A dance in the cosmic wind

Wooly thoughts

2012-01-30T12:18:00.001-04:00

You will find us

each individually wrapped

against the elements

Our faces are different

but

if you could see

beneath the surface

you would be

amazed

at how connected

we really are

Inspired by a photograph from All Is Full of Love

Red Spot

2012-01-30T08:58:00.001-04:00

I look and look but cannot see

You're quite a mystery to me.

Is that a heart or is it liver?

Are those arrows; is that a quiver?

Is that your eye regarding mine?

My eye looks back to seek a sign.

All that's in this coalescing

Circling group has got me guessing.

The fence of my old school perspective

May block my view of non-objective.

Thanks to the Mag

A melody on the wind of time

2012-01-26T12:09:00.000-04:00

For some reason the memory of the following song has been with me during the past two days. I remember it being sung by a friend (picture above) who is no longer with us.

you

2012-01-22T13:30:00.003-04:00

comfort in a boundary

I shall not fly away

warmth in a foundation

inviting me to stay

limitless in slumber

I dream of things anew

no other cover

except my lover

I long for only you

Thanks to the Mag

Thought for a Friday morning

2012-01-20T10:23:00.002-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jNV6dn3YvQ&feature=related

2012-01-15T15:43:00.002-04:00

Beneath the surface cast in stone

rock surrounded

all alone

Breath escapes not undetected

signs of life

where least suspected

Light above and open air

my eyes are closed

why should I care?

They'll likely leave me with the others

marble sisters

granite brothers

Oddities for rare remark

not daily view

in grassy park

Our signs of life are but a semblance

and you fear

a close remembrance

Here below away from land

you cannot breathe

while trapped in sand

And yet an exile from the shore

my breath continues

evermore

Thank you to the Mag

What has been

2012-01-10T16:32:00.000-04:00

frosty day

neither giving nor receiving

warmth

I no longer offer support

only the solace of memories

but

they are bright

and

sunshine remains in

recollection

Inspired by a photograph from All Is Full of Love (a blog well worth visiting)

Siren

2012-01-08T14:14:00.000-04:00

rooted in religion

watered by acquisition

fed by consumption

flowering in diversion

old ambitions

new desires

teeming metropolis

everyone tells me I should

avoid you

find you ugly

but

you are beautiful

in my eyes

and

your voice

calls me

constantly

to you

I hearken

willingly

and

await the day

dreaming

Thank you to Magpie Tales

2012-01-05T16:19:00.000-04:00

There once was a table and chair

Surrounding a little brown bear.

Said his small buddy, Owen,

"My feelings need showing;

I think that I'll tell him I care."

Postdiluvian

2012-01-03T12:23:00.000-04:00

It has been so long

things are peaceful now

memories of running from the flood

are hazy

I still see the wreckage

when I choose to pay attention

but why bother

too late to change

those lost

stay lost

those who remain

share the view

wordlessly

Thanks to Magpie Tales

Laughter

2011-12-26T10:30:00.001-04:00

laughter

you should not be worn

like a wild plucked exotic bloom

that will fade too soon

from the picking

you should grow by the gate

perennially welcoming

those who pass

with gentle color

Thank you to Magpie Tales

Where is he? We want to play

2011-12-21T12:52:00.002-04:00

Christmas . . . so much to examine

2011-12-21T12:50:00.000-04:00

Damn! Was that a ski area boundary sign I just passed?

2011-12-19T12:16:00.001-04:00

Shadow

2011-12-19T07:40:00.001-04:00

I trusted you

to create my image

that we might cherish

but

why am I not surprised

you do not see

that your shadow

makes us both ridiculous

Thank you to Magpie Tales

What does this event mean to us?

2011-12-15T14:50:00.001-04:00

Banksy, speaking of his new work,"Cardinal Sin", said:

"The statue? I guess you could call it a Christmas present. At this time of year it's easy to forget the true meaning of Christianity - the lies, the corruption, the abuse."

