This week I was able to combine themes from both Saturday Photo Hunts.

Lambton House pub sign. Lambton House has been hosting gatherings and serving drinks for over 150 years.

A view of Lambton House as it looks in 2011.

Lambton House circa 1940s.

Happy New Year 2011! And thank you for stopping by.

Upcoming Themes For Gattina's Saturday Photo Hunting

January
7 tree branches
14 joy
21 animal
28 dark

February

4 twigs
11 vintage
18 circles
25 old

March

3 fluffy
10 power
17 creative
24 shoes
31 artificial

Upcoming Saturday PhotoHunt Themes:

January

6th * Bling
13th * Circular
20th * Bliss
27th * Fluffy

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

This week I was able to combine themes from both Saturday Photo Hunts in one photo.

The ring was a lovely surprise gift from my hubby last Christmas. It sparkles even more by the lights of the Christmas tree.

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! And thank you for stopping by.

Upcoming Themes For Gattina's Saturday Photo Hunting

December

31 drinks

January
7 tree branches
14 joy
21 animal
28 dark

February

4 twigs
11 vintage
18 circles
25 old

March

3 fluffy
10 power
17 creative
24 shoes
31 artificial

Upcoming Saturday PhotoHunt Themes:

December

30th ~ Gather

January

6th * Bling
13th * Circular
20th * Bliss
27th * Fluffy

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Wordless Wednesday

Sugar Mountain candy shp is a joy to young and the young at heart. Happy photo hunting!

Upcoming Saturday PhotoHunt Themes:

December

23rd ~ Surprise
30th ~ Gather

January

6th * Bling
13th * Circular
20th * Bliss
27th * Fluffy

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

A natural beauty......

Upcoming Themes For Gattina's Saturday Photo Hunting

December

24 lights
31 drinks

January
7 tree branches
14 joy
21 animal
28 dark

February

4 twigs
11 vintage
18 circles
25 old

March

3 fluffy
10 power
17 creative
24 shoes
31 artificial

Wordless Wednesday

Better late than never my Mom used to say! Happy photo hunting!

Upcoming Saturday PhotoHunt Themes:

December

9th ~ Lights
16th ~ Joy
23rd ~ Surprise
30th ~ Gather

January

6th * Bling
13th * Circular
20th * Bliss
27th * Fluffy

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Every year we hunt for one new decoration for our Christmas tree. This year we found this fun UFO-ish glass ornament.

Last week was the very last photo hunt hosted by TNChick and while it is always sad when a good thing comes to an end I was happy to learn that Gattina will now be hosting a Saturday Photo Hunt and keeping up this fun blogging tradition. This week's theme is being hosted by Gattina, please click on the logo below to join us.

Upcoming Themes For Gattina's Saturday Photo Hunting

December

10 Christmas decoration (or others)
17 natural
24 lights
31 drinks

January
7 tree branches
14 joy
21 animal
28 dark

February

4 twigs
11 vintage
18 circles
25 old

March

3 fluffy
10 power
17 creative
24 shoes
31 artificial

and

Happy photo hunting, and weekend and thank you for stopping by!

Upcoming Themes:

?????????

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Grabbed from the Peace Bloggers group on Facebook this should give us all something to think about.

Wordless Wednesday

If these walls could talk. They are located in Toronto, and were built by unpaid asylum patient labourers during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

These walls, which serve as a testament to the abilities of the people who often lived out their lives in the "insane asylum," still stand on the grounds of the modern hospital. While historically significant you may be wondering what they have to do with this week's theme.

If you look closely you will see that those patients of long ago left their mark by writing on these walls.

Some of them added a name, or a date, or a single word.

This one I found to be chilling, and very sad. It says "Born To Be Murdered."

Occasionally there are walking tours of the grounds at the CAMH Queens Street facility, there are also plaques that are placed near these walls, which help to tell the story of the people who lived there, and helped to build these walls that are still standing, some over 150 years old.

Thank you for stopping by, and hope you all have a great weekend!

Upcoming Themes:

December 3: Ripped

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Wordless Wednesday

A couple of weeks ago Matthew and I had the opportunity of visiting the Wellington County Museum and Archives once known as The House of Industry and Refuge from 1877-1947. It is an imposing building, but today quite warm, and friendly on the inside. Most of the displays are not hidden behind barricades or other types of crowd control measures that you see in the larger more urban museums. In fact with the exception of some velvet rope and well placed stanchions most of the displayed items were open and there were no signs indicating that photos were not allowed. This is perhaps a sign of being a rural museum or one that has not had some of the problems bigger city museums face with people abusing the exhibits, and items on display. To be honest I was a bit surprised at how open everything was.

Some of the displays included period clothing, and other items that might have been used in the era that the building was a poor house.

Other displays told of the lives of some of the "inmates" as they were referred to, and their "keepers" aka the staff.

Some of the residents as I prefer to call them were either physically or mentally ill, unwanted, or unable to be cared for, and all were destitute, most through no fault of their own.

The most heartbreaking were the stories of children born to young unwed mothers who had been shipped off to the poor house to have their babies in shame. Sometimes the Moms and and infants would die. More often than not the children were adopted out only to be returned if they were not fit enough to work on a farm or the harvesting season had ended and their labouring was no longer required. Many people lived out decades of their lives in this place or ended them there.

Recently a small cemetery nearby has been cleared away, and a stone marker erected where the remains of 200 "inmates" who were unclaimed and were laid to rest in unmarked graves. They are referred to as pioneers on the marker, and in many respects they were. It was humbling to learn of their lives, and stories, and gives me a much greater appreciation of our social programs and social infrastructure that we as a modern society often take very much for granted. These programs were born out of the suffering and hardship of these people, and you cannot help being moved as you learn about them, and what they had endured.

Some of the others exhibits include a WWI display complete with a full size trench. The mannequins are modelled on current residents of Wellington county who had relatives that fought in the Great War.

There are permanent farming displays and a Native display and historical garden on the grounds. There are also some visiting exhibits including one on plastic that featured these fun dresses that yes, are made of plastic, and again no barriers or rules of no photography.

Admission to the museum is by donation, and it is well worth the visit if you are in the Elora - Fergus area of Ontario. We do intend on returning in the near future.

I'm stretching the theme quite a bit this week with......

....nothing like curling up for a nap with a warm puppy on a wet and rainy afternoon.

Happy photo hunting, and weekend and thank you for stopping by!

Upcoming Themes:

November 26: Hand-written
December 3: Ripped

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Two images taken at the Wellington County Museum

Each depicts two Irish immigrants to Canada during the late 19th century.

It is a moving display. Amid the hopes and dreams of a new beginning, life for these early settlers was often harsh, and filled with sorrow.

Happy photo hunting, and weekend and thank you for stopping by!

Upcoming Themes:

November 19: Wet/Rain
November 26: Hand-written
December 3: Ripped

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Wordless Wednesday

With Halloween now over, I look forward to the light of the Christmas Tree.

Happy photo hunting, and weekend and thank you for stopping by!

Upcoming Themes:

November 12: Two
November 19: Wet/Rain
November 26: Hand-written
December 3: Ripped

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I blog for peace because despite its occasional challenges because I hope that it will inspire you dear reader to think about your own thoughts of peace, and why peace is important to you. Just as Mimi has inspired me and so many others.

Thank you Mimi for this amazing challenge and opportunity!

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Has it really already been 99 days!! Wow!!! I blog for peace because each day that I do I personally feel uplifted and empowered. If we spread our peaceful vibe through our blogs, and our tweets, and our websites it will just keep catching on.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I have got that old, hippy sounding, sign song stuck in my head. I have no idea who wrote it or even the year it came out, but you might know it. Something about signs, signs, and even more signs, and why can't you read that sign? If I could hum it to you I would, but I have never been into the whole audio, video blogging thing, so you will just have to do with my lame description of the lyrics. If you do know the song, and it is now stuck inside your head, my apologies.

I think I know why the song is there. I thought of it when I saw some new business signs going up over top of where our old pet supply shop's sign used to be. The shop had been in business for over 50 years, but closed due to a death in the family, and now will become a frozen yogurt cafe. Anyway the song popped into my head then, perhaps, and as well, because of the sign of the times a small family operated business closing to be replaced by a well known big chain outfit represents.

Speaking of signs thanks to my uncle Paul my Mom's burial spot now has one of those commemorative plaques that sits at the bottom or foot of the actual plot. I had hoped to go looking at memorial plaques with my sister, but you know how it is with life and lack of money always getting in the way. The memorial is quite lovely, and suits my Mom with its music notes, and I'm happy it is now done. In part I think we may have procrastinated because it is the final bit of saying good-bye to our Mother at least in a physical sense. A sign that the grief does not truly end.

Signs...signs....

I blog for peace because although it can be challenging at times I believe the end goal to be worthwhile.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Wordless Wednesday

I blog for peace because I can respect the basic human rights and needs of all people even if I do not personally like or agree with them.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because of all the good and fun things to do and look forward to, like the happy smiling faces of trick or treaters. Happy Halloween!

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because I do not believe any of us has the right to put another in harms way especially other people's children.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because it gives me hope for the future and a sense of community by committing to the idea of peace along with so many of my fellow peace bloggers.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

A wee gravestone that at one time stood upright in an old pioneer cemetery. This is actually one of the more recent markers at 1885.

Pieces of the grave marker had broken off over time, but were lovingly restored and secured so that this babe from so very long ago will not be so soonly completely forgotten.

I have no idea who did the restoration on this one, if it was a descendant or relative, or just a kind soul. Many markers in this cemetery are rapidly being reclaimed by the earth.

Happy photo hunting, and weekend and thank you for stopping by!

