak even louder particularly when it come to health issues facing other women both in Canada, and abroad.

Liberal MP Dr. Carolyn Bennett said Ruth's comments shocked the room. Bennett said she thinks Ruth's advice exposes something the government has denied — that for those who speak out against the government, there will be repercussions.

Funding cuts are one example of a repercussion the groups fear.

But the activists say they won't be taking Ruth up on her suggestion to keep quiet. Katherine McDonald is executive director of Action Canada for Population and Development.

"The time to speak out is now. If we hadn't spoken out over the last three months, contraception would not be part of this initiative."

McDonald is referring to the government's reversal on its initial announcement that family planning would not be part of the maternal health plan.

Bennett echoed another panelist at the meeting, saying that women in the world didn't achieve what they have over the years by "shutting up."

This is a pic of the kiddo's cat, Maya when she was a wee baby.

She ain't so wee anymore!

Next week the theme is: Mother/Mom

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Lately I've been dreaming a lot about my Mom. The dreams are very vivid, but I do not think they are anything more than my subconscious working out my grief. For instance this morning I awoke from a dream where my Mom was smoking a cigarette, and when in the dream state I registered my shock knowing that she had quit smoking long before, she stated "what's the use, I'm going to die of cancer anyway." Last week I awoke in a cold sweat from a dream where she said "no one ever asks if I'm lonely."

As stated above I do not believe these are some sort of communications from the beyond, but coming from my wish that I could speak with her about some current things I'm going through, and perhaps because of all those Mother's Day ads, and store displays that have popped up over the last month. This year especially Mother's Day will be a tough one.

Image Credit:

Graffiti art. Photo by Paul Armstrong, who says he took the photo in Minneapolis, Minnesota at an abandoned wheat grain elevator near the University of Minnesota, and he believes it has since been removed.

Wordless Wednesday

Powdered sugar gently sprinkled over fresh, home-made, strawberry tarts is my addiction.

Next week the theme is: Black

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Every day should be Earth Day! I still have vivid memories of the very first Earth Day that was celebrated here in Toronto way back in 1990. My sister, some friends and I took Little Sue (then aged 3) and her baby sister aged 2 months to celebrate in Earth Day festivities. We painted our faces to look like Earth spirits, and it was so much fun! I wish I had some photos to share from that day, but for whatever reason none of the pics I tried to take worked out.

This morning I woke up to find a lovely meditation in my inbox sent to me by my friend Waseema:

"Earth teach me caring as the mother who serves her young

Earth teach me stillness as the grass are stilled with light

Earth teach me suffering as old stones suffer with memory

Earth teach me humility as blossoms are humble with beginning

Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands alone

Earth teach me limitation as the ant which crawls on the ground

Earth teach me freedom as the eagle soars into the sky

Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall

Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring

Earth teach me to forget ourselves as melted snow forgets it’s life

Earth teach me to remember kindness as dry fields weep in the rain."

The Earth is our Mother we must take care of her!

Source video

I have talked with a few people who feel discouraged about our environment because world leaders are seemingly not taking it seriously, but I personally try to remain positive, and control what I can which is my own family's use of our Earth's resources. Every little bit helps, and you do feel very good by making greener choices every day, and incorporating them into you lifestyle.

Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day Image Credit

I decided to go with something a little different, and perhaps a little less obvious for our photo hunt theme this week.

I should explain that I have no idea who this bride is. I bought her wedding portrait at an estate sale for $5.00 bux a couple of years ago. The sale was held in the home of a lady who had passed on in her early 90s and did not have any close relatives. When I inquired about the photo the only information the sellers had is that it probably was either the parents or grandparents of the deceased, and that they most likely were Irish.

Here is a scan of the complete version. Covered in her wedding veil, she does not appear to be a very happy bride. Something about her or them called out to me, and that is why I bought the photo. I have a collection of random photos that I've picked up here, and there, and all for some reason just had to come home with me. Hope that makes sense. Happy photo hunting!

Next week the theme is: Addiction

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I'm not actually rethinking Afghanistan. To be honest I have been against the Canadian Afghanistan mission for a while now. It's not that I'm anti-Canadian military. I just cannot as an ordinary citizen support this particular mission, and would hope that as more information comes out my fellow Canadians who have supported this may take the time to revisit or rethink their stance.