Having been personally all too aware of some of the issues of which he speaks, I sympathize with the sentiment. I too for a significant term rejected Christianity with repugnance.

More recently, however, I have found that the pilgrim path may be circular. I had had faith but found it wanting and, after long since setting it aside, decided to look again. I am the sum of all my experiences and since religion has been an important influence on my life in the past, I cannot ignore its effects in deciding who I am now.

My life's path has taken me on a long and winding road from my Christian origins. My experiences, thoughts and reflections had brought me to a somewhat agnostic view and I had not followed any organized religion for some time. An observer, however, might have seen me living in a way that seemed quite congruent with the principles taught by Christ. This does not displease me. Perhaps there is a spiritual DNA that informs our actions however our rational dictates characterize our worldview.

I find myself willing to consider the words of Lord Acton:

"To the symmetrical natures religion is indeed a crown of glory; nevertheless, so far as this world is concerned, they can grow and prosper without it. But to the unsymmetrical natures religion is a necessary condition of successful work even in this world".

I had always placed myself among the former but am now wondering whether that was an error in classification.

Although I understand Bansky's sentiments, they sadden me. We as humanity are a family with shared parentage but we have let the behaviour of some members make us reticent to believe that our family history has any value at all.

The sentiments that I expressed last year still resonate and have become even warmer since last Christmas.

What can we do to create an environment that fulfills Isaiah's promise? Instead of an angry polemic about "putting Christ back in Christmas" which blames those who have drifted (or run to escape), could we remember the statement by the one whose birth is celebrated? "You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?"

Instead of antagonism against those who have been disillusioned by the thorns and thistles, can we demonstrate the attributes of the vine that is sought? Just a thought.

Picture: The Nativity

Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, Bt ARA (1833-1898)

1887

Good afternoon

2011-12-15T12:51:00.002-04:00

Later the same day.

Good morning

2011-12-15T09:10:00.002-04:00

Ah, light of promise

soon to disappear

behind snow clouds

BUT

all day long

I'll know you are there
.

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.

Dr. Seuss

Here

2011-12-12T09:59:00.000-04:00

As moon waxes and tide flows

I fear not light nor flood

nor luminous covering and completion

should I remain unmoved

My dread is the waning and the ebb

cruel darkness and departure

leaving me untouched

as I watch the dory's leaving

Thank you to Magpie Tales

It's beginning to look a lot . . .

2011-12-06T12:25:00.001-04:00

N & E were generous at the end of last year and gave us a lot of clear lights to use this Christmas. In appreciation we used them all.

Santa should have no problem finding us this year.

Lunch

2011-12-05T09:23:00.001-04:00

I fill myself

but if not with you

then what?

no color

no warmth

no taste

no music

nothing enters

that is life

more than just existence

that is celebration

more than just necessity

be my lunch

be my every meal

be my daily bread

then

shall I laugh

sing

dance

love

live

Thank you to Magpie Tales

Gaudeamus igitur

2011-12-05T09:05:00.001-04:00

A Driftwood person had an inspired idea for a birthday surprise. She gave me a bottle of beer for each year of my existence and on each appended a quote from a friend or relative.

Perhaps I'll use these as inspirations for upcoming posts.

I have always liked Advent

2011-12-02T11:51:00.001-04:00

Thank you, Air Canada

2011-11-29T14:44:00.001-04:00

Yes, that is Toronto.

Why is a resident of an Atlantic province looking down at Toronto on a return trip from Newfoundland?

Air Canada believes that it will promote national unity if we see as much of the country as possible, regardless of the proximity of our destination.

I had acquired a book by a Newfoundland author of which I was able to read a substantial portion while waiting 1hr. 25 min. to check baggage after the snowstorm.

Air Canada encourages those who support Canadian literature.

All kidding aside, the flights were safe, relaxing and uneventful so I have nothing to complain about.

Squid jiggin'

2011-11-21T16:30:00.001-04:00

I'm off to work on the Rock for a few days. Bye.

