Category Archives: Inspiration

After the War: Remember The Living

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To see these boys together as responsible young men celebrating a baptism is worth remembering to tell a story down the road for Greg’s firstborn son initiation into Christianity. They grew up together, some studied at the same school, prayed … Continue reading →

Of Public Places and Spaces

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Public arts abound on alleyways and bus boards in Vancouver.  Local painters and writers creative works are shared for the public to enjoy. It astounds me how much imagination a person has from painting to writing. Putting them together create … Continue reading →

Peripheral Vision

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When push comes to shove, historically speaking, people will quote the bible to harness the power to govern and dominate even though their action is vile. Why not start from the beginning. Blame it on the apple. Then the women. … Continue reading →

One Final Post

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I always looked forward for her bus to arrive on my screen and waited and waited and waited…. It finally arrived. Thank you, Catherine. May perpetual light shine upon you. Rest in peace.

To honour Catherine, teach your children well, respect nature, stand up for something you believe in, and hold your loved ones dear.

Canada 150 Bus

Catherine Mitchell

September 8, 1931 – June 8, 2018

Catherine Mary Power Mitchell started her life September 8, 1931. On that day, she was born to Michael John and Mary Ann (Dillon) Power in their family home in Calgary, Alberta.
Catherine attended St. Ann’s School and St. Mary’s Girls’ High School and entered the Sisters of the Faithful Companions of Jesus at Sacred Heart Convent in 1947. Catherine graduated from the University of Toronto, St. Michael’s College in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts. She then went overseas to Broadstairs Kent, UK for further religious training.
Catherine returned to Calgary in 1957 to begin her teaching career, which continued both in and out of the classroom, including managing the St. Francis Archives, until 2016. She taught at both St. Mary’s Girls’ High School and St. Francis High School.
Catherine left the convent in 1967, and later met and married her…

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i am not alone – by a hermit’s journey

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In the journey through life people come and go. Maybe in passing, for however long that maybe, we will sit on these benches together and connect. But whether I sit with you, or someone else, I will never be alone because I will always be with myself.

Photo Sociology

A Hermits Journey

A Hermits Journey

I do not live alone, I live with myself. This is a position of strength, although it may appear to be an isolated existence.

A Hermits Journey

My mental health difficulties can lead to very morbid thoughts, but somehow I manage to walk that path in between life and death. I find there is as much joy to be found in darkness as there is in light. That’s not the way it used to be, so I think a positive attitude comes with experience and age.

A Hermits Journey

People are important to me. Through my studies I have developed an online community, and I have some very close and wonderful friends that I have known for years. However I chose not to meet with people very often, I prefer to have a physical distance, and enjoy the freedom of not having to be with people.

A Hermits Journey

If I spend too much time around…

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Happy Nurses Week – love being one ♥️💞

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She posted Happy Nurses Week – love being one ♥️💞 on Facebook For her, being a nurse is a vocation, not a job. She’s a ped, short for Paediatric Nurse. It’s in her nature. I’ve listened to her countless stories what it’s like to take … Continue reading →

Setting the record straight

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Women play an essential role in the world. For without the woman’s womb, we are not born. Rejoice and be thankful. – Perpetua

Perpetua and Felicity

Perpetua and Felicity

We celebrate the lives of some remarkable female saints this week, and today, we remember saints Perpetua and Felicity. These remarkable women were early third-century, African martyrs were of great significance in the life of the early Church. They were condemned as Christians by the Roman authorities and sent to the public arena, to be mauled by wild animals. However, they survived and were then taken to be executed by the sword. Their story was widely circulated secretly throughout the early Christian congregations, giving encouragement in the face of adversity. They were martyred for their faith on this day in the year 203.  – Pray As You Go

Overcoming Social Media: Dear Future Generation

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This is the original photo I posted titled “Extra Ordinary Bond” in July 2014 photographed by Sirish BC for National Geographic assignment “The Animals that We Love”. It’s a familial bond similar to a man and his dog where the … Continue reading →

These Nuns are out of Order #SuperbowlinTheConvent

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Between Layla and I, to keep us entertained, we followed what the nuns were tweeting. Reading their tweets were more exciting than the game itself. Hilarious! Sister Bethany, fsp‏ @SrBethanyFSP Feb 4 Nun 1: Did you see that player? He made the … Continue reading →

In this corner, the winner is ….

