Tuesday, January 31, 2006
January 31 Responses
Mark, There is a saying that "nobody notices what I do until I stop doing it". That, I think, relates to the tendency of most people (myself included) to take things for granted and to fail to say thanks and show appreciation for the people around them and the joy and value they add to their lives. As a small step in the opposite direction, I just want to say thanks to you for your daily musings. Your brief message each morning is a welcome and enjoyable part of my day. Regards, BM, Calgary
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Good Morning. Now do you believe that what you put out to the universe manifests? I hope you had a lovely walk with your dog. I did. That has been my sanity for many years and many dogs. The mastiff and lab are in Vancouver where I lived for 25 years. I currently have a pug with me in Red Deer. I moved back in August to shovel snow for my aging mother. I certainly can’t complain about this winter. Honestly I feel a bit strange about this whole thing. I just wanted you to know I wasn’t offended in any way. I still visit with the old gals that I worked with at the library when I was a page. I am definitely a book addict not sure I can say I am an avid reader as the eyes and mind don’t work quickly enough anymore to say that. I can’t resist a great book store though. I have noticed our lives are strangely parallel. 2 marriages 2 kids a boy and a girl, left Red Deer at 18 worked for 15 years in land development, construction and real estate. Many twists and turns on my journey. Many more to come I see. Bertrand Russell, Goethe and how about Rumi. Oh and not to forget the belly. LOL. My thought from the universe this AM was “some are late bloomers and some are later bloomers but those that wait the longest are the most spectacular” maybe your shyness was just integration before you burst forth with the musings. Cheers, DB, Red Deer
January 31 Responses
Tuesday Jan. 31, 2006 - Year 3, Day 316 - does anyone have a match
I try to remember where the ice was on the path yesterday as EVERYTHING blanketed white overnight & return to normal temperature; rabbit tracks outnumber tire tracks through the neighbourhood, Gusta attracts strong interest from straining poodle; -8C/18F
‘The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.’ – Plutarch
does anyone have a match ?
I have a fire under me but find myself frustrated on days when something I am doing depends on someone whose pilot light has gone out
. . . thoughts of ‘lighting fires’ has me remembering a Jose Feliciano song . . I’ll have that tune rolling in my head all day
have you ever wondered whether you would recognize an old school friend if you met them on the street after 35-40 years ? I was looking in an old high school yearbook - I’d forgotten that late 60’s geek-guy look I was going for; surely no one would recognize me – then or now !
Mark
I try to remember where the ice was on the path yesterday as EVERYTHING blanketed white overnight & return to normal temperature; rabbit tracks outnumber tire tracks through the neighbourhood, Gusta attracts strong interest from straining poodle; -8C/18F
‘The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.’ – Plutarch
does anyone have a match ?
I have a fire under me but find myself frustrated on days when something I am doing depends on someone whose pilot light has gone out
. . . thoughts of ‘lighting fires’ has me remembering a Jose Feliciano song . . I’ll have that tune rolling in my head all day
have you ever wondered whether you would recognize an old school friend if you met them on the street after 35-40 years ? I was looking in an old high school yearbook - I’d forgotten that late 60’s geek-guy look I was going for; surely no one would recognize me – then or now !
Mark
342,208
Monday, January 30, 2006
January 30 Responsees
Mark: Your "sticky notes" ideas has done wonders for me. Although mine are purple, the # is 12 so far. Onward I go!!!! Your advice has touched my heart. Thanks again for listening, advising, educating and just plain being a good friend. I so greatly appreciate it! THANK YOU!!!!!, CB, Calgary
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Please remove me from the musing distribution--I'd like to remain on the newsletter distribution. Thanks, KC, Calgary
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Hi Mark, I will be away after February 3 - March 28 and will not have a computer (I'm going to Brazil and Peru). So, I would appreciate it if you take me off your list until I return. Thanks Mark. Have a great day. LW, Grande Prairie
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Hi Mark, Unfortunately, I am inundated everyday with email and have not had time to read your musings in months. , SS, Vancouver
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Hi Mark, Thanks for your response. in short...here is a brief synopsis of who I am... I live in Calgary with my little family....my partner and 2 great boys--both beauties!! I work for an inner city not-for-profit society as the Executive Director. We provide several programs, shelter, drop-in, detoxification and street level outreach, etc. for individuals who are increasingly marginalized by their addiction to alcohol and drugs. We are known in the community to work with the homeless addicted population...a group that, for many complex reasons, continues to grow ....therefore, we are and I am grateful that we are here. I somehow mysteriously started receiving your musings at my place of work and had been deleting them...which is what I typically do with email that doesn't make sense to me. However, I eventually had a look...I think around Remembrance Day...and simply connected with what you had to say...I thought it was cool that you were putting your thoughts out there in this mode, format...and have continued reading...., KC, Calgary
Monday Jan. 30, 2006 - Year 3, Day 315 - pick a pattern
nippy north breeze, dark – roads are busy with people way too anxious to be at their desks, -5C/23F
distilling ?
the science/art of boiling vegetable products to make hootch, is about boiling things down renders them to base ingredients which can be useful producing something
like making fish stock, it is laborious smelly [if that bothers you] work; but what comes out at the end is but an ingredient – not a finished product, but a base
a base of good fish stock makes my bisque unforgettable; my stock is stewing, the result will be unforgettable too [cue Nat King Cole]
or boiling ideas into a harmonious spicy broth ?
many years ago, maybe 20, Gwen Harris did a workshop for a board I was sitting on
she taught the value of writing things down, sticking the minutia on the wall for everyone in the group to see – no matter that some of the ideas were absurd, they were not absurd to everyone or from every angle
then came prioritizing/grouping them as a tool to set priorities; then regrouping then to see the same elements/issues from a different perspective; Gwen, I owe you tons of gratitude for those lessons
what fell out then, as it is now, is the separation of what is real, what is achievable & what is dream-able which is different altogether from a brain candy experience
seeing wishes, hopes, dreams & ideals through a different lens – then another & another
while as many again have already hit the bin, 41 yellow sticky notes remain, papering my wall
a pattern is emerging
Mark
distilling ?
the science/art of boiling vegetable products to make hootch, is about boiling things down renders them to base ingredients which can be useful producing something
like making fish stock, it is laborious smelly [if that bothers you] work; but what comes out at the end is but an ingredient – not a finished product, but a base
a base of good fish stock makes my bisque unforgettable; my stock is stewing, the result will be unforgettable too [cue Nat King Cole]
or boiling ideas into a harmonious spicy broth ?
many years ago, maybe 20, Gwen Harris did a workshop for a board I was sitting on
she taught the value of writing things down, sticking the minutia on the wall for everyone in the group to see – no matter that some of the ideas were absurd, they were not absurd to everyone or from every angle
then came prioritizing/grouping them as a tool to set priorities; then regrouping then to see the same elements/issues from a different perspective; Gwen, I owe you tons of gratitude for those lessons
what fell out then, as it is now, is the separation of what is real, what is achievable & what is dream-able which is different altogether from a brain candy experience
seeing wishes, hopes, dreams & ideals through a different lens – then another & another
while as many again have already hit the bin, 41 yellow sticky notes remain, papering my wall
a pattern is emerging
Mark
342,232
Sunday, January 29, 2006
January 29 Responses
Re: Composed. Here's a new twist to (my old) a philosopy an old-timer shared with me: The Internet are like children: (your own or not) They will tell their friends everything you let them know about you. ALP, high desert
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Hi Mark, I have a new email address XXX@YYY.net Please note it on your Musing Address Book. Also for some reason I have been getting three of them each day..one is good... rather this address than the blog. Thanks. Can you resend me Sunday, Jan 29th... Thanks, SLM, Calgary
Sunday Jan. 29, 2006 - Year 3, Day 314 - pear & apple
-1C/30F, Gusta’s zeal to chase [male I presume] a scent defies any memory of how long the leash extends or how fast I can walk; hopefully this period will soon pass; big sun, no clouds
to our Chinese musing friends, Gung Hoy Fat Choy for the year of the dog
where we live, how we live, what we do - 3 simple elements - but how important they are !
after giving some advice yesterday around feeling clear & grounded – feeling clear about these elements got me thinking, asking myself the same questions
if I was a child with my life ahead of me [yes I am & it is], based on the knowledge I have, where would I choose to be ?, what lifestyle would I choose ?, & how would I earn a living ?
I’ve not focused particularly well on those issues myself lately
driven more by fixing personal & business economics the last three years, clearly the time to think & talk about these questions has arrived
I want to spend incrementally more time in a warm place where ocean meets shore [a week or two a year is not enough]; I don’t want to be living ‘alone with dog’ as much as I want to be together with someone; I have work/business venture ambition to explore some twists on what I do now in real estate & writing . . .
I admit to having developed a very selfish & comfortable ‘alone’ lifestyle; is the sharing that is missing from this scenario worth giving up some of the solitude, flexibility & freedom I enjoy ?
good question . . answer undetermined
many things I want to do can be done from anywhere with a good internet connection & a safe welcoming place; how I want to live requires choices . . . made nicer with a partner of course; what I choose limited only by my health
my daily exercise regime of walking is great for my heart & all muscles from the waist down – but musculature from the waist up has fallen into disrepair taking on a pear shape from ‘2 pieces of apple pie when one will do’ habit – time to fix that now
like most men I expect, I put issues of my health on ignore most of the time, somehow deluded that the good health I’ve enjoyed all my life will continue automatically without regard to how I eat or work off my calories
Mark
to our Chinese musing friends, Gung Hoy Fat Choy for the year of the dog
where we live, how we live, what we do - 3 simple elements - but how important they are !
after giving some advice yesterday around feeling clear & grounded – feeling clear about these elements got me thinking, asking myself the same questions
if I was a child with my life ahead of me [yes I am & it is], based on the knowledge I have, where would I choose to be ?, what lifestyle would I choose ?, & how would I earn a living ?
I’ve not focused particularly well on those issues myself lately
driven more by fixing personal & business economics the last three years, clearly the time to think & talk about these questions has arrived
I want to spend incrementally more time in a warm place where ocean meets shore [a week or two a year is not enough]; I don’t want to be living ‘alone with dog’ as much as I want to be together with someone; I have work/business venture ambition to explore some twists on what I do now in real estate & writing . . .