2011-11-21T08:35:00.001-04:00

A gentle orbit

around a light caress

eyes closed

this is

all there is

this is

all I want

now

forever

Thank you to Magpie Tales

You're kidding . . . right?

2011-11-18T12:47:00.001-04:00

Albert's dilemma.

Honourable Stuart G. Stratton 1925-2011

2011-11-13T17:07:00.001-04:00

Time to say goodbye to a gentleman who truly deserved that title. I respect him for his contributions to the community, especially the legal community as a judge and Chief Justice. But Stuart Stratton has a place in my heart for personal reasons. I did my articles with him when I was a law student. Over and above the substantive aspects of the law,he was committed to justice administration and determined that the standard of fairness be unimpeachable. I learned from him and he set the benchmark which has been my goal in all my years in the law. Throughout our lives we occasionally encounter signposts which give us the option to choose a certain path. Stu Stratton was such a signpost for me and I have never regretted the direction taken. Goodbye and thankyou.

What springs in the memory

2011-11-08T10:57:00.000-04:00

Water, water from where did you flow?

And when you spilled over

Pray, where did you go?

So cold and so clear

On the warmest of days

Freezing my fingers

Enchanting my gaze

Even in winter

The spring never ceased

The bowl filled with ice

And the beauty increased

My father stopped here

And all those before him

After play cooling splashing

'Till soaked to the skin

Do you still exist

In that village so far

Calling young boys

To catch frogs in a jar?

I wish I were there

With a grandson or two

Telling them all

I remember of you

Water, water from where did you flow?

And when you spilled over

Pray, where did you go?

2011-11-07T09:45:00.003-04:00

I told them I didn't want a big stone

silly waste of money

I wanted them to just remember

as long as they themselves lasted

to say, "She was nice to me

when I was little . . . "

"Remember her brownies?"

"I'll never forget the time that . . . "

"Even when we were poor she . . . "

But no . . .

big lonely rock

unvisited by anyone

except strangers like you

who ponder what I was like

Inspired by Magpie Tales

*

2011-11-04T09:33:00.003-03:00

Dear Remington,

It has been a while but you are still looking good.

I have become used to having words flow faster in recent years although yours seem truer; they are not so easily changeable. When I communicate through you no images shoot at me; the pictures form in my imagination; they are the advent of the words and crystallize before my fingers transpose them to the page.

Because you will not let me withdraw my words as easily as my newer writing friends, I choose more carefully, savour before serving.

You do not have a limitless memory so I must rely on mine. You do not have instant access to the rest of the world so it’s just you and me.

For old times’ sake shall we write a story?

Faithfully,

DCW

Inspired by Magpie Tales.

Justicia smiles

2011-11-03T13:15:00.003-03:00

The application for leave to appeal of the Attorney General of Canada on behalf of the United States of America against Abdullah Khadr has been dismissed by the Supreme Court of Canada. The Supreme Court has once again given a spark of pride to being a citizen of this nation which is seldom ignited by our present government.

(Headnote) The U.S. allegedly paid the Pakistani intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate (the "ISI"), half a million dollars to abduct Abdullah Khadr in Islamabad, Pakistan, in 2004. Khadr, a Canadian citizen, was suspected of supplying weapons to Al Qaeda forces in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Following his abduction, Khadr was secretly held in detention for fourteen months. He was beaten until he cooperated with the ISI, who interrogated him for intelligence purposes. The ISI refused to deal with the Canadian government but did have contact with a CSIS official. The American authorities discouraged the CSIS official's request that Khadr be granted consular access, and the ISI denied access for three months. The ISI refused to bring Khadr before the Pakistani courts. After the ISI had exhausted Khadr as a source of anti-terrorism intelligence, it was prepared to release him. The Americans insisted that the ISI hold Khadr for a further six months in secret detention, to permit the United States to conduct a criminal investigation and start the process for Khadr's possible rendition to the United States. When Khadr was repatriated to Canada, the United States sought to have him extradited on terrorism charges. The Superior Court judge conducting the extradition committal hearing concluded that "the sum of the human rights violations suffered by Khadr is both shocking and unjustifiable". The judge granted a stay of proceedings on the basis that to permit the proceedings to continue in the face of the requesting state's misconduct would constitute an abuse of the judicial process. On behalf of the United States, the Attorney General of Canada appealed the decision to the Ontario C.A. arguing that the extradition judge had no jurisdiction to grant a stay, and that even if he did, the case did not qualify as "the clearest of cases" warranting a stay. The appeal was dismissed.