Upcoming Themes:

November 5: Light
November 12: Two
November 19: Wet/Rain
November 26: Hand-written
December 3: Ripped

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I blog for peace because prosperity comes through peace and peaceful relations.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

A wise person once said that we made wars so why can't we just unmake them. I agree, and that is why I blog for peace.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Wordless Wednesday

Blogging for peace gives me an outlet to share my feelings towards war and conflict, and peace. It allows me to share my hope and vent my frustration.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because it gives me the ability to participate, even if only in a very small way, in the global peace movement. And that in turn makes me feel good.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace in memory of my Grandfather Mihaly who fought on what some might consider the "wrong side" during WWI. He was drafted into the Austro-Hungarian army. He did not want to be a soldier, he just wanted to farm. He was a kind, and good man who loved his country. I learned through him that there is never a "wrong side" just fellow human beings.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because I know that there is no such thing as an "us and a them," there is only we, and we can find better ways to resolve our differences than resorting to hurting, and killing each other.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because war has harmed people that I love.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Lounging high up in a tree until night falls and he can get into some mischief.

Happy photo hunting, and weekend and thank you for stopping by!

Upcoming Themes:

October 29: Broken
November 5: Light
November 12: Two
November 19: Wet/Rain
November 26: Hand-written
December 3: Ripped

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I blog for peace for all those generations of people yet to come, in the hope that they will never have to know the horrors of war.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because love is better than hate, hope is better than fear, and peace is better than war.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Wordless Wednesday

I blog for peace because wars harm our planet, and the most vulnerable that inhabit it.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace in memory of my Oma who lost her husband, her parents, her two brothers, and some of her sisters as a direct result of war. No one should have to lose their loved ones to armed conflicts. That is just one reason why I blog for peace, and am proud to be part of the peace movement online.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Recently I was conducting some online research of psychical phenomena when I came across rather old internet report of a supposed video recording of an auto body apparition. For those of my readers who share an interest in all things paranormal, ghostly, and haunting you may recall the video clip and its accompanying story. For those of you who do not recall it or are unfamiliar I will give a brief description.

The video clip of the proclaimed apparition was caught on security cameras by the owners of an auto body and repair shop quite similar to spectrum car repair in the United States. I believe the name of the shop was Pucketts, but don't quote me on that because I'm working from memory. Hey, its a blog entry!

Anyway the apparition which looks suspiciously like a moth or other insect (in my humble opinion) seemed to hovering over the wreck of a car that had been involved in a fatal accident. The remains of the car had been brought into the auto body shop in order to either repair or salvage it for parts. It was during the evening hours that the video was captured. The footage made USA national news at the time it first came out, and the auto body shop was investigated by a local ghost group who stated that they did not discover any other haunting activity at this particular location. Good for them for being honest about their findings. I have no idea what eventually became of this automobile and whether or not it was just scrapped after its 15 minutes of fame.

Stumbling across this report got me thinking about the ethics behind reporting possible "paranormal" findings regarding recent, and tragic deaths. It has always been our practice to put the feelings and comfort of the living (surviving loved ones) ahead of the public reporting of potential anomalies, or the dead so to speak. So the question becomes how much time is sufficient in allowing for reporting on anomalies associated with tragic, or horrific death, which could in fact cause harm to surviving loved ones? In Toronto we know that the public naming of the spirit of a suicide victim who reportedly haunts the Hockey Hall of Fame by a major media source caused a great uproar from her surviving family 50 + years after the fact. They stated the ghost reports demeans their family member's memory.

There is a new reality-ish tv show that chronicles a psychic and a former homicide detective working on cold cases. Will be interesting to see how they deal with this question.

I blog for peace because if we achieve outer peace I think we will all achieve more inner peace as well, and a more lovely state of being.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because after the last bloody century this world desperately needs to heal.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace for my grandmother who endured many horrors during the WWII.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

A historic public house circa 1850.....

......opened up to the public for Doors Open Toronto.

Happy photo hunting, and weekend and thank you for stopping by!

Upcoming Themes:

October 22: High
October 29: Broken
November 5: Light
November 12: Two
November 19: Wet/Rain
November 26: Hand-written
December 3: Ripped

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I blog for peace even when I do not feel like it, because ultimately I know it is something I would like to see our world achieve.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because in my opinion we have enough to deal with on this planet so why add something as preventable and horrific as war.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Wordless Wednesday

I blog for peace because I remember the Cold War and growing up with the worry that old, very powerful, very rich men had the power to blow up our planet.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because I believe in the power of positive thinking

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace on this beautiful Thanksgiving Day for which I give thanks for the peace I have known, and wish for all others.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace today because I believe we all have much better things to spend our money on than the war-machine.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because it honours all of my family that have suffered because of war.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Waiting to be packed into the car.

Happy Thanks giving Day weekend if you are Canadian, happy weekend, happy photo hunting, and thank you for stopping by!

Upcoming Themes:

October 15: Public
October 22: High
October 29: Broken
November 5: Light
November 12: Two
November 19: Wet/Rain
November 26: Hand-written
December 3: Ripped

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I blog for peace because on a beautiful long Thanksgiving Day weekend that last thing we should need to worry about is violence and war. Happy Thanksgiving Day long weekend Canada and Happy Friday!

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because I am fed up with mothers having to send off their kids to be killed the horror of which I cannot imagine and is unthinkable.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Wordless Wednesday

I blog for peace because the alternative to peace is unacceptable.....

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace for my grandfather. He lies in a mass grave somewhere in Ukraine. His name was Maurice Kutasevich, and he was a husband, and a father, he managed a busy factory, and he loved dancing, and music and strawberries. He was murdered in August 1937 along with 40,000 + others. He was taken away from his family by the NKVD in the middle of the night. He was never seen by his wife or children again. My grandfather was murdered for his political beliefs and lies in an unmarked mass grave somewhere in Ukraine. I blog for peace for him.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because I believe in the peace movement. I believe it is worthwhile.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Only during times of peace do we get to celebrate our diversity as human beings, and grow, and learn from one another.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace despite the occasional struggle, because I do feel it is worth it.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Lately I've been taking the photo hunt themes quite literally, so hopefully this will at least be a wee bit different, though still fitting.

Nakhi is from ancient Egypt, and currently located at the Royal Ontario Museum where he is not normally on public display, but used for teaching purposes. Nakhi is covered by special protective glass in this display case.

Happy weekend and thank you for stopping by!

Upcoming Themes:

October 8: Waiting
October 15: Public
October 22: High
October 29: Broken
November 5: Light
November 12: Two
November 19: Wet/Rain
November 26: Hand-written
December 3: Ripped

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I believe in love and love requires peace.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because so that all the children of the world can grow up without the type of fear and terror only wars can bring.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Wordless Wednesday

I blog for peace because my friend's little girl is being bullied at school. Bullying or being bullied physically, or verbally is not some childhood right of passage, but a form of youth/peer terrorism. There must be zero tolerance for bullies, and bullying behaviour. Peace is key and something we all must teach our children.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because it is a far greater state of being than to live with war.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for inner peace today, and by extension one hopes that will lead to an outward calm and peace.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace as a way of honouring all of those souls in the past and all those living in the present who wish for it and worked towards achieving it.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

When I look at my children and think that one day they may have children of their own it is easy to wish for a world where those future generations will only know of war through history books as opposed to news and current events.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Honey bee busy at work.

Another view of the honey bee and bright yellow flower.

Happy weekend and thank you for stopping by!

Upcoming Themes:

October 1: Covered
October 8: Waiting
October 15: Public
October 22: High
October 29: Broken
November 5: Light
November 12: Two
November 19: Wet/Rain
November 26: Hand-written
December 3: Ripped

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I blog for peace in the hope that it can be achieved in my lifetime.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I believe in the "we" as opposed to the "us and them" view, which will hopefully lead us to peace. Blogging for and about peace makes me feel I am making my contribution to the "we."

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Happy International Peace Day! What a great way to reflect on our reasons for wanting peace.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I had the opportunity to meet with some of our young Canadian soldiers this past weekend at a festival here in Toronto. What a great group of young people. I blog for peace today for them, so that they never have to be sent away into an armed conflict, that would be my wish for them. Peace.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

And on those days I do find it more difficult to blog for peace I turn to words such as these, which inspire me:

We can reject everything else:
religion, ideology, all received wisdom.
But we cannot escape the necessity of love and compassion.
This, then, is my true religion, my simple faith….
Our own heart, our own mind, is the temple.
The doctrine is compassion.

--Dalai Lama,
Ethics for the New Millennium

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Some days it is very difficult to want to blog about peace, but I do because it is important to remind myself of the greater good, and how we all deserve to exist in peace.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Listening to Neil Young and some of the great anti-war music you cannot help but be inspired to think about and imagine peace.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I actually have a lot of good examples for the "wooden" theme, but I have decided to take it quite literally.

Happy weekend and happy photo hunting! Thank you for stopping by.

Upcoming Themes:

September 24: Yellow
October 1: Covered
October 8: Waiting
October 15: Public
October 22: High
October 29: Broken
November 5: Light
November 12: Two
November 19: Wet/Rain
November 26: Hand-written
December 3: Ripped

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

With peace we can concentrate on solving some of society's greater problems such as famine, and sickness as opposed to creating them through armed conflicts.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because I love nature and our environment. Fifty days of peace blogging!

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because wars are very expensive and eat up resources that would be better served helping humanity and not harming it.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace for all the mothers out there who have lost a child due to war and violence. As a Mom I am afraid to even imagine the suffering such horrific pain and tragedy causes.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

It has been 10 years plus a day since those awful events in the USA, which sparked two wars, and millions of people suffering, and yet nothing has truly been resolved because of it. Another reason to want a true and ever lasting peace. Wars solve nothing, and only bring further fear, uncertainty, and mistrust.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

In Remembrance...........

I blog for peace in remembrance..............

I blog for peace for the millions of people out there that are unable to do so.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

My favourite "greasy spoon" in Sauble Beach, Ontario, Canada.