I admit to having developed a very selfish & comfortable ‘alone’ lifestyle; is the sharing that is missing from this scenario worth giving up some of the solitude, flexibility & freedom I enjoy ?
good question . . answer undetermined
many things I want to do can be done from anywhere with a good internet connection & a safe welcoming place; how I want to live requires choices . . . made nicer with a partner of course; what I choose limited only by my health
my daily exercise regime of walking is great for my heart & all muscles from the waist down – but musculature from the waist up has fallen into disrepair taking on a pear shape from ‘2 pieces of apple pie when one will do’ habit – time to fix that now
like most men I expect, I put issues of my health on ignore most of the time, somehow deluded that the good health I’ve enjoyed all my life will continue automatically without regard to how I eat or work off my calories
Mark
342,256
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Saturday Jan. 28, 2006 - Year 3, Day 313 - post-it note time
-7C/19F, overcast, HUGE Chinook arch indicates warm days ahead – lots of dogs out taking their owners for a stroll . . Gusta had a visit & leash tangle with Holly the black lab . . then on we went for a good sprint . . invigorating
taking time once in a while to visualize myself as a little boy – together with 54 yrs. of data in my head – it is interesting to pose some questions of ‘where on the planet would I like to live ?’, ‘what lifestyle would I like to have?’, how would I like to spend my time, earn a living, play at things etc ??
I’ve not done this kind of exercise for a while in a deliberate sense – I wonder what the ‘yellow post-it notes on the wall might say at the end of a week or two . . .
I’ll let you know . . stay tuned
I wrote recently about reading/leafing through Russell & others on philosophy in high school daze & mentioned the comely librarian who inspired me to be there that often . . . as I wrote it I considered the possibility that piece might reach her – it did . . hhmmm
I blew off a few things to spend a slightly more relaxed weekend where I could deal with the ‘left over from the week must-do items’, attack Thursday’s pile-o-work [Friday’s is already diarized for Tuesday!] . . leaving some time to cook & read & nap
time well spent on a great ‘catching up’ call from CB this morning
Mark
taking time once in a while to visualize myself as a little boy – together with 54 yrs. of data in my head – it is interesting to pose some questions of ‘where on the planet would I like to live ?’, ‘what lifestyle would I like to have?’, how would I like to spend my time, earn a living, play at things etc ??
I’ve not done this kind of exercise for a while in a deliberate sense – I wonder what the ‘yellow post-it notes on the wall might say at the end of a week or two . . .
I’ll let you know . . stay tuned
I wrote recently about reading/leafing through Russell & others on philosophy in high school daze & mentioned the comely librarian who inspired me to be there that often . . . as I wrote it I considered the possibility that piece might reach her – it did . . hhmmm
I blew off a few things to spend a slightly more relaxed weekend where I could deal with the ‘left over from the week must-do items’, attack Thursday’s pile-o-work [Friday’s is already diarized for Tuesday!] . . leaving some time to cook & read & nap
time well spent on a great ‘catching up’ call from CB this morning
Mark
342,280
Friday, January 27, 2006
January 27 Responses
Hi Mark, I too feel the "fatigue" of January for similar reasons that you relayed this morning. I noticed, despite an exhausting month, you continue with your musings with dedication and are moving into year 3. I'm pleased that you do...as I enjoy them--a little break for me in the day to ponder... I'm curious though...what the rewards are for you??, KC, Calgary
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Hello Mark, I am going on leave from work for a while. Could you use the followinge-mail: XXX@YYY.ca ?? Thanks, JS, ?
. . .
Hi Mark, I am very curious about the mention of Dixie Bowerman in your blog. Was it you writing, or one of the other contributors? I must say it was startling to have my name appear or maybe it’s the other goddess Dixie Bowerman. If you get a minute please let me know – my daughter read quite a lot of your blog and has decided that you do not sound like some whacko nutbar. Cheers Dixie, DB ?
Friday Jan. 27, 2006 - Year 3, Day 312- composed
Gusta’s normal level of energy & appetite appear to be back on track . . chilly but calm this morning as we trotted through a silent neighbourhood -2C/28F
January draws to a close, holiday season restfulness morphed into ‘running hard fatigue’ but overall it has been a very good month [fingers & toes crossed on 2 deals that make that a true statement . . or not] - but pushing myself to do all the things I expect of myself has proven futile & threatens my composure
it leaves me exhausted before the week expires with too much yet to be done
too many masters of my fate - corrective action being ‘composed’
I have an early tour with clients so must get going . . have a great weekend
like many a genius he did his best work very young, Mozart lived from 1756-1791 . . makes me wonder what he would have done had he lived longer . . happy birthday to Wolfgang, the world’s best composed guy
Mark
January draws to a close, holiday season restfulness morphed into ‘running hard fatigue’ but overall it has been a very good month [fingers & toes crossed on 2 deals that make that a true statement . . or not] - but pushing myself to do all the things I expect of myself has proven futile & threatens my composure
it leaves me exhausted before the week expires with too much yet to be done
too many masters of my fate - corrective action being ‘composed’
I have an early tour with clients so must get going . . have a great weekend
like many a genius he did his best work very young, Mozart lived from 1756-1791 . . makes me wonder what he would have done had he lived longer . . happy birthday to Wolfgang, the world’s best composed guy
Mark
342,304
Thursday, January 26, 2006
January 26 Responses
Could you please remove me from your distribution list as I will be away for 3 weeks and will not have much access to e-mail., SM, Calgary
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Hi Mark, Sorry to hear about the loss of your uncle. Take care. PF, Dallas TX
. . .
HI Mark - We seem to be in similar places quite often - now taking on more than we need to or should do. Often deciding we must do – for various reasons. I too am getting better at saying NO. I have decided to quit beating myself up when I find I am taking on more than my responsibility. It more often than not, comes from genuine reasons or urgency or the fact that we just see how to get there moreclearly, and therefore step us. Not trying to brag - just a product of long experience I think. I hate it when I'm right some times. Take care. Another Mark, MH, Calgary
Thursday Jan. 26, 2006 - Year 3, Day 311 - relief
a sandwich of melt-water on top of ice on top of lagoon, -4/27F, continued Chinook conditions; Gusta romps
overnight emails & early conference calls have disrupted my picture of today & tomorrow a little - actually ..quite a lot
I’ve had an interested revelation lately about situations where I allow myself to be really stressed – some of it is physically reminiscent of troublesome days in past employment situation or personal relationships . .when that stress is imposed by clients, some imposed by others or, as is most often the case, imposed by me
I am getting better at saying no, better at declining to accept responsibility/ownership of someone else’s issues – which means being clearer on my own issues, my owned responsibility; when I do that the horizon looks clearer
I think most people are inclined to say yes or maybe as much as possible, especially when we are in the business of meeting client needs & when trying to deal with friends/family as well; there is not a package of training I recall that taught me how to tell clearly when to say no
failing to say no when I should have usually show us in my twisting belly within minutes – when it does I have learned that the belly feeling will not go away until I have resolved the issue – which has little to do with whether that was really someone else’s responsibility in the first instance
taking on a responsibility for something/someone which is not ‘my stuff’ is happening less all the time . . but periodically that twisting knot in my belly tells me I have missed one
well I did
I am not having fun with it
it will be over soon
Mark
overnight emails & early conference calls have disrupted my picture of today & tomorrow a little - actually ..quite a lot
I’ve had an interested revelation lately about situations where I allow myself to be really stressed – some of it is physically reminiscent of troublesome days in past employment situation or personal relationships . .when that stress is imposed by clients, some imposed by others or, as is most often the case, imposed by me
I am getting better at saying no, better at declining to accept responsibility/ownership of someone else’s issues – which means being clearer on my own issues, my owned responsibility; when I do that the horizon looks clearer
I think most people are inclined to say yes or maybe as much as possible, especially when we are in the business of meeting client needs & when trying to deal with friends/family as well; there is not a package of training I recall that taught me how to tell clearly when to say no
failing to say no when I should have usually show us in my twisting belly within minutes – when it does I have learned that the belly feeling will not go away until I have resolved the issue – which has little to do with whether that was really someone else’s responsibility in the first instance
taking on a responsibility for something/someone which is not ‘my stuff’ is happening less all the time . . but periodically that twisting knot in my belly tells me I have missed one
well I did
I am not having fun with it
it will be over soon
Mark
342,328
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
January 25 Responses
Good Morning Mark... Sorry to hear that you have lost an uncle and your fathera sibling..... You had my heart skip a beat...when today's subject line read "Heart Attack", Take Care, LA, Calgary
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Hi Mark, I enjoy reading your musings and the responses from various people andalthough I don't read them every day I do eventually read every one. For some reason I am, just in the past week, receiving your musings twice a day. Would you please correct this so I just get it once a day? Since we are both in the same business, I think one of these days we should meet and see if we can help each other out. Drop me a line sometime if you have time for a coffee. Regards, JC, Calgary
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Hello, I am on two of your e-mail group lists. Can you please remove me from one of your lists. Thank you, DF, Calgary
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Sorry to hear of the passing of your uncle. I would also, love to know why two people connect ???, MB, Calgary
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Sorry to hear about yet another loss for your Dad...this one is going to be hard for him...please give him my condolences, SN, Lac La Biche
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My apologies for the sudden problems with my email address. Unfortunately, my working relationship with XXXXXXX has ended rather abruptly. Could you please use this email address as I would like to continue receiving your daily muse? Thank you!, SZ, Calgary
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Our Deepest Condolences to You and Yours, Mark. ALP high desert
Wednesday Jan. 25, 2006 - Year 3, Day 310 - heart attack
we walked & walked & walked, Gusta oblivious to my brooding, -2C/28F, light breeze
I meet lots of people every month, I talk to hundreds . . rarely deliberate in my search, but almost always wary, alert, wanting to add to my collection of intriguing people [especially the female kind] when that person, that personality, that enigma shows up . . eccentricities in tow, baggage no doubt, complicated lives all – but with some magical quality that spills onto me when that happens, I can’t wash it off
not that one knows the outcome of a new connection at the outset . . but I always come away knowing that I’ve been affected, or not
what is it that makes 2 people connect; is it a sprinkling of fairy dust ? or can it be created on purpose the way one might match up a home buyers with sellers, e-bay users with just the right obscure widget or car part someone has been hunting for – find the heart you want, then attack !