The Ontario Court of appeal had said:
"We must adhere to our democratic and legal values, even if that adherence serves in the short term to benefit those who oppose and seek to destroy those values. For if we do not, in the longer term, the enemies of democracy and the rule of law will have succeeded. They will have demonstrated that our faith in our legal order is unable to withstand their threats . . . "

That echoes my sentiment expressed previously.

I had also posted concerning his younger brother. Neither may be completely innocent of the accusations but I prefer my government to err on the side of justice rather than toadying to tactics of a neighbouring nation which blur the distinction between our values and those of Al Qaeda by which the young brothers were allegedly influenced.

How many out there remember Laika?

2011-11-03T10:13:00.001-03:00

Happy Hallowe'en

2011-10-31T09:11:00.002-03:00

Friday thought

2011-10-28T09:58:00.000-03:00

A COVENANT

FOR HONOURING CHILDREN

by: R A F F I

We find these joys to be self evident: That all children are created whole, endowed with innate intelligence, with dignity and wonder, worthy of respect. The embodiment of life, liberty and happiness, children are original blessings, here to learn their own song. Every girl and boy is entitled to love, to dream and belong to a loving “village.” And to pursue a life of purpose.

We affirm our duty to nourish and nurture the young, to honour their caring ideals as the heart of being human. To recognize the early years as the foundation of life, and to cherish the contribution of young children to human evolution.

We commit ourselves to peaceful ways and vow to keep from harm or neglect these, our most vulnerable citizens. As guardians of their prosperity we honour the bountiful Earth whose diversity sustains us. Thus we pledge our love for generations to come.

CHILD HONOURING PRINCIPLES

RESPECTFUL LOVE

is key. It speaks to the need to respect children as whole people and to encourage them to know their own voices. Children need the kind of love that sees them as legitimate beings, persons in their own right. Respectful love instills self-worth; it’s the prime nutrient in human development. Children need this not only from parents and caregivers, but from the whole community.

DIVERSITY

is about abundance: of human dreams, intelligences, cultures, and cosmologies; of earthly splendours and ecosystems. Introducing children to biodiversity and human diversity at an early age builds on their innate curiosity. There’s a world of natural wonders to discover, and a wealth of cultures, of ways to be human. Comforted by how much we share, we’re able to delight in our differences.

CARING COMMUNITY

refers to the “village” it takes to raise a child. The community can positively affect the lives of its children. Child-friendly shopkeepers, family resource centres, green schoolyards, bicycle lanes, and pesticide-free parks are some of the ways a community can support its young.

CONSCIOUS PARENTING

can be taught from an early age; it begins with empathy for newborns. Elementary and secondary schools could teach nurturant parenting (neither permissive nor oppressive) and provide insight into the child-rearing process. Such knowledge helps to deter teen pregnancies and unwanted children. Emotionally aware parents are much less likely to perpetuate abuse or neglect.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

sums up what early life is about: a time for exploring emotions in a safe setting, learning about feelings and how to express them. Those who feel loved are most able to learn and to show compassion for others. Emotional management builds character and is more important to later success than IQ. Cooperation, play, and creativity all foster the “EQ” needed for a joyful life.

NONVIOLENCE

is central to emotional maturity, to family relations, to community values, and to the character of societies that aspire to live in peace. It means more than the absence of aggression; it means living with compassion. Regarding children, it means no corporal punishment, no humiliation, no coercion. “First do no harm,” the physicians’ oath, must now apply to all our relations; it can become a mantra for our times. A culture of peace begins in a nonviolent heart, and a loving home.

