Last night I enjoyed an evening of listening to the creative enterprises of my fellow writers. What a joy it was to come in from the cold damp and lonely city of Vancouver to sit in a happy room of polite strangers and kindly friends. Together we participated in the ancient art of storytelling and poetry sharing. Despite our washed and well dressed appearances we might well have been tribeswomen and men gathering about an eternal fire. Margot Bates managed the time announcing to readers and reciters when a minute was left. The buildings fire alarm rang raucously when one poor man with a particularly interesting tale was interrupted after he'd just begun. Margot insisted she'd had nothing to do with that. However, readers one and all thereafter were most respectful of her and the time allotted.
Jean Kay even sang acapella for us, reminding me to not quote songs in future works of my own as I'm not nearly as true to a tune as Jean. Several men but no women talked of war and fighting weaving entrancing tales of heroic and mythic proportion. Then a little lamb ambled in the midst of us while to talk with an umbrella lady from another person's work.
Bob Mackie, not to be outdone by Kurt Vonegut, came prepared with his own illustrations. Most of us as the result of his narrative eventually figured out that he'd drawn a submarine. It helped that he read from his latest book on his time underseas with the Canadian Navy. Having never gotten far asking a potential date their astrological sign I was pleased to learn today's dating talking has moved on to quantum physics. With the help of a truly hilarious chart of elemental particles I could now figure out if we were weighty gravitons, sparky photons or the ubiquitous neutrino. There was pathos in a child's story of the 'victory' of war. I was given a touchingly moving insiders view on the pre marital rituals of the Mormon girls. I couldn't help but identify with the chatter of young teens or grow intrigued with the dialogues of a family and friends shared by other readers. The colour blue, the subject of a poem will never be the same for me now that it had been electrified with words. I even know now what I must look like when and if I kiss a snake, politicians not withstanding.
It was a fun endearing evening. Only a couple of years ago on such a night I first heard Bob Mackie reading from his then unpublished now award winning novel, Soldier of the Horse. Several of the readers read from published works, others from works due out this spring and some from works in search of a larger audience indeed. For any writer such a night is a true inspiration. Now next month, on another Wednesday evening, I look forward to the panel discussion on crossing genres, writers writing in different medium. The panel includes published authors who have written memoirs, fictions, non fiction and newspaper articles.
I always enjoy these monthly CAA evenings, if only to be amazed at what imaginations some otherwise ordinary appearing people possess.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Saturday Cadillac Problems
I have cadillac problems. The people I know who are doing drugs and alcohol have a lot worse problems. They're trying to figure how to pay the rent, how to get over a hangover, where to get the money for the next fix. I've had times in my life when I didn't have cadillac problems.
Times of divorce have been devastating. The person you most trusted stabs you in the back no doubt feeling you're stabbing them in the back. Whatever. Those have been incredibly awful times with accompanying financial, personal and reputation punishments of the first order. I've had all my assets frozen a couple of times, been out of work, hardly able to think with the grieving and loss of love.
I remember writing once, that a 'broken heart to a psychiatrist was like broken hands to a surgeon." Doing the 'right' thing I've left work. I didn't want to hurt anyone. Meanwhile the psychiatrists who didn't let anything stand in the way of 'their work' were lauded. Great humans. Pattons of psychiatry.
I had a resentment about that. The lie. Doctor heal thyself. Doctors are punished big time for being sick. Gods aren't supposed to be human but don't act or expect to be treated like a God either, just be there and be perfect or you'll be punished.
What I still hate is the ease my mind slips back into the darkness of dark days of ancient pasts.
Today I don't have those kinds of problems.
My problem today was what to do with my Saturday. I had heat, clothing, food, shelter and simply had a day I wanted to maximize in value. It was a 'support' day, most days serving that functions, these days.
I have a sense that work is the 'front lines' and most of my life outside work is a support function to that. In a way I've become a 'human worker' rather than a human 'being' but the fact is there's only lip service paid to 'being' in society today. One mistake or a month or two of illness and everyone is in serious difficulty in the hard pressed 'middle classes' carrying the major burden of society.
Somewhen the weekend was an endless thing rather than a time before return to work after a week or work.
It's a glorious thing. I've autonomy on weekends even if there's so much support work. I made myself eggs for breakfast. We must care for our bodies if we are to work. Our money comes because we are 'worker units' . There's no money for 'being'. Should there be? It's a mute question. Right now I'm supporting with taxes all those on blue collar or white collar welfare and I'm pretty lucky that I can afford to drop off my laundry. Clearly I could save by sitting there doing it but what I really want is a washer dryer in my home. That's a true luxury. I've never had an apartment with such a commodity even at $1200 a month for one bed rooms. God what a luxury a washer drier would be!! But I have a drop off launderer. I can't just throw dirty clothes in the laundry. When I owned my own home I did that. But now I carry this heavy bag to the car, make the time for drop off, and later pick it up.
