Lest We Forget

Here I am.  Once again I find myself putting together the November NSHEA newsletter.  I want to include poems and quotes that honour the memories of those who have fought and still fight, for our freedom. But, I don't want to repeat the same ones I placed last year. ( I think it very important to gain different perspectives from people who were/are affected, hence why I would like to use different pieces this yea)r.  So I referred to last year's November issue of the newsletter.  When I did, it reminded me about a post I put on facebook a year ago.  I decided I wanted to share it with you.

November 10, 2010


I was compiling some Remembrance Day poems and quotes for this year's NSHEA November newsletter when I came across a series of poems by my great - grandfather.  He, himself, served in WWI and WWII.  He watched how war affected the town of Springhill, and the sacrifice that was made so that Canada (and other countries) would remain free.  

As November 11 approaches in near minutes, I remember, not only my great grand-father, but my grandfathers, my uncles and great-uncles, and my friends; all who have served this country either in the wars or in the armed forces years later.  I also take a moment to remember those who served along side them and those who were on the homefront, as well as those  who are presently serving.  Without them, we would not know freedom like we do.  

I know peace had its cost.  Lest we forget.

TO MY SON

You saw your duty, and did it well.

You suffered, fought, ‘mid shot and shell.

You gave your life, and where you fell,

A wooden cross doth mark it well.

My heart is full. I’m proud. I’m sad.

I’m proud that you proved your worth, my lad!

I’m sad at the loss of a manly son,

Who gave his life because of the Hun.

You are laid at rest in a foreign grave.

You didn’t shrink, your life to save,

But answered the call your country made.

You couldn’t think of her a slave!

And someday when this war is o’er,

I’ll set my feet on that distant shore,

And then to God, on bended knee,

I’ll give my thanks that we are free.

Yes, at the cross that marks your grave,

I’ll thank my God that I’m not a slave,

Because of my lad, of boys like thee,

Who fought and died to keep us free!

“Dedicated to my son: Sgt. William G. Fletcher, who was killed in action in North Africa on April 2nd, 1943.”

1943-1944

~ Q.M.S. Charles B. Letcher

Patience Always has a Way of Paying Off

As I spent my afternoon and evening waiting for my name to be called one flight after another, I began to take on a more go with it attitude than my regular go get 'em way. I was realizing that all this was out of my hands and that if I waited, good things will come. I would be rewarded.

Well, I arrived at my first destination safe and sound. Overdue from the original plan, but I am here none-the-less. I actually had 2 great flights. The one to YUL was actually in first class! Now THAT is patience rewarded. (The cheese plate and hot towel is nice, too). The second leg was a short jaunt from one gate to another and an even shorter wait for the leg to YYZ. I swear everyone had an entire row to themselves. It was great! Smooth sailing.

Patience. I got to practice and embrace it today. I remembered that patience is key in all situations, especially in ones that are out of my control. I must remember that more often (note to self on that one).

And now for the greatest reward of the whole ordeal is that I am settling in for the night at a dear friend's place who I treasure so much. That makes the wait all worth it right there!

Sent from my iPad

Waiting... A test of patience

I am presently sitting beside the gate at the airport listening and watching as they are frantically trying to figure out how to get people on the flights to their destination.

Me, I am just a "con"- an "employee" on standby, thus, I am the last priority.  I have already sat through three flights; two of which were supposed to have room but because of delays and cancelations, I am "bumped".  Once again, with sweaty palms and heart racing, straining to hear my name called last minute.

Sigh.  It is definitely a reminder to have patience and lots of them.  It's also telling me that I just need to take it all in stride.  After a busy year and summer, this is my calling.  Be patient and take it in stride.  And for me to remember that it's all art of the adventure.  Right?

Catching Up

I just realized, that in the madness of moving, settling in and summer schedule, that I had yet to post.  YIKES!  I am supposed to put one up every week - or at least it was my goal.  Oh Well!  Just like when we take a hiatus from anything, we must return.

We have now been in our house now for 3 glorious months.  I am still in awe of it.  I wake up thinking I am in someone else's home.  Slowly but surely this is becoming our home with each new thing placed on the walls or added to the rooms.  

