So, Helen made it driving the 900 KM from NB by herself. Unfortunately my smile wasn’t the first thing she saw coming into the house; I was at the hospital getting a scan by the time she arrived. It seemed to me she was overdue, and I was getting worried, so I hurried home when the docs were finished. I was relieved to find her curled up on her bed, soundly sleeping. I sent an ‘All’s clear’ to her daughter, who had been texting off and on all day, also anxious about her mom’s safety. They talked to each other this morning, and it was agreed that a couple of week’s vacation here will be good.
It is great to see her again. There wasn’t much chatting last night; we both were tired, but we made up for it today. I can tell that Helen did a lot of thinking during her 10 hour drive, and she’s making good decisions. I’m very proud of my friend.
This lady has lived an eventful life, from her childhood in a convent during post-war Germany to her arrival here as a teenage boat bride, without family or the language, and marrying a stranger who had portrayed himself in his advertisement and subsequent letters very different from what he actually was. It has been far from easy, and she has come out of it all, able to remember the bad without being bitter, and the good with a grin on her face. There is potential for a fascinating human interest novel, don’t you think?
She has suggested that I write her story. During this stay, she will talk, and I will take notes. Having agreed that it be done, we toasted the idea, and resolved than if any money is made from this joint venture, it would be equally divided.
“Do we have to change the names to protect the innocent?” she laughed. I remembered the reviews I once read for a movie about a young female German activist.*
“How do you feel about being called Sophie?” I asked.
She repeated it, giving it the German pronunciation, then she nodded, and we both SMILED.
*Sophie Scholl: The Final Days
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Friday, July 12, 2013
TO BELIEVE OR NOT TO BELIEVE
I believe in Angels.
There may be some who think as I do, others who will scoff at such ‘fantasies’ , telling me there is no scientific proof, therefore Angels can’t exist. My eldest son was of the latter group until his Uncle Bird passed over. Now he’s not so sure; certain events have touched him directly for which he has no, what he would call, ‘reasonable’ explanation.
But this post is not about Angels really. It is more about the power of believing. Even scientists have little doubt about mind over matter. On too many occasions more than one of those formidable persons have watched something scientifically impossible (or what present knowledge would deem so) take place, and then scrambled to determine the why’s and how’s. Their arguments, however convincing, will often fall on deaf ears.
What one firmly believes can bring us to exalted heights, as well as literally to our knees in despair. It can cause great joy or extreme terror. More importantly, it can be shared...but never actually imposed. If you want to change what you believe, you can. If you don’t, no amount of imposing will make it happen.
Paying lip service is one thing, and probably pardonable if it will save a life, helps someone else, or results in any type of good action. I repeat, probably. But will agreeing, for whatever the cause, change your gut feeling? Not very likely. Your belief is part of your soul (another term which can cause our intellectuals to shudder in exasperation), and your soul is your own for as long as you live and breathe on this earth. The truth is, nobody, but NOBODY can force you to BELIEVE, or to not believe. There are glaring examples: Christians being thrown to the lions, and Islamic extremists becoming suicide bombers.
Personal experience has led me to believe in Angels. Nothing you can tell or show me will change my mind. I won’t try to convince you that they exist and, as well meaning or as dominating as it may be, your attempt to convince me that they don’t will fail.
I also believe in SMILES. I’m sending some to y’all right now, and it’s your choice if you want to grab them in passing, or let them float by. I’ve decided that I’ll accept all those that are sent back to me, so bring ‘em on!!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
There may be some who think as I do, others who will scoff at such ‘fantasies’ , telling me there is no scientific proof, therefore Angels can’t exist. My eldest son was of the latter group until his Uncle Bird passed over. Now he’s not so sure; certain events have touched him directly for which he has no, what he would call, ‘reasonable’ explanation.
But this post is not about Angels really. It is more about the power of believing. Even scientists have little doubt about mind over matter. On too many occasions more than one of those formidable persons have watched something scientifically impossible (or what present knowledge would deem so) take place, and then scrambled to determine the why’s and how’s. Their arguments, however convincing, will often fall on deaf ears.
What one firmly believes can bring us to exalted heights, as well as literally to our knees in despair. It can cause great joy or extreme terror. More importantly, it can be shared...but never actually imposed. If you want to change what you believe, you can. If you don’t, no amount of imposing will make it happen.