I fried eggs for breakfast. I carried my groceries home and wished for a servant. There are people who eat out all the time. I rarely do. If I do it's a fast food place. Mostly that's because I have the blessing of Gilbert and fine restaurants don't allow dogs at the table. We both think the discrimination is offensive and that its ridiculous that I pay taxes for a uniformity of health laws that doesn't allow a 'dog friendly restaurant ' to exist in a country supposedly advanced and free.
I've not taken to the streets and 'occupied' some government buildings with other dog owners to 'protest' the discrimination against us but it's crossed my mind. Instead I probably save money with more work and time eating mostly at home with Gilbert. There's no delivery to where I live but we do get take out.
What a luxury delivery is! I lived in so many places where delivery pizza wasn't possible. There weren't numbers or road signs so no one could deliver. I love delivery pizza. It's truly one of the wonders of the world. I also like take out chinese. I can still take out. This is a luxury too. Kentucky Fried is one of Gilbert and my favourites.
That was all occasioned by the memory I fried eggs for breakfast and left the pan in the sink.
Now it's later in the day. I've just bought red snapper at this fabulous fish place on Lonsdale and I know I'm going to have to wash the frying pan before I can make dinner. I might have to fill up the water tank to do this. I left the heaters on and it's warm there now.
Right now though I'm sitting outside having a coffee and writing here in North Vancouver knowing the sun is coming back. I shared earlier the virgins can rest easy. No sacrifices will be necessary. It's definitely getting warmer and the sun is going to return without the sacrifices that once were considered necessary.
I've been a bit miffed recently that the 'noble savage' is rearing it's head again, this time not with white man but with First Nations folks wanting the 'old days' back forgetting the lack of insect repellant, 40 year life expectancy, lack of birth control, intertribal war, sacrifice, starvation, cannibalism and definitely high infant death.
Meanwhile personally, not to be outdone, I am nostalgic for the old noble Scottish tribal days when one only had to worry about the sheep. With all the complexity of modern life it would be nice to just blame everything on the British or the Campbells. I'd love to think paranoid like the communists, racists, fanatics and all those who dichotomize the world in good and bad. I'd like a common enemy. I almost got angry about the 'bankers' and the 'jews' but I've got banker friends and they're great people and the jews I know aren't bankers but pretty okay everyday folk too.
I want a target. I also want a Meteora. Where' s a Christian supposed to get away these days. Where can anyone have a monastery. The Chinese invaded Tibet.
Meanwhile all I've got a cadillac problems. I have a 50 hp motor which I bought with the money I got from selling one of my motorcycles. I don't have a boat to put it on and the boats I liked at the boat show aren't rated for a 50 hp motor. One will take a 20 and one will take a 30. So I'm not even going there. I figure God will sort out my dilemna and when the time is right the right boat will appear.
I've been sharing my boat decision "woe" with my friends and getting absolutely no sympathy. That's the problem with cadillac problems. Nobody cares. Some guy with cancer gets all the understanding. What treatment he should have is a topic of consideration among friends and doctors but there I am generally laughed at when I'm mulling about which boat to get to go with the 50 hp motor. Life is a bitch.
Yet most people in Canada have mostly cadillac problems. I was in the scuba diving store looking at the new dry suit because I've got fat and my neoprene dry suit constricts. So there I am with another cadillac problem, go on a diet, give up diving or get another dive suit. Obviously I should exercise but that's what I wanted to get back into scuba diving for. Right.
Notice how cadillac problems have this twist. I could just go for more walks with Gilbert and he'd be pleased.
So that's what I've been doing. I've been thinking bout these monumental decisions all the while I've been out getting a battery for a watch, dog food and dinner. I did drop off some of my boat awning for repair but the other chores I had couldn't be completed because the stores were closed .
I actually had the top down on my sportscar for half the day as Gilbert and I drove about listening to Christian rock on the Message. I 'suffered' doing chores on a sunny Saturday in Vancouver while the rest of Canada is surviving a blizzard. No one sympathized.
Now any smart person would not share his cadillac problems. Cadillac problems, like should I take a vacation in Mexico or Hawaii, which house to buy, whether to have more children, which movie to go to , whether to buy a dog or not aren't really 'problems'.
People have these 'cadillac problems' but mostly they're not problems. These are gifts and blessings. What dress to wear or which shirt to wear is the talk of luxury.
I'm so blessed and thankful for all the privilege and joy I know. I even took some DVD movies back I'd bought and was given new ones half price in exchange. What a rush. Normally I just give these away or store them for a night at anchor to view again.
I've got a whole bunch of books I've read once and many I've yet to read. I've cans of food stockpiled in the bilge. I'm blessed. I'm thankful for all this but wonder if I shouldn't be a missionary doctor in Africa or would they better need a mercenary.