Young Canadian men, and women are dying, and facing serious injuries, and for what? In 8 years Osama Bin Laden is still at large, probably sipping a mai-tai at home in Saudi Arabia, not a single drug/warlord has been brought to justice, and the region is still a dangerous, and insecure place.

Are the Afghani people really better off for our being there? Are we Canadians better off for our being there?

Ottawa seems to be doing everything it can to divert the average citzen's attention away from controversy surrounding our military participation in Afghanistan. In recent months we've seen parliament prorogued (a halt to the democratic process) at a time when allegations of the torture of Afghani detainees were brought forth for investigation, a false controversy over our national anthem, and now some other nonsense involving an MP that was kicked out by the PMO, and is reportedly being investigated by the RCMP, but we are told nothing as to why. And meanwhile, Afghanistan again takes a backseat in the media, and in the minds of the average Canadian.

However, the truth does have a way of coming out. I was horrified this morning to read that "former Canadian Forces translator Ahmadshah Malgarai testified this past Wednesday in Ottawa about an alleged fatal shooting in Afghanistan, saying a member of the military personally described it to him as "murder." He also insisted he passed his allegations that the Canadian military was "subcontracting torture" to the NDS (secret police) up the chain of command. He also said he "cannot believe" Defence Minister Peter MacKay doesn't know about his allegations.

"I want him to sit across from me look me in the eyes and say he doesn't know," the former translator said."

This troubles me greatly. And I cannot support anything that lends itself to the torture, and murder of my fellow human beings, particularly the average citizen who by no other crime than a quirk of the Universe just happens to be living over there, and not here.

My mother was a child refugee behind "enemy" lines during WWII, and grew up in part in a DP or Displaced Person camp. She taught me that it is the innocent, and the poor who always suffer the greatest during times of conflict, and war. WII was a war that had to be fought....even she knew that, despite the American, and British bombs that were being dropped while she as a young child huddled with her sister, and brothers in a bomb shelter. However, I greatly question as did she this current mission in Afghanistan, and the affects it has had on the children, women, and poor working souls that must live there. We would have long talks about it while she was still alive, and from the beginning she doubted the reasons for our involvement over there.

This allegation of the shooting death of an unarmed, innocent Afghanistan citizen made me recall the Somalia affair and wonder how effective is our military in insuring that no racists or people who hate Muslims in general are not sent over there? I hate to say it, but with an accused serial killer running the Trenton base, is it that far-fetched to think that some with a very tainted view of Afghanistan people as a whole have not been shipped over there? The very thought is both horrifying, and disgusting, and yet we must not be so naive as to think it could not happen.

I sincerely hope these allegations are vigorously investigated, and if proven true, all of those involved face serious consequences.

Image Credit: Peace Sign

I spent some time wandering about Roncesvalles Village this morning. For those who may not be familiar with it, it is a colourful neighbourhood in west Toronto with a strong Polish immigrant history, and artsy vibe.

I love checking out the cute one-of-a-kind boutiques, and other shops including Eastern European bakeries, and delis that line the east side of Roncesvalles Avenue.

The neighbourhood underwent a lot of disruption this past year with the streetcar tracks being ripped up.

The construction, and upheaval was supposed to be completed by January 2010, but as you can see it is still ongoing in certain sections.

I was saddened to see the Queen Of Tarts has closed down.

A few years back I was able to purchase two gingerbread grooms for a couple I knew that were getting married. Same sex marriage was still very new then, and no one in the city had a cake topper of two grooms so I thought this would be a fun option. The Queen Of Tarts were even able to decorate one groom with blonde hair, and the the other brunette as resembling the happy couple for me.

I'll miss them, and wish their new projects all the best.....granted since I've worked so hard to banish the fat fairy perhaps it is for the best that one of my favourite sweet shops in the city has closed.

Power plant smoke stack. Taken at Queen's Quay Toronto outside of the Enwave Theatre. I thought this would be a good example of this week's theme.

Next week the theme is: Covered

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Since today is a rather dreary rainy kinda day in T.O I've decide to do a bit of indoor Spring cleaning. My first project is to clear out the bedroom closet, and finally rid myself of much of my "fat clothes."

