A Poem

My favorite poet is Emily Dickinson so I have attempted to memorize a new poem of hers but with lamentable results. I have never been very good at remembering poetry so this was a challenge even without having chemotherapy issues! However I have read the poem many times and it is a lovely one.

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune without the words,

And never stops at all. 

And sweetest in the gale is heard,

And sure must be the storm

That could abash the little bird

That kept so many warm. 

I’ve heard it in the chilliest land,

And on the strangest sea,

Yet, never, in extremity,

It asked a crumb of me.

Canada - One of the Oldest Constitutional Democracies in the World

There appears to be a number of people in Canada who are misinformed with respect to whether or not Canada has a constitution. Why that should be I have no idea other than Facebook and other media having algorithms that lead credulous people down the garden path.

I remember when the constitution was patriated to Canada in 1982; it was a very big deal. Here’s what Wikipedia says about that event, in brief:

The patriation of the Canadian constitution was achieved in 1982 when the British parliament, with the assent of the Canadian parliament, passed the Canada Act 1982, which included in its schedules the Constitution Act, 1982, the United Kingdom thus formally absolving itself of any remaining responsibility for, or jurisdiction over, Canada. In a formal ceremony on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed both acts as law on 17 April 1982. Constitution Act, 1982, included the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Prior to the charter, there were various statutes which protected an assortment of civil rights and obligations, but nothing was enshrined in the constitution until 1982. The charter has thus placed a strong focus upon individual and collective rights of the people of Canada.

Canada is one of the oldest constitutional democracies in the world. We enjoy freedoms and have opportunities that few other nations have, including our wonderful Scandinavian countries. I refer here specifically to the economic opportunities available to Canadians that are not so readily available in Europe. From an environmental perspective we are most likely the cleanest country in the world with wide open spaces, plenty of clean water and strong forests.

From a political perspective we also are fortunate in not simply having a two party system (although federally this has always been the way except for that wonderful orange period of Jack Layton when the NDP were the official opposition). We are also fortunate in that MOST Canadians are proud to be multi-cultural and it is frustrating beyond belief to have so much malignant misinformation spread about how many refugees we have, how they get and so on and so forth. Are there people coming in illegal? Most likely. Are they being dealt with appropriate? Perhaps not always. Are they going to bring down this country? Most definitely NOT.

We Canadians are a quiet, polite nation but we also have enough courage to defend our rights and freedoms without violence.

I am grateful every day that I live in this fine country but I don’t forget that I too am an immigrant. Thank you Canada for accepting my family into this land.

Baked Pears

A long night, pain and dreary weather hence a lot of sleep and lolling about.  So the one new thing had to be something simple. Memorize a verse? Make one small card? Read a chapter in a book?

In the end I decided to experiment with a recipe. Two Asian pears baked in sugar and cream using Martha Stewart’s recipe.  Guess what, it was terrible!  The pears had no flavour (Martha recommended Bartlett or Bosc but I only had these good looking Asian pears), butter and sugar are no substitute for brown sugar and cinnamon and perhaps a little sherry. So Mom and I decided to make a pear sauce out of the remaining pears with lots of spices added into the mix.

Not bad but still, not the best new thing!

Building a Christmas Street

Today I painted the house for the Christmas Street. My hands are unsteady and I was also rushing a little bit more than I should have been but I am still quite pleased with the result. Tomorrow I will work on the bird houses and then we need to set up the lights.

Meanwhile I completed a second project, the canvas with the Crawling Elf that will hold some of my niece’s Christmas cards. That also turned out very nice.

Now the question remains, can I migrate the photos from the one computer to the other!

I feel excited about doing something new, however minor, on a daily basis. The interesting thing about this month’s project is that when I had my consultation with my doctor the other day he actually was suggesting that I get “out there” and do some living in new ways. Now that is synchronicity for you.

Official Kick off Tomorrow

I hope my readers are excited about the One New Thing theme (as in that they are giving it a try also). I have been doing a lot of preparing for all the planned activities. Charging batteries, plugging in the treadmill, cleaning up space, setting up my craft room downstairs, trying to get Mom and John in the mode, reading up on cookies so I can use my cookie press for the first time and all the other little mundane things that will help make things go tickety-boo over the busiest time of the year!

I will remind you that on December 1^st and each day of the following months I will not use Facebook so please either click the post from the day before and press F5 to refresh which ought to bring up the December 1^st blog. Alternative just google Sanne’s Grain of Salt (and you may have to use Google.ca rather than Google.com)  I remember having troubles in the early days of my blog but perhaps I have enough followers on  the .com to make it visible on a first search.