Am I doing what God wants me to do. Am I best utilized doing my laundry. With all my training and expertise should I not be focussing my attention on solving the world's problems or is it just okay to sit here with Gilbert writing nonsense on a Vancouver street thankful that I'm off the firing line. For this moment I'm pretty much at peace.
I tried to go to church earlier today but the door was locked so I went to starbucks instead. The other church I was going to go into was having some huge celebration. I liked Rome for the amazing number of churches and places to pray. Here I ' m praying on the street.
I almost walked around Stanley Park. I 'd actually planned to go cross country skiing yesterday. I was going to drive up to the olympic park by Whistler and take Gilbert but I got sidetracked by 'chores' and thought I'd rather go scuba diving. Now I've got to get my BCG checked out . I wanted to go swimming too but don't like leaving Gilbert in the car. Gilbert's factored into everything I do.
I miss growing up days when dogs could be left in the back of trucks and thieves didn't roam the streets laughing at the law. Criminals generally consider the judges their bitch, these days. There's no respect.
I romanticize the past thinking it was different but there were criminals then too and criminals never respected judges or the law. A bitch was a female dog then. I'd like to have Rockwell glasses and a Hallmark mind.
Right now I'm doing pretty good. Gilbert is watching the street and I'm sitting here musing about nothing. My feet hurt a bit. It's chilly but in no other city in Canada could anyone be outside typing nonsense. Pretty incredible. A February day in Canada and I had the top down on the sports car.
I love spring. I'm looking forward to riding my motorcycle, I think. They scare me a bit but if I give into my fears I 'll be afraid to leave my bed. Fetal positions are so comforting. I want to cocoon but somehow I get out there.
I was rambling talking to a young man today in a store and thought I was becoming one of 'those'. Old guy , reminiscing. I was looking at a young woman too with someone who was probably her mother but looked like her grandmother. I worried the girl catching me looking at her was going to try and set me up with the grey haired fox. No doubt the fox would have been far more interesting.
I looked at a crowd and saw a guy who I figured must be my age and we were definitely older than most everyone else in the mall. It made me look more kindly at the even older person with the cane. I think of that more these days. I sometimes long to go home too. I want the Rapture but then I've not learned the bagpipes and learning the bagpipes is definitely on my bucket list. Gilberts got another 15 year or so in him so I know he needs me otherwise I might just wander off. I respect the folk who go on walk abouts. It was once only an Australian thing. I loved Steinbecks "Travels with Charley."
Tomorrow I'll go to church and another week will begin. This week is pretty much at it's end. Even this day is winding down. Darkness on the streets, more lights on.
Thank you God for a good day. Thank you especially for Gilbert. He's a great friend. Thanks for coffee and coffee shops and Vancouver and the weather today. Thank you for batteries and little typing machines too. Thanks for wandering rambling thoughts and thecadillac problems. Especially thanks for cadillac problems. Thanks for my family, my past, my mentors, my parents, all the wonderful people you've put in my life. the adventures, the good times and the bad times, all of it Lord, thank you.
Thanks for Saturday and thanks for Cadillac Problems.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Times of divorce have been devastating. The person you most trusted stabs you in the back no doubt feeling you're stabbing them in the back. Whatever. Those have been incredibly awful times with accompanying financial, personal and reputation punishments of the first order. I've had all my assets frozen a couple of times, been out of work, hardly able to think with the grieving and loss of love.
I remember writing once, that a 'broken heart to a psychiatrist was like broken hands to a surgeon." Doing the 'right' thing I've left work. I didn't want to hurt anyone. Meanwhile the psychiatrists who didn't let anything stand in the way of 'their work' were lauded. Great humans. Pattons of psychiatry.
I had a resentment about that. The lie. Doctor heal thyself. Doctors are punished big time for being sick. Gods aren't supposed to be human but don't act or expect to be treated like a God either, just be there and be perfect or you'll be punished.
What I still hate is the ease my mind slips back into the darkness of dark days of ancient pasts.
Today I don't have those kinds of problems.
My problem today was what to do with my Saturday. I had heat, clothing, food, shelter and simply had a day I wanted to maximize in value. It was a 'support' day, most days serving that functions, these days.
I have a sense that work is the 'front lines' and most of my life outside work is a support function to that. In a way I've become a 'human worker' rather than a human 'being' but the fact is there's only lip service paid to 'being' in society today. One mistake or a month or two of illness and everyone is in serious difficulty in the hard pressed 'middle classes' carrying the major burden of society.
Somewhen the weekend was an endless thing rather than a time before return to work after a week or work.