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It’s not a festival if there is no music and dancing during the Vancouver Mural Festival 2017. More than eight blocks closed to the traffic to accommodate all the fun and festivities. What I enjoyed the most was the dance … Continue reading →

Words don’t fit the picture

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To see the Haley’s comets from Vancouver was FANTASTIC! Still remember the days I saw it. Too bad that was the time I do not own a single media to capture the image. Really? You didn’t even get one shot!!!!!? … Continue reading →

Sometime the hating has to stop.

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For Valentine’s Day, I wanted to watch a movie that would make my heart all warm and fuzzy as I nurse the dreaded flu that I am afflicted with for the past three days. Our library has a wide range … Continue reading →

What adults don’t know

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As a first-year teacher, I worried about how much I didn’t know about my students. I explained to them that I wanted to get to know them better. I wrote, “I wish my teacher knew . . .” on the board and asked them to complete the sentence.

Each student’s response was unique. They responded with honesty, humor, and vulnerability. Sometimes their notes talked about their favorite sport. Sometimes students complained about conflict with siblings or friends. They wrote about their home life and the people who meant most to them. Sometimes they articulated their hopes for the future and sometimes they explained obstacles they were facing. After completing this lesson, I was amazed at how well it helped me connect with my students. Their notes became a tangible reminder for me to truly listen to the voices of students in my classroom.

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Imagine a world in which every child’s potential is valued; where every child receives the excellent education they deserve. What would our government look like? What would our neighborhoods look like? What would our schools look like? What would our classrooms look like? What would school be  like if we asked students to tell us what we adults don’t know?

Source: Excerpt from I wish my teacher knew by Kyle Schwartz

“It’s good because it’s good ― really good.”

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Kaylee Rodgers, a student who has autism and ADHD, sang the solo part for the famous tune during her school choir concert at Killard House School in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland.

Rodgers’ voice is stunningly beautiful ― and she exudes confidence while she sings with her classmates.

Source: Huffington Post: Kaylee Rodgers

A Star is Born

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Barbara Streisand is not the only star born as Jewish. There are many Jewish Canadian Stars such as Joanna Gleason, William Shatner, and Lorne Green. Allow me to introduce a new budding star with the same heritage, Ben, the big … Continue reading →

Think, Listen, Wait, Try, Earn, Forgive

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There is always a reason whatever that may be. But thoughts are funny for some reasons just do not make sense.

I will use myself as an example. And this is the bubble of my thoughts.
Before

I post. I trash. I post. I trash. Repeat.

Can I anticipate the maddening process of my brain? Yes, most of the time.

I wonder if Hemingway’s bubbling thoughts is similar to me. Did he learn to forgive?

Life is Priceless

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Priceless

When you surrender,
the problem ceases to exist.
Try to solve it, or conquer it,
and you only set up more resistance.
I am very certain now that,
as I said therein,
if I truly become what I wish to be,
the burden will fall away.
The most difficult thing to admit,
and to realize with one’s whole being,
is that you alone control nothing.

— Henry Miller, A Literate Passion: Letters of Anais Nin & Henry Miller, 1932-1953. (Mariner Books,1989) Originally published 1945.

Thank you, David for your response in It’s been a long day.

…anyway. One tough act to follow.

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This is the original version of Mother Teresa’s “Do it anyway” posted here written by Dr. Kent M. Keith. It is surprising to know that it was part of booklet for student leaders. Mother Teresa’s was re-written for spiritual purposes. In the real world, this is … Continue reading →

Through the little things

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He asked a question: How come you never become a nun? Thoughtfully I responded: I did not hear the call. We were discussing about Mother Teresa when she a heard call on the train on her way to Calcutta, “I … Continue reading →

Human Race

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  I am here, Jesse, where it seems there is only the dry sand and the wet blood. I do not fear so much for myself, my friend Jesse, I fear for my woman who is home, and my young … Continue reading →

Growing babies.

