A local artist going places was encouraged by her art teacher

Michelle Snively-Jefferies grew up in Boston, Ont. and from a very young age knew she was nurturing a talent deep within.  Snively-Jefferies stated: “My God given talent is, I believe, inherited from my family; my dad, who seems to explain most every story with a quick sketch, and an uncle, who works with many different mediums from wood to iron to paint.”

Snively-Jefferies talked about her Grade 6 art teacher Marion Anderson at Boston Public School. Anderson taught art class and was the principal of the school. This encouraging teacher told her class one day: “You can draw. You can paint. You are stating your very own perception of the subject. It is right for you."  These words would stick with Snively-Jefferies and would give her confidence to continue to enhance her artistic talent. With much enthusiasm, the artist now enjoys spending time painting with her mentor, Anderson, who is now 91 years old.

With acrylics being her preferred medium, Snively-Jefferies got started painting about seven years ago when her husband bought her a tabletop easel, a canvas with acrylic paints and said, “Go for it.” Snively-Jefferies got going right away. Not wanting to experiment on that canvas, she started painting on pieces of old barn board. People who saw her work told her she should start selling her pieces. Things have taken off for her ever since.

Snively-Jefferies has a very supportive family and is very thankful for her husband and two children, who are also artistically talented. With a passion for painting, she will set up her easel anywhere, indoors or out and explained that, "Even during a recent house renovation she was able to create art.” There are plans in the works for a studio/gallery on the family's property and Snively-Jefferies is very excited to see that project turn into reality.

Influenced by the works of Georgia O’Keefe and Andrew Wyeth, Snively-Jefferies says she can,"see beauty in ordinary things." Snively-Jefferies went on to say that she, "wants people to see what she sees.” A day doesn’t go by without her studying and learning something new about art. Snively-Jefferies teaches private lessons and she says, “ I also learn from preparing for my students’ individual needs."

Over the years, Snively-Jefferies is grateful for having the opportunity to be involved in many shows and exhibitions, one being the Norfolk Studio Tour that runs annually in the fall. She also belongs to an organization called Norfolk ArtsCo, and explains that, "She receives a bi-monthly newsletter that keeps her in tune to all types of arts going on in the area."

Snively-Jefferies paints in the moment striving to stimulate the onlooker's senses and emotions. Her paintings now hang in the homes of private collectors across Canada and abroad:  in Britain, Europe and as far away as Saudi Arabia. Like her paintings, she too has been on a journey of self-discovery and is “ Looking forward to where this journey will take her.”

When asked for words of wisdom for anyone who is interested in painting Snively-Jefferies says, “Give yourself permission to fail and also to succeed and go for it."

Snively-Jefferies art can be viewed on her website http://www.jefferies.myexpose.com/.

Picture featured in this blog is a piece Snively-Jefferies calls "Pink Lily."

Special Friend

This past Friday, I received a call from my brother who delivered some very sad news.  I learned that a dear friend of ours had passed suddenly at the age of 50.  In fact, he had just celebrated  his birthday 32 days before his passing.

My memories of Ron Bunt span over the last 25 plus years.  He was a friend of my brother's and I got to know Ron through him hanging out with my brother.  Ron was a funny, kind, and gentle man.  Ron worked on our farm over the years and he was always a happy spirit who would do just about anything to make others smile.  He was a breath of fresh air to be around on those long work days.  His playfulness and antics were nothing short of plain fun.  Working on the farm was short-term and was only a stepping stone toward Ron's real talent.

Ron was a superb carpenter, and for years, he worked many days and nights on the movie sets in Toronto.  I heard many stories of his adventures in the making of Hollywood films.  One movie that sticks out in my mind is The Bride of Chucky.  The cast and crew seemed to have a lot of fun making that movie.  Ron had pictures of himself and the dolls that he showed me along with sharing many funny stories that transpired through the months of making the movie.  Ron had seen and met many Hollywood artists over the years.

In 2005, I was lucky enough to be invited by Ron to a Wrap Party for Fever Pitch, a film that starred Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon.  A Wrap Party is normally held for the cast and crew to celebrate after the completion of the principle filming.  I ventured up to the GTA and met Ron at his house.  We visited for awhile and ordered a cab to go downtown.  First, we went for an awesome dinner at a place that had three restaurants on three separate floors. After dinner, we went to the Wrap Party in another part of the city.

