Music Makes the people Come together

So cute.... visually pure and simple. I'm a Pocoyo fan. From the UK.

"What can you hear that sounds like music?"

Come on and we'll sing, like we were free Push the pedal down watch the world around fly by us Come on and we'll try, one last time

Most of you know about my volunteer work and what that involves. So, I just wanted to take a moment and remember one of the consumers who I have spoken with in the past who died a few days ago. Mental illness is so complex and heartbreaking. Sometimes the pain of living is just too great. It’s sometimes hard to imagine such a thing, but if you have ever known someone who has suffered from a mental illness, daily living is more often than not, a battle against yourself. Imagine such a life.

I had an uncle who suffered from a mental illness and I had first met him when I was in Fiji a few years back. I stayed a few days at his house and he was such a good guy. He had a little business with his two boys, who were probably about 10 and 12 years old. It was a mobile video rental business. He’d take the boys out to their regular customers and rent out and exchange videos. They made some good money and I thought what a great business idea that was in the area they lived in. I saw him come back with his boys this one day and the boys brought out 3 money jars (one belonged to each of them and one for their little sister). With their dad, they divided up the money and each got a share for their ‘money jar’. It was so touching to be able to witness that. There was so much joy and accomplishment in the eyes of the boys with their father. I think of some kids I know and have met who get everything they ask for and more and they are not taught the value of work or money. It makes me think that sometimes the seemingly poor are the richest people that you could know. My uncle was a good man and he suffered too – he took his life a couple of years ago around Christmas time. I try to remember him around that time each year. So tonight, I just want to remember those who have tried to live.

Stood on the corner for a while To wait for the wind to blow down on me Hoping it takes with it my old ways And brings some brand new luck upon me

And when you feel like you can't see the light,

"Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding; and that there is always tomorrow."

- Dorothy Thompson

I'm with you.

Let's learn from our history And do it differently I hope For more love, for joy and laughter I Hope That we'll have more than we'll ever need

A recap of New Year's Eve:

The boys rounded up a projector and a bedsheet and created a Jumbotron fit for Xbox Kings to enjoy into the wee hours of the morning.



Yes, it's true, the sheet is wrinkled. Funny that no one thought of ironing it - not surprising. Minor detail, I guess.




The girls didn't indulge in the Xbox because frankly, I don't think we were allowed to play. We popped in once in a while to make sure they were breathing. We got a grunt or two. We continued with our own fun.

Some of the boys joined us for a Murder Mystery game (must of not been enough Xbox controllers) and it was quite fun. Mo was the killer. As they say, hell hath no fury as a woman scorned.

Next was an intense game of Charades. My team (the winning team) did awesome considering we had 3 people for the most part against 5. The other team made fun of the way we celebrated when we got an answer right. They jumped up and down and squealed loudly. Well, if you got 'Loose Lips Sink Ships' right, wouldn't you proceed with a celebration of high fives and hugging? I'm not ashamed of it.

It's been a memorable year. Here's a toast to each of you for 2006 and 2007. Peace and love.

Pray God you can cope I stand outside this woman's work This woman's world

I spoke to a woman a few days ago. We did not know each other. She had given birth to a baby boy 8 months ago. She spoke to me about her physical and emotional struggles. Other people in her life were telling her that there was something wrong with her and she was getting worried that she might need help. This caused her more worry and anxiety because she didn't exactly know what kind of help she needed.

She told me about some of the feelings she was having towards her baby and her husband. Her struggle was to find the explanations or reasons as to why she felt this way. It was this lack of clarity that was causing her the most turmoil. She was second guessing her own feelings because other people (perhaps unintentionally) were telling her that there was something wrong with her. If you put anyone in this situation, would they not feel a loss of control? I was unsure as to how to help ease this woman’s pain in the moment, so I tried to listen to her to see where she would guide me. Instead of focusing on what I thought I was supposed to do, I decided to make a better effort to practice compassion. And when I decided to do that, something unexplainable occurred. The woman started to cry tears of relief. I felt her anxieties and worry melt away. I felt a blessing being bestowed upon both of us. I felt a mother being able to comfort her baby now that she was feeling some relief within herself. Now that she understood that there wasn’t anything wrong with her, she could take back the part of herself she thought she was losing. She told me that she had tried for days, but was unable to cry until that moment. Her relief relieved me. I felt as if she had reached out to me and I was lucky enough to be there to receive. I was moved by this good woman. It is the best gift I got this year.