I had gained a horrific amount of extra weight while battling thyroid disease. It was very depressing, and I my self esteem took a beating.

Since July of last year when my thyroid condition was finally stabilized I have managed to lose just over 50lbs, and I finally feel like my old self again. The weight loss came from eating healthy, moderate exercise (yoga, walking) and my metabolism evening out (it is controlled with synthyroid).

I still have another 15lbs I would like to lose along with some muscle toning, so I'm in no rush to buy new clothes, but I have treated myself to a sexy black Spring jacket, and my daughter gave me a couple of pairs of her jeans, which fit really nice. Finally after three years I'm starting to feel like my old self again.

So today, I banish the "fat fairy" hopefully forever, and will donate the clothes that are now 5 sizes too big! Its a good feeling.

Fat Fairy Image credit

Was a sunny, and warm Easter long weekend here in Toronto. Lots of critters out & about including this fellow who we spied quite high up in a tree.

Probably taking a snooze or maybe sunning himself. And very cute to see that he or she had a buddy not quite so high up in the tree.

We watched them stretch and go back to napping, and after a few hours came back to see if they were still there. This time they appeared to be grooming each other, much in the same way our cats will do. Very cute, but I would not want to get too close to them. Nice to see some nature thriving in the big smoke.

My boy Kipling.....

ain't he sweet! And yes, he is as adorable in personality as he is in looks.

Playing a bit early this week because I have a busy weekend ahead, but if you drop by and leave a comment with your link I'll stop by and check out your photo hunt entry at some point in the next couple of days too. Cheers!

Next week the theme is: Vertical

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

My knee that I injured over the Christmas holidays finally is healed enough that I can get back into regular yoga sessions. Over the years I have found that yoga not only keeps me in good physical shape, but greatly helps with my anxiety issues, and I highly recommend it to everyone looking for a gentle workout.

I think it is kinda funny that in 1989 the Vatican declared that Eastern meditation practices such as Zen and yoga can "degenerate into a cult of the body" particularly when they are obviously a very troubled religion themselves, and in no place to judge others beliefs or practices. I actually attribute my own overall good health, and sanity over the years to yoga, and meditation, and I'm fairly certain the same would not be true (at least for me) had I been a practicing Catholic.

Image Credit: Wiki

Occasionally Matthew will surprise me.........

......by bringing home fresh-cut flowers.

I've taken a very long break from TNChick's photo hunt, and it is good to be back. Looking forward to next week's theme: Sweet

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Twenty three years ago today Spring was ushered in by the birth of Little Sue. The fact that my birth name was Demeter, and I had a little girl on the First Day of Spring was not lost on me, and I will always associate that day with legends, and goddesses. I am certain she is quite happy though that I did not take it to the next logical step, and name her Persephone....but I was tempted!

Little Sue was a very mild mannered, and easy going type baby.....she would not have had two younger siblings if she wasn't.

That is not to say she was not up for adventures....but precisely because she was such a good natured kid we had many adventures as I could take her anywhere, and people were enchanted with her.

Growing up she LOVED the Wizard of Oz, and would occasionally introduce herself as Dorothy! Here she is dressed up as the Good Witch for Halloween circa 1990 in a costume Nanny Toni, my mother, handmade for her.

Little Sue, and my Mom's cat Jinx. She was always very gentle with both dogs, and cats, and to this day is very concerned with the rights, and welfare of animals.

Little Sue played T-ball, and won a trophy that year....ok all the kids won trophies that year...but she was really chuffed!

Growing up Little Sue did very well at school in most subjects, and by the time it was Grade Eight graduation she was an honours student. She always got nice comments from her teachers because she remained a very easy going child.

As a teenager Little Sue became a lot less easy going (like the majority of us) and started to push boundaries, but still maintained her kindness, and was a very loving big sister who helped take care for her two younger siblings.

Some of the fun things I remember about Little Sue during the teen years is our shared love of horror movies, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and her appreciation for art, including singing, and sketching.

And here is my Little Sue 23 years old....with a promising career in the non-profit, charitable sector, and a very bright future indeed!

Happy Birthday Little Sue! I love you dearly, and I am very proud of the woman you have become!

Wordless Wednesday

It is another beautiful day in Toronto as we have managed to dodge the rain that is being predicted for at least one more day.

