Last week I got called on the carpet for, well, basically because I won't eat lunch with my co worker. She got pissed and went to management about that and my "attitude" and I got called on the carpet.
I laid it out for them as I see it and informed them that I will NOT be spending my unpaid lunch with anyone I don't want to. That means my self centered Co-worker. Every single conversation I ever had with her, that she butted in to between me and a friend I've know for years, went to management. I don't trust her worth crap anymore.
It's not anyone's place to be telling me who I can and can not spend MY time with. Not to mention who I HAVE to spend it with.
I also told them that I have more problems with the staff than the participants. THey wanted to know who - I refused to blow folks in. They don't like me - fine, they don't have to and I told them so. But they do know there's issues
On another note I got a few nasty comments on my decorations. Tough Noogies. I told them that they represent all the holidays celebrated by people in the agency and got told "that this is a Christian country and I needed to respect that." Riiight. Get over it already.
Today they gave me Christmas gifts. Even tho they KNOW I don't celebrate Christmas they decided to give me gifts. I am sorry, but this just feels like they are trying to force me into their celebrations while disrespecting other traditions. Sorry, no. I won't be party to this. Tolerance goes both ways - and I owe you no more than you are willing to extend to me. Keep the gifts and the maudlin cards to yourselves please.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Pearl Harbor Day.
Dec 7th, 2008 so many years from the "Day that will Live in Infamy" - 67 in fact.
And still we have not learned the lessons of the past. There's still hate, prejudice, ignorance and war. We're still willing to use guns and bombs to solve problems instead of out heads and hearts.
My Uncles and Great Uncles fought in Hitler's war. So few of the men and women from that war are left..and fewer people from other generations seem to remember what it was about, or the sacrifices that were made at home or by those fighting. It's sad to think that in just two generations we've forgotten the gifts we were given by these people and the price they had to pay for them.
Thank you all, for more than we ever can say.
And still we have not learned the lessons of the past. There's still hate, prejudice, ignorance and war. We're still willing to use guns and bombs to solve problems instead of out heads and hearts.
My Uncles and Great Uncles fought in Hitler's war. So few of the men and women from that war are left..and fewer people from other generations seem to remember what it was about, or the sacrifices that were made at home or by those fighting. It's sad to think that in just two generations we've forgotten the gifts we were given by these people and the price they had to pay for them.
Thank you all, for more than we ever can say.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Two Horrible Comemerations.
Today is the "anniversary" of two events that should never be forgotten.
The first is the Halifax Explosion of 1917 - On December 6th 1917 as the world was at war with itself, on a bright morning in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Two ships, the Imo and the Mont Blanc, were trying to pass through the "Narrows" - the entrance to the Harbour. In a massive miscommunication and a wrong "catch" of the current the two ships collided. This would be bad under normal circumstances, in wartime with one ship laden with explosives. The result was disaster.
At 9:05 am the Mont Blanc and exploded with the force of 3 kilotons of TNT. The largest man made explosion to that date. It was felt for better than 200 miles and 2,000 died. With thousands more injured and/or left homeless.
You can find out more at your local Library or Book store, or you can read a bit here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax_Explosion
The other is the Montreal Massacre December 6th, 1989. When a troubled, angry young man walked into a classroom at the Ecole Polytechnique, seperated the male students from the female students and the shot all the women, killing six. He claimed to be "fighting feminism" - he then went looking for other victims, shooting several more people, killing 5 of them. For a total of 14.
Sad events indeed. May we never forget. And more to the point may we find and learn the lessons of these events so they will never be repeated.
PS: Both instances are some how, in my mind connected with a lack of tolerance and the less tolerant we are of things the more likely to repeat the mistakes of the past.
The first is the Halifax Explosion of 1917 - On December 6th 1917 as the world was at war with itself, on a bright morning in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Two ships, the Imo and the Mont Blanc, were trying to pass through the "Narrows" - the entrance to the Harbour. In a massive miscommunication and a wrong "catch" of the current the two ships collided. This would be bad under normal circumstances, in wartime with one ship laden with explosives. The result was disaster.
At 9:05 am the Mont Blanc and exploded with the force of 3 kilotons of TNT. The largest man made explosion to that date. It was felt for better than 200 miles and 2,000 died. With thousands more injured and/or left homeless.
You can find out more at your local Library or Book store, or you can read a bit here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax_Explosion
The other is the Montreal Massacre December 6th, 1989. When a troubled, angry young man walked into a classroom at the Ecole Polytechnique, seperated the male students from the female students and the shot all the women, killing six. He claimed to be "fighting feminism" - he then went looking for other victims, shooting several more people, killing 5 of them. For a total of 14.
Sad events indeed. May we never forget. And more to the point may we find and learn the lessons of these events so they will never be repeated.
PS: Both instances are some how, in my mind connected with a lack of tolerance and the less tolerant we are of things the more likely to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Tolerance goes both ways
When I interviewed at work they told me that "We're very into holidays here. Very into them." It's nearing Christmas and they are having a contest to dress up the work rooms for the holiday. And I decided the café as they call it needed some sprucing up too. Oh, we have a time worn Xmas tree. But I am doing other things. Like Chanukkah and Kwanza and Yule along with Christmas.
So today I am sitting at the table on my UNPAID lunch. Tracing dreidle stencils and talking to M and L. When P comes up and says in *That* tone of voice "What is that?"
Me: It's a dreidle
P: Is it *Jewish*
Me* Yes, its a Chanukkah toy
P: are those Jewish symbols
Me: they are Hebrew letters
P: But they are Jewish, right?
Me: yes, sort of, they are Hebrew letters
P: If they are *Jewish* you'd better get Judy's approval.
Me: Why we do Christmas, why not dreidles?
P: You'd better get Judy's approval before someone gets offended.
and she walks away.
next thing I know K is standing there asking what's going on. And I try to tell,but am too uncomprehending and outright stunned to be coherent. K gets the general gist and tells me it's ok, she's in charge of the café and she say's it's ok, so it's ok. And walks away.
And she comes back and I am working on white hebrew letters, and we get talking again and I ask if we really need to talk to Judy. She says no, it's a non issue and why would we make an issue about a non issue. and walks away again. I had to go back to my room and she went into her office. And came out yet again and talked to L.
L gave me the message that K had talked to my bosses boss, her best friend and also a K and told her what was going on. K told her that as of that conversation I had her approval and if anyone had an issue with it they could come to her.
I am still stunned that it had come up...they are tops, toys, a game for goodness sake! This is the kid of stuff that makes non Christians so hardline about Christmas celebrations these days. Tolerance goes both ways, folks.
Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards Man, Indeed.
So today I am sitting at the table on my UNPAID lunch. Tracing dreidle stencils and talking to M and L. When P comes up and says in *That* tone of voice "What is that?"
Me: It's a dreidle
P: Is it *Jewish*
Me* Yes, its a Chanukkah toy
P: are those Jewish symbols
Me: they are Hebrew letters
P: But they are Jewish, right?
Me: yes, sort of, they are Hebrew letters
P: If they are *Jewish* you'd better get Judy's approval.
Me: Why we do Christmas, why not dreidles?
P: You'd better get Judy's approval before someone gets offended.
and she walks away.
next thing I know K is standing there asking what's going on. And I try to tell,but am too uncomprehending and outright stunned to be coherent. K gets the general gist and tells me it's ok, she's in charge of the café and she say's it's ok, so it's ok. And walks away.
And she comes back and I am working on white hebrew letters, and we get talking again and I ask if we really need to talk to Judy. She says no, it's a non issue and why would we make an issue about a non issue. and walks away again. I had to go back to my room and she went into her office. And came out yet again and talked to L.
L gave me the message that K had talked to my bosses boss, her best friend and also a K and told her what was going on. K told her that as of that conversation I had her approval and if anyone had an issue with it they could come to her.
I am still stunned that it had come up...they are tops, toys, a game for goodness sake! This is the kid of stuff that makes non Christians so hardline about Christmas celebrations these days. Tolerance goes both ways, folks.
Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards Man, Indeed.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
How am I supposed to know what I don't know?
More music lesson ranting
Last week he was telling me how far I've come,how he so proud of me, and such - and this week he's telling me that I have hit a plateau and that I need to focus on what I don't know. Because "Do you how how much you don't know?"
Um, a few points here.
A) I am taking these damnable lessons because I want to learn what I don't know.
B) If I knew what I don't know I'd know it already.
C) I have been playing two years come the 20th of this month and you have been playing for about 40 - you damn well better know more than me. If not either I am a prodigy or there is something seriously wrong.
D) if you tell me that if you have me play it over and over and " your fingers now how to fix it" then I ain't as bad as you make me feel.
and
E)I ain't so stupid that I need baby books. "Kid Fiddle" and "I can read music" are aimed at very young kids...even more so than the books I like. Stop trying to treat me like I am 4 years old.
I don't even want to practice anymore, I've *always* loved practicing, even through Viki's worst, even when I was leaving in tears every week. I don't even want to see the thing any more.
How do I do I recapture my love of it...and more importantly How am I supposed to know what I don't know?
Sigh.
Last week he was telling me how far I've come,how he so proud of me, and such - and this week he's telling me that I have hit a plateau and that I need to focus on what I don't know. Because "Do you how how much you don't know?"
Um, a few points here.
A) I am taking these damnable lessons because I want to learn what I don't know.
B) If I knew what I don't know I'd know it already.
C) I have been playing two years come the 20th of this month and you have been playing for about 40 - you damn well better know more than me. If not either I am a prodigy or there is something seriously wrong.
D) if you tell me that if you have me play it over and over and " your fingers now how to fix it" then I ain't as bad as you make me feel.
and
E)I ain't so stupid that I need baby books. "Kid Fiddle" and "I can read music" are aimed at very young kids...even more so than the books I like. Stop trying to treat me like I am 4 years old.
I don't even want to practice anymore, I've *always* loved practicing, even through Viki's worst, even when I was leaving in tears every week. I don't even want to see the thing any more.
How do I do I recapture my love of it...and more importantly How am I supposed to know what I don't know?
Sigh.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thanksgiving Week end.
Thanksgiving was yesterday. I don't like holidays, family time for me is no fun and as holidays go this one wasn't too bad - I spent most of it in the basement- hiding from my family. This way Karl could not start trouble. So I go away with as little stress as I could.
Today I spent watching movies with Trish and her family. Fun, really fun. And tomorrow, Trish, her family and I are having our own Thanksgiving with an old friend of hers, whom I have never met. It should be interesting.
What am I thankful for this year? Well, work as odd as it sounds and as hard as it is, I am thankful I *do* have a job. And I love some of the folks I work with. Karen who always tries to be supportive - I am so not used to that. Katie - who talks to me when she talks to so few others, Linda, my cohort for most of the day. Susie Q, who, like me, is her own worst enemy and harshest critic, Gwenn, who can be counted on for the truth, and info, Alison, who drives me and everyone else batty but who always has an open heart and an open hand for all who would take it- too few do. Joel, who always has a ready laugh and quick joke and so many others.
I am also thankful for Donnie Carrol, who doesn't seen to realize how much it means to talk to him, but who makes me think so often about first impressions, snap judgements, second chances and heros. Who turned out to be one of the nicest people I've ever met, even if he doesn't know how to deal with folks who are as shy as I am, The Barras for their music and their friendship and the healing that knowing them has brought.
Bonnie for listening, and understanding and caring- often when I feel no one else does.
Anne - for almost 10 years of friendship and trust
Sharn - for being enough of a friend to always tell me the truth, even when the truth is "you're being an ass'
Lisa for the chance to be a friend to someone who takes the time to understand what I am trying to say, even when or especially when I don't say it in any comprehensive manner. She still tries to get it.
Binny, because she's such fun and she shares her kids adventures with me...I hope we can connect more often.
Kristen and Lou, two of the crew that I know the least and wish I knew better,,,but I can't ever seem to find words to get past my shyness with
And Kes, who has been a friend for years, even when I didn't think so.
And Col, who always has a hand out of me, when I am feeling strong enough and brave enough get my my shyness, get my nose out of a book, and try and talk.
Amanda, because she takes the time to include me - always.
Mac, because she's a treasure who seems to really "get" me.
There are so many more that I am grateful for...I couldn't possibly name you all.
But thanks to all of you who touch my life with your friendship, who brighten it with your talents, and who give me your love.
I hope your lives are as blessed and you make mine.
Today I spent watching movies with Trish and her family. Fun, really fun. And tomorrow, Trish, her family and I are having our own Thanksgiving with an old friend of hers, whom I have never met. It should be interesting.
What am I thankful for this year? Well, work as odd as it sounds and as hard as it is, I am thankful I *do* have a job. And I love some of the folks I work with. Karen who always tries to be supportive - I am so not used to that. Katie - who talks to me when she talks to so few others, Linda, my cohort for most of the day. Susie Q, who, like me, is her own worst enemy and harshest critic, Gwenn, who can be counted on for the truth, and info, Alison, who drives me and everyone else batty but who always has an open heart and an open hand for all who would take it- too few do. Joel, who always has a ready laugh and quick joke and so many others.
I am also thankful for Donnie Carrol, who doesn't seen to realize how much it means to talk to him, but who makes me think so often about first impressions, snap judgements, second chances and heros. Who turned out to be one of the nicest people I've ever met, even if he doesn't know how to deal with folks who are as shy as I am, The Barras for their music and their friendship and the healing that knowing them has brought.
Bonnie for listening, and understanding and caring- often when I feel no one else does.
Anne - for almost 10 years of friendship and trust
Sharn - for being enough of a friend to always tell me the truth, even when the truth is "you're being an ass'
Lisa for the chance to be a friend to someone who takes the time to understand what I am trying to say, even when or especially when I don't say it in any comprehensive manner. She still tries to get it.
Binny, because she's such fun and she shares her kids adventures with me...I hope we can connect more often.
Kristen and Lou, two of the crew that I know the least and wish I knew better,,,but I can't ever seem to find words to get past my shyness with
And Kes, who has been a friend for years, even when I didn't think so.
And Col, who always has a hand out of me, when I am feeling strong enough and brave enough get my my shyness, get my nose out of a book, and try and talk.
Amanda, because she takes the time to include me - always.
Mac, because she's a treasure who seems to really "get" me.
There are so many more that I am grateful for...I couldn't possibly name you all.
But thanks to all of you who touch my life with your friendship, who brighten it with your talents, and who give me your love.
I hope your lives are as blessed and you make mine.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
"we can't stay at home, we want an education."
Acid attack on Afghan schoolgirls
Short story shorter. 6 girls trying to go to school in Kandahar were sprayed with acid. The above quote was attributed to a 16 year old who was one of those attacked.
He determination to get an education is inspiring. The idea that people think that one half of the population does not deserve or warrant an education because of their genitalia is at once amazing, frightening and disgusting. The method used to dissuade the girls was one designed to punish for life...these girls will likely be considered unmarriageable now. Because of the disfigurement involved.
I don't know how to help, how to register my protest, other than raising awareness. I can give you my opinion of this.
It needs to end their government and ours and others need to stop this. These girls need protection, they deserve an education.
In my mind these girls are heroes, their attackers - cowards of the worst sort.
Short story shorter. 6 girls trying to go to school in Kandahar were sprayed with acid. The above quote was attributed to a 16 year old who was one of those attacked.
He determination to get an education is inspiring. The idea that people think that one half of the population does not deserve or warrant an education because of their genitalia is at once amazing, frightening and disgusting. The method used to dissuade the girls was one designed to punish for life...these girls will likely be considered unmarriageable now. Because of the disfigurement involved.
I don't know how to help, how to register my protest, other than raising awareness. I can give you my opinion of this.
It needs to end their government and ours and others need to stop this. These girls need protection, they deserve an education.