At the Wrap Party, Ron and I were standing over by a set of pool tables when a guy comes over and starts setting up for a game.  The guy then asked me "if I wanted to play a game of pool?" I remember saying something along the line of "Are you sure because I'd kick your butt." We stood there for a few minutes bantering back and forth.  Ron stood off to the side and looked on with amusement.

During our bantering, I tell the guy, "I know karate", and he replies,"I'll just steal your energy and throw you over my shoulder."  I laughed and turned to Ron who says to me, "do you know who that is?"  I say to him, "I have no idea."  Ron then informs me that it is in fact Jimmy Fallon.  I was in shock - I did not clue into the fact that he was the star of the movie.  After that, I turned all shy and Ron and I went over to the other side  of the room.  For the rest of the night, I avoided making eye contact with Jimmy. Ron and my night together was fun and full of entertainment.  The food and drink was amazing just as a true Hollywood event would be.  Ron and I stayed up really late that night telling stories and laughing.  I can hear his contagious laugh in my mind.

I have often thought about that night and other fun times I had with Ron. Today, I just can't believe that a guy so full of life and so much left is now gone.  His family is so sad - it is heart breaking.  Thank you to Ron's brother who told me that Ron was so fond of me.  I was truly blessed with a friend who cared. 

Click here and view some of the movies that Ron is credited for as being Head Carpenter.  Good on you Ron!

 Just in the past two weeks, I've thought of Ron so many times and was going to call to say hello.  Today, I am wondering why I waited so long. Just like that - my chance to talk to him is gone.

Rest in peace my dear friend.  You were loved by many and are sorrowfully missed.

Sedona Sweat Lodge Tragedy Update

In a previous blog in October 2009, I wrote about a tragedy that happened in Sedona, AZ that ultimately took the lives of three people and hospitalized eighteen others.  These people along with many others, were attending a spiritual retreat in Arizona hosted by guru James Arthur Ray.  One of the activities of this "Spirtitual Warrior" retreat involved a very intense sweat lodge.  Events surrounding this sweat lodge have been under investigation for almost four months now. 

On February 3, 2010, authorities arrested James Arthur Ray on three counts of manslaughter. It will be interesting to see if these charges actually hold up in a court of law.  I believe he definitely needs to be held accountable for his actions that caused three people to die in his intense sweat lodge.  I still can't believe that people paid close to $10,000 each to attend this weeklong retreat. He promosed a profound experience and he delivered in a way that may not have been in line with the intentions of the participants.  Through my research on this self help guru, I am convinced that he is a person who is charasmatic and has the potential to attain a strong hold on his followers.

Now that James Arthur Ray has been arrested, the families of the people who lost their lives may now feel that they have some kind of closure. This story really touched me when I orignially read about it, and I am comforted that authorities have pursued this investigation.

Mom Graduates to the Next Level of her Healing Journey

On February 22, 2010, I received a call from the social worker who works in the Burn Unit at Hamilton General Hospital where my mother had been admitted since January 3rd.  The social worker explained to me that mom was now officially past the very acute stages of her injuries and was being transferred to another health care facility closer to home. Mom had been placed on a waiting list for this program and a bed had become available in the Reactivation program on the Complex Continuing Care Unit at Brantford General Hospital in Brantford, Ontario.  On this unit, mom will continue her healing, build her strength back up, and re-gain her mobility.

Because her right arm was so burned and received two different grafting surgeries, a condition called Hypertrophic Ossification developed in her elbow.  This is described as an over abundance of calcium, in turn, causing rapid bone growth, which leads to limited mobility and much debilitating pain. Just another issue that has presented itself, likely because of the trauma she has been through.

She has become quite good at using her left hand considering she has been right handed all her life up until this unfortunate development.  Mom is frustrated by her inability to use her right arm, although she has worked really hard to re-gain some movement here.  Things that a normal person would take for granted are huge obstacles for a person who has gone through trauma and has lost mobility.  For example, touch your index finger to your thumb. This movement may seem easy for you, but to my mother, to be able to achieve this goal has taken a lot of hard work.  One of the most difficult tasks is to try and bend her arm at the elbow. That may never happen due to the hypertrophic ossification, but we are not giving up hope because we know what mom is already capable of.