Everyday this week I have been taking advantage of the mild temps, and glorious sunshine by taking lengthy walks. Finally, my busted knee feels much better, and I can handle a decent walk again.

Wordless Wednesday

I'm really not that certain which is more frightening?

This past week an international research team led by University of Alaska-Fairbanks scientists Natalia Shakhova and Igor Semiletov released their findings from a five year study that examined the waters of the East Siberian Arctic Shelf, which covers more than 772,200 square miles (two million square kilometers) of seafloor in the Arctic Ocean. The team found that methane is leaking into the atmosphere from unstable permafrost in the Arctic Ocean faster than scientists had originally thought and could worsen global warming. You can read more on this disturbing discovery here.

Or.........

The fact that there are people including some world leaders who still outright deny climate change is occurring, and its effects on our planet or refuse to believe that humans have been contributing to it.

Scary.

I have to admit that up until the last couple of days I have not being following the 2010 Winter Olympics. It is not that I have any real issue with them, and to the contrary I used to love following the figure skating during the winter Olympics. Figure skating was one of the few winter sports that both my Mom, and I loved to watch, and of course discuss afterwards. She was looking forward to these games especially because they are being held in Vancouver, and my Mom was a very proud Canadian.

Over the past few months I have noticed I tend to be avoiding things that either my Mom loved or we both shared together. Her death is still somewhat fresh for me, and I cry often when I think of her. So in turn knowing she would have been following these Olympics closely, and cheering the athletes (she was herself a very good fencer) I have avoided them too......

....until I read about Canadian skater Joannie Rochette, and how she was going to compete even after her own Mother's sudden, and tragic death less than a week ago. Her courage, and spirit touched me, so of course I had all of my own fingers, and toes crossed for her, and today my heart is filled with pride for her for not only skating, but winning an Olympic medal!

She has been quoted by the CTV as saying:

"I'm sure my mom was there with me with every step, and I'm really glad I could do it, I still don't know how I could do this and not start crying before the music started."

I am certain that from somewhere her Mother is beaming a huge smile, and I am equally certain that wherever she is my own Mom is smiling too.

Congratulations Joannie! Good Job!

Photo Credit: CBC

Why is it that some people seemingly need to put others down? Does it make them feel better about themselves? Do their private bits swell when they are attempting to make others feel bad about themselves? I just don't get it.

I ran into three of these types directly, and in one case indirectly in the last week, and I just have to shake my head in wonderment at what motivates these people. I am not talking about kids in junior high, who most one would hope will grow out of this behaviour as they mature. All three of the people I'm talking about are over the age of 30!

People who are happy within their own lives, and self confident may give others constructive criticism, but do not judge or put others down. I can only conclude that the three "adults" I had run-ins with must be unhappy or insecure, and maybe this is the only way they can feel in control or good about themselves?

It is too bad that they cannot see how their negativity actually reflects poorly on themselves, because if they did, they might realise that instead of appearing superior they really just look like weak fools to the rest of us.

For those of you who have the 11 thingy happening you already know what this blog post is going to be about. Just seeing the numbers displayed on a clock will trigger some sort of response within certain people.

Since the time I was a teenager, over two decades ago, I have off and on seen the numbers 11:11 or 1111 either as the time displayed on clocks or my watch or license plates, and more. I see 11:11 on computers, receipts, cell phones, addresses, phone numbers you name it.

Once I tried to see if it was just a formed habit, and I had trained myself to look for it at just the right time. So in an experiment I covered up all the clocks in the house. I happened to have the radio on....and you guessed it...the announcer called out the time 11:11!

I thought it was funny, and uncovered all the clocks.

I have no firm idea on what is going on with the elevens, but there does seem to be synchronicity involved, and often during an 11 wave as I call it there are changes either positive or negative occurring within my personal life. My Mom used to see the 11s and was equally baffled by it, and my sister has the 1111 thing happening as well.

Image Credit

Sparked during a discussion about the alleged serial killing officer in the Canadian army, the question of whether or not we (the average citizen) should arm ourselves against the possibility of criminal attack on our person with weapons such as mace, pepper spray, knives, and other such devices came up on our forums. Many of these weapons are either restricted or illegal in Ontario, Canada, and in my own opinion with very good reasons.