SAFE ENVIRONMENTS

foster a child’s feeling of security and belonging. The very young need protection from the toxic influences that permeate modern life –from domestic neglect and maltreatment, to the corporate manipulations of their minds, to the poisonous chemicals entering their bodies. The first years are when children are most impressionable and vulnerable; they need safeguarding.

SUSTAINABILITY

refers not merely to conservation of resources, renewable energy development, and anti-pollution laws. To be sustainable, societies need to build social capacity by investing in their young citizens, harnessing the productive power of a contented heart. The loving potential of every young child is a potent source for good in the world.

ETHICAL COMMERCE

Ethical Commerce is fundamental to a child-honouring world. It includes a revolution in the design, manufacture and sale of goods; corporate reform; “triple bottom line” business; full-cost accounting; tax and subsidy shifts; political and economic cycles that reward long-term thinking. Ethical commerce would enable a restorative economy devoted to the well being of the very young.

Check out the website.

Tsonoqua

2011-10-27T09:08:00.000-03:00

As a child

I heard you in the night

you breathed the wind of fear

from out there

somewhere

I hid

was silent

deserving your anger

you would

eat me

Years later

your sunken eyes

flash at the winter dances

"Ho, ho!" your voice sounds

only need and anguish

I feel you within

dancing now

not from fear

but sadness

Goldengrove unleaving

2011-10-26T11:12:00.002-03:00

Today is beautiful.

I do not share Margaret's melancholy. I regret the season's passage neither in the tree's life nor my own. Worlds of wanwood leafmeal are what we shed that will be used by others . . . as it should be.

I still love Hopkins' work but his sad ghost is evaporating in the late October sun.

It's a wonder!

2011-10-25T08:18:00.001-03:00

A cloudy autumn Sunday trip to the Bay of Fundy. It is being promoted as one of the New7Wonders of the natural world (http://www.votemyfundy.com/about-bay-of-fundy/).

I agree, having once lived on the shores of Shepody Bay at the head of Fundy and getting back to its soft but powerful beauty as often as possible, this is one of the most tranquil yet exhilarating places I have ever encountered.

"It is only the poor who are forbidden to beg." - Anatole France

2011-10-19T09:55:00.003-03:00

November 2, 2010—Canadian federal and provincial governments provided $2.84 billion to support oil production in 2008, according to study released today by the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

La lune d'automne

2011-10-19T09:41:00.005-03:00

La lune d'automne

My life as a building

2011-10-17T12:25:00.000-03:00

If I were a building what would I want to be?

For most of my adult life it probably would have been an imposing edifice with Doric columns from which great events to the benefit of humankind were enacted. I had always been told that unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.

More recently, however, youthful grandiosity has waned and the highway of the past has become more of a pilgrim's path in the present and I suspect that this will continue thus in the future.

The picture above of the 6th century hermit's chapel of St Govan found here speaks to me. To be a simple place of ease where those passing may pause, reflect and depart refreshed on whatever path is theirs to follow. A pleasant enough purpose.

Did I miss the staff meeting?

2011-10-13T21:59:00.002-03:00

Beyond here there be dragons

2011-10-11T16:28:00.002-03:00

More signs of Autumn

2011-10-11T15:42:00.001-03:00

Harvest time

2011-10-08T13:50:00.000-03:00

Apples are good . . .

2011-10-04T14:50:00.000-03:00

. . . but a pumpkin eating contest . .

2011-10-04T14:49:00.000-03:00

Just watch me!!

2011-10-04T14:46:00.000-03:00

Solar Sensitivity

2011-09-28T09:51:00.002-03:00

Said ol’ Sol from sky direction

“I got troubles with complexion.
Really tough to look real hot
When your face has a great big spot.
So if you folks are really caring
Turn your heads and quit your staring.
Otherwise I’ll hide again;
Four more months of cloud and rain.”