Each day we see improvement in mom's burns and grafting sites.  Her strength is slowly coming back and she has recently been able to walk a short distance with the assistance of a walker.  She is working toward total independence.  Her Physio Therapist and Occupational Therapist are working diligently with her to help her achieve this goal.  This progress is exhilarating and gives us all much joy.  To see her coming out of her cocoon and continue to develop her beautiful wings is elating.  The healing that she has done so far is incredible.

It will be several more weeks before we will see mom come home again.  She will go back to Hamilton at the end of the month to follow up with her plastic surgeon.  The surgeon will take a look at her burns and grafting sites and determine whether they are healing as expected.  Mom will likely be referred for fitting of pressure garments depending on how far her healing has come.  These specially fitted garments will be worn for 23 hours a day and will help minimize scarring.

The journey continues and is still much like a roller coaster for all of us.  When one is down, the other will help bring them up.  Mom is definitely in need of constant accolades and encouragement.  Understandably, she does get frustrated from time to time.  The good thing is she knows what her goal is and will continue to strive to reach it.  Mom and the rest of us are very thankful for the support of her health care team, family, friends, and many others that continue cheering for us all.

New Year Brings Sorrow with New Beginnings

I have been away from blogging for a couple of months now.  There is a reason why this has happened.  My new year did not exactly start happy.  There are things to be happy about though.  You will see when you read this post.  My apologies in advance for the length of this one.

On January 3, 2010, I was busy at home doing various chores and anticipating my return to work the next day.  Since I live in the lower part of my parent's house, I make frequent trips upstairs to see how they are making out.  This particular day, I was up and down a few times looking for my mother.  My father told me that he thought she was in her room reading.  I hadn't seen her yet, and I was waiting for her to appear.  In the meantime, I went back down to my place and continued to do paperwork.  Little did I know in a matter of moments, my life would change in a drastic way.

All of a sudden, I heard yelling and stomping on the floor.  I immediately knew there was something horribly wrong.  I took a big breath and ran upstairs.  What I encountered, ripped my very core from my body.  My mother was totally engulfed in flames and my father was desperately trying to rip the burning clothing off of her.  My first instinct was to run and wet some towels and put them over her to extinguish the fire.  All of this happened so quickly, and my mother remained very quiet.  No doubt she was going into shock from what had been a major trauma to her body.

I called 911 and tried to explain the situation to the operator - this was hard as I was hysterical through this ordeal.  In no time, the air ambulance was circling the area looking for a place to land.  The fire department, ambulance, and police arrived in a matter of minutes.  The attendants loaded my mother into the ambulance and took her to meet the helicopter.  From about 3 kilometres up the road, they airlifted her to the Burn Trauma Unit in Hamilton, ON.  The helicopter could not land near our house because of windy conditions.

My mother had been cooking poached eggs on a gas stove and caught her clothing on fire and couldn't put it out.  I am so thankful to have been home on this day as my father and I were able to react to the situation in the best way we could at the time.  My father sustained some superficial burns on his hands from the flames, but my mother received 2nd and 3rd degree burns to 40% of her body. 

We were able to see our mother for a few minutes on the evening of her accident and were told that her condition was grim.  The next morning, they put mom into a drug induced coma with a drug called Versed to keep her calm and sleepy.  To control her pain, she was given Fentanyl.  In order to help her breathe, she was intubated.  The first few days after the accident seemed like months had gone by.  For 72 hours, we did not know the full extent of our mother's burns.  Existing burns continued to deepen and new ones appeared during the first three days.  The family was so grief stricken and worried, we couldn't focus on anything but the well-being of mom.  I know for myself, flashbacks of the accident have haunted me, tears have been plenty, and nightmares of the incident have interrupted my sleep cycle.  My doctor spoke to me about a condition she feels I am suffering from called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Over time, I will experience less and less anxiety surrounding memories of the event.

Doctors and nurses were constantly monitoring her and adjusting things to keep her alive. No one could ever imagine what this has been like.  Little things like hearing that her urine output was adequate were like amazing steps to healing.  With her being so burned, keeping fluid in her body was a challenge and her wounds were like sieves.  Her bed and floor surrounding her bed were puddled from saline fluid coming out of her wounds. Her vital signs were constantly monitored through an arterial line that was inserted into an artery below her clavicle.  Through this arterial line, they could monitor her vitals, as well as take blood work which happened constantly.  They placed an NG tube through her nose into her stomach to give her constant feeds to keep her protein levels up.  Proper fluid and protein levels are both important factors for healing, especially with burn patients. 