Happy weekend and Happy Photo Hunting! Thank you for stopping by.

Upcoming Themes:

September 17: Wooden
September 24: Yellow
October 1: Covered
October 8: Waiting
October 15: Public
October 22: High
October 29: Broken
November 5: Light
November 12: Two
November 19: Wet/Rain
November 26: Hand-written
December 3: Ripped

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I know I am one small voice within a choir, but every voice helps.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because it reminds me how lucky I have it living in Canada and not directly affected by war as so many of my fellow human beings are. I wish we could all live in peace.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Today is the first full day of back-to-school for many children, but other children have had their education disrupted or taken away because of war. It is for all children that I blog for peace.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because I believe in the peace movement.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I believe it is something that we all hope for, and that is peace throughout our shared world within our lifetimes. At least I hope that we all want peace.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Yesterday Matthew and I took a long walk from the bottom of Roncesvailles and King up Jameson to Queen West, all the way eastwards to Ossington, and then north to Dundas Street West. We like discovering new things, and walking throughout various neighbourhoods in the city of Toronto provides the scratch to that particular itch in a way that driving or even cycling just can't.

Despite the heat, and sudden thunderstorm we did discover and see a few cool things.

Along King West we noted a bunch of utility trailers parked near the fence that runs parallel to the train tracks and Lakeshore, and wondered what that was all about. I guess it was a weekend for moving in and out of the many lowrise apartments and rooming houses that dot the area.

A few people had brought lawn chairs and from this vantage point were watching the opening day of the Canadian National Exhibition Airshow, which was occurring out over the lake and at times directly overhead. A lot of people were out on their balconies as well, particularly along Jameson where we stopped in a little parkette beside the Parkdale church to refresh with our water bottles.

We continued along resting only once again in the park area of the CAMH hospital. Along the way I enjoyed an authentic Sicilian ice coffee, fair-trade, stopped in a few vintage shops, and bought a really cute sundress for $5 bux, and poked around a great used bookshop at Ossington very near Queen where I picked up a copy of Body Snatchers and Ghouls.

We ended off the day at a Trinadadian Roti Shop, which was just scrumptious and I must go back and do a proper review on the blog.

Blogging for peace is a good reminder that no matter how frustrated and upset I personally can become it is better for my inner peace to let go, forgive, and imagine a better world.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because there are currently several wars happening around our globe and people suffering as I type this.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Aside from the fact that some people view graffiti in and of itself as wrong, I'm thinking this example may not be what was intended. Looks like a gas mask went horribly wrong???? Maybe he or she had been interrupted??????

Happy weekend and Happy Photo Hunting! Thank you for stopping by.

Upcoming Themes:

September 10: Greasy
September 17: Wooden
September 24: Yellow
October 1: Covered
October 8: Waiting
October 15: Public
October 22: High
October 29: Broken
November 5: Light
November 12: Two
November 19: Wet/Rain
November 26: Hand-written
December 3: Ripped

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Photo Hunters

I blog for peace because I support the idea of a world free from war.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I imagine all of the great things we could do and the strides we as humans could make if we were free from the burdens of war.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Today I blog for peace for my niece Emma who I dearly hope will never have to know the horror of war.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I am getting a lot of email messages in my inbox in regards to Medicare Supplements which is something I must confess that I find a bit odd. Firstly, I am a Canadian with no plans of moving to the United States of America any time soon and therefore really do not need to look into these things. Secondly, even if I was planning a lengthy if not permanent trek to the warmer and sunnier climate of America I do believe that Canadian retirees who end up in Florida and other southern states (hence the nickname "Snowbirds" ) need to buy into other types of medical insurance plans.

You can make or obtain these types of plans anywhere but I certainly prefer the Canadian way of one single Universal plan that we all just pay into, and it takes the worry away of having to shop around or hope that the plan that you want or is best for your circumstances will actually accept you. I do not think this will ever be the case for Americans though because they seem very hesitant to change to our system, so perhaps they really do need to look into all sorts of different plans and arrangements in order to insure they will be helped without becoming bankrupt when the time comes that they are sick. And lets face it we all do get sick at some point in our lives.

I believe that peace in our lifetime is achievable if we want it to be.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

It takes courage, patience, decency, and intelligence to resolve our differences peacefully, and these are all admirable traits that we should strive for.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Peace makes perfect logical sense to me.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Some of you may find this silly, and others might completely understand. War frightens me.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

This is a pic of one of our local churches.

And here is a close up of its tower. I feel the Norman-like tower is symbolic of the strength not only of the building, but of the church, and the power of the belief within.

Happy weekend and Happy Photo Hunting! Thank you for stopping by.

Upcoming Themes:

September 3: Wrong
September 10: Greasy
September 17: Wooden
September 24: Yellow
October 1: Covered
October 8: Waiting
October 15: Public
October 22: High
October 29: Broken
November 5: Light
November 12: Two
November 19: Wet/Rain
November 26: Hand-written
December 3: Ripped

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I blog for peace because I feel that if you put your thoughts out there perhaps they will manifest, and I feel like I am part of a bigger movement thats end goal can be achieved if we want it to.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because I believe we all deserve to live in safe, healthy, and happy communities.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Today I blog for peace for Jack Layton (1950-2011). A great man of peace and peace activism.

"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world."

~ Jack Layton August 20th 2011

The above quote was penned the day before he passed away. His entire letter to Canadians can be read here.

Good-bye Jack. You have earned your rest, but you will be very much missed.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Do I really need a reason????

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace because I believe it can be achieved if we set out minds, and hearts to it.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I want the lives of all children to know hope and love, and not fear.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace for all those who have never known it to have it.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

A couple of weeks ago we were asked via our Facebook group if we meaning our entire group of PSICAN (Paranormal Studies and Investigations Canada) would consider participating in a local SCI-FI and Fantasy convention. More specifically we were asked if we would have a booth at this event. Both Matthew and I said no way.

We have both attended these types of conferences in the past, and they are almost always well attended requiring some form of crowd control by way of stanchions, which I'm certain you have seen before. They are barricades that amazingly keep people at bay with something as simplistic as velvet rope . I have always wondered how strategically placed rope or even lines on a floor are enough to keep people in check, and behind them, but I digress.... These events are well attend, and are fun, but really are in no way related with what we at PSICAN do.

We consider ourselves documentarians, and researchers, so while a Fantasy or SCI-FI event may be suitable for "paranormal entertainers," our own more serious and academically minded efforts would be lost at such a gathering.

As I stated before, it is something we would gladly attend as we are SCI FI fans, but not a place to showcase our efforts within our own research interests.

I know it is a bit of a reach, but the ultimate drink is......

.....water

Taken this summer in Bruce Grey County, Ontario.

Happy weekend and Happy Photo Hunting! Thank you for stopping by.

Upcoming Themes:

August 27: Symbolic
September 3: Wrong
September 10: Greasy
September 17: Wooden
September 24: Yellow
October 1: Covered
October 8: Waiting
October 15: Public
October 22: High
October 29: Broken
November 5: Light
November 12: Two
November 19: Wet/Rain
November 26: Hand-written
December 3: Ripped

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I do not want my children to potentially live in a world full of fear and horror from armed conflicts.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Living in a state of peace will allow humankind to reach its fullest potential free from the stresses that created by armed conflict.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

A more selfish reason to blog for peace today: It makes me happy and feel good about myself to promote peace in any way that I can, even in such a small way as a blog entry.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Yesterday I blogged for my mother, and today I blog for all of the children who have suffered directly or indirectly because of armed conflicts, especially those whose lives were cut short.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Today is the anniversary of my Mother's passing and as a young girl she knew first hand the horror of being bombed, and growing up in DP (displaced people) camps with her Mother and her siblings. Her Dad (my grandfather) was murdered for politically motivated reasons in 1937. My Mother believed in peace, and today I blog for peace for her.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I believe that peace can be achieved.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

The price paid for war financially, emotionally, mentally, and physically is far too high, and not worth it.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

While I am faraway still from being considered a senior or even close to a senior I would be lying if I did not admit that certain aspects of getting older scare me. It is not so much the aging process of the body itself that is unnerving as I personally view that as completely natural, nor slowing down as many seniors are very active. Browsing through Suddenly Senior can give you the reader a great idea about how fulfilling life can be over the age of 65 for many people.

What actually bothers me about getting older are things like finances, and medical care. Here in Canada its not so bad as we have Universal healthcare, but if I was American I would need to look into things like Medicare Supplements and Medigap plans if I wanted to insure I was one of those healthy, and active seniors. I would definitely need to look into extra help as I am not a very rich person, and yes the idea of being poor in the USA is a scary one.

There are other considerations to becoming a senior as well such as affordable housing, and living in a location with good transportation as I know of at least two older adults who can no longer drive because of macular degeneration something that is becoming more and more common as we all live longer.

Anyway these are my thoughts and worries as I look towards the future.

One random hand print in the woods.

Upcoming Themes:

August 20: Drink
August 27: Symbolic
September 3: Wrong
September 10: Greasy
September 17: Wooden
September 24: Yellow
October 1: Covered
October 8: Waiting
October 15: Public
October 22: High
October 29: Broken
November 5: Light
November 12: Two
November 19: Wet/Rain
November 26: Hand-written
December 3: Ripped

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Blogging for and about peace makes me happy!

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

The dream of an entire generation of people world-wide who have never known war is worth trying to achieve.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I hope that one day no parent will ever have to endure the pain of losing a beloved son or daughter to war.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace in the hope that no more bodies of dead Canadian soldiers have to be transported along the Highway Of Heroes on route to the coroner's office here in Toronto.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I blog for peace for my family, and my future family.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

The money spent on armed conflicts should be used for making our lives better, not harming others. I believe human beings are so much better than killing each other in the name of anything.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Wars have a negative impact on all of us. By blogging for peace I can give a voice to those of us who are non-human, but also suffer due to war.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

The following are some examples of the painted treasures both for display and purchase at the Ukrainian Festival held each year here in Toronto.