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I’ve heard it said that while an American child will ask, “How are babies made?,” a Chinese child will ask, “How do babies grow?” So, “How does your garden grow?” is not just a line from a nursery rhyme! It’s … Continue reading →

Participatory Democracy

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Participation is admirable. They came prepared. Armed with nachos, cheeses, chips and juices to fuel their hunger for a long night of participation of asking questions, voice their concerns and listen to other speak about the future of their education. … Continue reading →

Setting the record straight

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Women Who Changed The World

The following are quotes from USA, Canada and Spain. I am certain the whole world is grateful for all women that changed the world and will continue to change the society.

Thank you to all the women who have taught me that strength isn’t always masculinity and being alpha male. I know many women who I marvel at their strength of character and independence. Some of you are single parents and act as “the anchor and foundation” for the one thing you love more than yourself. Some of you are spouses and masters of making relationships work. Some of you are the bread winners breaking society’s rules on who wears the pants. Some of you show your strength by quietly supporting your partner and asking for no recognition. And some of you find and exhibit strength in being independent and alone in a world that tells you have to be married and a mother to matter.

Thank you to all the women who have shared time in my life and taught me other forms of strength than what my gender is capable of teaching me. – Jeff Reed (USA)

Today we celebrate all the women in our lives: mothers, sisters, friends and women around the world, who support and empower us to succeed.

This year in particular, we recognize that gender equality is still an issue in many countries, including Canada. Please take the pledge to help all women and girls in our community realize their potential and promote gender equality! – Diane Finley (Canada)

Happy International Women’s Day to all the powerful, wise, caring, fearless, compassionate, intrepid, loving, ambitious and simply remarkable women in my life. There is so much to be said for those who balance both thriving careers and strong relationships, who act as both the father figure and the mother figure, who are both independent of others and simultaneously connected to everyone, and who do it all while handling criticism and inequality everyday with strength and grace. Women are forces to be reckoned with. It’s about time that a woman’s value in comparison to that of her male counterpart’s becomes a debate of the past. – Nicole Doray (Spain)

Women play an important role in the world. For without the woman’s womb, we are not born. Rejoice and be thankful. – Perpetua

Perpetua and Felicity

Perpetua and Felicity

We celebrate the lives of some remarkable female saints this week and today, we remember saints Perpetua and Felicity. These remarkable women were early third-century, African martyrs were of great significance in the life of the early Church. They were condemned as Christians by the Roman authorities and sent to the public arena, to be mauled by wild animals. However, they survived and were then taken to be executed by the sword. Their story was widely circulated secretly throughout the early Christian congregations, giving encouragement in the face of adversity. They were martyred for their faith on this day in the year 203.  – Pray As You Go

Ordinary act of an ordinary man

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These two young porters were passing by Imja Valley, Everest Region, Nepal at an altitude of above 5,000 meters with carrying goods for a trekking/climbing group. In Nepal, such porters can earn only a minimal sum of money despite their hard … Continue reading →

At the end of the day, victory prevails.

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Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman: these are just a few superheroes the children want to be when they grow up. As adults, we show them they are the symbol of victory, the one who will save us, to serve and protect … Continue reading →

Ice Cream, anyone?

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BE SUPPORTIVE…. Becca Givens started the Nurturing Thursday at: “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”. Click on this link to see what others have contributed to nurture yourself and others.  Come and join us. This is an open invitation.

Find your strengths

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1. Wisdom and Knowledge – Cognitive strengths that entail the acquisition and use of knowledge Creativity [originality, ingenuity]: Thinking of novel and productive ways to conceptualize and do things; includes artistic achievement but is not limited to it Curiosity [interest, … Continue reading →

What Hit Me.