It's a glorious thing. I've autonomy on weekends even if there's so much support work. I made myself eggs for breakfast. We must care for our bodies if we are to work. Our money comes because we are 'worker units' . There's no money for 'being'. Should there be? It's a mute question. Right now I'm supporting with taxes all those on blue collar or white collar welfare and I'm pretty lucky that I can afford to drop off my laundry. Clearly I could save by sitting there doing it but what I really want is a washer dryer in my home. That's a true luxury. I've never had an apartment with such a commodity even at $1200 a month for one bed rooms. God what a luxury a washer drier would be!! But I have a drop off launderer. I can't just throw dirty clothes in the laundry. When I owned my own home I did that. But now I carry this heavy bag to the car, make the time for drop off, and later pick it up.
I fried eggs for breakfast. I carried my groceries home and wished for a servant. There are people who eat out all the time. I rarely do. If I do it's a fast food place. Mostly that's because I have the blessing of Gilbert and fine restaurants don't allow dogs at the table. We both think the discrimination is offensive and that its ridiculous that I pay taxes for a uniformity of health laws that doesn't allow a 'dog friendly restaurant ' to exist in a country supposedly advanced and free.
I've not taken to the streets and 'occupied' some government buildings with other dog owners to 'protest' the discrimination against us but it's crossed my mind. Instead I probably save money with more work and time eating mostly at home with Gilbert. There's no delivery to where I live but we do get take out.
What a luxury delivery is! I lived in so many places where delivery pizza wasn't possible. There weren't numbers or road signs so no one could deliver. I love delivery pizza. It's truly one of the wonders of the world. I also like take out chinese. I can still take out. This is a luxury too. Kentucky Fried is one of Gilbert and my favourites.
That was all occasioned by the memory I fried eggs for breakfast and left the pan in the sink.
Now it's later in the day. I've just bought red snapper at this fabulous fish place on Lonsdale and I know I'm going to have to wash the frying pan before I can make dinner. I might have to fill up the water tank to do this. I left the heaters on and it's warm there now.
Right now though I'm sitting outside having a coffee and writing here in North Vancouver knowing the sun is coming back. I shared earlier the virgins can rest easy. No sacrifices will be necessary. It's definitely getting warmer and the sun is going to return without the sacrifices that once were considered necessary.
I've been a bit miffed recently that the 'noble savage' is rearing it's head again, this time not with white man but with First Nations folks wanting the 'old days' back forgetting the lack of insect repellant, 40 year life expectancy, lack of birth control, intertribal war, sacrifice, starvation, cannibalism and definitely high infant death.
Meanwhile personally, not to be outdone, I am nostalgic for the old noble Scottish tribal days when one only had to worry about the sheep. With all the complexity of modern life it would be nice to just blame everything on the British or the Campbells. I'd love to think paranoid like the communists, racists, fanatics and all those who dichotomize the world in good and bad. I'd like a common enemy. I almost got angry about the 'bankers' and the 'jews' but I've got banker friends and they're great people and the jews I know aren't bankers but pretty okay everyday folk too.
I want a target. I also want a Meteora. Where' s a Christian supposed to get away these days. Where can anyone have a monastery. The Chinese invaded Tibet.
Meanwhile all I've got a cadillac problems. I have a 50 hp motor which I bought with the money I got from selling one of my motorcycles. I don't have a boat to put it on and the boats I liked at the boat show aren't rated for a 50 hp motor. One will take a 20 and one will take a 30. So I'm not even going there. I figure God will sort out my dilemna and when the time is right the right boat will appear.
I've been sharing my boat decision "woe" with my friends and getting absolutely no sympathy. That's the problem with cadillac problems. Nobody cares. Some guy with cancer gets all the understanding. What treatment he should have is a topic of consideration among friends and doctors but there I am generally laughed at when I'm mulling about which boat to get to go with the 50 hp motor. Life is a bitch.
Yet most people in Canada have mostly cadillac problems. I was in the scuba diving store looking at the new dry suit because I've got fat and my neoprene dry suit constricts. So there I am with another cadillac problem, go on a diet, give up diving or get another dive suit. Obviously I should exercise but that's what I wanted to get back into scuba diving for. Right.
Notice how cadillac problems have this twist. I could just go for more walks with Gilbert and he'd be pleased.
So that's what I've been doing. I've been thinking bout these monumental decisions all the while I've been out getting a battery for a watch, dog food and dinner. I did drop off some of my boat awning for repair but the other chores I had couldn't be completed because the stores were closed .
I actually had the top down on my sportscar for half the day as Gilbert and I drove about listening to Christian rock on the Message. I 'suffered' doing chores on a sunny Saturday in Vancouver while the rest of Canada is surviving a blizzard. No one sympathized.
Now any smart person would not share his cadillac problems. Cadillac problems, like should I take a vacation in Mexico or Hawaii, which house to buy, whether to have more children, which movie to go to , whether to buy a dog or not aren't really 'problems'.
People have these 'cadillac problems' but mostly they're not problems. These are gifts and blessings. What dress to wear or which shirt to wear is the talk of luxury.
I'm so blessed and thankful for all the privilege and joy I know. I even took some DVD movies back I'd bought and was given new ones half price in exchange. What a rush. Normally I just give these away or store them for a night at anchor to view again.