Display table

Display tent

I am not really religious, but I appreciate this type of art.

Thank you so much for stopping by, and I hope the blog is loading better today. I'm really not sure why it has been troublesome for some of you lately. I will be out of town through the weekend, but will visit all of my photo hunt friends when I return. Happy photo hunt and weekend! And thank you for your comments, I appreciate them.

Upcoming Themes:

August 13: One
August 20: Drink

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I will be remembering my Dad today on what would have been his 89th birthday.

Happy birthday Dad, I hope that wherever you are it is a good one! Love you and miss you very much!

I believe we should learn from history.

In Britain, in 1914, the Public Schools Officers' Training Corps annual camp was held at Tidworth Pennings, bear Salisbury Plain. Head of the British Army Lord Kitchener was to review the cadets, but the imminence of the war prevented him. General Horace Smith-Dorrien was sent instead. He surprised the two-or-three thousand cadets by declaring (in the words of Donald Christopher Smith, a Bermudian cadet who was present) that war should be avoided at almost any cost, that war would solve nothing, that the whole of Europe and more besides would be reduced to ruin, and that the loss of life would be so large that whole populations would be decimated. In our ignorance I, and many of us, felt almost ashamed of a British General who uttered such depressing and unpatriotic sentiments, but during the next four years, those of us who survived the holocaust-probably not more than one-quarter of us - learned how right the General's prognosis was and how courageous he had been to utter it. Having voiced these sentiments did not hinder Smith-Dorien's career, or preventing him from doing his duty in the First World War to the best of his abilities.

Source Wiki

Wise words reaching us from almost 100 years ago.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

The poster above sends a powerful message. While a very few may actually profit, and flourish because of wars the vast majority on either side will suffer in some fashion because of it.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Chamorro children smile despite standing in debris and rummage of Hagåtña in this photo taken at the close of WWII. Guam.

I have never met a survivor of war who would want to relive it or wish it upon someone else.

Please note I do not know who photographed this image. I will be happy to provide proper credit or remove the photo if there is a copyright still in place.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Blogging about and for peace is cool!

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I expect my children to resolve their conflicts with words, and discussion, and I want to lead by example.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

The image above is an Associated Press photograph that won the Pulitzer Prize for spot news. It was taken by Nick Ut on June 8, 1972.

Phan Thị Kim Phúc, center, who was aged 9 at the time is seen running down a road near Trảng Bàng, Vietnam, after a napalm bomb was dropped on the village of Trảng Bàng by a plane of the Vietnam Air Force. The village was suspected by United States Army forces of being a Viet Cong stronghold. Kim Phúc survived by tearing off her burning clothes.

The photo alone says more than I could type in 100 blogs posts as to why we should all Blog4Peace.

To read more of Kim's story and (warning there are even more horrific pics) of what war can do to a child click here maybe it will inspire you to think of your own reasons for peace.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Wars damage our environment and hurt our home

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

I think this is a nice photo of the both of us together.

Happy photo hunt!

Upcoming Themes:

August 6: Painted
August 13: One
August 20: Drink

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Photo Hunters

I would rather spend our money on feeding hungry people than go trillions of dollars in debt on making war.

To read more about the drought, and famine conditions in Somalia please click here.

Image credit: NPR

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

For those of you who do not know me let me tell you that I am not a very wealthy woman. Ok. Ok. before someone writes about all of the many things I have to be thankful for what I mean to say is that I am not a very well to-do woman or for that matter one who is financially stable. This can be a scary state to be living in particularly when you are a middle aged person, and please no wise cracks about my living to eighty-eight, in this case you should know exactly what I mean. I have one decent investment, but beyond that I would like to learn more about which types of investments are safe, and sound especially in this mercurial economy we live in.

I do not come from well off people, but I do know that it does on occasion take money to make money. I have looked into what are the hot penny stocks as an example, but still feel I need to educate myself a lot more before I commit to anything like that. I am open to ideas and suggestions, and do hope to be in a good enough position to seek professional financial advice eventually. At present I am most interested in learning which investments are safest, and require the least amount of initial cash outlay to become worthwhile. I worry that by the time I reach those senior years there will be nothing left to old age pensions so better start planning now.

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

Blogging for peace shows that we support our troops and that we want all armed conflicts to end so that our brave men and women can return home to their loved ones safe and sound where they belong.

Image Credit: Canadian Government stock photo

Mimi's 100 Days 100 Reasons challenge. How many reasons can we find to Blog4Peace? Don't you want to see what everyone comes up with? Simply post this logo on your blog or FB page with one reason each day for the next 100 days. Let's go!

"It is always the innocent who suffer the most because of war, the children, the women, the sick and the elderly people."

~ the late Toni Demeter (WWII survivor and my Mom)

She is a wise and kind soul. XOX

I had a hard time coming up with a photo for this week's theme, but I think I did ok with this large patch of yellowed, and brown grass I came across in the cemetery. There are numerous patches of yellowed grass in our neighbourhood as temperatures are very hot, and we have had no significant rain in many weeks.

Happy photo hunt!

Upcoming Themes:

July 30: Together
August 6: Painted
August 13: One
August 20: Drink

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Matthew and I recently visited a discount store in Mississauga that (and bonus for us) was selling off kitschy Halloween stuff for a further reduced 75% off. With that great of a deal is it any wonder that I could not resist purchasing a spider headband for $0.56 cents! Since we had a few other stops to make that day, and a luncheon date with my sister, and niece I decided it might be fun to wear the spider and see if anyone would react to it or comment.

We entered a few more shops, and concluded our errands with only one possible reaction from a woman who upon seeing me physically moved her child behind her and away from me. I am not exactly sure if it was a reaction to the spider, but she did give me an odd look, so I mention it here.

The photo above was taken at the restaurant. It was a family type eatery that had a fair share of senior clientèle for a mid-afternoon. Aside from one lady who emerged from a bathroom stall that I had been waiting and registered mild surprise, and then smiled upon looking at me, not a single person showed any sign of noticing the spider on my head.

At the end of the day with only one definite reaction, and only one other possible one I retired the headband and placed it on my 5ft skeleton Skelly, aka Greg who needed a new look anyway (yes I dress up me skeleton, who doesn't!).

In conclusion my thoughts on my social experiment is that Torontonians are either too polite to react or comment, not very observant, or used to seeing much more odd things than a middle aged woman with a spider on her head casually shopping and dining in mid July.

Probably a combination of all three

End social experiment One.

Matthew is looking backwards towards those geese, which are getting ever closer, and closer to the picnic table!

I am playing early this week as I may not get much time online over the weekend. Thank you for stopping by, and I will visit everyone who leaves a comment! Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

Upcoming Themes:

July 23: Patch
July 30: Together
August 6: Painted
August 13: One
August 20: Drink

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Yesterday we had a delivery of yellow pages books along our street, and it gave me pause to consider who actually uses these directories anymore, and when exactly was the last time I did?

Everything you need to know is online now, and somethings are even easier to find then they would be in a simple paper book format directory. As an example check out these car repair listings by clicking on the link. Unlike the ads in the Yellow Pages directory you can look up repair shops by city that they are located in. This is actually quite handy if you are on the road. You can also get auto repair quotes, and prices in one easy step, and click of the mouse.

There are apps for iPhones, and Android that give you the info that you are looking for making it even more easy. You can check http://repairpal.com/ directly for more info on that and download options.

This of course is just one example of a product or service that the Yellow Pages at one time would have been the best option for look-ups, but no more. Eventually I feel all such directories will be electronic only, and that is a good thing in my humble opinion. And I personally am happy about the prospect of all those saved trees.

I am one of the lucky few who have already gotten an invite to the latest incarnation of social media as offered by Google. I've already set up my profile, and am happy to see that quite a few of the people I sent Google + invites to are setting themselves up as well.

I've been excited to try out Google Plus since I first heard of it a couple of months ago. I hope that it will address some of the bigger issues I have with Facebook, and if it does than I do see myself eventually switching over completely. However, it is still early days and Google Plus is working out its bugs and going through some growing pains.

Despite its bugginess, and the wee learning curve that comes with anything new I do see the big potential of this new social media. For instance one of the pluses of Google + for me so far, is that there are no ads telling me I must click this link or purchase that product, which are so obviously based around what should be my personal information such as my age, sex, and marital status to the point of being insulting on occasion. Nor am I being bombarded with suggestions on who should be my "friend" according to its own data, both are issues I currently do have with Facebook usage.

With Google + I can choose my interests, which in Google lingo are "sparks" and view the latest news from multiple sources as it relates to the topic when I choose to. So no more clogged up news-feed where I must sort the wheat from the chaff or banish permanently as is the Facebook way. Another big plus for Google in my opinion.

Currently and unlike Facebook, businesses are not allowed to set-up individual profiles within Google Plus, which will hopefully resolve the issue of friend requests that are really just marketing scams in order to spam us. I sincerely hope Google does not change this rule.

Oh, and speaking of friends, the competition aspect of who has the greatest number of "friends" that we see with Facebook (despite its official policies of we should only friend people we know) seems to be negated. With Google Plus we create "circles" which are categories of our own design such as family, friends, online peeps, the sky is the limit really with what we name them. We can add people we want to connect with into those categories, and share only the info we want to with them, our "friends" do not see what circles they have been placed into.