Paying lip service is one thing, and probably pardonable if it will save a life, helps someone else, or results in any type of good action. I repeat, probably. But will agreeing, for whatever the cause, change your gut feeling? Not very likely. Your belief is part of your soul (another term which can cause our intellectuals to shudder in exasperation), and your soul is your own for as long as you live and breathe on this earth. The truth is, nobody, but NOBODY can force you to BELIEVE, or to not believe. There are glaring examples: Christians being thrown to the lions, and Islamic extremists becoming suicide bombers.
Personal experience has led me to believe in Angels. Nothing you can tell or show me will change my mind. I won’t try to convince you that they exist and, as well meaning or as dominating as it may be, your attempt to convince me that they don’t will fail.
I also believe in SMILES. I’m sending some to y’all right now, and it’s your choice if you want to grab them in passing, or let them float by. I’ve decided that I’ll accept all those that are sent back to me, so bring ‘em on!!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
MY ROOMIE
My daughter’s youngest son, who will be 16 in September, found a summer job in this area. Because he starts at 6:30 AM, and because his mom is still living 40 minutes away, they asked if he could stay over here during the week. Of course he can! His mom warned me that he is hard to get up in the morning, but I threatened to let Smooch wake him if I have to rouse him more than once. I have had no problem getting him out of bed at all. Who wants to be awakened by a rambunctious 117 pound doggie?
Once again it is a happy change in my routine. Instead of eating whenever I’m in the mood, breakfast is at 5:30 AM, supper at 6:00 PM, and not just cheese and biscuits and fruit. This lad works hard physically, so needs his meat and potatoes. He’s also on a health kick, so veggies are a must too. There are lunches to be made and often taxi service in the evening. He hasn’t got his driver’s permit yet, and his friends live in town, and there is soccer practice and soccer coaching every other night.
It’s only temporary. My daughter has decided to move back to this area. Her present apartment is listed for rent; it’s a nice place and we don’t expect it will take long to be snatched up. When that happens, I’ll lose my roomie. For the moment though, it’s quite nice, if action packed. Of all my grandchildren, Raph is the one I know least. We haven’t really spent much time alone together. This arrangement is a bonus for both of us.
Ah – and did I mention he is the sports-minded grandchild? We can discuss hockey and soccer and baseball; the players, the teams, the games. The TV is constantly tuned to one of those activities when he is in the house, and he doesn’t have it blaring, contrary to most teens. He is very knowledgeable, and we are learning from each other. How kool is that?
No wonder I’m SMILING!!! Sending them out and about to y’all!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Once again it is a happy change in my routine. Instead of eating whenever I’m in the mood, breakfast is at 5:30 AM, supper at 6:00 PM, and not just cheese and biscuits and fruit. This lad works hard physically, so needs his meat and potatoes. He’s also on a health kick, so veggies are a must too. There are lunches to be made and often taxi service in the evening. He hasn’t got his driver’s permit yet, and his friends live in town, and there is soccer practice and soccer coaching every other night.
It’s only temporary. My daughter has decided to move back to this area. Her present apartment is listed for rent; it’s a nice place and we don’t expect it will take long to be snatched up. When that happens, I’ll lose my roomie. For the moment though, it’s quite nice, if action packed. Of all my grandchildren, Raph is the one I know least. We haven’t really spent much time alone together. This arrangement is a bonus for both of us.
Ah – and did I mention he is the sports-minded grandchild? We can discuss hockey and soccer and baseball; the players, the teams, the games. The TV is constantly tuned to one of those activities when he is in the house, and he doesn’t have it blaring, contrary to most teens. He is very knowledgeable, and we are learning from each other. How kool is that?
No wonder I’m SMILING!!! Sending them out and about to y’all!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
CONFUSION
“There is something happening here, what it is ain’t exactly clear” – the lyrics of the Buffalo Springfield tune are playing in my head over and over again. Umm – yes, and that’s where the ‘something’ is happening; in my head.
I’m having a devil of a time to complete my accounting work. My brain seems to just shut down and, try as I might, I need to get up and walk away for a bit before it comes alive again.
It’s the weirdest thing! I can read, write, cook, clean or do a zillion other tasks without a problem. As soon as I pick up papers with numbers or log into my accounting program, the light begins to dim. It doesn’t take long before a curtain comes down and I am mentally unable to continue. The screen (and I’m not talking about my computer here) goes totally blank. Attempting to force my attention only produces errors that I pick up on later. ARRG!
It has been going on for some time now, but is getting worse. Presently I’m lucky if I can get an hour in before the noggin zaps out. I’ve been searching for answers on the internet and in books, have done concentration tests, etc., but am still without an answer. I very rarely take medication, don’t do drugs, there is not excessive alcohol, I’ve been in menopause for ages, I eat well and take my vitamins, just going up and downstairs in my house and walking the doggies gives me plenty of physical exercise....and the list goes on. What’s more, the lack of focus only occurs when I touch accounting.