We learned that the medical team would have to perform skin grafting surgery on mom and would have to take healthy skin off of her and place it on the burn sites.  The process would involve a total debridement of the dead skin and then the new skin would be placed on the burn sites and held there with hundreds of staples.  We were told that mom had a 40% chance of making it through this surgery.  We were horrified and sat waiting to hear news.  After waiting for over eight hours, we saw the doctor come into the waiting room.  Mom made it through the surgery, but within a few days, she suffered a heart attack.  The medical team was quick to respond with medications to help her condition. We knew that she would need more surgery because they were only able to do so many areas during the first surgery.  The major concern was always her burns.  I was told by the medical team that burn patients are the sickest patients because every system of the body is affected. 

Mom needed more surgery and the team held off for a few weeks due to the fact that her condition was further weakened from the heart attack she suffered.  When the team felt she was stronger, they decided to do the second surgery.  My sister's and I were at the hospital bright and early that morning to see mom before she went to the Operating Room.  I texted my brother, as he had to be at work that mornng.  The hours ticked by very slowly and finally we got some news from a nurse that the surgery was going well.  It wouldn't be long and she would be back in her room.  She made it through another one and we were so relieved.  Within a few hours after the surgery, her left lung collapsed.  We were back in panic mode and mom had to have a chest tube inserted to inflate her lung.  Within the next week or so, mom was improving and was able to come off the respirator and breathe on her own.  For the next few days, her vitals were off and her blood pressure was extremely high. She was working harder on her own without help to breathe and her body was reacting to this.  The team finally got things in check again.  One of the doctors that were taking care of mom came into the room and said "ah we fixed her".   He then said, "was it the drugs or was it all the love that brought that blood pressure down"?  This was such a compliment to our family to have the medical team notice the warmth and love that surrounded our mother.

Once she was more stable, they moved her out of intensive care to the step down care.  This was an exciting time for all of us.  She was coming off of the heavy drugs and was now talking to us.  Conversations were convoluted as the narcotics play a big part in confusion in patients.  Within a couple of days, we learned mom had developed an infection in her blood commonly known as sepsis.  Doctors quickly put her on a couple of antibiotics to combat the infection.  They did blood cultures to see what the best course of treatment would be and they found that Vancomycin was their drug of choice. She has received this drug for two weeks now.  Her temperature has gone to normal as well as her white blood cell count.  The team suspects that the PICC line they inserted into her was the cause of her infection.

The team in the Burn Trauma Unit has been amazing with the care they have given our mother.  It has been over six weeks since my mother's accident and she has been through two major surgeries for skin grafting, was asleep for over a month, and has fought an infection in her blood.  She is improving day by day and is now regaining memories and making conversation.  Her road to recovery is long but she is healing and that is a gift.  She will have to go through physiotherapy to regain mobility and control scarring for the better part of two years. 

I am thankful to the Burn Trauma Unit team, my family, and friends for their support, love, strength, and commitment.  The many prayers and healing thoughts that have been sent to my mother and our family have definitely played a big part in how this story has been shaping up.  Mother has proved her strength and will to live.  She has amazed her medical team and many others.  We love her so much and are so proud to call her mom. 

In a card to our mother, my sister and I wrote a poem that says the following:

The healing thoughts and healing hands that you have felt;
Are lifting you out of the sickness that has dwelt;
Accept this love, that encircles you;
It's your guardian angels that will get you through.

I can honestly say I have learned a few things from all of this. Never give up on the possibilities and certainly never underestimate the power of LOVE.

Holiday Time - Yours to Enjoy

Christmas is over and New Years is on it's way.  The holidays continue on for another week for many of us.  The last few days have given me a chance to catch up on some cleaning and take in numerous movies. Yesterday, I made a dinner for a dear friend of mine.  We enjoyed good food, great conversation, and a few glasses of wine.  What a nice way to spend an evening.

Needless to say, today was a very low key day.  I spend most of it curled up on the couch watching movies.  There have been some very enjoyable movies including: I love You Man, The Ugly Truth, The Proposal, and Julie and Julia.  I have to admit this was a very good way to spend a day.  I even had a surprise visit from another firend of mine.