I believe it was in 2008 that I was dragged rather reluctantly into Facebook. I was very wary of social media, the giving over of privacy, and the level of personal information that is shared so openly. Over the past few years I have to admit that I have learned to enjoy and appreciate many things about the Facebook experience, and social media over all. Google Plus may be the logical evolution of that social media experience that I do appreciate, but it is far too early to tell if that will be the case. For now I will maintain my Facebook account while looking forward to seeing how Google + will grow. It is quite possible in my opinion that Google could overtake Facebook in the long run as the social media outlet of choice much as FB did in many ways spell the end of MySpace.....we'll see.....

Near and dear to my heart

Thank you for stopping by! Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

Upcoming Themes:

July 16: Backwards
July 23: Patch
July 30: Together
August 6: Painted
August 13: One
August 20: Drink

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I was having a conversation with the hubby the other day when I noticed my mind kept wandering away from the topic at hand. Actually, and much more to my own embarrassment it was not me who noticed my lack of attention, but Matthew.

After apologizing for my seeming rudeness, I explained to him how I had been doing that a lot lately. I cannot seem to help my mind just drifting in conversation. One lady I was online chatting with about supplemental medical insurance, had her entire point lost on me, perhaps because it is something thankfully as I am a Canadian I've never had to consider, but I could not even concentrate on a text based conversation. Another discussion involving someone's Realtor also online I drifted away from only to find the chat had ended long before I had even noticed.

Whether or not a conversation is serious in nature such as FHA Streamline Refinance Rates because Streamline FHA Refinance is a hot topic to some (whatever it is) or something as simple as what do you want for dinner of late my brain seems on overload and I just start to drift.....

I am wondering if this inability to pay attention or concentrate has something to do with my thyroid problems, and if it might be a good time to see if my meds need adjustment.

Sigh......

While hubby was talking about ghosts and the paranormal at the University of Toronto (downtown campus) over this past long holiday weekend I had the opportunity to visit the University's book store.

That is me browsing the medical texts in the photo above. I have a good collection of psychology texts already, but it never hurts to see what might be on sale eh!

The medical department of the shop sells all sorts of equipment. They also have scrubs uniforms for sale similar to the ones you can purchase at this website: http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/, but obviously not as much variety nor as great sale prices as they are intended for student purchase. I thought about picking a set up as part of the zombie costume I am going to be wearing for Halloween this year, but passed this time.

I also thought about purchasing a plush H.I.V doll as a gift for someone, but passed on that idea as well.

In the end I left the bookshop with an anatomically correct replica human skull, and some ideas for future prezzies, including for myself. It was a fun couple of hours

Wordless Wednesday

Some of you who read this blog regularly will already be aware of the fact that I have been looking into paranormal phenomena for some 15 years already. And for those of you who did not know this...well now you do!

Despite its title, this blog entry has zero to do with the paranormal, ghosts, spirits the afterlife etc. Sorry if you were expecting that, and I do promise to write about those topics sometime soon. I was just trying to be clever with my blog title. I never know how to title these things. If you cannot wait just surf over to my paranormal blog, and you can catch up on ghostly news there.

In the meantime I want to discuss Matthew's monitor and the strange blobs that were appearing on it. These blobs (for lack of a better word) would appear randomly, and looked very much like inkblots. In fact if I stared at them long enough, and held my breath I would swear they looked like evil demon faces, or angry elves or something equally as ridiculous. Turns out replacing a VGA cable helped to resolve the problem, and our monitor will not be debuting on a bad realityish-tv show after all

So there you have it a good Optimized Cable Company will carry a variety of cables and their VGA cables may be able to resolve any strange blob issues that you have with your monitor. To be honest it is not something that would have occurred to me, but it did seem to do the trick.

Happy Canada Day, happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

Upcoming Themes:

July 9: Near
July 16: Backwards
July 23: Patch
July 30: Together
August 6: Painted
August 13: One
August 20: Drink

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Very old greeting cards line the trunk that is part of a museum display in a historic house here in Ontario. I believe that soon paper greeting cards will be a fond memory of times gone by.

Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Lots of good info at the library.

Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

Upcoming Themes:

June 25: Card(s)

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

The Queen's Meme #87 ~ The Crazy Medical Meme

1. The smallest bone in the human body is about the size of a grain of rice. What is it?

I going to Google this! Ahhhh ok. Now I know!

2. How fast is a sneeze?

I have no idea.....

3. What percentage of the human body is water?

A very large percentage.

4. True or False: A human's thumb is as long as his or her nose.

I'll go measure.......

5. What should you do if you are bitten by a snake?

Seek medical attention! These questions are starting to make me realise how much Google is my friend

6. It is a fact that humans get an entirely new skeleton every 12 years. What do we get every six years?

Skin, I think....

7. Happiness is directly related to the size of your _________________.

I'm not going to Google this one.....

8. If there are 9,000 taste buds on your tongue, how many hairs are on your head right now?

I'm not going to count, but I'll guess a lot!

9. I believe that the size of the needle is directly related to the mood of the nurse. However, sometimes it's necessary to get shots. If you could be vaccinated against anything in the world, what would it be?

Nasty people!

When Matthew was taking this pic a woman came up to us and asked us if we owned this building. She had apparently been puzzling over what it could be. There is a small note stating by appointment only. With the strange triangle logo at the top and nothing else we figure it is HQ of the New World Order.

Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

Upcoming Themes:

June 18: Informative
June 25: Card(s)

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I know a dirty dog who needs a bath. And boy does Max hate having his bath and nails trimmed!

Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

Upcoming Themes:

June 11: Triangle
June 18: Informative
June 25: Card(s)

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Wishing my hubby a very happy birthday!

The above home-made double chocolate Dalek cake was inspired by characters from the long running British sci-fi series Doctor Who of which we are both huge fans!

This cake was truly a family effort with Matthew doing the baking, myself doing the cutting, and shaping and the kiddo helping out with the decorations.

Extermination by chocolate!

When I'm looking down I see my shoes!

Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

Upcoming Themes:

June 4: Dirty
June 11: Triangle
June 18: Informative
June 25: Card(s)

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Wordless Wednesday

Hubby's at home work space

Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

Upcoming Themes:

May 28: Looking Down
June 4: Dirty
June 11: Triangle
June 18: Informative
June 25: Card(s)

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Wordless Wednesday

The Queen's Meme #83 ~ The Weekend Meme

Let's talk weekend this week. They seem to go by waaaay too fast these days. I could use a longer break. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the entire world suddenly went to a 4-day work week? I'd vote for that candidate. Do you live for the weekend?

1. What is your favorite weekend activity?

Going for long walks, yard sailing, depends on the season, winter I tend to spend much more time indoors.

2. How does the weather affect your weekend plans? Does it matter?

Unless it is stormy the weather does not overly affect my plans.

3. When does your weekend start and when does it end?

Literally or mentally?

4. Can you recommend a good weekend getaway place?

Anywhere that the sun is shining and there is a beach close by.

5. Do you spend weekends alone or with other people?

I spend most weekends with my hubby.

6. What would your fantasy weekend look like?

See answer to number 4

7. Do you have any special weekend rituals?

Sleeping in!

My parents

Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

Upcoming Themes:

May 21: Cluttered
May 28: Looking Down
June 4: Dirty
June 11: Triangle
June 18: Informative
June 25: Card(s)

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I am not feeling up to typing a very lengthy post today, but I thought I'd share some sugary goodness and a little nostalgia.

I had the opportunity to visit Sugar Mountain here in Toronto, and nothing brings back childhood like a trip to this fun candy shop!

Funky cool stuff at Sugar Mountain

They carry all sorts of candy that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Yummy!

Sugar Mountain also has oodles of fun, kitschy items for those of us that collect that kinda stuff. Where was this place when I was 10????

Sigh........

Photos Courtesy Sugar Mountain

Wordless Wednesday

The Queen's Meme #82 ~ The Wheel of Fortune Meme

You are a contestant on the game show Wheel of Fortune. Take a spin. Buy a vowel. Shout out a consonant. Solve the puzzle! Play it straight or spoof it. The puzzles and questions are all about blogging. But first! Introduce yourself to the studio audience.

"Hello Pat! My name is Sue. I'm from Toronto and I work as a chief cook and bottle washer. I have 3 lovely daughters and 2 wonderful fluffy, little white dogs in the audience with me today."

1. Place for links: S I D E B A R

Wildcard Question: How long has Vanna White been on the show?

Since I can remember and that is a very long time ......

2. To keep you out of Bankruptcy: P A Y PE R P OS T

3. Where the blog title goes: H E A D E R

4. Oops..you lost a turn. Name at least one thing you need to do on your blog while you're waiting for the big wheel to come back around again.

Check for broken links on the sidebar I'm always meaning to get around to it. There are so many fewer blogs these days or at least it seems so and I sometimes find when I try to visit one that I used to enjoy it has either been abandoned or somewhere in that great big hard disk in the sky.

5. What I love my readers to do: C O M M E N T!

6. Where the old stuff goes: A R C H I V E

7. You are the highest scoring contestant and get to play the bonus round.
Final spin for the $35,000 cash prize:

Just like the real game, use the letters RSTLN and E, three more consonants, and a vowel to say anything you'd like about blogging.

Thank goodness for blog memes, particularly when faced with a writer's block. There .... I think I have fit all of the required vowels and letters into that statement.

Most of the signage in our public transport system are now digital including those found on and within our buses.

Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

I recently reread Ann Rule's Smoke Mirrors and Murder, and can say if you are an Ann Rule fan or a fan of true crime you will not be disappointed. I am no longer suffering insomnia, but was unable to put this book down, and quickly read it cover to cover in two nights.