We often forget the true meaning of a gift. A true gift resonates from within us and has eternal life. A gift brings us closer to others and in the process reveals to ourselves the things we so easily forget. It puts us in a vulnerable state to reveal the purest part of ourselves that we often try to hide from others. It is these gifts that are not wrapped up nicely and put under the tree. Often these gifts come in unexpected and disguised forms, sometimes painful to see. Hence, they can be easily overlooked and forgotten. We even try to fight them. I will try to remember them more often so I can share these gifts with the people who I experience in life.

As the holidays come to an end, I have redefined my personal definition of ‘gift’. A gift is not greater than you or I. In fact, it is you and I. And it is within reach. I think this is the most important lesson I’ve learned this year. It’s funny that I wasn’t even going to write about any of this, but I felt I had to.

“One must know not just how to accept a gift, but with what grace to share it.”

- Maya Angelou

Here by my side, you are, destruction Here by my side, a new colour to paint the world Never turn your back on it

"Truth is truth
To the end of reckoning."

William Shakespeare, "Measure for Measure"

Today was a day I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. A weight that i have been carrying around for quite some time. What a relief. Sometimes relief brings with it a wave of sadness because it means letting go - of what has been bottled up inside. Relief leaves you vulnerable and yet raises you up. And you become yourself once again. All in all, it is a blessing to be unburdened, no matter how it may come to be.

But Colorado rocky mountain high I've seen it raining fire in the sky The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullabye

I have to address the extreme amount of snow. There's a lot. I love how everything gets quieter and pure looking when it snows. When I woke up this morning, I felt calm and protected - it's funny how the snow makes me feel that way. I guess it's because you realize it's not necessary to go anywhere. Getting all the errands done doesn't seem as important. It forces you to stop and do other things. And I for one, need that from time to time. In the stillness of the falling snow, I awoke and blended a special aromatherapy scent and spent the rest of the morning enjoying the stillness. I am laughing at myself right now because I know some of you will read this and think 'that fatima and her essential oils...' What can I say...it was therapeutic. Everyone needs a snowfall once in a while.


I have been listening to John Denver lately. Specifically, John Denver's Greatest Hits, released in 1973. When I was little, my parents had the 8 track and it was one of the ones we listened to a lot. It's one of my earliest childhood memories, listening to his songs. I don't know how many times I listened to that 8 track. He was such a great song writer. I love that he wrote about environmental issues, struggles of the time, and the comforts and beauty of his homeland. He was a soulful artist. Listening to his music takes me back to when I was a little girl, setting up the 8 track ghetto blaster in the living room listening to 'Sunshine on my Shoulders'. I'd feel happy. Check out his music if you are interested.


A big mass of snow as seen through my window:

Going to stand on that bridge Keep my eyes down below Whatever may come And whatever may go That river's flowing

Today is National Philanthropy Day. Everyone has something to give.

"I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, quality, and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down, other-centered men can build up."
King, Jr., Martin Luther

What puts a hundred thousand children in the sand? Belief can, belief can What puts a folded flag inside his mother's hand? Belief can, belief can

After seven years of volunteering I am still being shown that I need to be there. Believe me, over the years I have tested the question of leaving - finding a new opportunity, one that could be more 'fun'. Despite the testing, I have always come to the answer that I shouldn't go. Whenever I have taken some time away from it, the day I come back has always been a day I am reminded why I should return ----thanks to whomever I end up speaking to that day. There are so many people in this world who don't have someone to talk to -- not one person. Can you imagine such a life? I am constantly reminded of the purpose of serving and my importance to serve others as a part of my life.

Speaking of remembering, I hope everyone got a chance to give a moment to the men and women who have served and are currently serving not only our country but also each other.

So take the photographs and still frames in your mind Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time

So many of you know that I had a job with the government years ago facilitating violence prevention workshops throughout this great Province of ours. It was one of the most difficult and greatest times of my life. A true growing experience. A lot of you have heard me talk about those experiences and so now that the timing seems to be right (hope I'm not breaking some sort of Gov't statute of limitations) I am publishing some of the photos I collected over that span of time. Most of the people in these pictures became like family because we spent so much time working together, travelling together, eating and sleeping together. It was a very unique working experience, one that I know I'll never have again.

I don't think any of you have seen any of these... I hope they will be interesting to you. Being that Blogger seems to only be allowing me to publish four pictures in one post, I'll be publishing a series, a mini-series if you will. Let's begin....