Tomorrow is another free day for me.  Maybe I'll read a book that has been sitting wating for me to pick it up.  The beauty of holidays is that you can do what you like, when you like.  If you decide to do something different, that is okay too.

If you are off this week, enjoy every moment and make sure you do things you want to do.

The Eve Before Christmas

Today is the official start of the holiday season.  Those of us who celebrate Christmas are likely spending time with family and friends.  The children are excited, they've written their letters for Santa Claus asking for their most desired presents, and can't wait for his arrival.  Tonight will be a night that parents will likely struggle to get those little ones to sleep.  The last resort will be telling them that if they don't go to sleep, "Santa will not come".  That one will be guaranteed to work.

Christmastime is also the end of one year and the beginning of another.  There is much reflection of 2009 - with a hope for a better 2010.  For myself, I am glad to see 2009 end.  This past year has been a difficult year.  My father has not been well and that has been a big worry.  2009 also took with it many lives, some close, some acquantances, and some celebrities. 

The next week or so, I will be enjoying some time off work.  I look forward to a much needed rest and spending time with my family and friends.  I wish everyone a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year. In a famous poem called "Twas the Night Before Christmas" Santa would say, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Province Appears Desperate

In an article in the Globe and Mail, it appears that the Ontario government is tossing around the idea of selling off many Crown corporations in an effort to bring down the $24.7 - billion deficit.  Perhaps, this is just a balloon being floated out to see how much public outcry they receive.

Some of the corporations named are Ontario Power Generation, Hydro One, LCBO, and the OLG.  These Crown corporations have been a money maker for the Ontario government for many years.  In some cases, they have also been a money pit for the tax payers of Ontario.  Many money spending issues have come out into the open over the past several years, putting many of these organizations in a bad light to many. 

The latest one being the OLG and before that the E-Health scandal, commonly known as "Muffingate".  I think instead of selling off these corporations, the government should keep a tighter reign on spending habits and actual benchmarks. 

This appears to be a sign of desperation coming from the Ontario government because they realize what a mess they have made in the province.  I'm afraid that selling precious Crown corporations will only put Ontario in a worse position.

Who Knew Sheep Herding Could Be Extreme

Although, I realize that sheep herding is a talent and an art, I would never have believed what I saw this week.  A group of Welsh sheep herders have made an astonishing video at night of sheep dressed up in LED coats. From an ariel view it resembles a game of computer ping pong with so much more. 

This video was extra amazing to me because my mother's family is from Wales and I have been fortunate enough to take more than a few trips there.  I love the countryside and the people.  My grandmother is gone now and it's hard to say when and if I will be back to Wales again.  I'd like to think I would make another trip over someday.  On most all of my trips to Wales, I had the pleasure of driving up into the mountains to witness a fantastic view.  Things are so green there and the sheep and horses roam freely. 

One time, I visited the mountains with my neice.  When we got in the car and started to drive away, I noticed I had lost my camera case to which my neice replied, "it's with the sheep now".  That was such a funny moment.

I hold many fond memories of Wales and now I have seen sheep herding at it's finest.

House Hunting Continues

Earlier in my blog, I talked about making the decision to look for the right house to buy.  Well, I have been looking at several different homes that have impressed me - but in no way have wowed me.  This past Thursday, I went and saw a house that really tweaked an interest.  Not wanting to make any rash decisions, I called in some family members including my mom, sister, and brother in law to see the house and offer opinion.  I arranged for my second viewing that took place today. 

Not surprising to me, everyone was very impressed with what they saw and felt the house was right.  I'm very happy that I have finally spotted something that I really like.  Now it is a matter of working out a fair price for both me and the people selling the home.  The important thing to remember here is not to get too attached.

A Big Tiger at Night - Baby Tiger in the Morning

Unless you live under a rock, you have heard the stories circulating about Tiger Woods’ many trysts. Does this really affect any one of us? I would say no – unless you happen to be his wife or one of the many mistresses being named in the last few weeks. These women in my opinion are cheapening themselves by going to the media with tell all stories. It is obvious they are seeking fame and money. What a way to become rich and famous – by giving up your dignity.  I don’t understand why Woods’ representatives are even working out negotiations of paying some of these women off. I think the cat (no pun intended) is out of the bag. The gig is up – Elin is well aware that her husband has been unfaithful to her over and over again.