Presently, we are finishing up the office space in the basement so that we can be ready for fall.  Its down to the finishing touches and putting the stuff into its place.  More pictures are to follow.

We're Moving!

It has been such a whirlwind few weeks.

Our house was sold within 3 days and we move out in less than a week!  It has been a non-stop adventure to say the least.

Needless to say, through all the hectic-ness of it all, we feel incredibly blessed to have such an opportunity.

More to come on life, stuff and irrelevant things very soon!

The house goes on the market tomorrow

We have toiled, sweated and stretched ourselves getting our first home ready to sell.  It has been a gratifying process, though with some sadness attached.  I had to hold back the tears as I painted over the growth chart on the edge of our kitchen entry.  Each mark represented a memory of when my children were that size and what they were doing.

So while the process of negotiations occur and time on pins and needles continues, I will be in and out - semi missing in action, let's say.

Here are a few pictures of our first home getting ready to shine for others to see and fall in love (and hopefully buy!)

Mac's Room

Classroom/den

 

Master

Rec Room

Living Room

Reno-d main bath

Kitchen

Abby's Room

Still Missing In Action

Okay.  I know I vowed to have a post up a week after my last one.  Unfortunately (or fortunately) I have been wrapped up in other things.

 The biggest one is prepping our house for sale!  Yep.  We're doing it.  We're putting our abode of 10 years up and diving into a new and bigger one. We have been plugging away like peons trying to get all those little jobs done.  That is where and when we hit a snag that has consumed our time for the most part...a leaky toilet.  This has meant repairs to the ceiling, taking up the ceramic and subfloor.  It has also meant new subfloor and flooring, new toilet, a semi new vanity and new trim.  And like everything else, the bathroom is in a state of chaos!

So please forgive me if I am MIA for a bit. I promise to be back very soon with pics of the whole process and perhaps with pics of our new abode, too.

Enjoy your week!

PS.  The kids are enjoying the process and learning a lot from all this... go figure! :)

CANADA GAMES BREAK. Be back next week!

Sorry for not posting last week.  I started one but did not finish  it as the family and I have been cheering on our Canadian athletes in the Canada Games.  This 2 week event is such an opportunity to see some amazing sport right in our backyard.

The big news was that Mac was even a flag bearer at the medal ceremonies for Air Pistol last week.  What an honour!  As my dad told him, "Its a once-in-a-lifetime thing." Between that experience and watching a wide variety of sports, he is inspired.  He wants to train hard and make it there in four years.  You never know, I could be blogging about being a parent of an athlete at the Canada Games.  How cool would that be?

Until next week when I can finish the post I started and add in one about our times at the Games, here are some sites to check out:
http://www.canadagames2011.ca/en/home/default.aspx
http://canadagames.bellaliant.net/ (You can watch some of the live action. Keep in mind, the camera work isn't as awesome as national tv but that what you get when its not)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_Games (not very comprehensive)
http://www.canadagames.ca/Content/HomePage.asp?mnu=0

Rainbows, Sun Dogs and Moon Dogs

Have you ever felt like there was a "sign" placed in front of you to let you know that you are honoured at that moment or that you are on the right track?  I have.  Several times.

In the past 6 months, I have witnessed 4 of these "signs" all at integral moments. The first two were within a month of one another and were rainbows. These colourful occurrences followed special moments with our family.  And after such a rocky year, it was almost like God telling us that he keeps his promise and would keep our family from harm and would make us stronger.  (Sound familiar?)  The third and fourth happened within two days of one another and they were the dogs - a sun dog and a moon dog.  The sun dog was different than the rainbows as it didn't seem to be so much about our family directly as it was our finances and the shepherding of said finances.  We are presently in the middle of making some big changes.  And the moon dog capped a rare eventful and romantic date night last evening.