Hmmm?

2011-09-28T09:35:00.000-03:00

I think that I shall never see
A billboard lovely as a tree.
Indeed, unless the billboards fall
I'll never see a tree at all.

Ogden Nash

Remembering

2011-09-15T11:11:00.001-03:00

Remembering May there be healing

http://video.pbs.org/video/1940299177/

Ten years ago

2011-09-08T14:22:00.000-03:00

I remember September 11, 2001 being at the opening day of the fall session of the court that morning. As I walked out, an ashen-faced judge said to me, "The U.S. is under attack."

Like most others I sat and viewed the unfolding. We had known for some time that this type of event was probable and possibly inevitable but the audacity and the sheer magnitude of the destruction were more than most of us could have imagined.

My thoughts have not changed much over time, including those expressed three years ago. The sentiment, however, should be more clearly extended to the government of my own country.

Prime Minister Harper, now that he finally has a majority, seeks to bring back those two anti-terrorism clauses that were brought in in 2001 but discontinued in 2007:

The first allowed police to arrest suspects without a warrant and detain them for three days without charges if police believed a terrorist act might have been committed.
The other allowed a judge to compel a witness to testify in secret about past associations or perhaps pending acts under penalty of going to jail if the witness didn't comply.

Although police and prosecutors had used neither in the five years prior to their expiration, our safety appears not to have suffered.

The Prime Minister responded to a CBC interviewer,
"We think those measures are necessary. We think they've been useful . . ."

Jack, you left us at the wrong time.

2011-09-04T09:45:00.000-03:00

I came across this quote today. I'd never heard it before but I like it a lot." Funny how, when you're about to be given something precious, something you've wanted for a long time, you suddenly feel nervous about taking it. Everyone wants more than anything to be allowed into someone else's most secret self. Everyone wants to allow someone else in to their most secret self. Everyone feels so alone inside that their deepest wish is for someone else to know their secret being, because then they are alone no longer. Don’t we all long for this? Yet when it is offered it's frightening because you might not live up to the desires of the one who bestows the gift. And frightening because you know that accepting such a gift means you'll want - perhaps be expected - to offer a similar gift in return. Which means giving your self away. And what's more frightening than that?"The whole message is here.

Let it bee

2011-09-02T10:13:00.002-03:00

Would I recognize this person if I met him in the market?

2011-09-02T09:49:00.002-03:00

The Cornfield - John Constable

2011-08-25T14:24:00.000-03:00

For a family that has lost a mother and grandmother.

Goodbye

2011-08-23T13:07:00.000-03:00

Dear lovers of dogs and open cars

2011-08-21T10:13:00.001-03:00

Returning from a couple of days away for both meetings and R & R, we were following a convertible on an old highway. The owner and her canine companion seemed to be having a lovely time on the sunny breezy day but we were concered by the enthusiasm of the pup which did not appear to be secured. As we reached a town limit, I slowed concerned that doggie would lose balance and come over the trunk hood. I did not want to hit her if this happened.

Almost immediately our fears were realized as she lost her balance. She had been tethered, however, with a somewhat long chain so she fell attached and was dragged along the shoulder of the highway.

We stopped to assist along with a couple of other motorists and got the pup wrapped and secured for transportation to a vet hospital. Despite a broken leg, grazing and a serious shaking, she will probably recover. But it could have been worse.

Let's encourage our friends with pets to be careful. Those harnasses are probably s little expensive but, given the alternative, a good investment.

"If this guy prints more money between now and the election, I don't know what y'all will do to him in Iowa, but we would treat him pretty ugly down in Texas."

2011-08-17T09:34:00.000-03:00

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have another Texas Governor as President?

Untitled II

2011-08-16T09:21:00.002-03:00

This week's most inspiring moment

2011-08-14T20:06:00.000-03:00

If Allah is your motivation I bow to this influence within you. A million voices should say "Thank you for your humanity and your example; we are profoundly in your debt."