have you ever wondered why sometimes we meet a new colleague, a neighbour or a potential romantic conquest . . sparks fly, clouds collide, the world changes a little . . leaving us ‘never quite the same’ ? . . even more exciting when it is two-way magic; can hearts & minds be approached, attacked like an adversary/quest in an advertising campaign or a heated battle ?
concentration will be difficult today this week a frenetic pace & the plate is more than full, it’s spilling over + fine tuning/rehearsing a speech for TM tonight + a half-plateful of tomorrow already building
my dad called mid-morning yesterday, something he rarely does – he’d just learned his last remaining brother died of a heart attack on Monday . . Gordon was 86
. . eccentric farmer & uncle . . my limited memories of Gordon from early childhood
Mark
I meet lots of people every month, I talk to hundreds . . rarely deliberate in my search, but almost always wary, alert, wanting to add to my collection of intriguing people [especially the female kind] when that person, that personality, that enigma shows up . . eccentricities in tow, baggage no doubt, complicated lives all – but with some magical quality that spills onto me when that happens, I can’t wash it off
not that one knows the outcome of a new connection at the outset . . but I always come away knowing that I’ve been affected, or not
what is it that makes 2 people connect; is it a sprinkling of fairy dust ? or can it be created on purpose the way one might match up a home buyers with sellers, e-bay users with just the right obscure widget or car part someone has been hunting for – find the heart you want, then attack !
have you ever wondered why sometimes we meet a new colleague, a neighbour or a potential romantic conquest . . sparks fly, clouds collide, the world changes a little . . leaving us ‘never quite the same’ ? . . even more exciting when it is two-way magic; can hearts & minds be approached, attacked like an adversary/quest in an advertising campaign or a heated battle ?
concentration will be difficult today this week a frenetic pace & the plate is more than full, it’s spilling over + fine tuning/rehearsing a speech for TM tonight + a half-plateful of tomorrow already building
my dad called mid-morning yesterday, something he rarely does – he’d just learned his last remaining brother died of a heart attack on Monday . . Gordon was 86
. . eccentric farmer & uncle . . my limited memories of Gordon from early childhood
Mark
342,352
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
January 24 Responses
Hi Mark, the point about the lack of Conservative representation was made strongly in the media last night. But take heart, this is the media. For example Delta and Langley are not part of Vancouver "proper" but they are Vancouver indeed. Sure, those who live in those inner cities may not have elected Conservatives but the neighbouring constituencies did elect Conservatives. I want to know how many people this is out of all of Canada, but the media did not tell us this. I wonder why? Those who can afford to live in the inner cities may represent a distinct chosen culture within Canada, and they are the darlings of the media. They believe that elites (no doubt in their mind meaning themselves) should have a disproportional access to the media and make all of the important decisions. Does this mean that we should allow them to disproportionately affect our perceptions? LHE
Tuesday Jan. 24, 2006 - Year 3, Day 309 - the next day
-3C/27F, Chinook winds whistle through tall grass as brown & dusty replaced the snow carpet
returning from my walk to write . . . work invaded, now abated
cities like Toronto, Montreal & Vancouver will have no members on the government side of the house & will feel under-represented . . just as the west & Calgary have felt before; this will be a challenging gap to bridge for a new Prime Minister without a majority, akin to a trapeze team working without a net as yesterday’s election produced that wave of change we wanted, but only produced a minority government for Stephen Harper. Our Prime Minister designate gave a strong victory speech; so too, in conceding & announcing he would step down as Liberal leader, Paul Martin showed class, respect & dignity
when things go badly, we are never as dismal as we think in the moment; when things go really well, we are rarely as good as we think we are - that’s true in many areas I suppose, but none more graphic than the win/lose equation in politics; to thousands of workers & candidates; with 3-5 candidates in most constituencies, most of you lost yesterday, but you lost in a worthy cause making democracy work
‘Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.’ – Theodore Roosevelt
today is the next day & will be followed by the next day, the next day . . Oh, Canada . . what a great country
today is off to a wonderful start . . all good calls so far . . I’m good !
Mark
returning from my walk to write . . . work invaded, now abated
cities like Toronto, Montreal & Vancouver will have no members on the government side of the house & will feel under-represented . . just as the west & Calgary have felt before; this will be a challenging gap to bridge for a new Prime Minister without a majority, akin to a trapeze team working without a net as yesterday’s election produced that wave of change we wanted, but only produced a minority government for Stephen Harper. Our Prime Minister designate gave a strong victory speech; so too, in conceding & announcing he would step down as Liberal leader, Paul Martin showed class, respect & dignity
when things go badly, we are never as dismal as we think in the moment; when things go really well, we are rarely as good as we think we are - that’s true in many areas I suppose, but none more graphic than the win/lose equation in politics; to thousands of workers & candidates; with 3-5 candidates in most constituencies, most of you lost yesterday, but you lost in a worthy cause making democracy work
‘Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.’ – Theodore Roosevelt
today is the next day & will be followed by the next day, the next day . . Oh, Canada . . what a great country
today is off to a wonderful start . . all good calls so far . . I’m good !
Mark
342,376
Monday, January 23, 2006
January 23 Responses
Mark-- as a female reader of your musings, I often take courage from your example of being open and have made decisions throughout my day to "reach out" a little more to folks. Thank you for that., I am one of the Calgarians who is also planning on voting today--I hope you have a good one.KC, Calgary
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Hi Mark, not an often respondent to your 'musings', but must say...I agree wholeheartedly! We live in a country rich with freedoms and choice. Most of us have never known a world war, strife, starvation or oppression. We have a choice to agree or disagree, knowing we won't be murdered or jailed for our views. We have an obligation to all the generations to follow us to shape our country's future. What a beautiful place we live, this Canada of ours.... Vote, and be grateful our forefathers and mothers fought for freedom., KL, Kitchener Ontario
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Re deep hurt: Gusta biting your finger, albeit without intent, brought back a similarevent in my memory. I had just separated my childhood dog from a dogfight. My dog was leaning against my leg, very frightened (my dog had been losing the fight). I reach down to touch his shoulder, to calm him, and he reacted instinctively to the touch on his neck. In an instant the end of one of my fingers was bitten through and blood began to pour. As soon as my dog saw the blood was coming from me, the dismay was palpable. He shrank in size to half of his old self, and faded into the bushes. I feel that if he could have, he would have simply willed himself to die. It took me several days to convince him that he was forgiven, andto rebuild his confidence in our relationship. It took several more weeks for him to recover from dogfight. I do hope that you and Gusta make up, AK, Calgary
Monday Jan. 23, 2006 - Year 3, Day 308 - let the wind blow
trees waving in the wind make music as if doing a slow dance in the dark; +7C/45F, strong Chinook winds are sending warm western air eastward – a metaphor no doubt
to silently watch & listen to nature is one of my great pleasures – whether on a beach somewhere or sitting alone as witness to howling wind this morning or blowing snow another; nature is oblivious to my very existence, unaware of my presence & unmoved by my opinion
the struggle we can make, the only one in fact that we can, is to choose how we react to the actions of nature or of others
yet every voice matters, every opinion deserves its moment, every vote counts for something
‘Giving every man a vote has no more made men wise and free than Christianity has made them good.’ – H. L. Mencken
‘All of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small an influence reason and honest good will exert upon events in the political field. ‘ - Albert Einstein
‘The hardest thing about any political campaign is how to win without proving that you are unworthy of winning. ’ - Adlai Stevenson
Stevenson, Mencken & Einstein were right for their time as they would be right today – but what better cause of freedom, democracy & exercising rights could there be than to cast a ballot that proves their cynicism wrong once in a while ?
a breath of fresh warm air, a breeze sweeping through, out with the old & in with the new; while I am disturbed with cancellation of The West Wing I am far more interested in changes in the east block, the west block & airing out the commons to free it of foul orders
Krista called last night, she’s voting; I had lunch with my dad yesterday, he’s voting
are you voting ? I’m voting
let the wind blow
Mark
to silently watch & listen to nature is one of my great pleasures – whether on a beach somewhere or sitting alone as witness to howling wind this morning or blowing snow another; nature is oblivious to my very existence, unaware of my presence & unmoved by my opinion
the struggle we can make, the only one in fact that we can, is to choose how we react to the actions of nature or of others
yet every voice matters, every opinion deserves its moment, every vote counts for something
‘Giving every man a vote has no more made men wise and free than Christianity has made them good.’ – H. L. Mencken
‘All of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small an influence reason and honest good will exert upon events in the political field. ‘ - Albert Einstein
‘The hardest thing about any political campaign is how to win without proving that you are unworthy of winning. ’ - Adlai Stevenson
Stevenson, Mencken & Einstein were right for their time as they would be right today – but what better cause of freedom, democracy & exercising rights could there be than to cast a ballot that proves their cynicism wrong once in a while ?
a breath of fresh warm air, a breeze sweeping through, out with the old & in with the new; while I am disturbed with cancellation of The West Wing I am far more interested in changes in the east block, the west block & airing out the commons to free it of foul orders
Krista called last night, she’s voting; I had lunch with my dad yesterday, he’s voting
are you voting ? I’m voting
let the wind blow
Mark
342,400
Monday Jan. 23, 2006 - Year 3, Day 308 - let the wind blow
trees waving in the wind make music as if doing a slow dance in the dark; +7C/45F, strong Chinook winds are sending warm western air eastward – a metaphor no doubt
to silently watch & listen to nature is one of my great pleasures – whether on a beach somewhere or sitting alone as witness to howling wind this morning or blowing snow another; nature is oblivious to my very existence, unaware of my presence & unmoved by my opinion
the struggle we can make, the only one in fact that we can, is to choose how we react to the actions of nature or of others
yet every voice matters, every opinion deserves its moment, every vote counts for something
‘Giving every man a vote has no more made men wise and free than Christianity has made them good.’ – H. L. Mencken
‘All of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small an influence reason and honest good will exert upon events in the political field. ‘ - Albert Einstein
‘The hardest thing about any political campaign is how to win without proving that you are unworthy of winning. ’ - Adlai Stevenson
Stevenson, Mencken & Einstein were right for their time as they would be right today – but what better cause of freedom, democracy & exercising rights could there be than to cast a ballot that proves their cynicism wrong once in a while ?