The first "sign" occurred on September 8th, 2010 on the day of our vow renewal.  After the ceremony, we headed to Horseshoe Bay where we were graced with a lasting rainbow.  It hung in the sky, unchanged for close to a half an hour.  Incredible.  We stood in awe for what seems like forever, soaking in all the colours and the beauty of it.  Feeling at peace, we continued on in our celebration and played in the waves some more.  I couldn't help but to keep checking ever minute or two to make sure it was still there.  And it would was.  Seeing it there provided a sense of God's contentment with us and the promise of a new beginning.  Isn't it the same symbol He used with Noah to show His promise?  That's all I could think about as I watched the kids play and splash in the turning waves, laughing as they are bowled over.  Sigh.  I could live in that memory forever.  Time stood still.  Joy abounded.  God smiled.

The second "sign" was a different, yet it existed in similar tone.  A double rainbow, (yes, a double rainbow,) was spotted on Thanksgiving weekend in October while on a family getaway to Cape Breton.  It was the first time away since we returned from Bermuda.  We had been going non-stop with our daily lives and hadn't had a chance to reconnect as a family.  We were longing for some quiet time away.  The phone wouldn't ring.  Friends wouldn't be knocking at the door.  Demands of work would become a faint whisper.  And focus once again would be placed on the family, drawing upon the blessings God had provided us.  All of us were enjoying each other as a new and improved family.

What amazed me about this rainbow in Cape Breton is that we could literally see the beginning and the end of it.  It arched over the Alexander Graham Bell Museum we were visiting. It seemed to come out of the tall grasses from the homes below and span into the pine forest just above the museum.  According to wikipedia, a double rainbow occurs when light from the sun reflects twice, instead of once, inside water droplets. Between the two rainbows is a very dark area.  This band is dark because "while light below the primary rainbow comes from droplet reflection, and light above the upper (secondary) rainbow also comes from droplet reflection, there is no mechanism for the region between a double rainbow to show any light reflected from water drops, at all."  Interesting.  I never knew that.  To me, it makes the "sign" even more poignant as we were continuing to make our family stronger.  With a dark band between the two arcs, it is like a solidity of our family, not letting anything in between that could challenge our new, more solid foundation.  I felt blessed when I saw it as if I was being given a personal note from God telling me how proud he was of us and we were loved. In that moment, I was given the pat on the back or that gentle shoulder squeeze I would get from my dad when he was at loss for words but donned an endless smile when he was overcome with pride for my accomplishments.


Wednesday, we were coming home from the bank and a sun dog was just "there,"   right in front of us as we drove on the highway.  My husband wasn't sure what it was.  He hadn't seen a sun dog before.  I told him with confidence what it was we were looking at.  This time, the "sign" comes at a time when we are  making some big financial decisions and creating new goals for our family.  


A sun dog is witnessed when plate-shaped hexagonal ice crystals are  in high and cold cirrus clouds or, during very cold weather when ice crystals called diamond dust drift in the air at low levels. (It was BITTER COLD WEDNESDAY.) Ice crystals act as prisms as they bend the light rays. Often, as these ice crystals move through the atmosphere, they can become vertically aligned.  This leads to the sunlight being refracted horizontally causing sun dogs.  

WOW!  I still am in awe that I have been able to take these sights in and at such important times in our life as a family.  Chills are sent down my back just thinking of what is to come!

History can be a rockin' good time!

Last week, I came a cross this YouTube channel called History for Music Lovers.  All I can say is that the kids and I must have spent over an hour watching and rewatching the videos.  We were supposed to be working on other things!

Mac, especially, cannot get the song lyrics out of his head.  He is often caught singing in the kitchen and at the table, "Fleas on rats, fleas on rats" (from the song, Black Death to the tune of Hollaback Girl) much to Abby's disapproval. She doesn't like the images those particular lyrics conjure up.  Her favourites that needed replay were Constantine (to tune of Come On, Eileen) and Iceman (to the tune of Tax Man, by the Beatles.)

Just from listening to a handful of songs (there are over 51 in all) a few times, the kids are able to recall details about various events and people.  Its quite ingenious, I think, to develop and carry out such an ambitious project that leads to a fun way to remember historical facts and figures.

Here's the link.  http://www.youtube.com/user/historyteachers#p/a

But be forewarned... it is a time sucker - so make sure you have a cup of coffee in hand and snuggled in a comfy chair. Or at least in a spot that you have room to boogie and dance in, if you feel so inclined!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Once again, my husband sent me an email with some new questions for me to answer.

Part One: What did you most want to be when you were growing up and why? 

