Thursday, August 6, 2009

When I'm Sixty-Four

On this day...

in 1991British computer programmer Tim Berners-Lee first posted files describing his ideas for a system of interlinked, hypertext documents accessible via the Internet, to be called a "World Wide Web".

Now, has that changed the world we live in or what? Amazing how technology has developed since then.

The world wide web has opened doors for millions of people all over the world, but that is not the reason for this post...

On this day in 1945, my Dad was born, a.k.a Daddy-O!

So, Daddy-O this post is for you!

My Dad taught me how to drive a car. He allowed me drive his Mercedes on my driver's road test examination when I was 16! (that was a big deal, if you know my father, it wasn't often he'd be ok with someone driving his car, let alone driving the car without him being in it.)

In high school, my Dad used to wake me up every morning to make sure I was at school on time. He also knew how much I enjoyed a hot drink to start my day and always had tea ready for me to take on my walk to the bus stop. There were multiple times I had worked late (I used to work at the local gas station Esso close to full time hours all throughout high school) the night before and my Dad would let me sleep in and chauffeur me to school so I wouldn't have to ride the bus and get a little more shut eye. I was always so grateful on those mornings!

When my Dad used to get ready for work in the morning, he always came to me with two ties. He used to say, "which tie do you think I should wear today, this one or this one. I always liked that I was the one who got to pick out the tie!

Before I had my license, my father used to drive me all the way down to the next town so I could take pottery classes. I loved taking these classes, and without my Dad to pay for the classes, drive me to the classes and pick me up, I wouldn't have been able to enjoy making all those pots my Mother still has in her cupboard and my brother has decorated his own shelves with.

My Dad has sure looked after me over the years, and even now, when I no longer live at home, in fact I am half way across Canada from him, he is always there for me.

I'll admit it, there have been times in my life that I wasn't interested in the advice my Dad would give me. I wanted to learn for myself, without anyone's help. Now that I am older, I'm glad I was able to grow up with his knowledge, advice, inspirations, stories from when he was kid, and all the little things in between! I am so thankful to have had (and still have) such a warm-hearted, caring person for a dad.

Today my Daddy-O is 64 years young! Doesn't he look good? I think so.
My Dad always used to say "if you're going to do something, do it right the first time around," ain't that the truth! Thanks Dad!

When I'm 64, I hope to be as wise, compassionate + loving as my Dad. Here's to you Dad!

Happy Birthday, I love you! xxoo

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Snowbirds

I was given the opportunity to watch the Snowbirds from a Penthouse on the beach this evening. Now, this is the only Penthouse I've ever been in, and WOW, pretty cool! I must say, the view is amazing and it's pretty neat to have the entire top floor of an apartment building to hang out in. I took a few photos from my phone, and although it was quite smokey and hazy, (from the wildfires), it was still fun to watch and take in the view.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Leonard Cohen Inspirations

It's funny how I go through different phases of my life, or rather chunks of obsession. For years, I LOVED making pots from clay, sculpting the human shape, making collages of random images put together to leave my imprint on society. I'm re-visiting a place my mind was for many years. I used to read all kinds of poetry, books, researched philosphies, religions...

One day I was introduced to this author, musician, poet Leonard Cohen. I've read and re-read his poetry books, listened to all his albums and now I believe it is time for me to re-visit them once again. I chuckle at how memories/events pop up now and then in life and I go back to that place, that memory.

I'd like to share one of my very favourite poems by Leonard Cohen. I remember the first time I heard this poem, like it was yesterday.

Avalanche by Leonard Cohen

I stepped into an avalanche
it covered up my soul
When I am not this hunchback
I sleep beneath a golden hill
You who wish to conquer pain
you must learn to serve me well

You strike my side by accident
as you go down for gold
The cripple that you clothe and feed
is neither starved nor cold
He does not ask for company
not at the centre of the world

When I am on this pedestal
you did not raise me there
Your laws do not compel me
to kneel grotesque and bare
I myself am the pedestal
for this hump at which you stare

You who wish to conquer pain
you must learn what makes me kind
The crumbs of love that you offer me
are the crumbs I've left behind
Your cross is no credential here
it's just the shadow of my wound

I have begun to long for you
I who have no need
I have begun to wait for you
I who have no greed
You say you've gone away from me
but I can feel you when you breathe

Do not dress in rags for me
I know you are not poor
And don't love me quite so fiercely
when you know you are not sure
It is your world beloved
it is your flesh that I wear

Sunday's Photo Blog


















I thought I would post a few pics from the last couple of weeks, summer in the city! It's been hot. REALLY HOT. So hot, that it's almost impossible to enjoy it. I've been walking along the beach at night and dipping my toes into the water for a little relief. No random order of photos. Just out and about town and a few pics from the Peach City Beach Cruise in June.