a breath of fresh warm air, a breeze sweeping through, out with the old & in with the new; while I am disturbed with cancellation of The West Wing I am far more interested in changes in the east block, the west block & airing out the commons to free it of foul orders
Krista called last night, she’s voting; I had lunch with my dad yesterday, he’s voting
are you voting ? I’m voting
let the wind blow
Mark
to silently watch & listen to nature is one of my great pleasures – whether on a beach somewhere or sitting alone as witness to howling wind this morning or blowing snow another; nature is oblivious to my very existence, unaware of my presence & unmoved by my opinion
the struggle we can make, the only one in fact that we can, is to choose how we react to the actions of nature or of others
yet every voice matters, every opinion deserves its moment, every vote counts for something
‘Giving every man a vote has no more made men wise and free than Christianity has made them good.’ – H. L. Mencken
‘All of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small an influence reason and honest good will exert upon events in the political field. ‘ - Albert Einstein
‘The hardest thing about any political campaign is how to win without proving that you are unworthy of winning. ’ - Adlai Stevenson
Stevenson, Mencken & Einstein were right for their time as they would be right today – but what better cause of freedom, democracy & exercising rights could there be than to cast a ballot that proves their cynicism wrong once in a while ?
a breath of fresh warm air, a breeze sweeping through, out with the old & in with the new; while I am disturbed with cancellation of The West Wing I am far more interested in changes in the east block, the west block & airing out the commons to free it of foul orders
Krista called last night, she’s voting; I had lunch with my dad yesterday, he’s voting
are you voting ? I’m voting
let the wind blow
Mark
342,400
Monday Jan. 23, 2006 - Year 3, Day 308 - let the wind blow
trees waving in the wind make music as if doing a slow dance in the dark; +7C/45F, strong Chinook winds are sending warm western air eastward – a metaphor no doubt
to silently watch & listen to nature is one of my great pleasures – whether on a beach somewhere or sitting alone as witness to howling wind this morning or blowing snow another; nature is oblivious to my very existence, unaware of my presence & unmoved by my opinion
the struggle we can make, the only one in fact that we can, is to choose how we react to the actions of nature or of others
yet every voice matters, every opinion deserves its moment, every vote counts for something
‘Giving every man a vote has no more made men wise and free than Christianity has made them good.’ – H. L. Mencken
‘All of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small an influence reason and honest good will exert upon events in the political field. ‘ - Albert Einstein
‘The hardest thing about any political campaign is how to win without proving that you are unworthy of winning. ’ - Adlai Stevenson
Stevenson, Mencken & Einstein were right for their time as they would be right today – but what better cause of freedom, democracy & exercising rights could there be than to cast a ballot that proves their cynicism wrong once in a while ?
a breath of fresh warm air, a breeze sweeping through, out with the old & in with the new; while I am disturbed with cancellation of The West Wing I am far more interested in changes in the east block, the west block & airing out the commons to free it of foul orders
Krista called last night, she’s voting; I had lunch with my dad yesterday, he’s voting
are you voting ? I’m voting
let the wind blow
Mark
to silently watch & listen to nature is one of my great pleasures – whether on a beach somewhere or sitting alone as witness to howling wind this morning or blowing snow another; nature is oblivious to my very existence, unaware of my presence & unmoved by my opinion
the struggle we can make, the only one in fact that we can, is to choose how we react to the actions of nature or of others
yet every voice matters, every opinion deserves its moment, every vote counts for something
‘Giving every man a vote has no more made men wise and free than Christianity has made them good.’ – H. L. Mencken
‘All of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small an influence reason and honest good will exert upon events in the political field. ‘ - Albert Einstein
‘The hardest thing about any political campaign is how to win without proving that you are unworthy of winning. ’ - Adlai Stevenson
Stevenson, Mencken & Einstein were right for their time as they would be right today – but what better cause of freedom, democracy & exercising rights could there be than to cast a ballot that proves their cynicism wrong once in a while ?
a breath of fresh warm air, a breeze sweeping through, out with the old & in with the new; while I am disturbed with cancellation of The West Wing I am far more interested in changes in the east block, the west block & airing out the commons to free it of foul orders
Krista called last night, she’s voting; I had lunch with my dad yesterday, he’s voting
are you voting ? I’m voting
let the wind blow
Mark
342,400
Sunday, January 22, 2006
January 22 Responses
Hear hear!!, KW, Calgary
. . .
Hello Dear musing, do not really have the time to read all your material ...Could you please take me off your mailing list please. Thank you ! Good luck ..., MC, Edmonton
. . .
To AD, Palm Desert. RE A Dream: OMG! You took the words right right out of my mouth! Great minds think alike, don't you agree? Mark, how is your finger? I hope infection doesn't set in. Maybe Gusta feels more out of sorts because of what happened. Animals are emotional, too. So, just be your usual with her and tell her it's O.K. My dog has frontal hug issues, and has bitten two teens for it. I talked to him, asked him about it, and gave him frontal hugs to see what was up with that, but he seems ok. I discovered he is afraid of white clothing. I knew he does not like sudden flashes of white, ie: lightning bolts in the distance, and thunder at close range. I know why but I won't get into that right now....Chulo is a rescued dog, (all my dogs are) and that's all I'll say. And about men expressing feelings. My husband is a hobbyist drummer, which is usually a good outlet, (some of the neighbors like it, some don't)but he likes to express also in poetry. He's entered some of them in contests, but hasn't won anything, yet. Some gentlemen are good at expression through the written word, some not-so-gentle, via handiron, or psychological/emotional blackmail, etc. I could go on and on about stuff like this, therapy and/or reconditioning (for lack of a better word, anybody?) vs Capital Punishment. Maybe the affects from substance abuse? Loose screws? Hmmm. I'm not man-bashing, women have their ways of expression, too. On a broader spectrum, group terrorism both male and female. (Speaking for myself, I "clammed-up" after 9/11 and left some important projects unfinished and this site is the first time for my "baby steps" since then. Thank you, whoever signed me up!) Who knows. Sometimes up-bringing has a hand in it, too. But of course you don't need me to tell you this. Just my observation. And Wow! A woman president in Africa! The world will be watching....When will it be our turn? Is America ready for the female persuasion to lead our country? I guess that for now, we'll just have to pretend. Gena Davis, you go girl! ALP, high desert.
. . .
As a voting tax-payer I agree that everyone should "want" to vote. However, I disagree that those who don't vote have no right to speak. Canadian's who pay taxes in this country have the right to voice their opinion when they don't like the job that's being done (and there has been a lot to dislike the last few years). Should they vote? Yes, I personally believe everyone should be proud to exercise their right to vote but if they don't, whatever their reasons, they still must have the right to be heard!, CC, Calgary
. . .
Re: good grand new idea - I've been ill this past week, and my outlet for mental and physical health (type II diabetic), I walk. So I say, I'm sorry if I rambled too much. A little "cabin fever" I suppose. I'm with you, Mark. I know of 'peoples' who don't vote and I say, "If you don't want to exercise your right to vote, you lose your right to complain." I love these peoples, so don't get me wrong. ALP, high desert
. . .
Glad to hear that you're voting for the Tories. I look forward to tomorrow. Best regards, KB, Toronto
. . .
West Wing has been cancelled. One more hour to fill for you starting in May. *By the way, it was cancelled before the death of John Spencer. They WILL reveal the "Winner" of the Santos/Vinnick election before then, Ratings suffered from the move to Sunday. Thought you should know., NK, ?
Sunday Jan. 22, 2006 - Year 3, Day 307 – good grand new idea
-1C/30F, strong Chinook breeze is bringing warmth . . . so it will be a week of freeze/thaw & slush; Gusta looks magnificent romping through snow banks, I lumber along trying to keep up
AW & I saw ‘The Matador’ last night – not award material, but good yucks
Conservatives, the BIG-c conservative party in Canada [not to be confused with 3 other middle of the road parties each more middle than they are truly left or right], are a party in which I feel at home
I was never fond of the Reform party, really luke warm to the Canadian Alliance – initially very apprehensive about the merger of the Canadian Alliance & Progressive Conservative parties . .
yes, this small-L conservative feels very comfortable
I really do
local & provincial governments give passionate committed elected officials a chance to advocate for ideas, policies & initiatives with some tangible chance of actually changing things - while on the federal stage it is virtually impossible for an elected individual, however right they might be, to on their own bring a good grand new idea/initiative to fruition
it takes a collective policy driven party approach
I praise gutsy candidates to be our Members of Parliament for running & working hard; those who win go to Ottawa not with a mandate to advocate for pet projects or personal agenda, but as a collective momentum endorsed by voters – the system of our representation & parliamentary structure is old, messy, outdated in many ways & cumbersome, but still the envy of much of the world
whether our country stays together or breaks apart at some point, most of what determines that future being inevitable influences of self determination & economics which can be influenced precious little by even the most inspiring leaders
let it not be forgotten we DO elect governments to change the philosophical direction of the country, not just the marching orders du jour for the civil service
policy drives everything that is good in the world
policy or, in some cases the absence of policy, enables everything that is bad in the world
it is ALL about policy
policy requires policy makers
let them be inspired to reach for the good grand new idea
it is time for change, not radical change, but change for change sake as much as any other reason, yet this feels more like generational change in which the course of our federal government will be better on the world stage, better at home & better in its role in confederation, better for a long time; a change involving far less influence by the ‘blue-rinse set’ generation of conservatives whose days are done [DA, you should love that trend] but fueled by a younger smarter involved crowd putting their votes & mouths forward to speak up for that change
my country WILL change tomorrow
we will see an election result that will make most Canadians happy, just as it will make many uneasy, but which should make every one of us proud of our messy democratic process of choosing how we wish to be governed
my angst is reserved for those who don’t vote, don’t care or don’t think the process worthy; I like the notion of citizens being required to vote . . . hmm . . . maybe that’s too harsh, but no one should have a right to complain if they don’t cast a ballot
who cares ?