I've got a whole bunch of books I've read once and many I've yet to read. I've cans of food stockpiled in the bilge. I'm blessed. I'm thankful for all this but wonder if I shouldn't be a missionary doctor in Africa or would they better need a mercenary.
Am I doing what God wants me to do. Am I best utilized doing my laundry. With all my training and expertise should I not be focussing my attention on solving the world's problems or is it just okay to sit here with Gilbert writing nonsense on a Vancouver street thankful that I'm off the firing line. For this moment I'm pretty much at peace.
I tried to go to church earlier today but the door was locked so I went to starbucks instead. The other church I was going to go into was having some huge celebration. I liked Rome for the amazing number of churches and places to pray. Here I ' m praying on the street.
I almost walked around Stanley Park. I 'd actually planned to go cross country skiing yesterday. I was going to drive up to the olympic park by Whistler and take Gilbert but I got sidetracked by 'chores' and thought I'd rather go scuba diving. Now I've got to get my BCG checked out . I wanted to go swimming too but don't like leaving Gilbert in the car. Gilbert's factored into everything I do.
I miss growing up days when dogs could be left in the back of trucks and thieves didn't roam the streets laughing at the law. Criminals generally consider the judges their bitch, these days. There's no respect.
I romanticize the past thinking it was different but there were criminals then too and criminals never respected judges or the law. A bitch was a female dog then. I'd like to have Rockwell glasses and a Hallmark mind.
Right now I'm doing pretty good. Gilbert is watching the street and I'm sitting here musing about nothing. My feet hurt a bit. It's chilly but in no other city in Canada could anyone be outside typing nonsense. Pretty incredible. A February day in Canada and I had the top down on the sports car.
I love spring. I'm looking forward to riding my motorcycle, I think. They scare me a bit but if I give into my fears I 'll be afraid to leave my bed. Fetal positions are so comforting. I want to cocoon but somehow I get out there.
I was rambling talking to a young man today in a store and thought I was becoming one of 'those'. Old guy , reminiscing. I was looking at a young woman too with someone who was probably her mother but looked like her grandmother. I worried the girl catching me looking at her was going to try and set me up with the grey haired fox. No doubt the fox would have been far more interesting.
I looked at a crowd and saw a guy who I figured must be my age and we were definitely older than most everyone else in the mall. It made me look more kindly at the even older person with the cane. I think of that more these days. I sometimes long to go home too. I want the Rapture but then I've not learned the bagpipes and learning the bagpipes is definitely on my bucket list. Gilberts got another 15 year or so in him so I know he needs me otherwise I might just wander off. I respect the folk who go on walk abouts. It was once only an Australian thing. I loved Steinbecks "Travels with Charley."
Tomorrow I'll go to church and another week will begin. This week is pretty much at it's end. Even this day is winding down. Darkness on the streets, more lights on.
Thank you God for a good day. Thank you especially for Gilbert. He's a great friend. Thanks for coffee and coffee shops and Vancouver and the weather today. Thank you for batteries and little typing machines too. Thanks for wandering rambling thoughts and thecadillac problems. Especially thanks for cadillac problems. Thanks for my family, my past, my mentors, my parents, all the wonderful people you've put in my life. the adventures, the good times and the bad times, all of it Lord, thank you.
Thanks for Saturday and thanks for Cadillac Problems.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Sunday Evening
I'm surprised by the weekend. It just sort of came and went with mostly housekeeping chores. I changed the pillow cases but not the sheets. I'd get to the sheets but I've got stuff piled on the bed. Gilbert probably needs a bath. I'm thinking about having him shower with me in the morning and taking him wet to work. He had a heck of a good day running all over the dog trail with dozens of big dogs. Great seeing Joyce and what a synchronicity running into Peter on the trail after talking outside St. James to him. Mysteries.
I got to church. Amazing that easter is just around the corner. I'd not have realized how close it was except for being in church and reading the bulletins. Sometimes the world seems to have a momentum of its own with days and months flying by when other times they just seem to poke along. All in all time seems a bit faster now I'm older.
I did like church. Sermon about transfiguration was by Father Mathew and very captivating. I like that it spoke to the afterlife. I'm holding less hope in this life and know that hope in the after life is a sustaining fact. Truth is my life today is so much better than it's been despite all the garbage I see on the outskirts. I'm pretty okay with just muddling along. I'm doing the best I can do with what I've got. What upsets me is my own negativity. I want to be joyous and free and it seems that more often than now I'm more own rate limiting step.
Thank you Jesus.
Life is pretty good but it's lonely. It's lacking in clear meaning. I'm not sure what to do and find myself more and more wondering if I'm doing what I should be doing but then that's not a new thought .I just keep on trucking. What I especially love is that spring is coming. Today was a sunny day and I drove about with Gilbert and the top down on the sportscar. I was thinking about motorcycling too.