Sources say that this is a tactic to save his marriage, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that dream has already slipped away. I believe it is only a matter of time before Elin takes her money and moves on from Tiger. As far as his sponsors that have dropped him – after the storm is weathered, they will be back. You can count on that. Tiger is classed as the world’s best golfer and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

Following Up on State Dinner Crashers

Thank you to everyone who participated in a recent poll on my blog. The question was, should the couple that crashed Obama's state dinner be punished?

Results were:

25% of people said - No - the secret service should hire them as experts.
25% of people said - Yes - throw the book at them.
50% of people said - No - leave them alone.
0% of people were - Undecided.

Michaele and Tareq Salahi were the couple that showed up at Obama's state dinner without an invitation.  This situation has put the secret service under scrutiny.

The Loss of Someone

Earlier this year, I wrote about walking in the CIBC "Run for the Cure".  I have been part of a team called Ann's Army for two years now.  Earlier today, I learned that our fearless leader has lost her battle with cancer.  Sadly, Ann passed away last night after just a few months of learning this horrible disease was invading her body yet again.

I worked with Ann.  She was a wonderful lady who always had a smile to share, a sparkle in her eyes, and a kind word to say. Even though she had endured much pain and suffering, Ann kept a positive outlook.

My day was somber as I drifted back and forth in thought of Ann and her family.  She will be sorely missed.

Obama's First State Dinner Proves Easy Access

Earlier this week, President Obama hosted his first state dinner at the White House, in honour of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.  The prestigious event that honed heavy security drew a large crowd of over 300 prominent guests.  Michaele and Tareq Salahi, a Virginian couple were not on the guest list, but managed to slip through the tight security.  Although harmless guests, this breech of security measure has caused quite a stir.  How did they manage to fool the so called security team on duty that night?

It seems, the couple waltzed into the event exuding confidence, fratenizing, and taking advantage of photo ops with the likes of Vice President Joe Biden (featured in the picture with the Salahi's), White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty, and CBS News anchor Katie Couric.  The funny part is that the Secret Service learned about this the next day after being alerted that the couple had posted pictures and boasts of attending the state dinner on Facebook.  The rumour is that the couple is set to have roles in an upcoming reality television show called "The Real House Wives of Washington".

I suspect someone's job will be on the chopping block over this one.  This definitely puts egg on the face of the White House security team.  As for the couple, they got their fifteen minutes of fame, but may possibly face some kind of legal repercussions.

The House Hunter

I have reached a time in my life when an apartment does not cut it for me anymore.  Giving this idea much thought, I have decided to look for my own home.  I casually started looking at homes last summer and have been addicted to MLS ever since.  I find it facinating how differently houses are priced and feel there are a few that are totally out of line with the ask.  It seems that if you are looking on the lower end, you will get a pretty small, and likely outdated home with a nicer sized yard, or a nicer home with virtually no yard.

Last night, I found just the latter.  Having spotted a very nice looking bungalow with an attractive price, I arranged a viewing.  Just as I thought, the house is set up great and looks very cozy.  I absolutely love the livingroom and the lovely gas fireplace it offers.  The upstairs would be totally fine to live in with not much more than a coat of paint needed.  The downstairs has potential but would need some work and money.  I could live with that knowing I would be spending some significant years there.  All in all, I think the house is good value; however, the near non-existent back yard is a concern.  Most of the back yard was pavement (driveway is shaped like an L), with an apartment building sitting directly behind.  I have a dog so a backyard is definitely on my list of options.  Even nicer if the yard is already fenced in.

On Saturday, I have about seven more houses lined up to see.  I have already checked them out on-line and have a good idea which ones are going to appeal to me.  This home buying thing is a big investment and I am not taking this lightly.  I want to make sure I get the best suited home, at the right price. Each house I see has something good to offer and is helping me on my quest. I am just waiting for the right one to come along.

The Givng Season

Still thinking about going green for the holidays? Good.  This means you are definitely a conscientiousness person and want to help your environment.  The Christmas season is upon us, a time where hearts soften, family and friends unite, and share a time of thankfulness. For many of us, it is holiday season - a break from work, school, and also a time for reflection, as we get ready to bring in a brand new year.  When you think about it, so many of us are very fortunate.  But think about the not so fortunate, as well. 