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Come to think of it, inspiration comes from learning as simple as ABCs to studying a complicated theorem of Isaac Newton. What hit me started with Apples. Apple inspired me to learn my ABCs. A is for apple. Then it … Continue reading →

Forgiveness has no limitation

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“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.” ― Martin Luther King Jr. Forgiveness is not so easy. It’s easier said than done. But once it’s done, forgiveness is transforming. Citing the forgiveness statement of the victims … Continue reading →

First Thing First

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Denzel Washington recently gave the Commencement Address at Dillard University in New Orleans. He broke his speech into four takeaways for the new graduates: Put God first: “Everything that I have is by the grace of God, understand that. It’s … Continue reading →

Wretched Writers Welcome

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I am changing 3Ps to 3Ws (Wretched Writers Welcome) by joining Bulwer-Lytton since I am not much of a writer because English is my second language. In this site, maybe I might win the Dishonorable Mention Award should I join their contest. … Continue reading →

Get used to the bear behind you.

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Paul Cronin’s book of conversations with filmmaker Werner Herzog is called Werner Herzog – A Guide for the Perplexed. On the back cover of the book, Herzog offers a list of advice for filmmakers that doubles as general purpose life … Continue reading →

Sunday Relaxation Music

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The-Dancer

Christopher Ferreira’s song “The Dancer”, from his album “The Piano Pieces”.

A simple animated style combined with the song created a quiet beauty made by Atsuko Yamagishi.

The song is relaxing. To listen click on the photo or here.

To Fall In Love With Anyone, Try This App — Or This One, Or This One

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So, have you printed the list of 36 Questions on how to fall in love and experimented it on someone yet? How was it for you? Are you in love? Do I hear wedding bells?

If not, no worries. There is now an App for that provided by Apple iTunes. They do think of anything and everything for the sake of love for money.

All thanks to Mandy Len Catron who published an essay in The New York Times describing her experience replicating a study that claims to accelerate intimacy between two people in her Love Story Project blog.

But then again, I’d rather experiment it with a cat. This cat looks exactly like my cat, Maurice. Such a sweet talker.

Last night, Maurice seems to be losing mobility on his right hind leg. Please send you healing love and prayers to Maurice. Thank you.

Everything is going to be alright

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alright

This public gesture coming from the heart of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (known as one of the poorest postal codes in Canada) celebrates optimism amidst the pervasive – and often exaggerated – negativity found within many of the messages we routinely encounter, offering hope for the future. (Martin Creed Work No. 851)

And my creed is “All shall be well” ~ Julian of Norwich

Experiment this and you will fall in love.

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Dr. Aron’s study is fascinating and she always wanted to try it. She did. The study: A heterosexual man and woman enter the lab through separate doors. They sit face to face and answer a series of increasingly personal questions. Then they … Continue reading →

And finally, because we ask this in every interview: why write? 

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  Write because you want to communicate with yourself. Write because you want to communicate with someone else. Write because life is weird and tragic and amazing. Write because talking is difficult. Write because it polishes the heart. Write because … Continue reading →

See how easy it is!

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CircleofGratitude

A very simple ordinary sketch and yet it makes sense. What do you think?

Instead of expecting more, we try to show appreciation for what we already have. I know some people find it easier than others to express that gratitude. But that doesn’t mean we can’t all benefit from feeling a little thankful. So, over the next few weeks, I’m wondering what will happen if you find one thing to be grateful for each day.

It doesn’t have to be gratitude for a big, life-changing event. Look for the little things, then take a minute to see how you feel immediately afterwards. For just that moment, I suspect life will look a little brighter.

I bring up gratitude now because we’re living in world that seems overly focused on things that get in the way of it. It’s not so much a case of reminiscing for the “good ol’ days” versus today. Rather, I’ve become more convinced over time that many of our most common financial problems stem from too little awareness about what we already have. Part of building that awareness includes showing gratitude.

Source:  Carl Richards of Behavior Gap accidental artist with the help of a Sharpie and the belief that complex ideas can be made easy to understand writes at The New York Times.

Brunch for one: Sweet and Savory

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Food. I need food and there’s hardly any food in my fridge. What can I possibly eat the day after our family Christmas party? I did not bring any “to go” even though I supplied all kinds of cheeses, fruits, … Continue reading →