Part Two: Now that you’re all grown up, what would you most want to be and why?

This was my response to him (with the question returned to him which he loves when I do:) )

Hmm...

Part 1.

Its hard to pin point the exact thing I wanted to be as there were a few. I was always changing my mind. 

A doctor... NO! A dentist... No! LOL!

The ones I kept returning to most were...

A nurse because I could help people who were hurt, but that got thrown out in high school when I realized my bedside manner was lacking.
A teacher, once again, because I could help kids learn and have fun doing it.
A watershed ecologist. This emerged in high school when I began to develop a passion for conservation and environmental issues. (And it also meant working with water, which I love.) Once again, it was to help; this time the earth, and subsequently, people.

Part 2.

Now that I am grown up, what would I like to be? 

This is such a loaded question as I think there are more ideas and desires of what I would like to be now than back then. I see it more now, not as what I would like to be, but more of how I'd like to spend my time. I believe that I want to be, and presently strive to be: inquisitive, kind, compassionate and open to new experiences. 

So in that theme: How would I like to spend my time?

Besides the obvious of spending time experiencing new things with my family, I would like to: paint, write, take pictures, hike, ski, travel, meet new people, read, swim, sail, kayak, play instruments, play games, bbq on the back deck, go beach glass hunting, volunteer, sip tea and coffee with family and friends, and sleep in neat places. 

Out of all this, if I were to answer the question "what would I want to be?" as I would when I was younger, I would have to say a travel writer, a missionary, an artist, a mom, a wife and a friend.  All these would satisfy my need for new experiences, see the world, meet new people, be creative and love and care for people.  The latter three I am already doing and loving.  The artist has laid dormant in me since university and is waiting to be released.  And the travel writer and missionary are close at hand.  I can feel it. :)

Now, I will turn the questions over to you:

Part One: What did you most want to be when you were growing up and why? 

Part Two: Now that you’re all grown up, what would you most want to be and why?

Random Commercials that Make Me Laugh

There are thousands of commercials out there.  Most of them just make you groan and roll your eyes.  Some are  downright wrong.  However, there are always a few gems that appear.  These are a handful that always make me laugh...

My Dream Places to Live

This week, my husband and I have been bouncing questions via email back and forth to one another.  Yesterday's question was, "What makes you laugh?"  Hence, the theme of the previous post.

Today, my question to my hubby was this: "If money wasn't an issue and your job didn't impede where you need to be, where would you live?"

This was his snazzy response:

Hmmm.... well, if money, job, etc were not a concern, then I guess I could have a few homes to stay in J

1.       Christchurch, New Zealand
2.       Victoria, BC, Canada
3.       Vittoriosa, Malta

New Zealand, because of the landscapes, its relevance to the Lord of the Rings J.  Its secluded but modern and the people speak English.  Christchurch for is history and culture.

Victoria as a flip on my East Coast background, something familiar yet different.  Love Canada, amazing country and would want a place here.  West coast, but not Vancouver – too big.

Malta, for its warmth and beauty.  They also speak English there so that’s a plus.   Swimming in the med and close to Vittoriosa  for a good mix of things to do and a place to relax…

****************************************************************

Okay.  Now its my turn...

For me, it is difficult to pick one place, let alone a few places, as there are many that I would love to live in, especially if I could have many homes. In that same tune, here is my list...

1. Tuscany, Italy.  I fell in love with this area when I was in Florence and got a taste of the area while riding on the train and the tour I took to Fiesole.  The pace is laid back, the food divine and it is so beautifully old!

2. Provence Region of France.  This encompasses some of the best beaches in Europe along the Med., and it is once again, beautifully old and apparently laid back.  It is also only a few hour train ride from Paris.

3. Bermuda.  Simply beautiful in every way.  Many memories. Enough said.

4. Salsburg, Austria.  I picked this one because it was my favourite place I have ever visited.  Once again, I love the pace of life here, the history and culture.  It is so central to other parts of Europe and its easy to get around the city, too.  Oh, and I can't forget the views!  Surrounded by the majestic Alps...