Our first road trip to Smithers with Ryan and Travis where we worked for a week. Here is the view from my room at the Bed and Breakfast we stayed in. Yes, a McDonald's right across the street which served as our dinner the first night we were there. I had the two cheeseburger meal and yes, I do remember it well. Ryan was in heaven because McDonald's was all he ever ate. This caused some tension between him and Travis due to the resulting unappealing smells in their room.














Within an hour of our arrival, it started to snow. Travis and I went across the street to this little park area to frolic. That's our hotel in the background.














Us in the school gym prepping for a show. Travis paced and walked around a lot, Ryan usually slept, and I took pictures and sat in a spot.














I told Travis to do something that was 'him'. So this is what he gave me. It was fitting.














You're probably wondering why I don't have any pictures of Ryan from this trip. That's because he was asleep for most of it. No joke.

More pics to come from various adventures....

I dare you to tell me to walk through fire Wear my soul and call me a liar

Recently I have had a couple of dreams about fire that I have been thinking a lot about. I came across this interesting take that I thought was insightful:

The dream of Fire suggests that you are in the process of experiencing its more challenging aspects. It is very difficult but also necessary to face our passions head on and ask ourselves the question “Why do I feel so strongly about this – is it justifiable?” In taking up the challenge it is important we quite literally fight fire with fire as it takes a lot of spiritual energy and will to recognise where a heart felt feeling is no more than ego arrogance, or indeed to locate those passions that are valuable to our quest. Remember that when we compress the value of fire(301) we get the number four, the symbol of the earth and solidity. This should remind you that when negotiating this difficult path it is always easier to walk when we keep our feet on the ground.

To fully benefit from this dream requires two distinct responses. On the hand it is important to develop an appreciation of the nature of passion and emotion, at the same time it is a real mark of development when one can feel a certain passion and emotional response to the most simple of tasks. It is all too easy to forget that the divine is fundamentally a force of love. In order to fully link with our own higher self we must be able to deal with a whole range of emotions. Even more we must be able to understand our emotional responses.

I'm absolutely definite absolutely positive Absolutely definitely positively representative

What we did after the engagement party:

1. Went back to Mo's house and had a slumber party where we did not slumber until late. We flung off shoes and unravelled saris in record time.
2. Soaked poor shrunken feet in bathtub. Exfoliation and application of soothing lotion ensued.
3. Everyone was hungry: the boys stopped for hot chocolate and timbits. Failed to tell us. Mo and I make cheese bread.
4. Roobie, P-unit, and Meepers play X box very loudly, while Mo, Nina and I eat aforementioned cheese bread.
5. We stumble to bed in the early hours of the morning.
6. I conduct a morning yoga class for Amanda and Meepers. I lose my yogi composure as Meepers struggles with the half moon pose. He asks me if we can start with with the easy first pose. I tell him this IS the easy first pose. He looks at me shocked.
7. We all get decent and head for brunch to the White Spot. We try to make a reservation for the 9 of us, however, Mo is told by the White Spot representative on the phone that they did not take reservations. Mo inquires regarding possible waiting times. She is informed by the representative, 'I cannot tell the future.'. Non-telepathic powers confirmed.
8. Arrival at said restaurant where bad service ensues in a variety of ways, but still manage to have fun. Little kid at next table has tantrum and tries to overturn table. Table items fall on floor.
9. We exit and hit the Walmart. The boys try to lose us so they can shop for a $2000 camera with a remote flash. Apparently a detachable flash is a selling point. We find them at the electronics counter at LD. Physcial contact with cameras are made. Boys are drooling.
10. We debate about said cameras on the way home.

I have included pics below of White Spot adventures. People get a little crazy when they are hungry........

Mo letting her fork slip just a little....while P-unit is loving the photo op.

Sat, Meepers, and Roobie. They spontaeoulsy posed this way when I told them to 'get closer'.

I hope you enjoyed as much as we enjoyed.

Old Mr. Webster could never define what's being said between your heart and mine

October 20th was Mo (my beautiful friend) andParm's engagement ceremony/celebration. We had lots of fun and danced the until our feet were sore (due to lack of sensible shoes). I was having some hair issues that day.

Mo looking gorgeous. When I took this photo, I thought she looked so much like her mom when she was young. I think this is my favorite pic of Mo.

The cameraman and photographer creating cinematographic (is that a word??) memories. I'm afraid of how many times that light was shining right in my face.

Nina and I!

Mo and one of the honorable maids, Dee.
Parm and Mo. Together, but posing separately for pictures. I like it.