In my mind these girls are heroes, their attackers - cowards of the worst sort.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month
The guns went silent today in 1918, the end of "the big war", the war to end all wars. World War I. 20 million dead, countless wounded, countries, homes and families destroyed, lives ruined. At we didn't learn. After the War to End All Wars, we had WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Granada, The Persian Gulf War, The Afghanistan war, The war in Iraq and those are just the ones I remember off the top of my head, involving the US.
Other Countries have had more. The Sacrifices they made while not made in vain, seem to have been made with the promises unfulfilled.
Too often Veterans are forgotten, their gifts and their sacrifices unnoticed, even on this day. Even by those who should be most grateful.
Today I took two minutes to remember the reason and history of this day and to give private thanks to those who served and who still serve. And those who still lie - in Flanders fields.
In Flanders Fields By LT John McCrae - 1918.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and ...were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders field
Other Countries have had more. The Sacrifices they made while not made in vain, seem to have been made with the promises unfulfilled.
Too often Veterans are forgotten, their gifts and their sacrifices unnoticed, even on this day. Even by those who should be most grateful.
Today I took two minutes to remember the reason and history of this day and to give private thanks to those who served and who still serve. And those who still lie - in Flanders fields.
In Flanders Fields By LT John McCrae - 1918.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and ...were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders field
Saturday, November 1, 2008
New Job
I have a new job - been there about 2 months. I like it - I really like it. I work with the Developmentally Disabled and the participants are wonderful.
They are some of the most welcoming folks I have ever met and I enjoy going to work in the morning - good thing since I am getting up at 5:30am and I am not a Morning person!
But for the most part I like being there.
The problem is the staff. There is more drama with the staff than with the participants. It's ridiculous. Folks I have a clue for you - get over yourselves already. No one cares about your dramas and you ain't better than anyone, no matter what you think.
They are some of the most welcoming folks I have ever met and I enjoy going to work in the morning - good thing since I am getting up at 5:30am and I am not a Morning person!
But for the most part I like being there.
The problem is the staff. There is more drama with the staff than with the participants. It's ridiculous. Folks I have a clue for you - get over yourselves already. No one cares about your dramas and you ain't better than anyone, no matter what you think.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
That kid will never go anywhere with me EVER again
I took my nephew and one of his friends to Darien Lakes Fright Night last night (10/18). J was a total brat.
First off I told them I was taking care of the ride to and from, parking and admission and the haunted house for each of us. They we responsible for everything else. This kid brought NO money, for food or anything else, none. And then whined that he couldn't play at the penny arcade - which it turned out was ALL he wanted to do. He would go on no rides, and tired to make us feel guilty about going on the few we did. ( Bumper cars, Pirate Ship and Carousel a few times), he turned around and asked me for money for the penny arcade and for the "hammer" game,( the one you hit something and if it goes to the top you win) and for the guessing game ( they try to guess your age,weight, or birth month) and pouted when I said no. In fact this child spent more time pouting than most toddlers I know. He argued with D over the rules of the car too. LIke D does not know my rules after 15 years of living with them-sheesh.
He also spent time hinting that I should take him to Arby's *and* Dairy Queen.
Nothing we ever do for this child is enough. After we took him to see the lunar eclipse - he decided he didn't see enough of the rest of the museum, and wanted me to bring him back the very next day! Same thing with the zoo, demands to bring him back and pouting because he did not get to do what he wanted, when he wanted - when you go to the zoo with me ( on my dime) we take turns, one person sees what they want then the next and so on. J thought he should be the only one picking. And pouted because he was told that this was NOT what was going to happen.
The kid just does not know how to behave and it's not going to be my job to teach him. He just won't be going with me, ever again.
First off I told them I was taking care of the ride to and from, parking and admission and the haunted house for each of us. They we responsible for everything else. This kid brought NO money, for food or anything else, none. And then whined that he couldn't play at the penny arcade - which it turned out was ALL he wanted to do. He would go on no rides, and tired to make us feel guilty about going on the few we did. ( Bumper cars, Pirate Ship and Carousel a few times), he turned around and asked me for money for the penny arcade and for the "hammer" game,( the one you hit something and if it goes to the top you win) and for the guessing game ( they try to guess your age,weight, or birth month) and pouted when I said no. In fact this child spent more time pouting than most toddlers I know. He argued with D over the rules of the car too. LIke D does not know my rules after 15 years of living with them-sheesh.
He also spent time hinting that I should take him to Arby's *and* Dairy Queen.
Nothing we ever do for this child is enough. After we took him to see the lunar eclipse - he decided he didn't see enough of the rest of the museum, and wanted me to bring him back the very next day! Same thing with the zoo, demands to bring him back and pouting because he did not get to do what he wanted, when he wanted - when you go to the zoo with me ( on my dime) we take turns, one person sees what they want then the next and so on. J thought he should be the only one picking. And pouted because he was told that this was NOT what was going to happen.
The kid just does not know how to behave and it's not going to be my job to teach him. He just won't be going with me, ever again.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
How to deal with this?
Just started that new job. I start at 7 and work til 2:30 my boss stressed in the interview that I would not ever be able to expect overtime ( this is important.)
One of the participants needs to be "walked" to her bus at 2:30 - read at 2:30 her supervisor STARTS signing time sheets ( daily) for about 15 developmentally delayed people this takes a bit of time, then they like to chat and finish conversations - like everyone else, then she needs to go to her locker and get stuff there, then you have wait for her bus with her and supervise her getting on. This all takes almost a half hour and that's with cutting her short in conversation, pressing her to hurry, ect.
My co-worker thinks that I should be "walking" this person out daily. Thus adding about a half hour ( or more) of unpaid time to my day, on a daily basis! The thing is that co-worker is on the clock til 3:30 and would be paid for this work, I (again) would not.
This would work out to about 2.5 hours per week that I was not being paid for. And co-worker had already approached the feasibility of this being a permanent part of my job.
Frankly I think if I cease being paid at 2:30, I cease working at 2:30. It would be one thing if it were an OCCASIONAL thing - but daily? No way.
So I need a polite wording to tell the Supervisor that I am not up for donating at least 2.5 hours each week to the "cause".
Suggestions?
One of the participants needs to be "walked" to her bus at 2:30 - read at 2:30 her supervisor STARTS signing time sheets ( daily) for about 15 developmentally delayed people this takes a bit of time, then they like to chat and finish conversations - like everyone else, then she needs to go to her locker and get stuff there, then you have wait for her bus with her and supervise her getting on. This all takes almost a half hour and that's with cutting her short in conversation, pressing her to hurry, ect.
My co-worker thinks that I should be "walking" this person out daily. Thus adding about a half hour ( or more) of unpaid time to my day, on a daily basis! The thing is that co-worker is on the clock til 3:30 and would be paid for this work, I (again) would not.
This would work out to about 2.5 hours per week that I was not being paid for. And co-worker had already approached the feasibility of this being a permanent part of my job.
Frankly I think if I cease being paid at 2:30, I cease working at 2:30. It would be one thing if it were an OCCASIONAL thing - but daily? No way.
So I need a polite wording to tell the Supervisor that I am not up for donating at least 2.5 hours each week to the "cause".
Suggestions?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Just a little note of thanks
Today is 9/11/08 - 7 years to the day since the terrorists bought down the World Trade Center Towers and hit the Pentagon with Plane. And tried to take out another target but were thwarted when passengers crashed the plane in a farmer's field in PA.
Today many are somber and praying for peace and remembering the dead lost in those actions.
Today I am giving thanks for those who respond with love and grace and courage to those events and all the smaller tragedies and in this world. Every day we have fires and floods and accidents crimes and.....
And everyday we have the great blessing of men and women who respond to those calls, appearing when we need them and then fading quietly back when the crisis is over. I wonder if they are ever thanked...if there is a way to thank them properly. But I am going to say it from the heart.
To the firefighters, police, first responders, and all who lend a hand - often at the risk of their own safety - thank you for being there, for being the people who CAN'T walk away when someone's in trouble. Thank you for being you.
Today many are somber and praying for peace and remembering the dead lost in those actions.