Here is a taste:

In some murder cases, the truth behind the most tragic of crimes crystallizes with relative ease. Not so with these fascinating accounts drawn from the personal files of Ann Rule, America's #1 bestselling true-crime writer. What happens when the case itself becomes an intractable puzzle, when clues are shrouded in smoke and mirrors, and when criminals skillfully evade law enforcement in a maddening cat-and-mouse chase? Even the most devoted true-crime reader won't predict the outcome of these truly baffling cases until the conclusions revealed in Ann Rule's marvelously insightful narrative: An ideal family is targeted for death by the least likely enemy, who plotted their demise from behind bars.... A sexual predator hides behind multiple fake identities, eluding police for years while his past victims live in fear that he will hunt them down.... A modest preacher's wife confesses to shooting her husband after an argument -- but there's more to her shattering story than meets the eye. These and other true cases are analyzed with stunning clarity in a page-turning collection you won't be able to put down.

What really struck me in these marriages gone horribly bad case files, is how much policing has changed over the last 40-50+ years. DNA was unheard of a few decades ago, and even cell phones are a relatively new invention. New techniques in forensic science, and policing has made catching the bad guys, and getting convictions much, much easier than in the past, and my hat really goes off to all the older police officers, and detectives.

What has frighteningly not changed throughout the years is the statistics on domestic violence leading to murders, and that women are still far more likely to be harmed, and killed by their husbands, and boyfriends than by anybody else in their lives, and including strangers.

I was reading through a Fitness Advice Guide the other day, trying to get motivated or inspired into getting back to a regular exercise program. I used to do a cardio exercise routine three times a week, and yoga before the Graves Disease diagnosis, but have been very irregular with my fitness ever since the dreaded thyroid issues began. I am feeling much better these days, but I still lack the motivation for a regular work-out, and there are days when I do mentally beat myself up for not working harder towards a more fit body.

Anyway while doing some household chores today, namely sweeping, it hit me that I am exercising every day! Stretching, and reaching to dust behind some VGA cables and umpteen other electronic cables like these multi colourful ones at Optimization-World.com that my techy hubby Matthew has running from tv to computer and throughout the rest of the house (you get the idea) I thought to myself this type of housework is giving me a work out! I mean here I am stretching, sweeping, dusting, lifting, squatting etc. It may not be cardio, but it is exercise. The stretching to reach behind cables certainly reminded me of some of my yoga moves! Ha!

So, next time I beat myself up for not getting to my weights as often as I would like to, or not getting out for a run in the park, I'm going to remind myself that taking out the trash, running oodles of loads of laundry up and down the stairs, walking the dogs, heck bathing the dogs are all forms of "working out."

At least thinking it makes me feel better.

Wordless Wednesday

The Queen's Meme #81 ~ The Elevator Meme

1st Floor: When the door opens you are faced with a crowd of people staring at you wiggling and jiggling around trying to make room for you to fit inside with them. But you must have the elevator all to yourself to finish this meme (by order of The Queen!)
Make up a story that will make them all leave.

I yell hey look Justin Bieber is in the lobby! You forgot to mention the elevator is filled with tweens, and middle-aged women.

2nd. Floor: Now that you are alone and laughing at your lying wicked ways, choose your elevator ambiance and music. What does your Party Elevator look like?

Something along the lines of the interior of Genie's bottle from the old I Dream of Jeannie tv show. (that dates me!)

3rd Floor: You decide to push the CLOSE button repeatedly because you want more time inside to yourself and besides...it's fun (!) and you're in charge of your Elevator Universe. Finally, you realize you must open the door. You are faced with a pregnant woman about to give birth and a very angry man pushing her wheelchair. Do you let them on or do you shut the door and leave them stranded once again?

With the bad head cold I'm still fighting they'd be better off catching another elevator.

4th Floor: An obviously wealthy woman shares your space to the next floor. She is rude, condescending and reeks of expensive perfume. Her over-sized wide brimmed hat keeps smacking you in the face. As she steps out, a $100 bill accidentally falls from her purse. Do you keep it or do you return it?

I'd keep it. After all her hideous perfume has really set-off my sinus headache, so she owes me for the pain and suffering she caused.

5th Floor: Ding! Oh joy! In steps the last person who broke your heart or someone you seriously dislike. The elevator gets stuck for 30 minutes. It is going to be a very long ride. What do you say or do?

Start laughing manically, and start chanting something along the lines of "stuck in an elevator with so-and so makes Sue crazy!" Hey sometimes I need to amuse myself. Then I sneeze on them.

6th Floor: No one gets on the elevator. You are alone again. You decide to make a prank phone call to one person. Why not? No one can see or hear you. Who do you call and what do you say?

I call the lobby, and tell the concierge that the person I dislike needs to be stopped and detained because they thieved a hundred dollar bill from a very smelly wealthy woman. I know soooo mean ...

7th Floor: Just before you arrive on the 7th floor you notice that there is a hidden camera on the elevator that has been videotaping your every word and deed since the 1st floor lie began. The door opens and there stands a police officer. Which one of the people in the previous questions do you stop and pick up on your way back down who would vouch for your good character? (You may not go back and change your answers to any of the questions. Whatever you did, you're stuck. So to speak.)

Easy the pregnant couple who I spared from my nasty head cold germs. See I really am a nice gal ..... most of the time.

I am starting to get a little sick and tired of all the mud slinging, bullying, and fear mongering that has been going on during this past federal election campaign. The most recent coming in the form of a lame, and idiotic attack made against NDP leader Jack Layton by the Toronto Sun for going to a licensed massage parlor over 15 years ago that was later found to have had some shady business practices. To that I say at least he did not lie, bribe, or intimidate his way out of things nor make dumb excuses or deflect away through fear mongering. Thank you Toronto Sun for demonstrating what an honest, stand-up guy Jack Layton is even if I highly doubt that was your intent.

I was also very disheartened to see a leaflet from my local Liberal candidate stating if I voted NDP I might as well be voting Conservative. Seriously....this was a turn off. And if it is true we need some very serious parliamentary reform.

To be honest I really have no problem with any of the big parties with the exception of the Conservatives because as a female I cannot in good conscience vote for a party that's policies in my opinion have and will hurt women and children. However, I am wholly turned off by any one group or leader that resorts to fear, or bullying in order to win votes, and I know I am not alone.

Thankfully after tomorrow it will all be history and may the best candidates win. We deserve a good government, and don't let any one person or party turn you off of exercising, your right to vote, something people around the world have watched others less fortunate fight and die for in recent months.

Climbing down from my own soap box now.

Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

Time surely flies when you are driving down this road called parenthood. Last year my middle daughter known on this blog as either Sarah or by her family nick "shrimp toast" got her driver's licence. She managed to pass on her very first attempt, despite admitting to being very nervous about doing the road test, and of course we were very proud of her.

This coming year the baby of the family will be eligible to get a learner's permit, and she likes to remind us of this every opportunity she gets.

Honestly, it seems like just yesterday to me that she was puttering about in her Fisher Price Play Mobile, you know the one, the big plastic play car with the red body, and the bright yellow roof that dots family yards all across the country. Even after sixteen years they are still a very popular child's toy, and she just loved hers, making vrooom vrooom noises as she toddled about the livingroom, but I digress. Today I'm blogging about the day your child becomes a driver, and the feelings of worry that accompany that big day.

The kiddo will be eligible to take the driving test in a few short months, and despite her older sister already having taken and passed the test it is still something I admit I will stress about.

We have some really good driving schools in our area, and DMV study resources that will not only help her in the test department, it will gain her an insurance break in the future should she ever decide to own a car. And perhaps most importantly they will hopefully help to make her a better driver at the outset than she could hope to be without them. Despite all of these things, yes, I am nervous about her becoming a driver.

I guess that worry in and of itself is a rite of parenthood, a necessary bump in the road when the trust in their abilities, and maturity has to outweigh the need to keep them safe including all those new found responsibilities, and dangers when they too take to the open road.

Sigh ..... who said things get any easier as the kids get older......

Wordless Wednesday

No, I'm really not talking about Frontierville, nor Farmville, nor any other virtual gaming ville, what I mean by "sprucing up the homestead" is giving our actual home a makeover. To be honest the place was looking pretty drab, actually pretty shabby and when we got a little bit of cash back on our taxes we decided to splurge on our home.

When I say wee bit of cash back I do mean a wee bit, therefore my home makeover did not include buying a bunch of new furniture, although we did do a little bit of that too.

What we did do was purchase all new plumpy and uber comfy dining chair cushions to go with some new pine chairs we picked up to replace the old ones with the puppy chew marks. The chairs match our existing dining-room table, which thankfully survived two teething dogs pretty much intact. We also grabbed some matching kitchen chair pads in a nice cream colour, so we are finally somewhat colour co-ordinated. A few simple changes really brightens things up around here, and it was a very inexpensive way to change the room's appearance.

We purchased some new coffee tables, and lighting for the living room including a plug in chandelier and we bought new sofa covers in a rich, dark brown colour.

The kiddo got a new sofa bed, and her room and dresser were painted. Like I said, we did our makeover on the cheap, but it really changes things, and looks so much better!

Now to get to the Spring cleaning....er....or play some Farmville ....

The Queen's Meme #80 ~ The Royal Wedding Pain Meme

1. If you received an invitation to the Royal Wedding, who would you take with you and why?

Matthew, because he looks so jaunty all dressed up with a ridiculously big hat!

2. If the Prince and his fiancee had a blog, what would the title be?

Royal Couple v2.0

3. Are you going to watch The Royal Wedding between Prince William and Catherine "Kate" Middleton this week?

Maybe in reruns.

4. Imagine you only have $5.00 and you must buy a wedding gift for them. What would you buy?

I'd donate it to a charity. They have enough crap.

5. What day-to-day marital advice would you give the couple?

Stay out of the media.

6. You have been employed as the caterer for the reception at Buckingham Palace.
What are you serving?

Sushi. I just LOVE sushi!

7. This is the Royal Wedding Route from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. What location is missing? You must add a location along the way that you feel is a must stop for the couple before they get married.

Madame Tussauds, why not? They will end up in there themselves one day and it might be a good reminder that unlike most of us, every stupid thing they do from now on will be preserved for all of history to gawk at. Sad, but true.