The reason for the boycott is that I believe Mark Zuckerberg is a total dickhead and being extremely uncooperative with regard to all the political interference that is happening at Facebook. Quite honestly I do not like the man. Not only am I boycotting Facebook for one day each month (and I know that isn’t a lot, but if I can persuade others to follow suit, that would be great).  I would also encourage people not to look at any of the feeds or ads not just on that day but as often as humanly possible. Rather go to Google or the site outside of Facebook if you are really interested. Thirdly write to your MP to support their pushback at Facebook for answers. It’s all about algorithms and it is not that big of a deal to alter the algorithms to manage the hate sites and other things that are causing so much dissent in the world. (I saw a program about it earlier this week, I forget the man’s name who is probably the top guy on all of this stuff, and it was very interesting and alarming that Facebook and Twitter are not doing their part in this).

I would appreciate your feedback on this readers – am I going down a wrong path in this?

Juggling my Treatments for the Holidays

I can never say all the good things about the staff at the High River Hospital Cancer Clinic. They are just the most wonderful and caring staff it has been my pleasure to meet. Nancy is the receptionist is the supreme coordinator who ensures that the patients get the appointments straightened out, that they see their doctor when advisable, and she will juggle dates to accommodate other appointments. You may say “well that’s her job” but she goes above and beyond.

The nurses are also above and beyond in their kindness and caring. They know their patients’ names, their treatments, their foibles and that is so comforting. They are always ready to lend an ear, enjoy a laugh and socialize even though they are busy. They make you feel like a person rather than a patient and that goes many miles in just making you feel good to attend the clinic. I am so grateful that High River has this facility – and we don’t have to pay for parking!

It’s my disconnect day which is always quick and easy; then we stop off at the bank to drop off eggs for my customers there (again, I have the best bank!) and then I have to manipulate John into taking me for a very long spree at the Dollarama – I need a few (!!) things to keep my Christmas mood going. It’s amazing that however much Christmas stuff you have there is always something new to be added to the collection for the next year’s theme. Men just don’t get it but as he let me have a good frolic the other day I am hopeful he will not be Mr. Grump today!

Chinook weather takes me Outdoors

This week we have enjoyed chinook weather and yesterday I was inspired to create to winter pots for outdoor fun.  I just took things from around the house and built up some glittering little pots, Today I am inspired to create some more fairy garden style pots down by the greenhouse so we can enjoy them when we do our dishes or spy on the Henriettas.

I am a little ahead of the December theme but who says I have to stay inside my manmade box? Tis the season to free flow and bring joy, fun and laughter into your Circle. I am enjoying Marilyn Denis’ show this week where the theme is all about getting ready for the season in a variety of ways. One of the things the experts stress is “set a budget” so you don’t overspend. Something they haven’t talked about too much (although some) is repurposing things you already have in the house to create something different; using rarely used bowls, platters and vases for arrangements and votives are great ideas; just be sure that they are fire resistant (as in don’t use too thin of a glass that may crack if a candle is lit inside it. Insure you put some stones or sand in the bottom is also a good tip so they won’t tip over.

Remember to never leave the room with lit candles, keep them away from children and pets. And be sure your plants are safe from pets; poinsettias can be dangerous for cats (although mine have never tried to eat them, thank heavens).

When working with outdoor decorations, be sure your extension cords are working and running along the side of the house so no one trips. They should also be somewhat sheltered due to all the high winds we get in this part of the country.  I am planning on working with a lot of dead branchs, spray painting them and putting unbreakable ornaments on them. Not sure if duct tape will be involved to keep them on the branch!

Energy levels are up this week!

One New Thing

My November blogs have been a little mundane and predictable so I am preparing to go up a few notches in December with the theme of One New Thing. The plan is for me to try something new, or create something new every day in December. Some ideas that I have already thought about include


 

·         learning a new poem (as in memorizing – which will be a challenge as I have never been very good at poetry memory) 

·          a new painting

·         New cards

·         Scrapbooking albums

·         New photos

·         Cleaning up the chicken house

·         New online lectures

·         Learning about hashtags

·         Learning about Instagram (and setting up an account, maybe)

·         Sewing some crafts
 

Not everything is new learning but it is taking what I know and keeping myself artistic and busy but in a meaningful way. New meditations, research projects and writing beyond the blog will also be on the books. Some days are going to be busier than others and I already foresee driving my mother nuts as I go around quoting Emily Dickinson (my favorite poet).  With her increasing deafness it is going to be a fun to see her going out of control. Yep, I do have a diabolical sense of humour!

I think in January I will continue my second blog “The ABCs of Canadian Politics” since both Alberta and Canada will be revving up election campaigns.

And something you should be aware of, I will be boycotting Facebook the first day of every month, including New Years Day. It is my protest against Mark Zuckerberg, but more on that tomorrow.

 

Suggestions are welcome so feel free - I want to think outside the box, for sure!

'Tis the Season

There’s snow in the hills and the mountains are starting to stay white. The stores are loaded up with candy, evergreen and toys, toys, toys. People get into the spirit OF SPENDING.

Put on the brakes!