People's opinions on this question started me reflecting on my life when I was suffering uncontrolled Graves Disease, and what drastic steps I may have taken had I been armed during the times when I felt especially vulnerable, and paranoid...or as my family doctor quite aptly would put it....meshugge.

I can say fairly confidently that had I been carrying mace or another weapon during the height of my suffering Graves Disease, under the right circumstances (a perceived threat) someone (almost 100% guaranteed innocent) could have been seriously injured, and if I had been carrying a gun I may have even killed someone during the few times I experienced extreme emotions, and anxiety. It is a horrible, sobering thought for me.....and may in fact be shocking for you to read, but it's true, and I thank goodness that I never actually caused any type of physical harm to anyone during those very, dark, dark days.

I am not in the least kidding or exaggerating as those of you who know me as an easygoing type of person might think. Matthew can attest to this having had to live with it. And yes, he is a VERY, VERY good man who was very supportive, and caring while the doctors got my illness under control.

Graves Disease untreated and uncontrolled can and does provoke paranoid delusions, and violent, sometimes extremely unwarranted angry behaviour in some sufferers. It is not the only medical condition or obvious state of mind that can do so, but it often goes unchecked sometimes years in people or is misdiagnosed leaving angry, out-of-control people not aware or knowing that something is actually physically wrong with them. I was not overly surprised recently to learn that the thyroid is always checked when paranoid schizophrenia is suspected. Graves disease has even been used as a defense in murder cases (Gah!) though I believe unsuccessfully.

BTW I am very much 100% opposite of the way I was, no longer "meshugge" or "crazy" in that I have full control of my emotions, and senses back, but I am very well aware that this is due to the medication I am on that works to harmonize the chemical cocktail in my body, and allows me to function normally, something that is impossible for people who have severe thyroid issues. I was lucky in that I received A LOT of love, and support from family, friends, and great care from my endocrinologist, which saw me through anxiety, depression, and angry outbursts that I had little control over. Having Graves is like being angry all of the time with no reason to feel that way.

Getting back to arming the average citizen, having a weapon in hand in my opinion means you are more likely to use it in situations where you feel threatened or under attack. Now what if your perception of the event is wrong, and you seriously harm someone, which is something you can never ever possibly take back? This scenario makes YOU the criminal......and it is something that can happen to any and all of us.

Based on my own experiences that do show that anyone in my opinion can have a lapse in good judgment, sometimes as a result of sudden changes in the chemistry of the brain (just one example)......it is best to avoid situations if possible that may make us vulnerable to crime...and leave the weapons to trained professionals like the police who are subjected to psych evaluations and are scrutinized, and less likely to harm an innocent person just because they are perceived to be threatening because of their intensive training.

And the police, and other emergency services are FAR FAR more likely to come into contact with violent criminals than the average citizen....this coming from someone who lives in a large urban centre where people assume we are more likely to be the victim of a violent crime.

I also am highly doubtful that being armed would have saved any of the Colonel's victims including the lady soldier who I believe would have had some training in hand to hand combat. Being armed may have given them a slight edge or their own weapons may have been used against them the latter being far more often the case then we may realise according to violent crime stats.

So no, I do not feel that society would benefit in any way from citizens that are armed, and themselves potentially very dangerous.

Wishing my Matthew, family, friends, and blogging pals a wonderful Valentines Day!

How does an accused serial killer and rapist become commander of a large Canadian military base?

I can understand post traumatic stress disorder, and other issues that could result from being in combat or any high stress situation, but that is not the case here. It does not sound like this guy just snapped one day.

However, do they not do psych evaluations on these people at the time they enter service or during the course of their careers?

If he is a psychopath as is being suggested by the OPP spokespeople (probable lengthy criminal history with multiple victims) then how did he manage to get into such a power position with no one cluing in or getting suspicious?

The question had to be asked, and I'm glad the CBC did ask it. And I do hope there is a some sort of public inquiry. It may be that psychopaths or people with psychopathic tendencies cannot be detected on screening? This should be for the experts to answer. And is there any way the military could do better with its screening in the future?

I shudder to think of someone like capable of doing such horrific crimes coming into contact with some of the world's most vulnerable people, Haiti, and Afghanistan immediately come to mind.