الله أكبر

A room with a view

2011-08-11T13:13:00.001-03:00

The ghost of Noel coward passes.

Happy Birthday to Ronnie

2011-08-10T10:31:00.000-03:00

Listen to her version of Back to Black

Summer afternoon at the tavern

2011-08-10T09:28:00.000-03:00

The kid in me never gets tired of stuff like this.

2011-08-09T09:23:00.000-03:00

Untitled

2011-08-02T13:24:00.000-03:00

On a sunny lunchtime in the park . . .

2011-07-20T15:45:00.000-03:00

. . . I can hang out with my Grandmother and I get to examine trees.

Give us this day . . .

2011-07-19T11:17:00.001-03:00

The Daily Bread window, designed by Mark Angus and given to Durham Cathedral in 1984 by the staff of Marks and Spencer, Durham, to mark the firm's centenary. This window illustrates the Last Supper.

A summer's eve

2011-07-17T07:14:00.001-03:00

After a warm day the clouds did a tango to the drum of thunder. The rains fell upon the thistles which waltzed in a sunny spotlight undeterred by the more passionate movements in the heavens.

New theory of relativity

2011-07-16T20:25:00.000-03:00

R=md2
Relaxation = mass times the speed of dark squared.

The cost is much greater than money

2011-07-14T10:03:00.000-03:00

My posting yesterday made me recall those two most brilliant and heartbreaking anti-war films, Richard Attenborough's "Oh, What a Lovely War" from 1969 and Dalton Trumbo's "Johnny Got His Gun" from 1971.

Fine dining?

2011-07-14T08:59:00.000-03:00

I wonder what we could accomplish if we used our funds differently.

2011-07-13T11:08:00.000-03:00

Military expenditure - 2010

United States-$687,105,000,000
People's Republic of China-$114,300,000,000
France-$61,285,000,000
United Kingdom-$57,424,000,000
Russia-$52,586,000,000
Japan-$51,420,000,000
Germany-$46,848,000,000
Saudi Arabia-$42,917,000,000
Italy-$38,198,000,000
India-$36,816,000,000
Brazil-$28,096,000,000
South Korea-$24,270,000,000
Canada-$20,164,000,000
Australia-$19,799,000,000
Spain-$15,803,000,000
United Arab Emirates-$15,749,000,000
Turkey-$15,634,000,000
Israel-$13,001,000,000
Netherlands-$11,604,000,000
Greece-$9,369,000,000

Je me souviens

2011-07-12T12:33:00.001-03:00

Headed for le vieux Québec last Wednesday, taking the old highway along the Saint Lawrence which is a beautiful, peaceful and scenic drive. Although the weather was fine for most of the drive, Québec welcomed us with a thundershower.

But after that we were treated to four days of warm winds and sunshine. There were cool evenings to take a martini on the terrace above the Boardwalk, listening to an Italian tenor serenading the passers-by with Neapolitan love songs.

Les Québecois were friendly and welcoming and have a degree of tolerance that I hope might have an effect on Audrey.

The trip back was equally delightful with an opportunity to closely experience the mighty Saint Lawrence on a breezy day. The expanse of this river is awe-inspiring.

In a village along the banks of this river we encountered some very interesting characters, two of whom came home with us. A certain resemblance to persons known has been suggested???

What a wonderful trip!

Gone fishin'

2011-07-05T21:07:00.000-03:00

Well, not exactly. Heading out for a few days R & R. See ya next week.

FSB 1914-1967

2011-06-30T09:29:00.000-03:00

On this, your birthday, if you still exist somewhere, my hope is that you have found the contentment that eluded you in life. I wish you happiness and laughter, laughter, laughter . . . above all, laughter.

2011-06-27T09:18:00.002-03:00

"I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being."