Sail on silvergirl Sail on by Your time has come to shine All your dreams are on their way

Tonight was a special night because I got to spend it with my best friend. During dinner she mentioned to me how I had not 'updated' my blog in quite a while. She is right. I explained to her why and she understood. I have sat down to write here a few times and nothing would come to me. Not that I have nothing to write about, but because so much is in my head that I don't know where to begin. So I begin searching for something to write about that's safe…. And I mean literally searching. Searching for a 'safe' topic and have something to show for it. But for some reason, and a good reason I'm thinking now, it never seems to happen. Maybe I am just one of those people who can't kid themselves…. Even when it comes to blog entries.


However, tonight's inspiration comes from my best friend. She who knows me, she who loves me. I tell her often that no one loves me like she does. She disagrees with me on that. In fact, it is true. She has a unique way of loving me. She knows when and how to comfort me, when not many do. She shows me the truth when my fears overcome me. When I feel like I have nothing to give, she reminds me of my endless capacity to continue. When I am in the midst of something difficult, she tells me that she is proud of me. And in the end I know I will be alright. She tells me she loves me when I need to hear it the most. Most of the time I know she probably doesn't even realize this, but it's true. We are blessed that we've shared a part of our youth together and have seen each other through to the 'young women' that we are today. I picture that when we are old and gray, that we still have each other, that we will walk down the street arm in arm, just like we do now.

I walked across an empty land I knew the pathway like the back of my hand I felt the earth beneath my feet Sat by the river and it made me complete

Adventures @ Bear Creek Park

On recent excursions, my iPod and I came across some magical spots worthy of note.


View through the bridge connecting the North and South ends of the park.

Resting place in the gardens.

You're a boy and I'm a girl you know you can lean on me And I don't have no fear I'll take on any man here who says that's not the way it should be

Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them: A desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.

~Muhammad ALI

And through it all She offers me protection A lot of love and affection Whether I'm right or wrong

My cousin Shaft and my mom @ Victoria Harbour.

Shaft's mom (my Aunt) and I @ Butchart Gardens.

When it feels like my dreams are so far Sing to me of the plans that you have for me over again

"IF YOU DO NOT HOPE, YOU WILL NOT FIND WHAT IS BEYOND YOUR HOPES"

Cause if you will, I will Try to let it go And if you try, I'll try Try to let it show

Happy Birthday to my cousin Preeya. She told me that she is six years old. I asked her if she was the 'special person' at school today. She said she was. She is very special to me because she is really the only child I have known since she was born. And the first time I got a glimpse of what a mother must feel towards their child. I don't know what that's like from first hand experience, but I feel that need to protect and her hurts seem to be magnified way above my own.

If I am ever blessed with a child, I hope he/she will look at me the way Preeya looks at her mom. I am lucky that I have so many great examples of mothers around me.

I have a lot to say, but sometimes it's when you have a lot to say that you can't find the words to express it. This is one of those.... sometimes I guess you have to be okay with that until you find the words or until the words find you.

Tell me what we got, tell me it's a lot, tell me it's the real thing Tell me not to change and always be the same, tell me that's a good thing

Today this man walked into my office and asked me if I could help him. He said that he had a friend in another country who was a nurse and wanted to come to Canada. I told him that I could give him the info for the appropriate person to contact. I had to repeat myself a couple of times because he was hard of hearing. He told me he wasn't very good at talking on the phone so would it be okay if he could talk to someone face to face. Now normally, we don't really have meetings with people who walk in off the street without an appointment. He continued to tell me that he would wait however long it would take for someone to be free. To tell you the truth, if it was anyone else, I would have told them to call the number but this man looked so sincere and almost desperate. I told him I would go and look to see if the consultant was free and ask her to come out to talk to him. I turned to open the door to go and find someone. As I turned my back to him he said, 'Please do the best that you can.' It was almost like my conscience was speaking to me. So I went and found the person and told her what the situation was. She kind of gave me a snicker (not in a bad way). She came out with me and escorted the man to her office to talk with him. I saw him leaving and then he came over to my desk and said thank you. It was a little odd because he was standing off to the corner. I stood up and looked and him and I saw that his eyes were filled with tears that started streaming down his face. I could see the appreciation in his eyes. A true moment. I made sure he looked at me and I said 'you're welcome'. He turned away and I said 'have a good day'. As he walked away he said, 'you have a good day too'.

Later, the consultant that the old man talked to asked me if he said thank you to me. She said that he told her that he wanted to thank me. I told her that he did and that he cried.

I hope he will be reunited with his friend some day soon.