I care
‘not voting’ is an insult to everyone who struggled to leave oppression, struggled to fight a war or who worked hard to come here for opportunity – if you don’t have a reason of your own to vote, at least vote to show respect to those who’ve made it all possible, vote to honour those who fought battles in Parliament or on battlefields so we might enjoy our great freedom
it’s election day tomorrow
vote
let me say that a little louder
VOTE
Mark
AW & I saw ‘The Matador’ last night – not award material, but good yucks
Conservatives, the BIG-c conservative party in Canada [not to be confused with 3 other middle of the road parties each more middle than they are truly left or right], are a party in which I feel at home
I was never fond of the Reform party, really luke warm to the Canadian Alliance – initially very apprehensive about the merger of the Canadian Alliance & Progressive Conservative parties . .
yes, this small-L conservative feels very comfortable
I really do
local & provincial governments give passionate committed elected officials a chance to advocate for ideas, policies & initiatives with some tangible chance of actually changing things - while on the federal stage it is virtually impossible for an elected individual, however right they might be, to on their own bring a good grand new idea/initiative to fruition
it takes a collective policy driven party approach
I praise gutsy candidates to be our Members of Parliament for running & working hard; those who win go to Ottawa not with a mandate to advocate for pet projects or personal agenda, but as a collective momentum endorsed by voters – the system of our representation & parliamentary structure is old, messy, outdated in many ways & cumbersome, but still the envy of much of the world
whether our country stays together or breaks apart at some point, most of what determines that future being inevitable influences of self determination & economics which can be influenced precious little by even the most inspiring leaders
let it not be forgotten we DO elect governments to change the philosophical direction of the country, not just the marching orders du jour for the civil service
policy drives everything that is good in the world
policy or, in some cases the absence of policy, enables everything that is bad in the world
it is ALL about policy
policy requires policy makers
let them be inspired to reach for the good grand new idea
it is time for change, not radical change, but change for change sake as much as any other reason, yet this feels more like generational change in which the course of our federal government will be better on the world stage, better at home & better in its role in confederation, better for a long time; a change involving far less influence by the ‘blue-rinse set’ generation of conservatives whose days are done [DA, you should love that trend] but fueled by a younger smarter involved crowd putting their votes & mouths forward to speak up for that change
my country WILL change tomorrow
we will see an election result that will make most Canadians happy, just as it will make many uneasy, but which should make every one of us proud of our messy democratic process of choosing how we wish to be governed
my angst is reserved for those who don’t vote, don’t care or don’t think the process worthy; I like the notion of citizens being required to vote . . . hmm . . . maybe that’s too harsh, but no one should have a right to complain if they don’t cast a ballot
who cares ?
I care
‘not voting’ is an insult to everyone who struggled to leave oppression, struggled to fight a war or who worked hard to come here for opportunity – if you don’t have a reason of your own to vote, at least vote to show respect to those who’ve made it all possible, vote to honour those who fought battles in Parliament or on battlefields so we might enjoy our great freedom
it’s election day tomorrow
vote
let me say that a little louder
VOTE
Mark
342,424
Saturday, January 21, 2006
January 21 Responses
YES, I'M SURE THERE IS ONLY ONE!!! If you think you're going to get away with that "garage" comment without hearing from me, you have another think coming, mister and for your information, I look much smaller from the front!, LR, Irvine
Saturday Jan. 21, 2006 - Year 3, Day 306 – heat
calm, clear & cold as fresh snow on roofs against brilliant blue skies looks like the rockies in the distance . . jagged . . not in focus, -14C/7F; Gusta’s recent behaviour explained her paying way too much notice of males we encountered this morning - my pup now a ‘pubescent teenager’ who needs lecturing on ‘what it is those boys want’, so she understands they will happily play but never ask about her feelings or provide biscuits for the pups
note to self: move to a place with dark carpet
what is bigger than a breadbox & smaller than a 2 car garage ? . . answer, pregnant LR who sent a picture together with commentary on the pending [she hopes] early arrival of a fair maiden – Lauren, are you sure there is only 1 ?
I was as a party/fundraiser for Lee Richardson’s campaign last night; great to chat with a number of people I know & meet some new ones – a good number of musers among them – nice to see you all
he offered praise for my writing & courage to be open about feelings – thanks for that & nice to meetcha MT – got me wondering, since we live in a world of perceptions, often repeated, that women talk openly about their feelings while men do not
my thinking is not so much ‘why is that true?’ but more of ‘is that true?’
when prompted, men I know talk openly about their feelings about as much as women; those I know well are quite open, those I scarcely know less so
as a generation of men perhaps we have less practice at it than our softer counterparts, but I think we can do it just fine when called upon to express ourselves
women, I think, are the same – most will talk about feelings if prompted but don’t go out of their way to share, but they sell it better or maybe it just makes for better articles in Cosmo ?
men of my generation were socialized to not talk about feelings because that was the model we saw in our fathers; fathers [mine anyway] who freely talk about their feelings now
it makes me wonder if women were always ‘talking freely’ about their feelings; I suspect not
an 'OUR GENERATION' thing we can change, don’t you think MT ?
I think we learn more, achieve more, collaborate better & forge better relationships in personal, family & business relationships when we open the clam shell . . . baby steps to start, but we can
whether you are trying to make progress of some kind with someone or make progress with that person you face in the mirror, why not express those thoughts & feelings today ?
life’s short; imagine what you might be missing
no need to jump into the deep end of the pool with both feet, but how about dipping a toe ?
when is the last time you reached out, unsolicited, to tell someone your feelings ?
yesterday ? today ? tonight ? tomorrow morning ?
start with someone you know, trust & care about . . . start talking . .
turn up the heat a little, risk a little, dare to see the response you get
more than someone else learning about me, when I talk about/write about my feelings, I get more out of it than anyone else ever could
you can do it . . . yes you can
Mark
note to self: move to a place with dark carpet
what is bigger than a breadbox & smaller than a 2 car garage ? . . answer, pregnant LR who sent a picture together with commentary on the pending [she hopes] early arrival of a fair maiden – Lauren, are you sure there is only 1 ?
I was as a party/fundraiser for Lee Richardson’s campaign last night; great to chat with a number of people I know & meet some new ones – a good number of musers among them – nice to see you all
he offered praise for my writing & courage to be open about feelings – thanks for that & nice to meetcha MT – got me wondering, since we live in a world of perceptions, often repeated, that women talk openly about their feelings while men do not
my thinking is not so much ‘why is that true?’ but more of ‘is that true?’
when prompted, men I know talk openly about their feelings about as much as women; those I know well are quite open, those I scarcely know less so
as a generation of men perhaps we have less practice at it than our softer counterparts, but I think we can do it just fine when called upon to express ourselves
women, I think, are the same – most will talk about feelings if prompted but don’t go out of their way to share, but they sell it better or maybe it just makes for better articles in Cosmo ?
men of my generation were socialized to not talk about feelings because that was the model we saw in our fathers; fathers [mine anyway] who freely talk about their feelings now
it makes me wonder if women were always ‘talking freely’ about their feelings; I suspect not
an 'OUR GENERATION' thing we can change, don’t you think MT ?
I think we learn more, achieve more, collaborate better & forge better relationships in personal, family & business relationships when we open the clam shell . . . baby steps to start, but we can
whether you are trying to make progress of some kind with someone or make progress with that person you face in the mirror, why not express those thoughts & feelings today ?
life’s short; imagine what you might be missing
no need to jump into the deep end of the pool with both feet, but how about dipping a toe ?
when is the last time you reached out, unsolicited, to tell someone your feelings ?
yesterday ? today ? tonight ? tomorrow morning ?
start with someone you know, trust & care about . . . start talking . .
turn up the heat a little, risk a little, dare to see the response you get
more than someone else learning about me, when I talk about/write about my feelings, I get more out of it than anyone else ever could
you can do it . . . yes you can
Mark
342,448
Friday, January 20, 2006
January 20 Responses
Mark - I hope both owner and retriever have recovered from the mishap. Knowing a little about a dog's behaviour - why is Gusta still sullen this morning?, AW, Calgary
. . .
Re: a dream - Jan. 15 . . I feel we've come a long way, but still have a little further to go. Can we agree in unison?, AD, Palm Desert
. . .
sins of omission - perception of dishonesty or a wariness of making oneself vulnerable. To be completely honest with someone, requires a giving and taking of trust on both sides, unless one is of the very rare nature to have the confidence to be impervious to the views of others, which is then likely to be construed as arrogance, unfortunate as it may be. Think back, some of the very best facets of an individual's personality can come to life like the sparkling of a diamond put under light, when those elements are gently coached from their nature in a supportive environment, SB, ?
. . .
As one who has listened to betrayal and sadness many times, there would be less hurt if those entering a temporary sexual relationship could so indicate when asked, rather than stringing others along with versions of the "who knows where this will go" rhetoric. It would be better yet to communicate intentions up front without being asked. Not everyone finds it so easy to bounce back, particularly after several misinterpreted relationships. If someone has the gift of not getting close to others easily, the rest of us need to honestly admit to ourselves that the less feeling persons are in a position to cause great pain to us. What I continue to find hard to understand is that people are so vulnerable - why hang around with "who knows where this will go" when the person knows that they tend to get attached to someone that they are attracted to and sleep with, LHE, Calgary
. . .
hello mark, i have been receiving your musings for awhile now . i don't know who signed me up the first time or the second for that matter. i do wish to stay on the list as i enjoy reading your musings when i get in the morning and drink my first coffee of the day. i am on the list twice now and am glad to know people are thinking of me but i would love it if you could fix it so i receive one copy instead of two. thank you so much, LM - edmonton
. . .