Could it be an overdose? I’ve never really enjoyed this type of work, but have always found it relatively easy to do and understand. Now it seems to have turned the tables. It doesn’t enjoy me either. I’ve been wondering if it’s not because I’m just heartily sick of it. Of course, I feel the same way about housework too, but that doesn’t stop me from keeping my house clean (enough).
Maybe I should seriously contemplate a career change? The fact is, if this craziness continues, I’ll have no choice, and in the shortest delay possible too! It’s not fair to my clients, or to my personal mental health. Any suggestion to clarify my situation is welcome - except for banging my head on the wall a few times to knock some sense into it. That I won’t do. I’m not good at repairing drywall.
I wonder if there are any paying jobs where one just has to SMILE? That I can do....and, of course, am sharing it with you.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
I’m having a devil of a time to complete my accounting work. My brain seems to just shut down and, try as I might, I need to get up and walk away for a bit before it comes alive again.
It’s the weirdest thing! I can read, write, cook, clean or do a zillion other tasks without a problem. As soon as I pick up papers with numbers or log into my accounting program, the light begins to dim. It doesn’t take long before a curtain comes down and I am mentally unable to continue. The screen (and I’m not talking about my computer here) goes totally blank. Attempting to force my attention only produces errors that I pick up on later. ARRG!
It has been going on for some time now, but is getting worse. Presently I’m lucky if I can get an hour in before the noggin zaps out. I’ve been searching for answers on the internet and in books, have done concentration tests, etc., but am still without an answer. I very rarely take medication, don’t do drugs, there is not excessive alcohol, I’ve been in menopause for ages, I eat well and take my vitamins, just going up and downstairs in my house and walking the doggies gives me plenty of physical exercise....and the list goes on. What’s more, the lack of focus only occurs when I touch accounting.
Could it be an overdose? I’ve never really enjoyed this type of work, but have always found it relatively easy to do and understand. Now it seems to have turned the tables. It doesn’t enjoy me either. I’ve been wondering if it’s not because I’m just heartily sick of it. Of course, I feel the same way about housework too, but that doesn’t stop me from keeping my house clean (enough).
Maybe I should seriously contemplate a career change? The fact is, if this craziness continues, I’ll have no choice, and in the shortest delay possible too! It’s not fair to my clients, or to my personal mental health. Any suggestion to clarify my situation is welcome - except for banging my head on the wall a few times to knock some sense into it. That I won’t do. I’m not good at repairing drywall.
I wonder if there are any paying jobs where one just has to SMILE? That I can do....and, of course, am sharing it with you.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Monday, July 8, 2013
AND NOW ANOTHER....
Disaster after disaster, here, there, everywhere; be it Mother Nature or man-made, it has been keeping the journalists busy, and the general population shaking heads and asking ‘What next?’ Recently there certainly seems to be a lot going on at the same time. Is this unusual?
My question is valid...coming from me. I’m not a huge pursuer of the media. In spite of the adage that ‘where there’s smoke, there’s fire’, I find much of it just hogwash, dramatized, and I often doubt its accuracy. It’s nearly a sure thing that reading news headlines alone will change my mood to sad, angry, annoyed...most of those feelings that I continually attempt to, if not completely avoid, restrict to the minimum unless it is in a book that I can put down when I’ve had enough.
I’ve been accused of being an eternal optimist. I don’t agree. I can bitch with the best of them, and do so more often than I care to think about. Just ask my friends and family. I do believe, however, that I’ve been extremely lucky in my life. I also hold that one should seek whatever is good in any event (there is always something) and that (here I go again!) there is a reason for everything. My favorite e-mail going around is the one about the man who, on rising each morning, chooses that he will be happy, or will at least dwell on the brighter parts of that day.
Still, I repeat my question – is the present succession of calamitous events irregular? Or is it just that we are not used to such things in our part of the world? Or have I been a turtle all this time, dealing only with whatever is happening inside my personal shell, oblivious to all the harassed rabbits scampering around me?
Damn, there it goes. I’ll have to go back to bed now and get out on the other side. No way do I want to go through a day without SMILING. I wish that it could be that easy for everyone else out there.