This year may be a different year for many others who like us - had a fotunate life, and through a sudden downfall in the economy, have found themselves unemployed and fighting to stay on top of bill payments.  I'm amazed at how much this economy has affected others.  The massive job losses have taken their toll in so many ways.  The local foodbanks can't keep up and toy drives are plenty.  People need help every day of our lives and I hope that if you can help, you will consider doing so.

Many studies have concluded that helping another makes the helper feel good.  Having been involved in a not for profit scene, I can tell you that giving time, money, resources, and support to worthy causes has been a very rewarding experience for me. The ones who help bring others up, are essentially creating a better environment for themselves. When you think about a hospital and supporting the purchase of  innovative equipment, you are making that hospital a better facility.  You never know when you or someone you know may need that hospital, and the quality, or quantity of care that hospital can provide.  This is just an example, but you get the picture.  There are things in life that are important.  Those important things need our support and we need them.  It's a win-win situation.

I saw a movie in the past year called "Pay it Forward", 2000.  This story was both touching and compelling for me.  The whole idea of doing something good for 3 people and them doing something good for 3 people, and so on, is so sensible and selfless.  We are in this life together - why not make the most out of it and let others do the same?

Having said all of this, I think that giving is a personal choice and it probably isn't for everyone.  I just hope that there are always enough fortunate that are willing to give to the unfortunate.  After all, we all depend on one another for one reason or another.

Social Media - The New Way to Communicate

The advent of Web 2.0 has started a new phenomenon called social media. The possibilities are endless and the participants keep growing each day. There are so many positive aspects about social media to consider. Some examples of social media are using Twitter, Facebook, or simply text messaging on a cell phone to communicate - although some would disagree that texting on a cell is social media. I see it as fitting under the umbrella because of the ability to get a message to someone non-audibly and without seeing them.  Over the past number of years, this form of communicating has become popular, especially with the younger generation. Sending a status update, tweet, or text message is much easier than dialling a phone number, or going to meet someone face to face.  Using social media techiniques take precedence.  It is quick, very private, and you don’t have to speak a word, in a literal sense.

Face to face communication seems to have taken a back seat.  Has it really?  Are people losing the skill of face to face communiation?  Are we becoming desentized to human contact and actual conversation?  So many questions with many different answers. 

I saw a news story on television the other night about a teenage girl who was addicted to text messaging.  On average, she sent over 3,000 messages each month.  Her parents had no idea just how much she was texting until they looked at the phone bill.  Luckily, they had a plan for this otherwise I think there would have been some pretty hefty bills racking up.  This particular teen seemed to have withdrawn from day-to-day conversation and seemed distant to her family. It was obvious she was wrapped up in her text messaging addiction.

The teen decided to give up text messaging for a week and much to her avail, she discovered that is was getting easier for her to have conversations with others, including her family, she was sleeping better, and her marks went up.  I'm sure there are more than a few examples like this to choose from.  This one caught my attention and got me thinking.  I am also a texter, Facebooker, Twitterer, etc. - you get the message right?  I still use the telephone and meet face to face with family, friends, and co-workers.  I like to think I do have a balance in my social media and pre-social media life. 

Face to face conversation is not easy for all and definitely seems like a bit of an art.  The young need to know it even though they are developing and maintaining relationships through social media tools.  Living in a constant virtual world probably isn't the most healthy thing to do.  Balance is definitely key.

I believe that social media has it's advantages and has helped connect people after many years of not being in touch.  Through social networking sites such as Facebook, old lost friends are finding eachother again, no matter where they are in the world.  Twitter is also a great way to connect to the on-line world.

On the flip, read Why Face-to-Face Communication is Best and decide for yourself.  I think think both are beneficial.  Just like everything, there is an upside and a downside.  Society is on its way to a new way of relationship building both personally, in business, and social media will only get more popular from here. 

Going Green for the Holidays

We are all exposed to the three R's everyday and everywhere we turn.  The three R's consist of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.  There are many ways we can reduce our carbon footprint and cut down on waste.  For example, we have all been using a blue box for many years.  Much effort has been put into reducing the impact of landfill areas by implementing recycling programs and educating the public on the positive effects of being environmentally responsible. 