This week's photo hunt theme is dusty. So we shook out a feather duster, and snapped some pics. The following is the result.

You might see some similar photos on the web labelled as ghosts. They're not.

This is what airborne dust looks like when reflected in light.

Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunters

The Queen's Meme #79 ~ The Give and Take Meme

1. IS it better to give than to receive?

Depends on the circumstances....hey I'm honest!

2. Can you name a special or unique gift you've received? What made it special to you?

I have a hand knit sweater that my Mom made me several years ago. When I am really missing her (she passed away 2 years ago) I either wear it or just hold it.

3. What does it mean to "give of yourself?"

To share the good aspects of yourself with others. Things that are not monetary in value, but perhaps far more important like care, love, time etc. At least I think that is what it means.

4. Tell us something you once took that you wish you could give back.

Hehehe I once borrowed a library book (about 20 years ago) and never returned it, and then gave said book away .... and it has bothered me ever since....ok lame and neurotic, but I'm like that.

5. Have you ever been robbed of something that changed the course of your life?

I don't think I have ever been robbed to such an extent that my life was changed because of it.

6. If you could give one thing to the people that you love most and give it in abundance, what would it be?

Time.

7. When is the last time you GAVE yourself a good talking to?

I do that every day .... yeah I'm a THAT neurotic.

Rest in peace Elisabeth Sladen

Wordless Wednesday

After avoiding Twitter for the past few years I've finally caved in to the Tweeting craze and opened up my own account.

If you'd like to follow me in sound bites you can do so here: http://twitter.com/Sue_St_Clair

I'll follow you back. Is that the twittering netiquette?

Oh and if your into the paranormal, specifically in the province of Ontario, Canada you can follow ParaResearchers Of Ontario here: http://twitter.com/ParaResearchers

To be honest I really didn't think I could ever get into the whole Tweet thing, but I have found it to actually be quite informative news wise, and fun.

Spring construction.......

........makes for crabby morning, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

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The Queen's Meme #78 ~ The Spring Done Sprung Meme

1. What about spring ticks you off the most?

The unpredictable weather. Here we can get snow right through May, lots of rain, etc etc.

2. How many blooming idiots have you met lately?

Don't ask. I'd rather forget.

3. If spring springs early when you're in the middle of a spring fling, does that mean you must flung 'em out of your life early or can it wait until summer comes?

I'm confused .... wish I could fling my head cold out and that it does not hang on until summer.

4. If you could toss one thing or person out the window during your annual spring cleaning, who would it be?

Just one??????

5. Do you have seasonal defective disorder?

Some days I certainly think so.

6. If you left the windows open on a cool spring night, what would the neighbors see?

Not much. We have privacy screens

7. Name your most potent allergens during this season of (achoo!) bliss.

Right now I'm fighting a nasty head cold that makes the allergies seem tolerable.

Wordless Wednesday

A view of the mixed, old growth trees, object d'art, and ruins of ground at the Guild Inn - Toronto

Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

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You've been warned........

I cannot believe that the youngest kiddo is already talking about getting her driver's learning permit in 6 months time! Wow! How time flies eh....

Matthew and I do not want the hassles of car ownership at this point in our lives so the topic of automobile insurance never really comes up in this household. We live in an urban center, with public transport literally at the door, so there really is no need. Getting back to the kiddo though, what if at some point she does consider obtaining a vehicle, particularly if like her older sister she decides to go out-of-town for her post secondary education. If that is the case we may need to shop around for student driver insurance policies.

I definitely believe in shopping around especially when it comes to insurance. The cost of car insurance policies can vary, and fluctuate greatly so it pays off to be a smart consumer. I think people could saves themselves a lot of money if they simply took the time required to do some homework on the various types of insurance available, and the individual insurance companies.

Personally, I believe there should be a public insurance option available for people, but that is another topic and would be best saved for another day.

Wordless Wednesday

The Queen's Meme #77 ~ The Grocery Store Meme

1. Do you make a list when you go grocery shopping?

Almost always

2. Do you buy more groceries when you're hungry?

Yes. I try to make sure I've eaten before shopping

3. Coupons. Use 'em?

Sometimes

4. Have you ever complained to the manager of your grocery store?

No.

5. Do you like to buy groceries at huge chain stores like WalMart? Or do you shop exclusively at food stores?

I prefer food shops. If I am in a Wal-mart and need to pick up a food item I will. I rarely go to Wal-mart though.

6. How much time do you spend reading labels in the grocery store?

A lot. Matthew has special dietary needs, and I am concerned about my own health.

7. Do you push your own grocery cart to the car and return it?

I always return the cart.

8. What is the one food item you always buy at the grocery store that you can't live without?

Coffee

Matthew and I live within a very urban setting, and there is public transit pretty much right at the door. With our living conditions kept in mind, and the often high prices, and considerations of things such as parking in the city, gasoline, car maintenance, insurance, car repairs, and loan/lease payments that are a routine part of car ownership, is it any wonder why we have chosen not to own a car at this point in time.

I do admit though that there are times usually in the warmer weather when the itch to get out and travel through our beautiful country hits I do think wistfully wouldn't it be nice to own a car.

If we had to get into car ownership I must say I was most impressed by my sister's old Nissan Maxima, see photo above, which was very comfy, and easy for her to maintain. The car (which she dubbed Maxine) seemed to never have any problems or breakdowns.

Sis is currently driving a Nissan Sentra, which we recently took on a trip to Kingston and back to visit the kiddo, and which got us quite safely, and soundly through some pretty nasty at times winter, icy driving conditions.

I guess if we had to own a car at this point I would probably go with something in the Nissan family based on my sister's very positive experiences with them.

Due to danger......

.....the Underworld has been closed......make of that what you will.

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

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Wordless Wednesday

The Queen's Meme #76 ~ The Prissy Meme

1. What is your favorite lipstick color and why?

I personally love reds. I can't give a very specific answer as to why beyond I simply like the colour.

2. How long does it take you to get ready to go to work in the morning?

Depends on the morning. I usually can get ready within 45 minutes during a typical morning.

3. Do you have your nails professionally done? Mani? Pedi?

No, I prefer doing doing my own.

4. Tell us about your latest spa experience - real or imagined.

Well, it has been far too long since I've been to a spa, but there is one not too far from me that is reportedly haunted, and I'd love to visit if only because its spooky reputation appeals, and intrigues. Believe it or no, I've found entire listings for haunted spas so I'm not the only weirdo out there

5. Is there something you'd like to change about your appearance? Would you ever have cosmetic surgery?

No, and no. But you might want to ask me again in about 20 years and my answer may change.

6. How do you take care of your skin?

I drink lots of water, and try to eat healthy. I believe that is more important than external products in skin health. Otherwise I have a very simple routine.

7. Tell us your secrets for vibrant, shiny, healthy-looking hair.

Olive oil. I have at least two tablespoons per day, and I also use it as a hot oil treatment.

8. What is your favorite fragrance?

Vanilla

9. Everyone has a certain color they love to wear. What is yours?

I like bold colours and am partial to reds.

10. Do you have ink?

In my fave fountain pen

11. How would you describe your personal style?

Creative, and casual for the most part ....

The following pics of caged critters was snapped during an agricultural fair I attended last summer. Is it wrong that I tend to feel a little sorry for these creatures who are caged up, and gawked at?

What a cutie!

I think this is an emu.

What a pretty cow!

I admit I'm an urban gal, which is probably why seeing these critters caged bothers me a bit. They are displayed at the fair, which runs for two weeks, and is a great educational tool for kids who may never experience a farm any other way, and I'm certain they are all well cared for.

Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

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Lately I've been enjoying catching up with General Hospital my fave of the daytime soap operas. I first started watching GH when I was five with my Mom. Actually those are my first memories of the soap, she probably had it on since I was an infant. Anyway, I haven't watched the tv drama for a while now, but as far as soaps go it is the same old storylines and not too hard to figure out what is going on in Port Chuck and with whom.

The characters are still pretty much the same. Dr Patrick Drake (son of the famed Noah Drake played by Rick Springfield) is still managing to make the those dark mens scrub uniforms look good, and his wifey fellow doctor, Robin Scorpio is looking very chic in her olive green scrubs. And really, outside of the sudsy soap world can anyone really look that glamorous in a plain scrubs complete set after supposedly being in surgery all day?

They have also picked up a new character with long lost brother Matt Drake who is what else, but another brilliant doctor amongst a few other new players and some returning old ones.

I am not too happy with the killing off of baby Jake a fourth generation character that could have provided great fodder for future storylines. The obvious replay of the BJ tragedy using Jake and Carly's baby Jocelyn is disappointing.

I am however intrigued by the reoccurring appearances of Franco as a crazy serial killer/artist. Now THAT has some possibilities

Wordless Wednesday

The Queen's Meme #75 ~ The Moon Meme

1. Did you take a picture of the moon SuperMoon Saturday evening?
If so, please post it. If not, steal one and post it.

See above and no I did not take it. Stolen from the Weather Network, but with credit so its all good.

2. Have you ever howled at the moon?

Who hasn't? And in my case I do admit to having a wee bit of the Bad Wolf about me.

3. Do you believe that feelings and emotions are affected by the changes in lunar phases? (ie: children misbehave, lovers misbehave, tempers fly)

Not really, but my Mother used to, and would warn about it or make excuses for people with it. Blame it on the Moon.....indeed.....poor Luna!

4. In the language of astronomy, the two extremes of the moon are called ''apogee'' (far away) and ''perige" (nearby). Who or what would you like to be apogee and who/what perige?

Apogee = that great big pile of laundry I can see from my desk and Perige = my warm and fuzzy puppy Max who is currently sleeping at my feet while I'm typing this.

5. Name a famous moon walker.

Michael Jackson .... a gimme.