Hafiz

Betty Fox

Awakenings

2011-06-24T14:55:00.001-03:00

We'll git them pirates

2011-06-23T09:40:00.002-03:00

A fragrance of tea on the wind

2011-06-21T09:09:00.009-03:00

Someone give that poor horse a drink

2011-06-21T09:07:00.000-03:00

Happy solstice

2011-06-21T09:00:00.001-03:00

You spotted snakes with double tongue,
Thorny hedgehogs, be not seen;
Newts and blind-worms, do no wrong,
Come not near our fairy queen.

Where is that guy?

2011-06-20T14:23:00.004-03:00

Response to D&T's question on the last posting.

The weekend that was

2011-06-20T10:12:00.009-03:00

After two hectic weeks of business travel in Ottawa . . .

. . . and Saint John . . .

a weekend in St. Andrews By-the-Sea on the Bay of Fundy at a favourite hotel was appreciated.

Two mothers walk with a young tourist in front of the Algonquin.

But of course it was Father's day which is especially sweet if you are a new father.

And everyone can toast the young tourist who made the celebration possible.

A new member of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition heads to Parliament Hill

2011-06-12T11:02:00.002-03:00

Was that really 58 years ago?

2011-06-02T10:04:00.002-03:00

I remember that on this day in 1953 we had one of the few televisions in our village in England and the living room was packed with visitors to watch the first such ceremony ever televised live.

A week or two later those of us who were students at the local school travelled to the next town to see a colour film of the event.

A monarch in a parliamentary system no longer represents the State but the Nation (or Nations in a Commonwealth). Those values which are held most precious by its citizens should be embodied by the King or Queen. Although it is easy to view this cynically in this era, I think that there is still something deep within many of us that wishes for this symbolic blend of the rational and emotional that can seldom be found in political leaders, however charismatic, when they are motivated by partisan concerns and self-interested preservation of power.

For Owen, Ethan and Natalie

2011-06-01T12:29:00.001-03:00

May your dreams be sweet.

Dusk

2011-05-31T08:57:00.000-03:00

Dusk.

The world reflects quietly on the day that was.

Now it is time to rest.

Luncheon

2011-05-30T09:47:00.004-03:00

This gentleman invited us to lunch to share his first cereal tasting. It was a good time for both the host and his guests.

When love is kneaded

2011-05-30T09:38:00.006-03:00

Someone is talented in both blogging and baking.

A tip of the hat to neighbours to the south on this Memorial Day.

2011-05-30T09:18:00.002-03:00

Photo from A of M.

Well, that lasted one day . . .

2011-05-27T09:47:00.000-03:00

A touch of blue

2011-05-25T08:59:00.001-03:00

"After the rains departed the skies and settled on earth - clear skies; moist brilliant earth - greater clarity returned to life alone with the blue above and made the world below rejoice with the freshness of the recent rain. It left heaven in our souls and a freshness in our hearts."
— Fernando Pessoa (The Book of Disquiet)

That's right; someone else has a birthday today

2011-05-24T13:37:00.002-03:00

“If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors.All of them are alive in this moment."

2011-05-24T09:19:00.005-03:00

Happy birthday, Patricia and Kathleen.

Tomorrow

2011-05-20T12:27:00.004-03:00

I am not condsidering this option for Maddie. Am I irresponsible?

Being beautiful in any circumstance

2011-05-19T12:35:00.003-03:00

Having seen Elizabeth's picture of a magnolia over a month ago, I have eagerly awaited the advent of ours. In a previous year's post I had seen their presence as a sun salutation. Not so this year. The blossoms since their arrival this season have communed with rain, wind and cool temperatures. This morning, however, in the fog they had a rather Zen-like tranquility.

We can dream can't we?

2011-05-18T11:24:00.000-03:00

Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendor, Grasp it, sense it, tremulous and tender

2011-05-17T09:39:00.004-03:00

Some beautiful images of our planet may be found here.

Did the Devil die happy?

2011-05-02T11:38:00.002-03:00

A couple of years ago in a posting I pondered the non-material damage done by 9-11. Neil Macdonald's analysis today explores the theme more completely. Worthwhile reading.