I was at the Mac store getting a glych worked out of the computer. They're really helpful there.
I'm really pleased with my dive watch and computer. On Granville Island they change the battery so I've now got that back on line. They're going to service my bcd too. It's not been done in a couple of years. With that okay I'm going to get in the pool and check out my dry suit skills, then I've a hankering to so some cold water scuba diving. I've just thought it would be fun to go off white cliff again.
I really ought to be ready to for the boat. I've got a prop problem and if I was optimally ready I could have just jumped over the side. Next step is new air in my tanks too. I just seem to get one system set up and another moves front and centre. I'm getting things further along each time. Still looking for the new fast boat to go with the new motor I've had at the shop for months. I expect to tow it and found one I like but the motor is too big for it so maybe I'll get a smaller motor in exchange for the bigger one. I'm mull over these things and muddle through It's not like a how to pay the rent equation. Pretty blessed to think of it.
So it's a good sunday. I began with prayer. Tonight I'm watching more episodes of Justified. Cowboy detective. I wish I could have a horse on my boat. I certainly understand the 2 foot iitish that resulted in the air craft carriers. I'm pretty happy with this space. it's all I need but I could have a floating barge to pull the rest of the stuff behind me. I really ought to clean up again. Gilbert is s slob. It was only last month I had this place tidy and pristine Now I've lost the desk again.
Thank you Jeus.
I got to church. Amazing that easter is just around the corner. I'd not have realized how close it was except for being in church and reading the bulletins. Sometimes the world seems to have a momentum of its own with days and months flying by when other times they just seem to poke along. All in all time seems a bit faster now I'm older.
I did like church. Sermon about transfiguration was by Father Mathew and very captivating. I like that it spoke to the afterlife. I'm holding less hope in this life and know that hope in the after life is a sustaining fact. Truth is my life today is so much better than it's been despite all the garbage I see on the outskirts. I'm pretty okay with just muddling along. I'm doing the best I can do with what I've got. What upsets me is my own negativity. I want to be joyous and free and it seems that more often than now I'm more own rate limiting step.
Thank you Jesus.
Life is pretty good but it's lonely. It's lacking in clear meaning. I'm not sure what to do and find myself more and more wondering if I'm doing what I should be doing but then that's not a new thought .I just keep on trucking. What I especially love is that spring is coming. Today was a sunny day and I drove about with Gilbert and the top down on the sportscar. I was thinking about motorcycling too.
I was at the Mac store getting a glych worked out of the computer. They're really helpful there.
I'm really pleased with my dive watch and computer. On Granville Island they change the battery so I've now got that back on line. They're going to service my bcd too. It's not been done in a couple of years. With that okay I'm going to get in the pool and check out my dry suit skills, then I've a hankering to so some cold water scuba diving. I've just thought it would be fun to go off white cliff again.
I really ought to be ready to for the boat. I've got a prop problem and if I was optimally ready I could have just jumped over the side. Next step is new air in my tanks too. I just seem to get one system set up and another moves front and centre. I'm getting things further along each time. Still looking for the new fast boat to go with the new motor I've had at the shop for months. I expect to tow it and found one I like but the motor is too big for it so maybe I'll get a smaller motor in exchange for the bigger one. I'm mull over these things and muddle through It's not like a how to pay the rent equation. Pretty blessed to think of it.
So it's a good sunday. I began with prayer. Tonight I'm watching more episodes of Justified. Cowboy detective. I wish I could have a horse on my boat. I certainly understand the 2 foot iitish that resulted in the air craft carriers. I'm pretty happy with this space. it's all I need but I could have a floating barge to pull the rest of the stuff behind me. I really ought to clean up again. Gilbert is s slob. It was only last month I had this place tidy and pristine Now I've lost the desk again.
Thank you Jeus.
Sunday Morning
White frost on dock, blue sky, sunshine,
Thank you Jesus,
Dog laughs running.
I follow slowly.
There is promise in this day:
A new canvas for life's painting,
A tabula rosa with only faint marks of yesteryear.
I can be a new man;
I can start a new life.
I can continue the best of the old.
It's my day, our day, a new day,
This Sunday.
I'm going to church.
I love the place of praise and thanksgiving.
There is safety in worship and focus.
If I leave now I might just make the sermon.
Gilbert, the cockapoo is loved in this church.
We are suspect of churches that don't welcome dogs
What kind of Ark would hold just people.
In my heaven I'm there with the cats and dogs
And fish and birds and even grandad's horses.
I just know that the animals I ate will be forgiving in heaven.
So I must be forgiving here on earth to gain my place there,
Where cannibals redeemed eat sacramental bread,
Forgiving, forgiven.
Thank you Jesus,
Dog laughs running.
I follow slowly.
There is promise in this day:
A new canvas for life's painting,
A tabula rosa with only faint marks of yesteryear.