The holidays are just around the corner with only about six weeks until Christmas.  Where does the time go?  Is it just me, or does Christmas always seem to sneak up on us every year?  This time of the year is normally a retailer's dream.  This year may be different because of the economy.  People are not spending money like they have in the past.  There may be more reasons for the difference.  For example, the reduction of one's carbon footprint continues to be a priority in the media and every day life, and this holiday season is no exception.

I stumbled across an article that talks about reducing our carbon footprint over the holidays.  This is a change from the prominent disposable society we are living in.  It is kind of appalling to learn that approximately 66% of items that we throw away each day could actually be reused.  Why are we still being so wasteful?  Part of this could be that we are a spoiled society and have an overabundance of everything.  The local shoe repair person packed up and left town years ago.  At least, this is the case in my area. I'm sure the larger cities still have the odd place to take shoes, purses, etc. to be repaired. 

Reusing boxes and paper from previous years is only one way we can make a positive difference for the environment.  Earth Savings News suggests reusing holiday decorations, party supplies, and switching up an outfit as opposed to going out and buying new.

There are many useful tips listed on the Earth Savings News website.  Many holiday tips are listed here.  Check them out; you can cut down on waste and save some money for the Boxing Day sales.

Who Let the Dogs Out



Rosie and Lily

 Nothing is more terrifying for me as the last couple of times my three dogs escaped from their fenced in yard.  The fenced in yard provides more than enough running and play area, as well as keeping them contained.  It was my fault for opening the gate and thinking they would follow me to the door of the house.  It is obvious they have no idea about the dangers of the outside world. The first picture features Rosie on the left and Lily to the right.  Rosie and Lily are both Bichon Poo, are two peas in a pod, and as you can see from the picture, are very happy girls. They are a joy to have around and have become great companions.


Daisy

            
 For being so little, they are like bullets and take off like a flash.  They have no idea that the road is a minefield to them.  Rosie is the ringleader and is the one who runs in front and the other two follow.  Daisy seems to be the only one that will retreat relatively quick and return to me.  Lily will full out follow Rosie as fast as she can not knowing where she may end up.  This most recent episode had Rosie and Lily both running across a large field by our house, crossing a road, and ending up at the neighbour's house.  The second picture features Daisy, a Shihpoo, is the oldest of the crew, and sometimes seems like the wisest.  I say this because she did eventually stop and come back to me - thankfully.

As I grabbed a hold of Daisy and picked her up in my arms to go after the other two, Lily stopped in the ditch in front of the neighbour's property and stayed there.  I think she suddenly realized she had no idea where she was.  It was when Rosie decided to come back out from inside the neighbour's property, that they both spotted me and decided to make a run toward me.  I stopped in my tracks and my heart pounded as the two of them crossed the road to make their way over to me.  I feared the worst, and all I could do was focus on them staying on the path and making it back to me unhurt. 

Thank goodness they came toward me and I was able to grab Rosie by the collar and hook Lily up to the only leash I had with me.  I carried Daisy under one arm and Rosie under the other all the way back home.  Lily pranced beside me on the leash.  Into the fenced in yard they went and they were once again safe.  I was the blame for the escape because I opened the gate in thoughts that they would follow me to the door.

I am just thankful that nothing terrible happened to these girls.  They have become part of the family and I don't know what I would do if anything happened to them now.  This was a lesson learned for me (second time) and I will never trust them off lead again.

This Is It

Being an avid Michael Jackson fan for most of my life, I had the pleasure of going to see the "This Is It" movie.  I was unsure how this would be effective, but was pleasantly surprised by how well this production was put together.  It shows Michael's soft side and his tremendous talent.

This footage is like watching the concert without the costumes.  There is a new version of "Thriller", "Smooth Criminal", and "The Earth Song".  You definitely get a glimpse of what would have been.  What a shame all of his hard work was for nothing.

Michael had a say in every aspect of this concert.  His ideas were evident, and he was percise in his music.  He knew every beat and every moment.

The end of the movie hit me like a thunderbolt.  It was a familiar pose that Michael inhabited, but you see the life leave his body as the picture is freeze framed.  The thought came to my mind that undoubtedlly spoke "This Is It".

You can view a bitter/sweet movie review here.