5.  South End Halifax.  A sentimental attachment to what feels like my home.

6. Christchurch, New Zealand.  That one intrigued me on your (my husband's) list, so I looked it up.  It is on the water, has a Halifax-y feel and its luscious and very green.

Malta sounds quite amazing, too.  But that would make my list even longer...




So, if you could live anywhere, where would it be?

What Makes Me Laugh

Three random things that make me laugh...

Remember, these are not in any particular order...

•  A clever comedy show/movie (British preferred, then again, I  LOVE Big Bang Theory and Gilmore Girls)
•  When we are travelling and we come across something different or interesting. Or when we make an (honest) error (thinking it is one thing when its the opposite, for example) .... Wait a sec.... That's more something that makes me don a huge smile.... Okay. Let me put another two down as this one doesn't count...
• Playing with the dog/cat and they are twisting themselves around, playing tag or watching them think they are being stealthy
•  Looking through old photos, yearbooks and scrapbooks, and seeing the hairstyles, silly poses and remembering the stories that go along with the pics. Oh, remember the mid eighties to mid nineties...

Alright.  Now its your turn.  Quick! Name three things that make you laugh.

Words.

Words.  

Do I have your attention yet?  Read on...


According to dictionary.com, the definition of words includes the following:

1."a unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, that functions as a principal carrier of meaning."  
2. "contentious or angry speech; a quarrel."
3. "a short talk or conversation."
4. "warrant, assurance, or promise"
5. "news; tidings; information"


Synonyms to words are:
 statement, declaration,  pledge,  message, report, account, 
catchword


Words hold much power.  They can build up. 
Or....  They can tear down.  


It always amazes me the ways in which we use our words to do both.  And often the latter happens without realizing that our words hurt or destroy.  So I have to remind myself to monitor and chose my words wisely.  The words I chose should be ones that "build up" and enhance the days of my children and my friends.  I want them to be blessed and/or guided by my words.  


When my Papa passed away in ' 97, I stood in the long receiving line after his memorial service.  I must have shook hands and spoke with close to 300 people.  All these individuals had such kind things to say about my Papa, not only about the man he was but about the words he said to them.  His choice of words had such an impact on those around him. I recall one man telling me that my Papa made him feel like he was worth something.  Papa didn't pass him off just because he was using the soup kitchen, but rather made him feel like a human; someone of importance.   He told me that my Papa would sit and talk to him. Papa encouraged him.  The man continued to say that when my Papa was in the room, my Papa would step back into the shadows and make people shine.  


And that's what Papa did.  Often.  My Papa, with his choice of words, would provide those around him with encouragement, respect, support and friendship.  [Isn't that a  true practitioner of the faith, as well?]  


Now, think back to when someone has said something positive or encouraging to you.  How did you feel?  What was your reaction?  Did you share or extend those kind words to someone else?


That is my experience.  The more you give away your positive, encouraging and supportive words, the more words from others are carried on in the same light and spirit.  I am always striving to keep this at the forefront of my mind and on my tongue.


However, honestly, like everyone else, I am humbled every so often when my choice is not that of positive words and the effects are the opposite. Hurt feelings and undue stress are put on relationships.  


As a teacher, a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend and a neighbour, I need to be an example (just like my Papa.)  I don't have to be perfect, but it is necessary to then use my words (along with actions) to heal the hurt that I unduly caused.  Not only is this a humbling and important act, but it is an example how to correct myself, the situation and to get back on track.  


Sometimes, those hurtful words are directed at you.  How do you respond?  How do those words make you feel?  What words to you give back? 


Its a never-ending game.  But we are reminded in Proverbs 16, of the power and effects of our words, and why we need to chose them wisely. 

Proverbs 16:21

²¹Good judgment proves

   that you are wise,

   and if you speak kindly,

   you can teach others. (CEV)

Proverbs 16:23, 24

²³You can persuade others

   if you are wise

   and speak sensibly.

    ²⁴Kind words are like honey--

   they cheer you up

   and make you feel strong.(CEV)

Proverbs 16:27

²⁷Worthless people plan trouble.

   Even their words burn

   like a flaming fire.(CEV)

(PS. I chose the Contemporary English Version for the verses as I think it spells out the point clearly)


What kind of words will you chose today?