I can be a new man;
I can start a new life.
I can continue the best of the old.
It's my day, our day, a new day,
This Sunday.
I'm going to church.
I love the place of praise and thanksgiving.
There is safety in worship and focus.
If I leave now I might just make the sermon.
Gilbert, the cockapoo is loved in this church.
We are suspect of churches that don't welcome dogs
What kind of Ark would hold just people.
In my heaven I'm there with the cats and dogs
And fish and birds and even grandad's horses.
I just know that the animals I ate will be forgiving in heaven.
So I must be forgiving here on earth to gain my place there,
Where cannibals redeemed eat sacramental bread,
Forgiving, forgiven.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Bungalows Paraiso, Melaque, Mexico
My Canadian friend, Marion is the patrona of Bungalows Paraiso in Mexico. Fluent in English and Spanish, Marion is a genius in life as well as academia. She is a psychologist, not the sort that work with white rats in maizes but rather half betazoid like Startrek ship's counsellor, Diana Troy. Lover of intelligence, especially in bad boys and musicians, at last count she had given birth to 7 male lumberjacks and rodeo riders and 3 female goddesses in the far reaches of Canada. There she rode polar bears and dog sledded. As a youth she let her golden hair be used in Saskatchewan to create the golden grain fields that feed the world. Now, always a lover of adventures, she swims with dolphins then siestas on the Melaque beaches, no doubt digesting an excellent meal she just cooked herself with exquisite skill and love. I have been honoured to share her table and have hence been called 'gordo'. She is the friend of all, especially children, old people and dogs. Where she is, there is safety, family, great music, fine food, story telling and laughter. Congratulations, Marion, on your success in your loved Mexico.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Rabbit Hole, movie
Just watched Rabbit Hole, the movie, with Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart and Dianna Weist directed by John Cameron Mitchel, Screenplay by David Lindsay-Abaire. Nicole Kidman won Academy Award Nominee for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role. Like Meryl Streep and Maggie Smith, Nicole Kidman is an extraordinary actress. In this role she plays Becca, a mother who has lost her child. Aaron Eckhart is amazing as the confused and loving husband and bereaved father, Howie. Everything about the movie is true from the little I know clinically sitting as I have with such parents whose grief never really heals. Dianne Weiss, as Becca's mother, has lost her son as a man. Her summary of the grief a parent experiences with the loss of a child is poignant. Truly one of the most moving movies I've seen.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Frazer Valley Sunday
I stayed the night in Harrison Hot Springs at the Ramada. In the morning having woken late, made coffee in my room, done some work on a report, blogged, answered emails and shaved, I went upstairs for an sauna. There I chatted with a man about my age about his kids, Kelowna, aches and pains and the relative value of arthrotec versus celebrex. We had our opinions. We talked of weather and snowmobile and Winnipeg and Prince George too. When I got back to the room I showed and dressed, packed up and departed. Gilbert was delighted when I completed my transaction with the very pleasant front desk person so he could pee on a tree. Peeing on trees is for Gilbert right up there with sniffing bums, crotches and fetching tennis balls. I loaded the Ford truck.
We had a long walk around the Harrison Lake beach. I took pictures. Gilbert pooped and peed. It was misty and foggy this day with a little drizzle beginning. I stopped in Harrison Village for a lunch of Hallibut and chips. Gilbert waited outside not a little miffed at the gross discrimination his kind faces routinely but especially at restaurants.
After lunch we walked back to the truck. I enjoyed having a heater. I headed out of Harrison Village back towards Chilliwack. Crossing the river I thought of fishing. An Indian woman was hitchhiking in the rain in Rosedale so I offered her a lift saying I was headed to the Bookman bookstore. Gilbert at first barked at the dangerous intruder then spent the rest of the trip having his ears rubbed. She was going to the coffeeshop to meet her son. I dropped her off in town.
At the Bookman I loaded up remembering I'd not finished reading the loot from my last stop here with Laura. That didn't stop me from stocking up with more to read. I'd been in House of James in Abbotsford the day before and loaded up with CD's. I got another Christian 'thriller' here to add to the two others I'd found at House of James. I also got some nautical fiction, science fiction, a detective novel and a western. I saw some Khalla and Patrick Taylor in the second hand favourite stand which obviously suggested someone was reading these local greats.
With a bag full of books I returned to the truck where Gilbert was glad to be on the road again. I called Victor to get his address and stopped for our visit. He served coffee. Gilbert was happy to visit with his female dog friend in their back yard while Victor and I talked about materialism and spirituality. He's been told by his doctor to rest and was planning on lying on the couch watching the Superbowl according to doctor's orders. He'd hurt his ankle. I don't think he did this on purpose either. He's not that much of a football fan.
I left with Gilbert who was thoroughly played out having a girlfriend three times his size. He slept on the truck seat beside me while I drove onto Yarrow.