And just in case you need one....or even if you don’t...I’m sending some of those SMILES your way. One can never have too many.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
My question is valid...coming from me. I’m not a huge pursuer of the media. In spite of the adage that ‘where there’s smoke, there’s fire’, I find much of it just hogwash, dramatized, and I often doubt its accuracy. It’s nearly a sure thing that reading news headlines alone will change my mood to sad, angry, annoyed...most of those feelings that I continually attempt to, if not completely avoid, restrict to the minimum unless it is in a book that I can put down when I’ve had enough.
I’ve been accused of being an eternal optimist. I don’t agree. I can bitch with the best of them, and do so more often than I care to think about. Just ask my friends and family. I do believe, however, that I’ve been extremely lucky in my life. I also hold that one should seek whatever is good in any event (there is always something) and that (here I go again!) there is a reason for everything. My favorite e-mail going around is the one about the man who, on rising each morning, chooses that he will be happy, or will at least dwell on the brighter parts of that day.
Still, I repeat my question – is the present succession of calamitous events irregular? Or is it just that we are not used to such things in our part of the world? Or have I been a turtle all this time, dealing only with whatever is happening inside my personal shell, oblivious to all the harassed rabbits scampering around me?
Damn, there it goes. I’ll have to go back to bed now and get out on the other side. No way do I want to go through a day without SMILING. I wish that it could be that easy for everyone else out there.
And just in case you need one....or even if you don’t...I’m sending some of those SMILES your way. One can never have too many.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
CATS AND...MORE CATS
Dora, the cat living with my grandson, now has a nearly identical companion, the differences being that Pinch has a small black triangle on the chin (Pinch in French is a nickname for a Quixote type beard), and, more importantly, that Pinch is a male. He is still young, but kittens mature quickly, and I stressed to my tenants that he wouldn’t give a darn if Dora is his sister, nor will she, when comes time for mating.
Neither of the cats has been neutered. I have mentioned it numerous times, and am assured that it will happen...but so far it hasn’t....and Pinch is already about 5 months old. I fear I will really have to put my foot down with my grandson this time. I find kittens cute, but don’t want a bunch of them running around here, and/or having to put them down, and/or drop them off at a pet shop. I really can’t fathom why it has been delayed. My grandson is usually a responsible sort, but lately I’m scratching my head. Maybe his mind is centered on the November arrival of his baby girl (making me a great grandmother), and the cats actually belong to his GF, but just the same...
Yesterday I did request that he make sure they were inside his apartment when he retired for the evening. He was leaving them out, and for three mornings in a row, at approximately 2 AM, I was awakened by their crawling up the screen on my bedroom window, demanding entrance. The doggies are used to them, of course, but NOBODY has the right to try and enter Mistress’s bedroom when they are on guard duty, especially in the middle of the night! It was a bit of a racket, and it meant that I had to get up and carry them (to avoid ‘the chase’) to the apartment door and scoot them downstairs. Being the insomniac that I am, there was no way I could get back to sleep. He agreed. He knows I like the kitties, but it just made common sense. I didn’t tell him that I cuddled them a few minutes before I sent them home, which may have resulted in their repetitive action.
He has been careful. They have not shown up for the past couple of nights, but I am still waking at 2 AM, which is part of the reason that I’ve been posting to my blog and commenting on others so very early. I note that I am not the only one doing so; Morpheus is not partial in his negligence.
It’s 5 AM here, which seems to be the hour when I CAN find easy slumber, so I’ll mosey back to my room, and let the birds serenade my dreams.
Sending you all sleepy SMILES!!!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Neither of the cats has been neutered. I have mentioned it numerous times, and am assured that it will happen...but so far it hasn’t....and Pinch is already about 5 months old. I fear I will really have to put my foot down with my grandson this time. I find kittens cute, but don’t want a bunch of them running around here, and/or having to put them down, and/or drop them off at a pet shop. I really can’t fathom why it has been delayed. My grandson is usually a responsible sort, but lately I’m scratching my head. Maybe his mind is centered on the November arrival of his baby girl (making me a great grandmother), and the cats actually belong to his GF, but just the same...
Yesterday I did request that he make sure they were inside his apartment when he retired for the evening. He was leaving them out, and for three mornings in a row, at approximately 2 AM, I was awakened by their crawling up the screen on my bedroom window, demanding entrance. The doggies are used to them, of course, but NOBODY has the right to try and enter Mistress’s bedroom when they are on guard duty, especially in the middle of the night! It was a bit of a racket, and it meant that I had to get up and carry them (to avoid ‘the chase’) to the apartment door and scoot them downstairs. Being the insomniac that I am, there was no way I could get back to sleep. He agreed. He knows I like the kitties, but it just made common sense. I didn’t tell him that I cuddled them a few minutes before I sent them home, which may have resulted in their repetitive action.