According to the most recent news the media is reporting that in a weird sort of twist he was University pals with serial sex killer Paul Bernardo. Birds of a feather?

And apparently there are three more unsolved murders from the 1990s that may be connected to the Colonel.

My thoughts, and prayers are with the victim's family.....and the great men, and women who are members of our Canadian military that do their best to serve this country.

For further info: CBC Article

It is hard to believe how quickly 20 years has gone by. On this day way back in 1990 the kiddo arrived at 10:05pm after a very lengthy almost 24 hour labour. She was a healthy 6lbs 3oz, and entered this plane of existence screaming.....she really hasn't quieted down since...

She was always such a fun little kid. A happy-go-lucky, and mischievous soul.

As she got older she made the very best video gaming bud, always there to collect the rupees, or slay the wicked witches....

....and her spirit of adventure only continued as a teen.....

....18 years later, and how proud I was as my baby graduated highschool, and was accepted by every University she applied to.

Happy 20th birthday Shrimp Toast! I love you, and miss you! And I'm looking forward to many good times ahead.....

This photo was taken at my friend's wedding a few years back. It is hard for me to believe at times that in 2010 my kiddos will be aged 23, 20, and 15! Yes, I was a mere babe myself when I had them

I made up a box for each of the girls with mementos that I have collected over the years. I have pictures, class photos, report cards, ribbons, greeting cards, drawings and other fun things for them to sort through, and store as keepsakes from their childhood. I have also written down info on the back of some photos that identify, people, places, dates, and other things that will be forgotten over time, or unknown by their own children should they have them.

The memento box project for the kids is almost complete. Next I'm going to start converting my Dad's massive slide collection to digital photos. It will be very time consuming, but much like the scanning of all the old photo albums, very worth it once finished.

Or have you noticed that everyone seems to be in a miserable mood lately too? Maybe its the mid winter blahs....who knows, but a lot of my Facebook peeps are using words like, cranky, crap, etc in their status lines, so I know I'm not alone in this.

On top of this crabby vibe everyone seems to have, I have been unable to get anything across to anyone lately without either being misunderstood, or seen as combative when I'm not intending to be at all.

The icing on this communication breakdown cake occurred earlier today when I inadvertently made my step-Dad cry, and in turn made him late to his eye doctor appointment by bringing up my Mom during what was supposed to be a simple phone call to make sure he was doing ok. No matter what I said to try to make him feel better, I just made things worse.

Ugh!

I think I'm going to lay low so to speak until the cranky storm passes.....

Space Shuttle Columbia rolls towards Launch Pad 39A, sitting atop the Mobile Launcher Platform, which in turn is carried by the crawler-transporter underneath. Columbia disintegrated on re-entry at the end of this mission February 1st 2003

Remembering these brave men, and women today, and always......

Image Credits: Wiki

Stupid, nasty screaming headache! I get weather induced classic migraines...and sudden changes in barometric pressure get me every time.

Pill taken, (out of wafers) room darkened, and a cool cloth, and I should be ok in a wee bit.

Today is my 43rd birthday. I'm not really feeling any older (I haven't since about age 25) but I am feeling a whole lot wiser, and settled in my life.

So far, the day looks very promising spent with two of the kids (middle daughter is away at Uni) furbabies, and my Matthew. There are lots of happy greetings on my Facebook account, and message board. And Matthew's Mom kindly remembered me with a lovely card as she does every year.

There will be all you can eat low fat tacos, and low fat chocolate, fudge brownies! Yum! There has been a visit from the hug monkey, and who can resist the hug monkey?! And prezzies, including a very pretty Juliet bear for my collection.

There is a part of me missing my parents today, but it is not as bad as I thought it was going to be.

Overall I am optimistic about the future, as another bit of passage of my time here is marked.

Image Credit: I've seen this fantastic Aquarius image posted on various sites, but do not know who the artist is. If you do, please let me know so I can give proper credit.

I recently saw The Lovely Bones a film based on the book of the same name by Alice Sebold. I have not read the book, but the film has inspired me to do so.

I will try not to add any spoilers to this entry beyond what is already known via the promotional material.

To be honest I went in with a bit of trepidation because of the subject matter. 2009 was such a horrible year for me that I have purposely looked for either lighthearted entertainment or pure fantasy to escape with. I was not sure how I would feel about a movie that revolves around the brutal rape, and murder of a young teenage girl.