Today I am giving thanks for those who respond with love and grace and courage to those events and all the smaller tragedies and in this world. Every day we have fires and floods and accidents crimes and.....
And everyday we have the great blessing of men and women who respond to those calls, appearing when we need them and then fading quietly back when the crisis is over. I wonder if they are ever thanked...if there is a way to thank them properly. But I am going to say it from the heart.
To the firefighters, police, first responders, and all who lend a hand - often at the risk of their own safety - thank you for being there, for being the people who CAN'T walk away when someone's in trouble. Thank you for being you.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
More on Copyright
I've been researching whom to email to see if my government can't force places like China and Russia to enforce copyrights of artists of all kinds. And in my mind the orphanworks bill is a monumentally bad idea. If any artist can tell me why it's a good thing for them, I'd love to hear it.
But to my mind and from what I've read all a copyright infringer has to do is say "but I couldn't contact them" and it's ok under this bill.
*Illustrator Partnership Site that speaks to it here
*House Bill run down here
*Senate Bill run down -here
*Another voice against it here
A listing of bills pertaining to copyright that are before congress now
I was hoping to find what congressional committee covers this - so I could write them to push for tougher legislation and for more governmental pressure for foreign enforcement of copyright, but I can't find it. So I am writing my Congressional Representatives to urge them to do all they can to protect our artists - I urge you to do the same
*Find your Congressional Rep's address here
*Canadian House Of Commons info here
*Address to send mail to your Senator here
*Find your Senator here
*Find your Senator's info here
* UK info here
They can't do it by themselves - we who love their works and the art of needlework Must help them. It's time to stand up and say "Enough" to the people who steal from them
But to my mind and from what I've read all a copyright infringer has to do is say "but I couldn't contact them" and it's ok under this bill.
*Illustrator Partnership Site that speaks to it here
*House Bill run down here
*Senate Bill run down -here
*Another voice against it here
A listing of bills pertaining to copyright that are before congress now
I was hoping to find what congressional committee covers this - so I could write them to push for tougher legislation and for more governmental pressure for foreign enforcement of copyright, but I can't find it. So I am writing my Congressional Representatives to urge them to do all they can to protect our artists - I urge you to do the same
*Find your Congressional Rep's address here
*Canadian House Of Commons info here
*Address to send mail to your Senator here
*Find your Senator here
*Find your Senator's info here
* UK info here
They can't do it by themselves - we who love their works and the art of needlework Must help them. It's time to stand up and say "Enough" to the people who steal from them
Friday, August 29, 2008
How many do we have to loose????
A few posts down I posted about copyright infringement. Dragon Dream Jen and several ( if not MOST) designers have been hit again by a site in China. It's massive. And I find it disgusting that some jerk would steal another person's work and give it way like this.
Jen is very upset - she posted about it, here. I can't blame her.
After reading that post I went and did a few hours research and found some info on the site Jen mentions. It turns out that it's hosted on a system called Discuz! and owned by a company called Comsenz. Comsenz appears to be an outfit that protects copyright for the computer software industry and is itself copyrighted. So I hunted down their contanct info and am passing this all on to all the designers that I can contact. Maybe it will help. I don't know.
But here is Comsenz's info for those who care enough about their favourite designers to contact them and lodge a protest.
This is their main email
comsenz@comsenz.com
and their security dept's is
security@comsenz.com
For those of us who are into stitching: these designers add so much to our lives, don't we owe it to them to help them fight the copyright wars?
Please pass this info on.
Jen is very upset - she posted about it, here. I can't blame her.
After reading that post I went and did a few hours research and found some info on the site Jen mentions. It turns out that it's hosted on a system called Discuz! and owned by a company called Comsenz. Comsenz appears to be an outfit that protects copyright for the computer software industry and is itself copyrighted. So I hunted down their contanct info and am passing this all on to all the designers that I can contact. Maybe it will help. I don't know.
But here is Comsenz's info for those who care enough about their favourite designers to contact them and lodge a protest.
This is their main email
comsenz@comsenz.com
and their security dept's is
security@comsenz.com
For those of us who are into stitching: these designers add so much to our lives, don't we owe it to them to help them fight the copyright wars?
Please pass this info on.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
My life as it currently stands
I wrote this for a friend, thought an update here would be good, so here it is:
I am loosing my job, and I have been kicked out of my house. My mom and I have never really gotten along and since we've been living together -I moved back home when she needed physical help, now that she doesn't need it so much, she's gotten more and more unreasonable. So Monday we got into it...and she told me I have a month to move out. That's so going to work when I don't have a steady income. It would just be a little thing, if there were not so many times that she treated ( and treats) me like crap. My nephew also lives with us and he has a totally different experience here. Like 180 degrees from mine. Two sets of expectations, seriously. Even to the point of food. If she tells me that her budget won't allow for something I like ( totally understandable) and I buy it for myself she considers it "Community property" and that I should not expect it to be there if when I want/need - nor should i ever be upset about it disappearing. She thinks I should be at her disposal 24/7 for chores - Nephew has none. I pay $200 for the privilege of living in the basement - and she fights me on having an electric heater, and/or a dehumidifier to make it more comfortable, ect, Nephew has a bedroom, pays nothing and she does his laundry for him even. I am not supposed to make plans for the weekends - Nephew has total freedom. She gets pissed if I tell her that I think these expectations are wrong and intrusive ( to the point where I ignore the " be here to do work on weekends and don't make plans" crap) and she thinks I am in the wrong for feeling that way. That "girls can't expect to have the same treatment as boys." is her philosophy. She's been this way since I was a kid and I was sick of it at 10. in other words, in her world the sky is plaid and the grass orange and woe betide those females who disagree. Especially if she has any type of power with them.
So monday we got into it - and she kicked me out. Grand.
Oh well, I give up, when I move out, that is the last contact I will have with my family.
Yeehaw.
I am loosing my job, and I have been kicked out of my house. My mom and I have never really gotten along and since we've been living together -I moved back home when she needed physical help, now that she doesn't need it so much, she's gotten more and more unreasonable. So Monday we got into it...and she told me I have a month to move out. That's so going to work when I don't have a steady income. It would just be a little thing, if there were not so many times that she treated ( and treats) me like crap. My nephew also lives with us and he has a totally different experience here. Like 180 degrees from mine. Two sets of expectations, seriously. Even to the point of food. If she tells me that her budget won't allow for something I like ( totally understandable) and I buy it for myself she considers it "Community property" and that I should not expect it to be there if when I want/need - nor should i ever be upset about it disappearing. She thinks I should be at her disposal 24/7 for chores - Nephew has none. I pay $200 for the privilege of living in the basement - and she fights me on having an electric heater, and/or a dehumidifier to make it more comfortable, ect, Nephew has a bedroom, pays nothing and she does his laundry for him even. I am not supposed to make plans for the weekends - Nephew has total freedom. She gets pissed if I tell her that I think these expectations are wrong and intrusive ( to the point where I ignore the " be here to do work on weekends and don't make plans" crap) and she thinks I am in the wrong for feeling that way. That "girls can't expect to have the same treatment as boys." is her philosophy. She's been this way since I was a kid and I was sick of it at 10. in other words, in her world the sky is plaid and the grass orange and woe betide those females who disagree. Especially if she has any type of power with them.
So monday we got into it - and she kicked me out. Grand.
Oh well, I give up, when I move out, that is the last contact I will have with my family.
Yeehaw.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
More On Violin Frustrations
Sigh. I went to lesson yesterday and got a lecture about walking before I run and other such stuff. And how there's big holes in what I know. Well - how in the hell is that MY fault. I had a teacher who taught what SHE wanted to and pushed too far too fast. She skipped things that I asked for (scales, anyone?) and pushed into things that should have taken 3 to 5 years by this teacher's estimation ( and he used to play with the BPO.)in one 6th that time. Yeah things are missing..but how in the hell does a student know they are there to learn, and they are supposed to trust that the teacher will do what is best for the student. Yeah, that worked well.