Having been sorely tempted by a Stealth Toy Hauler at the Abbotsford Earlybird RV show the day before I thought I should have a look at my RV. Well, this was good. I'd forgotten how much I liked it and seeing the new Stealth with it's capacity to carry my motorcycle not fully appreciated how much I liked my own RV despite it's not being able to carry my motorcycle. I wasn't keen on taking on debt either so was glad for the decision. It was raining so I decided against cleaning it up and packing what I didn't need from last season to the storage locker. Just nice to visit.
I stopped at the Barn for produce getting fresh local honey, some sausages and perogies as well. I love these local country markets. Then it was back on the freeway with the windshield wipers going. I'd been listening to Tapestry on CBC radio and thoroughly enjoying it. A journalist who'd become a minister was being interviewed. Great program.
Back at the boat it was a struggle to get everything down the dock in one go. I've forever trying to avoid two trips. Good to be back on the boat. I got the diesel stove going and before long it was cozy in here. I've actually put the laundry away and done the dishes. Gilbert is still drying and can't understand why I won't let him lie on my chest.
It's been a great day just driving back home from Harrison's. I've done this trip often. Often I'll go up to pray in the Abbey. Next month I'll probably be doing it on motorcycle and the ride up there on the Harley is pretty fine. I'd thought to visit my friend in Fort Langley but with the rain I was happy to just head on home.
This was a restful day, with minor accomplishments, creature comfort, a visit, and time with Gilbert. Now I'll read and watch Netflix.
I'm thankful for this day, for health, for lack of war, for the very ordinariness of it.
We had a long walk around the Harrison Lake beach. I took pictures. Gilbert pooped and peed. It was misty and foggy this day with a little drizzle beginning. I stopped in Harrison Village for a lunch of Hallibut and chips. Gilbert waited outside not a little miffed at the gross discrimination his kind faces routinely but especially at restaurants.
After lunch we walked back to the truck. I enjoyed having a heater. I headed out of Harrison Village back towards Chilliwack. Crossing the river I thought of fishing. An Indian woman was hitchhiking in the rain in Rosedale so I offered her a lift saying I was headed to the Bookman bookstore. Gilbert at first barked at the dangerous intruder then spent the rest of the trip having his ears rubbed. She was going to the coffeeshop to meet her son. I dropped her off in town.
At the Bookman I loaded up remembering I'd not finished reading the loot from my last stop here with Laura. That didn't stop me from stocking up with more to read. I'd been in House of James in Abbotsford the day before and loaded up with CD's. I got another Christian 'thriller' here to add to the two others I'd found at House of James. I also got some nautical fiction, science fiction, a detective novel and a western. I saw some Khalla and Patrick Taylor in the second hand favourite stand which obviously suggested someone was reading these local greats.
With a bag full of books I returned to the truck where Gilbert was glad to be on the road again. I called Victor to get his address and stopped for our visit. He served coffee. Gilbert was happy to visit with his female dog friend in their back yard while Victor and I talked about materialism and spirituality. He's been told by his doctor to rest and was planning on lying on the couch watching the Superbowl according to doctor's orders. He'd hurt his ankle. I don't think he did this on purpose either. He's not that much of a football fan.
I left with Gilbert who was thoroughly played out having a girlfriend three times his size. He slept on the truck seat beside me while I drove onto Yarrow.
Having been sorely tempted by a Stealth Toy Hauler at the Abbotsford Earlybird RV show the day before I thought I should have a look at my RV. Well, this was good. I'd forgotten how much I liked it and seeing the new Stealth with it's capacity to carry my motorcycle not fully appreciated how much I liked my own RV despite it's not being able to carry my motorcycle. I wasn't keen on taking on debt either so was glad for the decision. It was raining so I decided against cleaning it up and packing what I didn't need from last season to the storage locker. Just nice to visit.
I stopped at the Barn for produce getting fresh local honey, some sausages and perogies as well. I love these local country markets. Then it was back on the freeway with the windshield wipers going. I'd been listening to Tapestry on CBC radio and thoroughly enjoying it. A journalist who'd become a minister was being interviewed. Great program.
Back at the boat it was a struggle to get everything down the dock in one go. I've forever trying to avoid two trips. Good to be back on the boat. I got the diesel stove going and before long it was cozy in here. I've actually put the laundry away and done the dishes. Gilbert is still drying and can't understand why I won't let him lie on my chest.
It's been a great day just driving back home from Harrison's. I've done this trip often. Often I'll go up to pray in the Abbey. Next month I'll probably be doing it on motorcycle and the ride up there on the Harley is pretty fine. I'd thought to visit my friend in Fort Langley but with the rain I was happy to just head on home.
This was a restful day, with minor accomplishments, creature comfort, a visit, and time with Gilbert. Now I'll read and watch Netflix.
I'm thankful for this day, for health, for lack of war, for the very ordinariness of it.
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