re: week 35 - I'm feeling pretty good, not getting as much sleep as I should, because I toss and turn all night long. Pelvic ligaments have started to really stretch out but walking the dog every morning and night helps with that. My OB says that I'm in "very good shape, for an older mom" Sheesh. My cravings this time around have been sorta' weird. The smell of new plastic...heavenly. It's a good thing we have a lemon tree in the backyard which is producing large, ripe lemons now. I squeeze lemon juice over crushed ice four or five times a day and just about anything else I can get my hands on. Yesterday I went so far as to put some on my bacon. It's really good! Bacon and lemon juice. Blueberries and lemon juice. Potato chips and lemon juice. Yum. I attempted to get Mark to try my other favorite--peanut butter on hamburger (peanut butter on anything, really) or salsa on papaya--but he just rolled his eyes and clamped his mouth shut. He says he hopes I'll return to normal after the baby is born. We have been attending birthing classes at the local hospital. Not because of any old-fashioned idea I may have of doing the whole breathing thing without drugs ..au contrare..I plan to ask for an epidural the minute we walk in the door. I'm no martyr ..or dummy. I'm doing this for Mark, because this whole journey for him has been so much a process of discovery and wonder. But the classes may also have been a grave mistake. Poor Mark. He spends the entire two hours in a state of perpetual awe. And, I think, fear. I am thinking we might need to have someone else in on the birth for support. He is asking questions all the time, which is good, but may also feed his worry about labor and delivery. I try to be casual and nonchalant about it, but there is no way to water down "episiotomy" or "vacuum extractor". Ahh well, maybe she'll be early and fast outta' the chute! Stay tuned...the countdown begins!, LR, Irvine California
Friday Jan. 20, 2006 - Year 3, Day 305 – deep hurt
snow & frozen slush crunches dryly underfoot as we walk in frosty darkness – little interaction as we both have things on our mind, sullen golden retriever, musing owner; it’s -10C/16F in south Calgary as first light touches the horizon
yesterday afternoon while I was on the phone my right hand petting Gusta, she was licking fingers . . she sneezed . . startling us both including the caller under the other end hearing my yelp ‘my dog bit me!’; involuntary sneeze + surgical precision = large tooth pierces finger; albeit a second that deep plunge produced a gusher – she more shocked & affected than me
in discussion yesterday about honesty or, rather, lack of it in relationships of all kinds but most particularly about it regarding dating relationships; my point being that most of my experience & experiences of my friends has been that many people are dishonest – not so much in terms of what is said, but in terms of what is not said . . sins of omission if you will disguising truth or misdirecting the inquirer
I found it interesting - this person a professional matchmaker – observed something that surprised me & got me thinking; she said what is described as dishonesty is not necessarily so but rather it is ‘perception of dishonesty’, that it is incumbent on the person encountering this appearance of dishonesty to probe, question & discuss issues to determine what the issue is all about etc.
while I think that is ‘good coaching’ I hold to my view that dishonesty, wearing disguise du jour, is a LARGE warning flag worth heeding, but then again I am not selling a service predicated on long drawn out process . .
moral of today’s tale: to avoid deep hurt, err on the side of full, true & complete disclosure . . . & don’t put your hand in an animal’s mouth when it is about to sneeze
Mark
yesterday afternoon while I was on the phone my right hand petting Gusta, she was licking fingers . . she sneezed . . startling us both including the caller under the other end hearing my yelp ‘my dog bit me!’; involuntary sneeze + surgical precision = large tooth pierces finger; albeit a second that deep plunge produced a gusher – she more shocked & affected than me
in discussion yesterday about honesty or, rather, lack of it in relationships of all kinds but most particularly about it regarding dating relationships; my point being that most of my experience & experiences of my friends has been that many people are dishonest – not so much in terms of what is said, but in terms of what is not said . . sins of omission if you will disguising truth or misdirecting the inquirer
I found it interesting - this person a professional matchmaker – observed something that surprised me & got me thinking; she said what is described as dishonesty is not necessarily so but rather it is ‘perception of dishonesty’, that it is incumbent on the person encountering this appearance of dishonesty to probe, question & discuss issues to determine what the issue is all about etc.
while I think that is ‘good coaching’ I hold to my view that dishonesty, wearing disguise du jour, is a LARGE warning flag worth heeding, but then again I am not selling a service predicated on long drawn out process . .
moral of today’s tale: to avoid deep hurt, err on the side of full, true & complete disclosure . . . & don’t put your hand in an animal’s mouth when it is about to sneeze
Mark
342,472
Thursday, January 19, 2006
January 19 Responses
Hi Mark, I haven't been receiving your musings this past week or so. Was I accidentally removed from the list? If so, please put me back on......I really enjoy reading your emails each morning. Thanks!, JLS, Calgary
. . .
hope you have a better day than yesterday! My day yesterday started in battling a frozen Ottawa after a full night of freezing rain and the associated mayhem! Twenty minutes to get off the street because the car wouldn't negotiate a slight uphill grade on sheer ice! Today is a much better day!, KD, Ottawa
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I just finished reading Blink - don't bother - stick with the Harvard Business Review. VBL Englewood, CO
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Does Gusta ever write a musing?, DM, Red Deer
Thursday Jan. 19, 2006 - Year 3, Day 304 – paradise found
-5C/23F, refreshing walk, breeze & a whiff of a distant rabbit determined direction & pace as Gusta sprang to life unsure if she wants to hunt bunnies or just play with one
several people mentioned ‘Blink’ in response to my comments yesterday; I have the book on ‘audio book’ sitting right here atop my ‘to read’ pile – one of the ones I bought recently - it’s next on my agenda
returning to smoked salmon cream cheese, bagel & coffee . . seems like just another day in paradise
is the treadmill an exercise tool or metaphor for endless work toward a goal we seem to never quite reach ? . . or does it matter
like the treadmill, sometimes we go many miles but seem to not get very far; yesterday felt like one of those %(&!@#*# days as I overcame [at least I think I did!] a roadblock with a cranky client, complaint du jour diffused by recognizing he is tired, cranky & anxious to get home to his family after a long road trip . . . that helped
accepting things & people ‘the way they are’ is something I struggle with, trying to impact & influence – sometimes I just need to shut up & stop selling – I need to ask more ‘what do you think’ of others, stop, listen & let it settle . . things are so much better when I do
I did that yesterday; thanks SM for your wise counsel
KT called from PV; life & writing & the ‘ocean cures all things’ mantra . . it seems like just another day in paradise
‘Paradise can be found on the back of horses, in books and between the breast of a woman.’
– Arab Proverb
Mark
several people mentioned ‘Blink’ in response to my comments yesterday; I have the book on ‘audio book’ sitting right here atop my ‘to read’ pile – one of the ones I bought recently - it’s next on my agenda
returning to smoked salmon cream cheese, bagel & coffee . . seems like just another day in paradise
is the treadmill an exercise tool or metaphor for endless work toward a goal we seem to never quite reach ? . . or does it matter
like the treadmill, sometimes we go many miles but seem to not get very far; yesterday felt like one of those %(&!@#*# days as I overcame [at least I think I did!] a roadblock with a cranky client, complaint du jour diffused by recognizing he is tired, cranky & anxious to get home to his family after a long road trip . . . that helped
accepting things & people ‘the way they are’ is something I struggle with, trying to impact & influence – sometimes I just need to shut up & stop selling – I need to ask more ‘what do you think’ of others, stop, listen & let it settle . . things are so much better when I do
I did that yesterday; thanks SM for your wise counsel
KT called from PV; life & writing & the ‘ocean cures all things’ mantra . . it seems like just another day in paradise
‘Paradise can be found on the back of horses, in books and between the breast of a woman.’
– Arab Proverb
Mark
342,496
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
January 18 Responses
you're musing made me think of the book 'Blink' my Malcolm Gladwell... It's all about the choices/decisions we make in the blink of an eye., SK, Edmonton
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Mark, Very interesting muse today! I would recommend reading the book Blink! by Malcolm Gladwell. The main thrust of the book is that our cognitive selection is so well honed that we can make very informative and accurate decisions in a blink of an eye. Malcolm makes it clear in the book that he is not talking about intuition which has an emotional gut feel element but the ability to think - quickly. A very interesting read. If you want some deeper learning then I would suggest the January edition of Harvard Business Review which dedicates the whole issue to decision-making. Have not finished that but some interesting concepts (especially the chemical reactions found between emotional and rational parts of the brain). Have a great day ;-) SZ, Calgary
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Hi Mark, I just noticed that I seem to have slipped off your list, unless of course you are sending me a message, by not sending your "messages"! I do enjoy the one minute read, mostly as a quiet respite from the daily norms of life, however I am occasionally stimulated to "jump in". So ... will you let me back into the club? Cheers KD, Ottawa
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I just started getting your Musings out of the blue about a month ago. I actually thought you might be on Vancouver Island as I had been looking through a couple of realtor websites for out there and your musings started not long after. I thought you must have picked up my email from one of them and starting sending the musings to me. However, now that I know you are in Calgary, I have no idea where you got myname or email address from., GR, Calgary
Wednesday Jan. 18, 2006 - Year 3, Day 303 – a new friend
1C/34F, mild, calm, dark . . Gusta was not happy with the short walk this morning; she’ll get more later
more & more I find spontaneous actions, comments & steps I take are best when I don’t take a long time second guessing an instinctive decision
if people are good, I have a sense of that quickly
if ideas make sense, they rarely come disguised
when I took more time, vacillated, debated & wondered ‘why am I doing this?’ more, did I make better choices ? . . or did I rationalize my choices
did I check them against my gut-meter ?
these choices are everywhere
who to meet, who to call, when & where to pitch an idea; which call to return first, which news item to read vs. which one to ignore, which idea to debate, which comment requires ‘explain that to me more deeply please?’, which elements of the daily noise to tune out, which to focus upon
I used to think that I reacted & acted without sufficient deliberation
when just a few seconds of deliberation would help; sometimes I fail to take the time to recognize the potential consequences of my actions
I used to think that was a shortcoming I needed to correct
while I still make mistakes in priority setting & errors in judgment about things that don’t matter much – I think the volume of choices is just as important as my percentage of success
what I am getting far better at is a new chapter in choice making
seeing long term strategy more clearly; not to suggest I am clairvoyant or wise, but having both the short term immediate issues in clear focus while at the same time seeing where today’s choices might take me; when it is my vision I measure it against my gut
the choice that seem to be mattering more & more are less about initiatives, transactions & this month’s results . . . more about the people I choose as friends, choose as clients, choose as collaborators . . . those are getting better
I met MW yesterday; lunch & conversation
I made a new friend
as Bogie said, this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship
a new friend might be just around your corner, are you watching ? will you notice the opportunity or let it get away ?
gotta run . . .