So now I am being taken to tasked for the failings of a teacher who didn't do her job. *SIGH* He's not faulting me for my abilities - I pick up everything really quickly, usually in the space of a lesson ( at most) and I practice as much as my hands can handle. But he's continually telling me that I have gaping holes in what I know and makes it sound like it's my fault that I don't know this. One question: How the hell was I supposed to know what I wasn't being taught?
Remind me again why I do this? And why I am supposed to "trust" my teachers? I want Ian and Mac - I *KNOW* I can trust them.
So now I am being taken to tasked for the failings of a teacher who didn't do her job. *SIGH* He's not faulting me for my abilities - I pick up everything really quickly, usually in the space of a lesson ( at most) and I practice as much as my hands can handle. But he's continually telling me that I have gaping holes in what I know and makes it sound like it's my fault that I don't know this. One question: How the hell was I supposed to know what I wasn't being taught?
Remind me again why I do this? And why I am supposed to "trust" my teachers? I want Ian and Mac - I *KNOW* I can trust them.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Kyle Payne. I hate Blogging about things like this, but somethings need to be said
Ok, I'll admit I am not what you'd call a feminist, I don't like what many of them stand for,it seems to me that feminists have turned to man hating in the past 15 years or so. Now, there's SOME males who desrve to be hated, but there are some who are truely concerned with human rights, not just "men's rights" or "women's rights" or "insert group here rights", but the rights of all people. The don't always go around proclaiming it - but they LIVE it, daily. And there are those who say they can't be feminist. Fine - if folks who LIVE their convictions can't be called feminists because of their gender, I am not one either.
And then there are Twits, like Kyle Payne. This male calls himself a feminist, was a rape Councelor and he then assualted a female student who was unconscious and took pictures of her exposed breasts. How freaking feminist!
There has been hue and cry all over the internet, and this has been interpreted as a "smear" campaign by Kyle and his supporters. I have two questions. First of all who the hell is support this Yoink and second of all - he pleaded guilty, how in the name of justice is talking about it a "smear campaign" dear lord! It's a matter of public record now.
I hope to God that he has to register as a sex offender, that he can never "work" with rape victims again, that he does jail time.
Instead of whining about a smear campaign and whining about how this is hurting you, STFU, and stop harrassing your vicitms. yup, folks this yabo emailed his victims that he was "making a statement". Kyle, dingbat, you know the only 'statement" your victims want to hear from you is 'I was wrong, I am so sorry that I am cutting off my parts now." if you're not going to make that statement - LEAVE THEM ALONE!
You're no feminist - what you are is a cold, self serving brat who never grew out of the toddler stage, most 3 or 4 year old know better than to hurt others, you don't, sounds like a case of arrestted development if there ever was one. I hope you get jail time and pleanty of "play time" with Bubba.
PS: thanks to Ren and Belle for posting about this..it's how I found out.
PPS: Here is some info about his up coming sentencing
And then there are Twits, like Kyle Payne. This male calls himself a feminist, was a rape Councelor and he then assualted a female student who was unconscious and took pictures of her exposed breasts. How freaking feminist!
There has been hue and cry all over the internet, and this has been interpreted as a "smear" campaign by Kyle and his supporters. I have two questions. First of all who the hell is support this Yoink and second of all - he pleaded guilty, how in the name of justice is talking about it a "smear campaign" dear lord! It's a matter of public record now.
I hope to God that he has to register as a sex offender, that he can never "work" with rape victims again, that he does jail time.
Instead of whining about a smear campaign and whining about how this is hurting you, STFU, and stop harrassing your vicitms. yup, folks this yabo emailed his victims that he was "making a statement". Kyle, dingbat, you know the only 'statement" your victims want to hear from you is 'I was wrong, I am so sorry that I am cutting off my parts now." if you're not going to make that statement - LEAVE THEM ALONE!
You're no feminist - what you are is a cold, self serving brat who never grew out of the toddler stage, most 3 or 4 year old know better than to hurt others, you don't, sounds like a case of arrestted development if there ever was one. I hope you get jail time and pleanty of "play time" with Bubba.
PS: thanks to Ren and Belle for posting about this..it's how I found out.
PPS: Here is some info about his up coming sentencing
Sunday, August 3, 2008
I am still learning what a treasure Ian was.
I wrote about Ian here
I am continuing with violin lessons, Vicki is gone, thankfully. I had had enough of leaving every week in tears and I had done that for almost a year. She left to go to California and we- by luck got Gregg. He's an improvement.
But Ian was a treasure. Ian understood that when a student walked into class they were trusting him with their dream to play. And he understood that dreams need foundations. He made it his business to help the student lay those foundations.
I knew literally nothing about music when I walked into Ian's class- he taught me so much. I still have the notes he gave me from when he was kid studying. He knew I needed to learn what was on them. Step one on the journey of music was learning to read those notes.
He taught me that and then taught me a simple song, that I still play. He went over and over the simple things - things that must have been monumentally boring for him - but he never got frustrated or made nasty comments. I never saw a student leave his class in tears...frustrated yes, in tears from that frustration, or from being humiliated by Ian, never. Not the type of teacher he was.
Ian taught music, he taught people to love music, and to love the fiddle in specific that's a rarity. He made people believe that they COULD do music..no matter how little they knew when they arrived at his door. He valued people first, and that made a difference.
I hope to study with him again, it's a dream of mine. Next time I see him, tho I just want to say "thanks". For being the kind of teacher he was and the type of man he is.
I am continuing with violin lessons, Vicki is gone, thankfully. I had had enough of leaving every week in tears and I had done that for almost a year. She left to go to California and we- by luck got Gregg. He's an improvement.
But Ian was a treasure. Ian understood that when a student walked into class they were trusting him with their dream to play. And he understood that dreams need foundations. He made it his business to help the student lay those foundations.
I knew literally nothing about music when I walked into Ian's class- he taught me so much. I still have the notes he gave me from when he was kid studying. He knew I needed to learn what was on them. Step one on the journey of music was learning to read those notes.
He taught me that and then taught me a simple song, that I still play. He went over and over the simple things - things that must have been monumentally boring for him - but he never got frustrated or made nasty comments. I never saw a student leave his class in tears...frustrated yes, in tears from that frustration, or from being humiliated by Ian, never. Not the type of teacher he was.
Ian taught music, he taught people to love music, and to love the fiddle in specific that's a rarity. He made people believe that they COULD do music..no matter how little they knew when they arrived at his door. He valued people first, and that made a difference.
I hope to study with him again, it's a dream of mine. Next time I see him, tho I just want to say "thanks". For being the kind of teacher he was and the type of man he is.
Monday, May 5, 2008
I Messed up with Stewart - Big Time
Saturday and Sunday I went to Music Fest in Chatham, NY. I should not have gone. Saturday was a disaster - that ended with me hurting Stewart MacNeil, the very *last* person I *ever* would want to hurt.
Here's what happened - I made cookies for him, got them to the fair gounds, and got run into by a kid and dropped them. Anne had told Stewart to expect them and then when She found out that they were destroyed told him what happened.
After the show ( wonderful -by the way) he made a laughing comment about me having a "mishap with the cookies" to me, it came off as mocking. And Stewart is the *very last* person I would have expected ever to mock me. And I told him so. I told him " It's not funny! and you are the last person I would have expected to make fun of me!" and turned and walked away.
I went and got my bag from Anne, she asked where I was going and I told her "Any place but here." And took off via the shortest route - unfortunately it was right past the MacNeils,,,Stewart *tried* to say something, I am still not sure what, but I was too upset and shocked to hear it.
I went around the corner of one of the buildings and had a cry.
And then went, washed my face, and went back to face the music from the rest of the MacNeils. We stood around and talked for a bit and Stewart came over and tried to put an arm around my waist. ( This is not a good move,even from him, even at the best of times) I moved away. He tried to talk to me and I was very cold to him I called him "sir" a few times and he left. As he turned away even *I* could see the hurt in his eyes.
Lucy asked "What happened here?" a couple of times as she was leaving I told her to give Stewart a hug for me and she asked again I told her "He decided to make fun of me, and I decided not to take it." and asked her again to give Stewart a Hug for me.