The film gives us a glimpse into the pain, and chaos a family goes through in losing a child to such a senseless crime, as well as the perspective of the victim as she matures within an interpretation of an afterlife.

The segments of Susie in the afterlife, and her influence on the living's thoughts, and affairs were of particular interest to me as a psychical researcher. While the film is fictional the beliefs expressed through the film of some sort of "in-between heaven" that is affected by the surviving consciousness are not that uncommon. I personally thought these scenes were done well, but might be confusing for viewers that do not share these beliefs or understand them.

By the time the film had ended I was surprised to realise that this was as close to a feel good movie as one could get considering the horror that the lead character, and her surviving family had to endure.

In my opinion the film could have been made better. Considering the subject I should have felt a gut wrenching emotional response, which I did not. Although I would be lying if I did not admit it did provoke some tears as I too was a child of the 70's and could relate to Susie, who was played brilliantly by Saoirse Ronan.

It is a gentle film, that did in my opinion get the story's point across without being exploitive of a very touchy subject, and I am not sorry that I saw it.

I have an odd hobby.

Yes, I am well aware that many of you might think the interest, and research into UFOs, and other paranormal topics is oddly enough... However, this one is not related to that, and I'll share it with you.

I like to rescue dying and sickly house plants, and attempt to restore their health. I have been doing this for about 8 years now.

Sometimes I succeed, and other times my efforts are for not....

I find these poor specimens thrown out in other people's trash, others at the back end of flower shops where I can usually purchase one for less than a dollar if they do not just thrust them in my hands happy I guess to be rid of it, and still more are brought to me by people who were made aware of my little project.

Does anyone else do this? Perhaps this is some form of a God complex? I do see it as a challenge.

I am quite proud of my efforts when they go well, and I have several lovely plants to share my home with.

No, dear readers who are familiar with Doctor Who, which just happens to be one of my fave tv shows......

....I am not referring to THIS Doctor Donna. I am writing about the specialist I have been seeing since 2007 because of Graves Disease. In part my endocrinologist's name is Dr. Donna....and the coincidence amused me.

Yesterday the good doctor finally cut me loose because my thyroid numbers are now perfectly normal!!!

I nearly cried when she gave me the news, and I thanked her profusely because she has always been very understanding, and supportive.

For the last couple of years it has been a bit of a nightmare going to the lab monthly (sometimes every two weeks) for blood work, and being on pills that needed constant adjusting. This was the easy part...the horror is what Graves Disease can do to the body, mind, and emotions such as feelings of extreme exhaustion, (I would get tired just putting on make-up) brutal itching, hair falling out, wonky metabolism, excessive mood swings, and the inability to concentrate. It was not surprising to me when I learned that symptoms of thyroid disease can often mimic those of schizophrenia in severe cases, including hallucinations.

It has been very hard on my family too. Can you imagine living with a person going through what I am describing? It should also go without saying, but I was unable to cope with working full-time, so this has been financially draining for us on top of everything else.

I used to feel bad about blogging about the Graves disease because I figured we all have problems ... right? And there are people going through far worse than I can imagine, so who would want to read about mine....but then I thought it might be helpful to someone else who is recently diagnosed to read a bit about my experiences, and not just info from a medical site. Sometimes it helps to get the perspective of someone who has actually been there.

To that end I will migrate my old blog entries related to Graves Disease to my main website where they can be permanently archived, and read by anyone who may find them useful.

As for what happens next, I can be monitored by my family doctor meaning blood work once every 6 months, which is much more manageable, and one pill once per day for the rest of my life. Easy!

I really hope 2010 will be the year I can finally look forward to getting my life back on track!

Image Credit: Wiki licensed under fair use in Canada

So much for a great start to the new year....I bunged up my knee while doing something stupid, and now it looks like it might be hyper extended. I know ..... lots of ice, and keep it elevated, but are there any other suggestions that may speed the healing process?

It ticks me off even more with myself because I was less than 15lbs away from my target weight, and now after the holidays I won't be able to exercise the way I had planned.

Oh well........I guess this means I will hopefully get more work done on the websites as I keep my leg propped up, and await the swelling to go down.