Mark
more & more I find spontaneous actions, comments & steps I take are best when I don’t take a long time second guessing an instinctive decision
if people are good, I have a sense of that quickly
if ideas make sense, they rarely come disguised
when I took more time, vacillated, debated & wondered ‘why am I doing this?’ more, did I make better choices ? . . or did I rationalize my choices
did I check them against my gut-meter ?
these choices are everywhere
who to meet, who to call, when & where to pitch an idea; which call to return first, which news item to read vs. which one to ignore, which idea to debate, which comment requires ‘explain that to me more deeply please?’, which elements of the daily noise to tune out, which to focus upon
I used to think that I reacted & acted without sufficient deliberation
when just a few seconds of deliberation would help; sometimes I fail to take the time to recognize the potential consequences of my actions
I used to think that was a shortcoming I needed to correct
while I still make mistakes in priority setting & errors in judgment about things that don’t matter much – I think the volume of choices is just as important as my percentage of success
what I am getting far better at is a new chapter in choice making
seeing long term strategy more clearly; not to suggest I am clairvoyant or wise, but having both the short term immediate issues in clear focus while at the same time seeing where today’s choices might take me; when it is my vision I measure it against my gut
the choice that seem to be mattering more & more are less about initiatives, transactions & this month’s results . . . more about the people I choose as friends, choose as clients, choose as collaborators . . . those are getting better
I met MW yesterday; lunch & conversation
I made a new friend
as Bogie said, this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship
a new friend might be just around your corner, are you watching ? will you notice the opportunity or let it get away ?
gotta run . . .
Mark
342,520
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
January 17 Responses
Your musing this morning led me to recall that one of my friends calls me "Pollyanna" If you've read the story rather than related to the cliché, you will know that the real Pollyanna was unrelentingly optimistic and made it a point to remind everyone around her to remember one of their blessings each day. OK, so call me Pollyanna, I think I could be grateful for that. Have a great day Mark. CC, Chimacum Washington
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Mark: Last night the Fish Creek Rotary Club gave $10,000 to the Friends of Fish Creek Park for improvements in the park. This brought to mind your daily walk and obvious enjoyment of the area. Two ideas emerged, 1) Could one of your readers attend the upcoming open-house to report on the improvements and changes to the already wonderful Calgary park area (http://www.friendsoffishcreek.org ) and 2) I had the crazy idea that a group of your readers might become involved in the organized park clean up expected this spring, accompany you on one of your now famous (with us at least) walks and enjoy a BBQ in the park. I know that this is outside the nine dots but what the heck..., SR, Calgary
Tuesday Jan. 17, 2006 - Year 3, Day 302 – 30 seconds
a full moon & stars watch us navigate snow & ice; neighbourhood is awake early, trash at the curb, lights on breakfast tables . . . it’s clear, calm & dark; -6C/21F in south Calgary this morning
we recently went through the gifting season; that time when well [or sometimes not so well] chosen gifts are wrapped, unwrapped & soon forgotten until next Dec. when we go at it again – not so much a retail treadmill as an 11 month lapse of gifting
what did you give away yesterday ? what will you give away today ? how many smiles, thoughts, words & orders from the florist marked your day yesterday ? how many are planned for today ? how many will happen spontaneously ?
I get wrapped up in the ‘file-du-jour’ with great zeal, rush through a day of emails, calls & quick hellos as I rush to & fro, but when I take a minute, or more likely ½ a minute to give away a warm thought, a positive idea, a complement the value of that time spent is incalculable
sometimes these gestures provide a return on investment – you know, the old cliché about what goes around comes around – more than that, what about the ‘I feel good when I do that factor?’ . . or maybe it just makes me a better person
I don’t cares about the pathology of this - it works; not so much on anyone else [maybe that too] but it works on me
take 30 seconds 4-5 times today to make a difference in someone’s day by what you say or do – give them a little gift of your thoughts, words, smile . . . or maybe even call your favorite florist
I feel better already
Mark
we recently went through the gifting season; that time when well [or sometimes not so well] chosen gifts are wrapped, unwrapped & soon forgotten until next Dec. when we go at it again – not so much a retail treadmill as an 11 month lapse of gifting
what did you give away yesterday ? what will you give away today ? how many smiles, thoughts, words & orders from the florist marked your day yesterday ? how many are planned for today ? how many will happen spontaneously ?
I get wrapped up in the ‘file-du-jour’ with great zeal, rush through a day of emails, calls & quick hellos as I rush to & fro, but when I take a minute, or more likely ½ a minute to give away a warm thought, a positive idea, a complement the value of that time spent is incalculable
sometimes these gestures provide a return on investment – you know, the old cliché about what goes around comes around – more than that, what about the ‘I feel good when I do that factor?’ . . or maybe it just makes me a better person
I don’t cares about the pathology of this - it works; not so much on anyone else [maybe that too] but it works on me
take 30 seconds 4-5 times today to make a difference in someone’s day by what you say or do – give them a little gift of your thoughts, words, smile . . . or maybe even call your favorite florist
I feel better already
Mark
342,544
Monday, January 16, 2006
January 16 Responses
Mark, Are you in the Landmark Team Management Leadership Program? I'm trying to figure out how I am getting your e-mails., VP, ?
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"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King; and further to ALP's comments and on a lighter note........'Before youcriticize people, you should walk a mile in their shoes, that way, when you criticize them you're a mile away, and, you have their shoes.' , MP, Calgary
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I wrote this somewhere else, and your musing today reminded me. Even if we don't see change, be it anyway, because: I am dreaming bigger every day. Cause like Dr. MLK, Jr, I know that the power to change those swords into plowshares is a mystical energy of people gathering, and singing. Joseph Rael saw it in his vision of the peace chambers: people singing. And in their vibration of peace, everything changed. And while I believe that a critical mass of people singing will cause the warmongers to put down their arms, the true magic is they don't even have to. Even if we don't see the evidence we think we want to see, our song is changing the world, bringingpeace. That is extraordinary faith, and the awesome power of a BIG dream! CSHope Maine
Monday Jan. 16, 2006 - Year 3, Day 301 – a dream
sun soon to rise, a ‘dawning of enlightenment’, horizon turning blue under the watchful eyes of a full moon & the morning star, we walked interrupted only by Gusta’s attempts at snow-angels in every fresh patch of white she sees; -6C/21F with a face chilling breeze this morning
his ‘I have a dream’ speech - words that cannot be recalled without hearing Martin Luther King Jr.’s words playing in my brain
that IS immortality
he would by 77 tomorrow & I wonder if he would feel his dream has been realized ?
this morning I was reading BU’s comments in the paper about a government settlement of a class action lawsuit over discrimination against people with developmental disabilities; Bruce, you say such politically correct words now compared to your ‘fire-in-the-belly’ rhetoric you used to be known for as if you feel we’ve come far enough in righting wrongs & making the playing field level – it makes me wonder if you are just embarrassed you were not out in front of that issue calling government to task . . . but it is not your fault alone
we are all complacent
our generation need not wait till it is our turn to run the world; it is our turn & for the most part we sit on our hands
my generation takes comfort in ‘how far we’ve come’, but so much momentum has been lost that it is hard to see that need as profoundly now though inequities & poverty exist outside everyone’s back door; not so graphically today for black people & women though we have far to go; more dramatically for all people who are marginalized – those with disabilities, First Nations Canadians & frail elderly
discrimination in so many forms is minimized by gestures & money & tokenism; in time we get to thinking things are OK, remarking ‘how far we have come’ which makes it easy for most to feel good that progress is being made toward equity
toward equity is a great concept but it is tempered by the speed at which we are traveling
Dr. King & so many others have inspired us to move far & to move fast
we need more dreams, we need more dreamers
Mark
his ‘I have a dream’ speech - words that cannot be recalled without hearing Martin Luther King Jr.’s words playing in my brain
that IS immortality
he would by 77 tomorrow & I wonder if he would feel his dream has been realized ?
this morning I was reading BU’s comments in the paper about a government settlement of a class action lawsuit over discrimination against people with developmental disabilities; Bruce, you say such politically correct words now compared to your ‘fire-in-the-belly’ rhetoric you used to be known for as if you feel we’ve come far enough in righting wrongs & making the playing field level – it makes me wonder if you are just embarrassed you were not out in front of that issue calling government to task . . . but it is not your fault alone
we are all complacent
our generation need not wait till it is our turn to run the world; it is our turn & for the most part we sit on our hands
my generation takes comfort in ‘how far we’ve come’, but so much momentum has been lost that it is hard to see that need as profoundly now though inequities & poverty exist outside everyone’s back door; not so graphically today for black people & women though we have far to go; more dramatically for all people who are marginalized – those with disabilities, First Nations Canadians & frail elderly
discrimination in so many forms is minimized by gestures & money & tokenism; in time we get to thinking things are OK, remarking ‘how far we have come’ which makes it easy for most to feel good that progress is being made toward equity
toward equity is a great concept but it is tempered by the speed at which we are traveling
Dr. King & so many others have inspired us to move far & to move fast
we need more dreams, we need more dreamers
Mark
342,568
Sunday, January 15, 2006
January 15 Responses
To Mark. It takes someone special to have that kind of open mind to do that, walking a mile in someone else's shoes for greater understanding. I think that's a quality that would make this world a better place if everybody did it... Just listening helps, too.To me. What would the book be about? Let me know if you need any of my input, I would be happy to help! To AK. You are welcome, anytime. Thank you for your kind words. To BP. Congrats on your new Grandbaby! I became a grandaunt for the first time on Nov. 10. We have some friends here in California that are of Korean descent. They believe a white cat crossing their path is bad luck. I believe white or black, if it crosses my path, bad luck for the cat! ALP in the high desert.