I hope she did.
That night was miserable for me. I couldn't believe that Stewart would make fun of me, and since it was so far from what I know of Stewart that I was honestly worried about him.
Sunday Anne, had to leave before the Last Show...she would have driven me to the train station but I did not want to leave things with Stewart as they were, as he had seemed upset the night before and I hated that.
So I stayed. And when they came in I asked Lucy if I was allowed to say "hi", she said "I never said you weren't. You worry too much." Stewart came in and asked "are we ok?" I told him yes, gave him a hug ( that he didn't return) and told him that I had been worried about him the night before. He said "really?" in a tone of voice that said he'd never believe that. I told him he was "Not himself last night" and he said "It must have been the cold and the wine" and I left it at that.
I left, and went to watch the show. Coyote Run was on and I *love* their version of Lord of the Dance. So I sat stitched and tried to enjoy the music.
The Barra MacNeils came on in a little while and they were wonderful as usual. After the Show, I talked to Kyle - he's wonderful, I love the way his eyes light up when he talks about his wife and he asked if I was still taking lessons, I told him yes that I am not giving up til I can play Tullochgorum. He said 'You've set your self quite a goal there. I suppose you can play the easier parts and learn the rest of it later." ( there's easier parts to Tullochgorum? Who knew?) And I asked him if he would play Tullochgorum with me when I get it...he said "I would love to." I love that man.
I talked to Stewart to, but he wasn't the same with me.
I think I Messed up big time, there and I am not sure he'll ever forgive me.
Here's what happened - I made cookies for him, got them to the fair gounds, and got run into by a kid and dropped them. Anne had told Stewart to expect them and then when She found out that they were destroyed told him what happened.
After the show ( wonderful -by the way) he made a laughing comment about me having a "mishap with the cookies" to me, it came off as mocking. And Stewart is the *very last* person I would have expected ever to mock me. And I told him so. I told him " It's not funny! and you are the last person I would have expected to make fun of me!" and turned and walked away.
I went and got my bag from Anne, she asked where I was going and I told her "Any place but here." And took off via the shortest route - unfortunately it was right past the MacNeils,,,Stewart *tried* to say something, I am still not sure what, but I was too upset and shocked to hear it.
I went around the corner of one of the buildings and had a cry.
And then went, washed my face, and went back to face the music from the rest of the MacNeils. We stood around and talked for a bit and Stewart came over and tried to put an arm around my waist. ( This is not a good move,even from him, even at the best of times) I moved away. He tried to talk to me and I was very cold to him I called him "sir" a few times and he left. As he turned away even *I* could see the hurt in his eyes.
Lucy asked "What happened here?" a couple of times as she was leaving I told her to give Stewart a hug for me and she asked again I told her "He decided to make fun of me, and I decided not to take it." and asked her again to give Stewart a Hug for me.
I hope she did.
That night was miserable for me. I couldn't believe that Stewart would make fun of me, and since it was so far from what I know of Stewart that I was honestly worried about him.
Sunday Anne, had to leave before the Last Show...she would have driven me to the train station but I did not want to leave things with Stewart as they were, as he had seemed upset the night before and I hated that.
So I stayed. And when they came in I asked Lucy if I was allowed to say "hi", she said "I never said you weren't. You worry too much." Stewart came in and asked "are we ok?" I told him yes, gave him a hug ( that he didn't return) and told him that I had been worried about him the night before. He said "really?" in a tone of voice that said he'd never believe that. I told him he was "Not himself last night" and he said "It must have been the cold and the wine" and I left it at that.
I left, and went to watch the show. Coyote Run was on and I *love* their version of Lord of the Dance. So I sat stitched and tried to enjoy the music.
The Barra MacNeils came on in a little while and they were wonderful as usual. After the Show, I talked to Kyle - he's wonderful, I love the way his eyes light up when he talks about his wife and he asked if I was still taking lessons, I told him yes that I am not giving up til I can play Tullochgorum. He said 'You've set your self quite a goal there. I suppose you can play the easier parts and learn the rest of it later." ( there's easier parts to Tullochgorum? Who knew?) And I asked him if he would play Tullochgorum with me when I get it...he said "I would love to." I love that man.
I talked to Stewart to, but he wasn't the same with me.
I think I Messed up big time, there and I am not sure he'll ever forgive me.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Of CopyRight ,Stitching and Blogs.
CopyRight is a Hot Topic amoungst stitchers - Sizzling hot. Some of my favourite designers have been fighting the Copy Right wars for ages. Some will tell you it takes a toll. Some just get worn down and give up. It takes a toll not only in their pockets bit in our worlds. Really - folks stealing is Stealing Whether it's stuff like Dragon Dreams Jen talks about here Or the Russian site of doom ( It has more copy right violations than any other I have ever seen) or the folks who give away copies and keep the originals, thinking "It's ok everyone does it"
Well let me tell you NOT everyone does it. I don't and most stitchers I know online don't. It hurts all of us. Each time a stitcher steals from a designer - they steal from all of us. 'Cause you know what? Those Designers can't, don't and should not have to do what they do for free, and if enough folks steal from them, they eventually give up. Some already have because they have had enough of thievery, Others are speaking out against it and trying to make us all aware of the price. I'll be real blunt about the price.
The Price is them, the Price is our art....because with out them - the art is not going to last long. Because I don't know all that many stitchers who also design ALL of their own patterns. In fact I know of no one who designs their ALL of their own stuff. We are all enriched by the beauty the designers produce - and we are all diminished when they are stolen from. It needs to stop NOW.
And you know, I was browsing some of my favourite bloggers tonight and some that I've never heard of before and they are all talking about the same thing Copy right theft. PlainsFeminist and Belledame ( two favourites) and http://brownfemipower.com/?p=1764, who I have never heard of before and others, I am sure are all talking about people who fail to observe copy right.
Look It ain't all that hard - Just don't steal
You diminish all of us when you do. And I resent it. And I resent you for doing.
Well let me tell you NOT everyone does it. I don't and most stitchers I know online don't. It hurts all of us. Each time a stitcher steals from a designer - they steal from all of us. 'Cause you know what? Those Designers can't, don't and should not have to do what they do for free, and if enough folks steal from them, they eventually give up. Some already have because they have had enough of thievery, Others are speaking out against it and trying to make us all aware of the price. I'll be real blunt about the price.
The Price is them, the Price is our art....because with out them - the art is not going to last long. Because I don't know all that many stitchers who also design ALL of their own patterns. In fact I know of no one who designs their ALL of their own stuff. We are all enriched by the beauty the designers produce - and we are all diminished when they are stolen from. It needs to stop NOW.
And you know, I was browsing some of my favourite bloggers tonight and some that I've never heard of before and they are all talking about the same thing Copy right theft. PlainsFeminist and Belledame ( two favourites) and http://brownfemipower.com/?p=1764, who I have never heard of before and others, I am sure are all talking about people who fail to observe copy right.
Look It ain't all that hard - Just don't steal
You diminish all of us when you do. And I resent it. And I resent you for doing.
Friday, March 28, 2008
I am so sick!
I am so sick this week. I have been since before Easter, but this week I have not been to work at all. That next to never happens. In fact I've never taken a week off due to illness. Ever.
So what's got me so out of it? I have the Croup. Stop Laughing. Now. ;) You heard me right. I have the Croup. Badly. I think I got it when I took a Friend's kid to the ER.
I would not wish this on anyone. Kids seem to kick this easily once treated. Me? I am down for a week and apparently I have a "mild" case comparatively speaking. My Drsaid she's had 4 adults with it this week alone and two have gone to the Hospital and been admitted. Yikes! Apparently it can get worse if left.
So what's got me so out of it? I have the Croup. Stop Laughing. Now. ;) You heard me right. I have the Croup. Badly. I think I got it when I took a Friend's kid to the ER.