6. Scientists claim there is no relation whatsoever between a Supermoon and natural disasters. Yet we have experienced tsunamis and earthquakes in the last 7 days on Earth. Do you believe them?

Yes. and No. I think it may be possible that the Moon had some affect, but I am not convinced that there is enough evidence either way to firmly say yes it did or no it did not.

7. Creedence Clearwater Revival sang about the evil of the moon.
Is there a Bad Moon Rising in your life?

No, the Moon and I are on pretty good terms.

This one caught my eye because it belongs to a firefighter. I thought how fitting!

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

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Wordless Wednesday

The Queen's Meme #74 ~ The Disaster Meme

1. How many days worth of food, water and supplies do you need in your Emergency Kit?

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this, but we do not have an emergency kit. With the supplies in the house right now, I'd say we'd be good for three days.

2. You should prepare supplies for home, work, and vehicle. What item do you need in your car that is not needed at home?

We do not own a car, so not too worried about this one.

3. If you are evacuated from your workplace. You grab your "grab and go" bag. What is in it?

This happened to me once, and I grabbed my purse, which contains the usual keys, wallet, extra lip gloss, and gum.

4. How many gallons of water should each person in your household need for 3 days?

Lots!

5. Tell us your favorite non-perishable food items.

Chips, and breakfast bars.

6. How much cash are you going to hide in your emergency disaster kit?

Hmmm I'll have to think that over once I actually prepare one.

7. Do you have a basic emergency plan developed for you and your family? Have you written it down, practiced and discussed it? Does everyone know where the emergency supplies are?

Sadly no. But this meme along with recent world events has made me realise how absolutely unprepared this household is for an emergency or natural disaster. Definitely an epic fail on this end.

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

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Wordless Wednesday

The Queen's Meme #73 ~ The Green Meme

How Green Are You?

1. Do you recycle?

Always!

2. Have you ever hung clothes on a line instead of using the washing machine?

Yes I do. I hang items inside though as I am in a very urban area.

3. Do you walk or bike to work to save energy?

Yes. I also use public transport. We live in the city so no need for a car.

4. Do you use a water filter for your tap water or do you buy bottled water?

Water filter

5. How many trees do you kill each year buying new books?

A few. I do tend to buy used books, or e-books. I also borrow a lot from the library.

6. Have you ever considered recycling your cellphone?

Ha! I still have my Nokia I bought 10 years ago and works just fine. And I'm keeping it until it dies a natural death. Granted its a phone, that is it, just a phone.

7. All you need are a few simple non-toxic ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap to clean your home. Are you willing to throw away the bottled chemicals?

Yes, and I don't use harsh chemicals because of my immune disorders.

Yeah, what can I say I'm mostly green and I hug A LOT of trees too, quite literally I will stop and hug a tree just cause.

Day 30: A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

Of all of this meme's prompts this one has got to be the hardest. I guess it is difficult for most people to recognise the things that they love about themselves, and in turn share those things so openly......However, I did commit to seeing this meme through so here goes.....

Dear Sue,

I love you because you are you. And I love you warts (metaphorical warts, I really do not have any warts) and all.

I love that you care enough about yourself to look after your mind, and body.

I love that you question everything, and take very little at face value. This gives me lots of opportunities to learn new things, and grow as a person. It also means I am very rarely bored.

I love that you read many books!

I love that you have dedicated so much of the last 10 years of your life to trying to help others by taking a holistic approach to your research. It is rewarding, and hopefully will lead to a legacy of helping, understanding, acceptance, research, and discovery.

I love that you try to give your best effort at everything you do, and even when you fail or come up short at least you know you tried your best.

I love that you have surrounded yourself with so many good, and fun, and interesting people, and that you have the ability to love them.

You have a great capacity towards patience, tolerance, and forgiveness, but you no longer will allow for anyone to bully you. Ever. You love, and respect yourself too much for that.

I love that you genuinely care about our planet, and want to leave a positive impact on it for what little time I do have here in this form.

With that all said.......

I do not love everything about you, but I DO love that you will self-examine, that you will admit to fault, and when you discover you are wrong you will openly admit that too. I love that you will try your best to improve yourself, and work on less positive character traits. On the other hand I love that you will not wallow in self pity or self hate or any other destructive force. You love yourself too much for that, and for that I do say thank you!

Sue
XOX

Wow! I cannot believe how quickly the past thirty days has gone by. I started this meme in the hope it will inspire me to continue regular blog writing. Hopefully it will have done the trick, but I am a bit worried about not having a daily prompt. We'll see how I do.....

Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.

I am a lot better than I used to be, but I do tend to worry a lot about things that may or may not happen. Sometimes this can be problematic in that I may be missing out on opportunities because I've spent too much time over analysing what may go wrong.

That and I'd like to lose a little more weight....but who doesn't

Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?

Barring some bizarre miraculous conception, I just don't have the equipment to get someone pregnant. Thought I'd just get that out of the way.

I have no intention of ever becoming pregnant again, so if I were to learn that I was pregnant I'd be in shock. Not certain how I'd feel about it, but I am very thankful that I live in a country that has legislation in place that allows me control of my own body (anything less is insane) and therefore I have the freedom to make my own choices in the matter.

Happy weekend, and happy photo hunting!

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Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?

This one is easy....the people in my life.

Photo Credit

Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?

I have contemplated nothingness or darkness, and silence during extreme moments of stress. I have never seriously contemplated suicide. I LOVE the image posted above because it captures my feelings towards life beautifully. You can see similar images via the photo credit linky love.

Wordless Wednesday

Photo Credit

Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.

I suppose the luck of being born in a first world country, to parents who were able to afford to provide me with fresh food, clean water, shelter, and education has the most to do with it. I have also been blessed so to speak with fairly good health for most of my life, something I no longer just take for granted. And finally, I believe I still have so much more to do before checking out, at least I would like to accomplish so much more, and in some way that might be why I'm still here. This desire to keep on going kind of forces me to look after myself

The Queen's Meme #72 ~ Return To Sender Meme

1. When is the last time you returned a library book?

Yesterday.

2. Is there anyone you'd like to see return to your life?

Yes, but they've passed on so if they returned they might be ghosts or worse...zombies.

3. Have you finished your income tax return?

Yes. I like to get it over with as quickly as possible.

4. Do you ever return things to the store for refund, credit or exchange? Have you had a bad experience with customer service over this issue? Tell us your story.

Its been so long since I've returned something I cannot really think of a good story

5. You would like to see your favorite movie named The Return of

The Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog

6. Is there something you're still waiting to be returned to you?

No, but speaking of Python my daughter just returned our DVD copy of Monty Python and the Holy Grail after borrowing it for a few months.

7. You are in a canyon. On the other side stands your beloved. You stand and shout something to him/her making a large echo. What do you want to hear in return?

Got it!

8. If you could turn back and go in the reverse direction in your life, making things better for yourself and those you love, how would your journey begin?

Not burning dinner.....

Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)

1. Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves by Annie Lennox and Aretha Franklin
2. Stupid Girls by Pink
3. Respect by Aretha Franklin
4. Independent Women by Destiny's Child
5. You Oughta Know by Alanis Morisette
6. Call Me by Debbie Harry
7. Sweet Dreams by Annie Lennox
8. Just A Girl by No Doubt
9. Human Nature by Madonna
10. Bad Reputation by Joan Jett
11. Stormy Weather by Ella Fitzgerald
12. Loving You Is Easy by Sarah Maclachlan

For my girls! The above is a mixed playlist of fun, serious, powerful, emotional, and lovely songs that I chose because they are being performed by some very talented female artists from differing musical genres, and is a wonderful reminder of how great it is to be a girl.

Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.

Pick the winning seven numbers! Well, it was the very first thing that popped into my head when I read the prompt.

Seriously, (although a big lottery win would have been great) I wish I would have learned not to fret so much, not to let sadness, and anxiety, and depression get to me, not to worry about what others thought of me, or allowed myself to be bullied or judged. I wish I would have been much stronger at a much, much younger age, and valued myself more than I did. I wish I could go back in time so that present day 44 year old Sue could give 24 year old Sue a good shake, and perhaps a big hug. Beyond that I really wouldn't change much as all that I have lived through so far, has shaped who I am today, and I am pretty cool with myself.

Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

I wish I had never started smoking cigarettes. I started as a teenager, and smoked until I was almost forty. Quitting was the very best thing I have ever done for myself, and it was much easier than I had thought it would be. Although I feel much better, and have all that extra money in my pocket that used to literally go up in smoke (seriously, I now wonder how the heck I ever afforded the expensive filthy habit in the first place) the spectre of cancer is still a worry. With each passing year it gets better, but I would be lying if I did not admit that I still worry that my years of smoking and abusing my lungs will eventually catch up with me.

Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

I think that after I got over the initial shock of learning she was in a car accident I would immediately head out to the hospital, and make sure she was ok. and see if there was anything I could do to help. I try to think of myself as a good friend, and what else would a good friend do......

Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

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Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.

I wish more people would consume these substances responsibly. Click the above image if you are interested in learning more about Jacqueline Saburido's story warning there are some very graphic images. And YES it can happen to you.

Again, I have no problem with people that partake of these things that do so responsibly, and do not cause harm to others. However, most of the pain, and horror caused by drugs, and booze is not so openly horrific such as a drunk/drug driving accident, but the variety that is inflicted daily on the loved ones of chronic substance abusers who are usually not even aware of the negativity they are causing, including to themselves. I know this pain personally as alcoholism devastated the lives of my parents, and my ex-husband's chronic drug use led in part to the destruction of that relationship. These were/are not bad people per se, but victims of their own inability to control their addictions, and in doing so create a lot of collateral damage for those that surround them.

As for me, for most of my adult life I have been a special occasion drinker only, meaning a glass or two of wine with holiday dinners, and I do not take any drugs that have not been prescribed to me by a licensed physician.