He has been careful. They have not shown up for the past couple of nights, but I am still waking at 2 AM, which is part of the reason that I’ve been posting to my blog and commenting on others so very early. I note that I am not the only one doing so; Morpheus is not partial in his negligence.
It’s 5 AM here, which seems to be the hour when I CAN find easy slumber, so I’ll mosey back to my room, and let the birds serenade my dreams.
Sending you all sleepy SMILES!!!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Friday, July 5, 2013
UPDATE
- My son, Jo, has finally had his operation. They removed the blocked piece of his big intestine Thursday with success. Sadly, while he was on the operating table, his lady’s much beloved grandmother slipped into a coma and passed over. My son was fond of her, as were we all, and I could tell by his short text the next day that he is in pain, both his body and his heart.
- I spent most of the past 3 weeks doing medical tests and/or procedures. Suzie was home from Detroit and accompanied me when a driver was needed. On one of those days we left the hospital and headed to a restaurant; I hadn’t eaten for 24 hours. It was only after the meal, as we were heading back to the parking lot, that I looked down and realized I was still wearing those blue hospital slippers. They were hanging out over the back of my Crocs. Seeing this sent us into spasms of giggles on the main street; it was a good 10 minutes before we could walk again.
- Last Monday my oldest Rug rat called me twice on Facetime! I was overjoyed! It has been so long!! He wandered around the house, showing me his cat first, then Wigi (little doggie) and finally his brothers. They were allowed to chat for a couple of seconds before Nalou put his finger over the viewer, effectively cutting off his siblings’ conversations. It was, after all, HIS call to his Mémère, and his IPod! We made plans that they visit here with Daddy when he recovers from his operation. (No, the situation with the estranged DIL has not changed.)
- The past weekend found me with my older son, my Japanese DIL, and my sisters and relatives from my father’s side. It was a mini family reunion of sorts and, although I was limping, we had a great time. My Dad had 6 children after separating from my mom, and they have children who have children. Many of them were present ...with lots of doggies, and for some it was a first meeting. I enjoyed it tremendously.
- Blogit booted me off again for a bit – the time spent with the doctors meant I was working less, therefore my finances suffered. Still, they owed me much more than I owe them, so I got into a huff and asked to withdraw my earnings. I’m still waiting.... but in the meantime managed to settle things on my side, so here I am!!! I sure missed the Blogit family!! I wonder if the managers count on that? They know we’ll even sell our beer bottles to pay the fee!!
And that’s it for now, folks. I have hours of pleasant catching-up to do in my reading, and a gazillion SMILES stored up to send out. There they go, riding the wind; they should be showing up at your door any moment now!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
- I spent most of the past 3 weeks doing medical tests and/or procedures. Suzie was home from Detroit and accompanied me when a driver was needed. On one of those days we left the hospital and headed to a restaurant; I hadn’t eaten for 24 hours. It was only after the meal, as we were heading back to the parking lot, that I looked down and realized I was still wearing those blue hospital slippers. They were hanging out over the back of my Crocs. Seeing this sent us into spasms of giggles on the main street; it was a good 10 minutes before we could walk again.
- Last Monday my oldest Rug rat called me twice on Facetime! I was overjoyed! It has been so long!! He wandered around the house, showing me his cat first, then Wigi (little doggie) and finally his brothers. They were allowed to chat for a couple of seconds before Nalou put his finger over the viewer, effectively cutting off his siblings’ conversations. It was, after all, HIS call to his Mémère, and his IPod! We made plans that they visit here with Daddy when he recovers from his operation. (No, the situation with the estranged DIL has not changed.)
- The past weekend found me with my older son, my Japanese DIL, and my sisters and relatives from my father’s side. It was a mini family reunion of sorts and, although I was limping, we had a great time. My Dad had 6 children after separating from my mom, and they have children who have children. Many of them were present ...with lots of doggies, and for some it was a first meeting. I enjoyed it tremendously.
- Blogit booted me off again for a bit – the time spent with the doctors meant I was working less, therefore my finances suffered. Still, they owed me much more than I owe them, so I got into a huff and asked to withdraw my earnings. I’m still waiting.... but in the meantime managed to settle things on my side, so here I am!!! I sure missed the Blogit family!! I wonder if the managers count on that? They know we’ll even sell our beer bottles to pay the fee!!
And that’s it for now, folks. I have hours of pleasant catching-up to do in my reading, and a gazillion SMILES stored up to send out. There they go, riding the wind; they should be showing up at your door any moment now!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
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