I would not wish this on anyone. Kids seem to kick this easily once treated. Me? I am down for a week and apparently I have a "mild" case comparatively speaking. My Drsaid she's had 4 adults with it this week alone and two have gone to the Hospital and been admitted. Yikes! Apparently it can get worse if left.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The aftermath. Wish me Luck.
I have applied to get into a "First Time Buyer's Club" that would allow me to get into a house in about 2 year, if not sooner. If all goes well.
So I would appreciate all the prayers and good wishes you can spare. I need to be able to save $1,875 for the down payment - and then make payments after that.
I can save the $1875 by the end of the summer but I also - for my own sanity, need a decent paying job. SO could you all pray that I find something soon, that I can stay in for a good long while and support myself decently with.
I've had a belly full of my mother's crap, she had me feeling I was better off dead yesterday. I need out of here.
Thanks
So I would appreciate all the prayers and good wishes you can spare. I need to be able to save $1,875 for the down payment - and then make payments after that.
I can save the $1875 by the end of the summer but I also - for my own sanity, need a decent paying job. SO could you all pray that I find something soon, that I can stay in for a good long while and support myself decently with.
I've had a belly full of my mother's crap, she had me feeling I was better off dead yesterday. I need out of here.
Thanks
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
a Meme just because I have been silent for so long.
Hello all! Today is Telephone Day.
1. Which musician would you like to share a telephone conversation with? What would you talk about? Stewart or Lucy Macneil - anything they cared to talk about.
2. Name your favorite song with telephone or phone in the title, or has anything to do with telephones. Can't think of one
3. If you have a cell phone, what is your ringtone? If you don't have a cell or don't have a musical ringtone, what would you want your ringtone to be? No cell, and if I did, I think I'd have hard time finding Tulochgorum as a ring town
4. What's Jenny's number? 867-5309, I think
1. Which musician would you like to share a telephone conversation with? What would you talk about? Stewart or Lucy Macneil - anything they cared to talk about.
2. Name your favorite song with telephone or phone in the title, or has anything to do with telephones. Can't think of one
3. If you have a cell phone, what is your ringtone? If you don't have a cell or don't have a musical ringtone, what would you want your ringtone to be? No cell, and if I did, I think I'd have hard time finding Tulochgorum as a ring town
4. What's Jenny's number? 867-5309, I think
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Trying to help a friend.
Mrs T's Wish
Mrs T is a Friend of mine. She teaches in abyssimal conditions and does so with grace. She's been working in this same neighbourhood for 30 years and has seen both the neighbourhood and the desire of the kids to learn plummet. She fights what she can how she can and I try to help.
To that last end, I have been researching grants and such for awhile and she has wom a couple as well as find someone her own :) Donors Choose is a place where teaches can post their wishes and proposals and hopefully get it funded. I found about it in blogland a bit ago and Mrs T got her proposal approved and posted recently.
The link above is to her wish. Please help
Mrs T is a Friend of mine. She teaches in abyssimal conditions and does so with grace. She's been working in this same neighbourhood for 30 years and has seen both the neighbourhood and the desire of the kids to learn plummet. She fights what she can how she can and I try to help.
To that last end, I have been researching grants and such for awhile and she has wom a couple as well as find someone her own :) Donors Choose is a place where teaches can post their wishes and proposals and hopefully get it funded. I found about it in blogland a bit ago and Mrs T got her proposal approved and posted recently.
The link above is to her wish. Please help
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Another Musical Meme -Actually two
From Blogdriveinsanity.blogdrive.com
Name three musicians you want to hug, and one you don't want to hug.
not being a huggy person, I'll have to go with three members of one family
Stewart MacNeil
Kyle MacNeil
Sheumas MacNeil
Oh heck, I'd hug Lucy and Boyd Too...I don't know Ryan enough to know either way, having only spoken to him twice.
As for who i don't want to hug: Easy - Chris Andrews. I'd prefer to slit my own throat rather than hug that critter.
Hello everyone! The theme I'm going to use today is yesterday's - Accordion Day. Yes, Accordion Day.
1. Accordion - love it or hate it? Depends who's playing and what style.
2. What is your favorite accordion style? (Zydeco, polka, Irish, etc.) Cape Breton
3. Do you have a favorite accordion player? Can you even name one? Yup I can name a couple. My favourite is Stewart MacNeil.
Anyone Else noticing a theme here ;)
Name three musicians you want to hug, and one you don't want to hug.
not being a huggy person, I'll have to go with three members of one family
Stewart MacNeil
Kyle MacNeil
Sheumas MacNeil
Oh heck, I'd hug Lucy and Boyd Too...I don't know Ryan enough to know either way, having only spoken to him twice.
As for who i don't want to hug: Easy - Chris Andrews. I'd prefer to slit my own throat rather than hug that critter.
Hello everyone! The theme I'm going to use today is yesterday's - Accordion Day. Yes, Accordion Day.
1. Accordion - love it or hate it? Depends who's playing and what style.
2. What is your favorite accordion style? (Zydeco, polka, Irish, etc.) Cape Breton
3. Do you have a favorite accordion player? Can you even name one? Yup I can name a couple. My favourite is Stewart MacNeil.
Anyone Else noticing a theme here ;)
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Blog for Choice Day.
UPDATE I RENOUNCE THIS AND IRGE EVERY ONE TO SEEK OUT HELP AND NKT KILL YOUR BABY
Sunday, January 6, 2008
A Couple Of Memories I Iike.
A Barra's Memory
This is a memory I don't ever want to loose. It's when I gave the original Barra MacNeils angel cards. I found out recently that Lucy kept hers. :)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And here's the second:
Like many of you on September 11,2001 I sat in horror and watched and listened as the events at the World Trade center, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania unfolded. While I had the news on, I was wrapped in a quilt that a great uncle had taken through WWI and an Aunt had wrapped herself in to listen to the reports of Pearl Harbour. I had some of my favourite music Atlantic Canadian fiddles playing up a storm - a storm of comfort and joy and hope. A dream was born that day out of the hate and despair. I decided that day that I would learn to play like the folks who gave me such comfort when the rest of the world was aching for it.
I told a friend of my dream. A few months later she bought me a fiddle and came over and gave me my first lesson. It was fun, but we both knew that we needed help to learn what we wanted to. Anne found a place called the Gaelic College in Cape Breton that had Adult only sessions and convinced me to give the place a try. ( Summer 2002)
Well, I gathered what little courage I had and we made arrangements to go. I am not a people-person to say the least, - terminally shy is a much better description and add extremely private to finish it off. I had even refused to fill out the medical forms they sent because I considered it an invasion of privacy.
Then there was my history with music teachers. Abusive was a good word for it. I still have a scar on my left hand from the eighth grade, where a teacher had hit me, and scars on my soul from other teachers. I was so scared that I lost 6 pants sizes in the two weeks preceding the trip From nervous conversations with me, Anne was sure she was going to end up going alone. She was sure that I would back out. But I am stubborn, and never more so than when my dreams are involved, so away I went, expecting two things - one, to get told I could not attend with out filling out those blasted forms and two, to get hit by the music teachers.
As we approached we heard a fiddler. Anne says there was also a bagpiper but I only heard the fiddler, his strains carried on the wind,bringing comfort and hope. I was allowed to register; to my amazement no one mentioned the missing forms. I tried to melt into the walls and Anne kept trying to tell me that all would be well. I was not as confident. After dinner there were some fellow students playing in the common area and Anne and I sat and listened. Actually I curled up and tried to become one with the couch. When someone approached and asked to sit next to me,I bolted, (literally ran from the room,) to shy to speak and too scared to do anything else. From my room I could hear the fiddlers and gathered my strength from their songs.
the next morning, I was so full of fear that I barely remember breakfast. The first class was a bodhran class. To say it did not go well would be a gross understatement. The rhythmically impaired should never try a drum class. I left in tears,almost flying from the room. I determined I would not go back . Weaving
class after that was a great relief, a craft, something I was good and gifted at. I took to it easily and did well. But I was still scared.
From the Weavers shed I could hear the other classes going on. The one that carried the easiest on the wind was the fiddle. It seemed to be wherever I turned, flowing on the wind, welling up from the earth, playing on the water and shining forth from the sun. Everywhere there were fiddles!