Let’s take a little time to enjoy the meaning of the holidays. When did the holidays shift from being holy and family oriented to being commercial and drunken? Ah, it’s multilayered in answers but who cares! I just want to nudge folks to think more about the companionship of the season than anything else. It’s lovely to decorate, to enjoy food, to exchange gifts and so on, but truly the important thing is to make time for your family and friends and enjoy each other.

Ambience is important but if there’s a dust ball here and a cobweb there, no matter, let’s make a joke about it, toast it and start the conversational ball rolling!

IMAGINE

Living in a small town in the middle of the prairie it is easy to feel safe and secure from immediate physical danger. The other day however I was struck by an analyst’s comment that “one should never be complacent about social responsibility”. Regardless of where you fall in your personal or political beliefs it is vital to ensure that we don’t take our freedoms for granted because it is remarkable how quickly they can disappear.

I remember feeling shocked that the world effectively allowed Russia to take over the Crimea shortly after the Olympics and then take over the Ukraine. Where was the pushback? I had questions about the world’s outcry over the religious warfare in Romania while no one had interfered with the violence in Ireland. It seemed to me that there was a lot of cherry-picking going on with respect what democratic rights the “world” would defend and which they would step away from. The most outrageous and little-known infraction on democracy happened in the USA for a full century where all African Americans could not vote in their own country until 1964. How did that happen, and how could Americans (including African Americans) go out and fight for democracy in other parts of the world when they didn’t have those rights for 100% of their own people?

Fighting isn’t the answer, leading by example is the answer and there are countries who truly exemplify real democracy. I feel very happy to be able to say that Canada is one of those countries and despite me not being a Liberal, or even a fan of Justin Trudeau, I must commend him on his stand on a variety of issues and concerns that have significant consequences. His government’s objections to Saudi Arabia’s initial tyranny over women’s rights in that country caused a lot of pushback and it was very disappointing that other countries did not support Canada’s position (which, as we know, was the proper one).

We cannot be complacent about status quos in “democratic countries” because at any moment those principles can be overturned by an autocratic leader. Just look at Hungary as a terrible example of what can go wrong.

Be alert.

Building a Better World Part 3

How can a person teach empathy and understanding as well as becoming non- judgmental if you don’t have those qualities yourself? First you have to recognize the lack in yourself (and yes, that can be a problem if you think you are perfect and no longer need to evolve as a human being . . . but I cannot preach to a stone wall) and then you research on how to release yourself from qualities that are actually weighing you down.

I was touched and surprised when my sister told me that I was a much better person than her because I always see the good in people. But I wasn’t always this way, when I was younger I could be judgmental (although I have always had compassion for the underdog and have always had a tendency to see both sides of most arguments). I think I mellowed out in my early 40’s and certainly by the time I was 50 I could see most people through a very rosy lens. I think what I recognized in myself was that I genuinely LIKED people. I have seldom met a person that I didn’t like (but I have) so it’s easy to go to the next level, becoming empathetic to whatever ails them.

Liking people, listening to people and genuinely being interested in them is a huge step in making your circle, your world a better place.  As Deepak so wonderfully explained in the latest meditation Youthful Energy, YOU are the WORLD because (and I paraphrase) your reality is your world. Does that make sense? So when you are at your best you reflect that into the world around you.

Ergo, reflect your best self, daily, hourly, minutely and wow, you are building a better world!

Now wasn’t that easy?

Building a Better World Part 2

I have never been married so I am not sure if any type of pamphlet is issued with the marriage license but I would suggest that one of the first steps in changing our behaviours is to build awareness around the responsibility of being a parent. Here are some things that should be in the pamphlet:

·         What are the values and principles you would teach your children? Recommendations include being kind to others, being unselfish, being truthful, respecting others, respecting other people’s property (i.e., do not steal), always do your best and be humble

·         Ensure you have one meal, every day, as a family where conversation is part of the meal

·         Ensure that you ask your partner and your child how their day went

·         Never go to bed without telling your partner and your child that you love them

It is perhaps not appropriate to include spiritual advice because that can be off-putting to many people regardless of their belief so I am still pondering a way around that red flag. However I do think there is value in guiding couples to explore the possibility of whether they would choose to be in a church, or would meditation be an alternative they would consider in order to mitigate their stress or other alternatives to nurture their spiritual

capacity.

I listened to a celebrity talk about what he does on Thanksgiving and he said that he loads up his plate and sits on the sofa to watch the game. I was shocked. Americans make such a big deal about Thanksgiving, so much so that it seems to take precedence over Christmas, that I could not believe that this person was not sitting at a table with his family! It’s one thing to see Cher and her girls in “Mermaids” lounge around to eat in a movie because you know they are dysfunctional but to understand that most people don’t eat at the table is appalling to me. Studies show that families who eat together regularly are happier than those who don’t.

So what are your values? What would you change? What would you like to talk about?