My last 3 classes of the day were fiddle. At lunch, I met up with Anne and we compared notes. Anne told me about her fiddle teacher from the morning class. It turned out that he would be the one who taught my first fiddle class. She told me he was nice, and that I could relax. I didn't really believe her. How wrong I was!
I walked into the class and there were two men there, one seated, one standing. I threw out to the room, "Are you Ian? and the gentleman standing up replied yes. I told him my name and he proceeded to ask what I knew - scales?, how to read?, what? I told him the only thing I knew was enough to be afraid - very afraid. He reacted as if I had hit him with my words. I could see his stomach draw in, shocked. But he only said You don't need to be afraid. (The man in the chair said, Hes a fiddler, I'm a fiddler, you're a wanna be.get over it, girlie, and he walked out.)Ian came over and sat next to me and I got my first clear look at him.
Barely 21 or 22, he still had the apple dumpling cheeks of youth and soft
blue eyes that gave away the gentleness of his nature. He spent 50 minutes a day for the next week teaching me , encouraging me and trying to give me the basics of music. He taught the same thing over and over again with out complaint, never showing how frustrating it must have been for him. He was always willing to go back and re-explain and re-demonstrate and always he had encouragement for me.
Sometimes I would ask him just to play for me. When he played there was joy and laughter and fun. He taught me to love the music and the instrument. When he played, the fiddle became a friend to converse with,rather than an enemy to fight. He loved the fiddle and he made me love it too, made me see that music is not a torment but a joy and made me want
to excel at it.
He was supposed to give me music lessons,What he gave me was much more. Gentleness, compassion and confidence. Confidence in my abilities and in the people around me. With him, I was able to make it through the week. Through him, I met folks who aided in my healing - Ian's buddy, Mac, whose gentleness came through in everything he did. Talking, dancing or just walking around, Mac greeted the world as if everyone was his friend . And there was Wendy, who taught both Anne and I and gave us much laughter in the process. And who can forget the mother of one of the men who inspired me and the staff and students who never stopped reaching out to me.
But it was Ian who taught me the most; that the gift of self and the
gift of kindness can make a world of difference to even the most hardened
of hearts. I know he made a difference to me.
This is a memory I don't ever want to loose. It's when I gave the original Barra MacNeils angel cards. I found out recently that Lucy kept hers. :)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And here's the second:
Like many of you on September 11,2001 I sat in horror and watched and listened as the events at the World Trade center, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania unfolded. While I had the news on, I was wrapped in a quilt that a great uncle had taken through WWI and an Aunt had wrapped herself in to listen to the reports of Pearl Harbour. I had some of my favourite music Atlantic Canadian fiddles playing up a storm - a storm of comfort and joy and hope. A dream was born that day out of the hate and despair. I decided that day that I would learn to play like the folks who gave me such comfort when the rest of the world was aching for it.
I told a friend of my dream. A few months later she bought me a fiddle and came over and gave me my first lesson. It was fun, but we both knew that we needed help to learn what we wanted to. Anne found a place called the Gaelic College in Cape Breton that had Adult only sessions and convinced me to give the place a try. ( Summer 2002)
Well, I gathered what little courage I had and we made arrangements to go. I am not a people-person to say the least, - terminally shy is a much better description and add extremely private to finish it off. I had even refused to fill out the medical forms they sent because I considered it an invasion of privacy.
Then there was my history with music teachers. Abusive was a good word for it. I still have a scar on my left hand from the eighth grade, where a teacher had hit me, and scars on my soul from other teachers. I was so scared that I lost 6 pants sizes in the two weeks preceding the trip From nervous conversations with me, Anne was sure she was going to end up going alone. She was sure that I would back out. But I am stubborn, and never more so than when my dreams are involved, so away I went, expecting two things - one, to get told I could not attend with out filling out those blasted forms and two, to get hit by the music teachers.
As we approached we heard a fiddler. Anne says there was also a bagpiper but I only heard the fiddler, his strains carried on the wind,bringing comfort and hope. I was allowed to register; to my amazement no one mentioned the missing forms. I tried to melt into the walls and Anne kept trying to tell me that all would be well. I was not as confident. After dinner there were some fellow students playing in the common area and Anne and I sat and listened. Actually I curled up and tried to become one with the couch. When someone approached and asked to sit next to me,I bolted, (literally ran from the room,) to shy to speak and too scared to do anything else. From my room I could hear the fiddlers and gathered my strength from their songs.
the next morning, I was so full of fear that I barely remember breakfast. The first class was a bodhran class. To say it did not go well would be a gross understatement. The rhythmically impaired should never try a drum class. I left in tears,almost flying from the room. I determined I would not go back . Weaving
class after that was a great relief, a craft, something I was good and gifted at. I took to it easily and did well. But I was still scared.
From the Weavers shed I could hear the other classes going on. The one that carried the easiest on the wind was the fiddle. It seemed to be wherever I turned, flowing on the wind, welling up from the earth, playing on the water and shining forth from the sun. Everywhere there were fiddles!
My last 3 classes of the day were fiddle. At lunch, I met up with Anne and we compared notes. Anne told me about her fiddle teacher from the morning class. It turned out that he would be the one who taught my first fiddle class. She told me he was nice, and that I could relax. I didn't really believe her. How wrong I was!
I walked into the class and there were two men there, one seated, one standing. I threw out to the room, "Are you Ian? and the gentleman standing up replied yes. I told him my name and he proceeded to ask what I knew - scales?, how to read?, what? I told him the only thing I knew was enough to be afraid - very afraid. He reacted as if I had hit him with my words. I could see his stomach draw in, shocked. But he only said You don't need to be afraid. (The man in the chair said, Hes a fiddler, I'm a fiddler, you're a wanna be.get over it, girlie, and he walked out.)Ian came over and sat next to me and I got my first clear look at him.
Barely 21 or 22, he still had the apple dumpling cheeks of youth and soft
blue eyes that gave away the gentleness of his nature. He spent 50 minutes a day for the next week teaching me , encouraging me and trying to give me the basics of music. He taught the same thing over and over again with out complaint, never showing how frustrating it must have been for him. He was always willing to go back and re-explain and re-demonstrate and always he had encouragement for me.
Sometimes I would ask him just to play for me. When he played there was joy and laughter and fun. He taught me to love the music and the instrument. When he played, the fiddle became a friend to converse with,rather than an enemy to fight. He loved the fiddle and he made me love it too, made me see that music is not a torment but a joy and made me want
to excel at it.
He was supposed to give me music lessons,What he gave me was much more. Gentleness, compassion and confidence. Confidence in my abilities and in the people around me. With him, I was able to make it through the week. Through him, I met folks who aided in my healing - Ian's buddy, Mac, whose gentleness came through in everything he did. Talking, dancing or just walking around, Mac greeted the world as if everyone was his friend . And there was Wendy, who taught both Anne and I and gave us much laughter in the process. And who can forget the mother of one of the men who inspired me and the staff and students who never stopped reaching out to me.
But it was Ian who taught me the most; that the gift of self and the
gift of kindness can make a world of difference to even the most hardened
of hearts. I know he made a difference to me.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Happy New Year
Happy New Year a bit late. Better late than never, I guess.
Not really much to say. I finished a card for Mac.
I hope he likes it.
As I started this post I was talking to someone I thought was an old friend. She jumped on me for NOT lying to her. Fine and Dandy. I've never lied to her, I don't intend to start now. Just because someone else is playing games with you don't take it out on me. Remind me not to bother with humanity anymore.
I don't feel like writing anymore.
Happy Fucking New Year
Not really much to say. I finished a card for Mac.
I hope he likes it.
As I started this post I was talking to someone I thought was an old friend. She jumped on me for NOT lying to her. Fine and Dandy. I've never lied to her, I don't intend to start now. Just because someone else is playing games with you don't take it out on me. Remind me not to bother with humanity anymore.
I don't feel like writing anymore.
Happy Fucking New Year
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