Sunday Jan. 15, 2006 - Year 3, Day 300 - focused now
-2C/28F, overcast – lots of wet snow overnight & still falling – Gusta had a ball
it would have been better if I was more focused earlier, but I wasn’t & that’s that
recalling my first readings of philosophy; I was in high school, the writer was Bertrand Russell . . . no matter . . . my reason for going to the library was to chat up a very attractive classmate Dixie Bowerman who I thought would be interested in me if she thought I was really smart & interested in philosophy
her lack of interest was disappointing
however, I was spending time in a library
ill-equipped to understand most of what I was reading, complex text & lack of understanding/perspective of a 16 yr. old the cause, I remember trying so hard to glean meaning - not just from Russell, but from Nietzsche & Goethe & Huxley & others too
lack of experience & a childhood that did not expose me to critical thinking were perhaps the cause of my failure to grasp important concepts
it caused me to doubt my intelligence, thinking ‘how can I achieve anything great in life, in career, in school if I cannot understand this stuff?’
or maybe I just wanted to get the girl ?
looking back I am not so sure it was a need to feel smarter or a need to be recognized, but the lack of smarts I felt at that point held me back . . I know it did
‘The main things which seem to be important on their own account, and not merely as means to other things, are knowledge, art, instinctive happiness, and relations of friendship or affection.’ – Bertrand Russell
I am focused now, I understand what is important . . . Dixie, where are you ?
work waits but it won’t wait long
Mark
it would have been better if I was more focused earlier, but I wasn’t & that’s that
recalling my first readings of philosophy; I was in high school, the writer was Bertrand Russell . . . no matter . . . my reason for going to the library was to chat up a very attractive classmate Dixie Bowerman who I thought would be interested in me if she thought I was really smart & interested in philosophy
her lack of interest was disappointing
however, I was spending time in a library
ill-equipped to understand most of what I was reading, complex text & lack of understanding/perspective of a 16 yr. old the cause, I remember trying so hard to glean meaning - not just from Russell, but from Nietzsche & Goethe & Huxley & others too
lack of experience & a childhood that did not expose me to critical thinking were perhaps the cause of my failure to grasp important concepts
it caused me to doubt my intelligence, thinking ‘how can I achieve anything great in life, in career, in school if I cannot understand this stuff?’
or maybe I just wanted to get the girl ?
looking back I am not so sure it was a need to feel smarter or a need to be recognized, but the lack of smarts I felt at that point held me back . . I know it did
‘The main things which seem to be important on their own account, and not merely as means to other things, are knowledge, art, instinctive happiness, and relations of friendship or affection.’ – Bertrand Russell
I am focused now, I understand what is important . . . Dixie, where are you ?
work waits but it won’t wait long
Mark
342,592
Saturday, January 14, 2006
January 14 Responses
Hi Mark, PLEASE delete this email off your daily list. I appreciate the thought, but I AM WAY too busy right now and have to leave for AZ this week, my father is ill. More later and take care, JG, Coeur d'Alene Idaho
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Congrats to BP on the new granddaughter...have twin ones and know how wonderful they are., SN, Lac La Biche AB
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Sounds like your trip last week was an adventure. Reading about it made me want some that butterscotch pudding! And yes many small towns have that effect you describe I think. Hope you had a good 1/2 day today, SC, Fort Smith NWT
Saturday Jan. 14, 2006 - Year 3, Day 299 - 6½ days
ice sculpted from slush floes from driveways spill over sidewalks make freeze-thaw creations that require 1 skate & 1 crampon - we manage somehow under brilliant sunshine & blue skies - Gusta thrilled – first day all week she’s been walked in daylight, -3C/27F
great exhaustion thisweekwhatwas left me horizontal most of the evening & late sleeping this morning; rest rest rest first on the weekend agenda followed by much catch up & prep for next week
some clients from across the world, some around the corner & some in rural Alberta, I witnessed a new collection of people, businesses & ways of life this week
I had the best homemade butterscotch pudding ever . . an alternative to jello; a two dessert restaurant in a one restaurant town
humbling, decent, noble – my point about this particular ‘small town’ – it could be any town where life is slow in a racing world, where growth is absent, where prosperity is neither reality or delusion but something to pursue - no matter chance of success is slim, smiles prevail & no one is late for curling
I am doing something to make a difference there, a place where I can teach a lot – but I learn so much more; I am rarely able to see someone else’s viewpoint other than filtered through my own, I need to spend more time away, more time talking to people on a street in a small town or wanderers on a beach . . . they have so much to teach
to walk in another’s shoes for a minute or for a day – not to imagine ‘how they see things’ but to operate from that other perspective, to work toward a different goal for a different reason starting from a very different place
body weary, brain busy; too many ideas ready for action, too many must do’s compete for attention
my new year ‘new ways’ scarcely make a difference; thus far the 6½ day work week is my crowning achievement
my challenge to fit all interesting new pursuits into the 6½ so my other ½ can be spent exploring for new ones
Mark
great exhaustion thisweekwhatwas left me horizontal most of the evening & late sleeping this morning; rest rest rest first on the weekend agenda followed by much catch up & prep for next week
some clients from across the world, some around the corner & some in rural Alberta, I witnessed a new collection of people, businesses & ways of life this week
I had the best homemade butterscotch pudding ever . . an alternative to jello; a two dessert restaurant in a one restaurant town
humbling, decent, noble – my point about this particular ‘small town’ – it could be any town where life is slow in a racing world, where growth is absent, where prosperity is neither reality or delusion but something to pursue - no matter chance of success is slim, smiles prevail & no one is late for curling
I am doing something to make a difference there, a place where I can teach a lot – but I learn so much more; I am rarely able to see someone else’s viewpoint other than filtered through my own, I need to spend more time away, more time talking to people on a street in a small town or wanderers on a beach . . . they have so much to teach
to walk in another’s shoes for a minute or for a day – not to imagine ‘how they see things’ but to operate from that other perspective, to work toward a different goal for a different reason starting from a very different place
body weary, brain busy; too many ideas ready for action, too many must do’s compete for attention
my new year ‘new ways’ scarcely make a difference; thus far the 6½ day work week is my crowning achievement
my challenge to fit all interesting new pursuits into the 6½ so my other ½ can be spent exploring for new ones
Mark
342,516
Friday, January 13, 2006
January 13 Responses
I am saving that mental image of a young woman playing guitar and howling like a coyote to make her abuelita laugh…and shaking the bed…I could not have invented color like that. She will be a character in a book I write someday! Talk soon, love, me
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To ALP in the high desert. Thanks for sharing your love for your family, AK, Calgary
. . .
speaking of cats crossing our path.....when a black cat crossed mine last night I new something good was about to happen...and then on my lucky day "Friday the 13th" I added to my collection of grandbabies....a new grand-daughter born just after midnight....this is truly what life is all about! On a side note...ALP you are wonderful...god bless! BP, Calgary
Friday Jan. 13, 2006 - Year 3, Day 298 - eclipsed
-9C/18F, clear & calm; Gusta happy to be back on home turf & running hard; we walked without incident, no ice pratfalls or cats crossing our path . . we are off to a good start
‘Fatigue is the best pillow.’ – Benjamin Franklin
a very full day yesterday; good meeting with DH, great luncheon/reunion with my barrier-free colleagues, quick trip to Mayerthorpe [hey NL, I had no idea you were an election candidate!], back to Edmonton, coffee with Krista . . she’s doing great . . the back . . all in just under 20 hours; exhausting but not with usual frenetic pace, but with connecting with old friends & new ones & old turf & new adventures; exhausted last night I fell into bed after 22 hours awake, 1000 km of driving & way too much coffee for 1 day . . so I slept long & well
yesterday’s high point was not the luncheon, the benevolent words, the ‘thank you’ plaque or the tasty lunch – it was reunion with colleagues who passionately served a common purpose, who debated minutia, solved problems together over many years – we are all at one table, like the kids table at a family dinner, it was so much fun
we have a special connection . . . a precious by-product of all those years that eclipses the great work we did together
I slept late, walked late, started late & the phone has been going crazy already & a ton of work on my desk for tomorrow . . .
I’ll rest on the 7th day
Mark
‘Fatigue is the best pillow.’ – Benjamin Franklin
a very full day yesterday; good meeting with DH, great luncheon/reunion with my barrier-free colleagues, quick trip to Mayerthorpe [hey NL, I had no idea you were an election candidate!], back to Edmonton, coffee with Krista . . she’s doing great . . the back . . all in just under 20 hours; exhausting but not with usual frenetic pace, but with connecting with old friends & new ones & old turf & new adventures; exhausted last night I fell into bed after 22 hours awake, 1000 km of driving & way too much coffee for 1 day . . so I slept long & well
yesterday’s high point was not the luncheon, the benevolent words, the ‘thank you’ plaque or the tasty lunch – it was reunion with colleagues who passionately served a common purpose, who debated minutia, solved problems together over many years – we are all at one table, like the kids table at a family dinner, it was so much fun
we have a special connection . . . a precious by-product of all those years that eclipses the great work we did together
I slept late, walked late, started late & the phone has been going crazy already & a ton of work on my desk for tomorrow . . .
I’ll rest on the 7th day
Mark
342,540
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Jan. 12 Responses
Thanks Mark for your participation in ground breaking (and barrier busting!) work on amending the Building Code(s). Working with such detailed text is second in the mind numbing scale only to the Tax Act! There is a new National Building Code currently being rolled out which I suspect has continued this evolutionary process. To see a shining example of "barrier free" construction, visit Calgary's own Rotary Challenger Park in the city's northeast (just off McKnight and 36th St). It is a relatively unknown $15.0 million purpose built sports facility, incorporating the latest barrier free concepts to accommodate use by everyone in our community! Look forward to reading your continued musings., CD, Calgary
. . .
Well Mark, maybe there was no $50,000 cheque for each of us for our many years of "public service," but it was great to be appreciated today - and great to see all of our "comrades in arms" again!, MI, Calgary
. . .
Thanks for including me in your musing list. Could you please take me offthe distribution list? I am trying to manage my email volume and wouldprefer to follow your musings via the website. Thank you!, MD, Vancouver
. . .
Happy New Year Mark and All. The early part of Dec. '05 we were without internet in between servers, and then when we finally got it, I was off to Arizona for Christmas. Today I was able to sit down and read your musings. Wow, a month's worth. A muser, the one that called her Grandmother like a cockroach reminds me of a conversation I had with an Aunt who asked about someone in my family. Before I was done, she said, "Remember, when you point one finger at someone, you have 3 more pointed at yourself." I guess she took my update as complaining. I love the person I was talking about and wasn't meaning it to sound bad. There was also a relative (a couple of years ago) in my family that I hadn't seen since I was around 10 years of age at most, and when I was leaving to go back to California I said to him, "until we meet again." He said, "Well, I have brain condition, I don't have long to live." I rolled down my window and poked my head out in the cold night and said, "Is that right?! What is it? You can't leave yet, I just met you." A bubble in a vein, started with an "A". Aneurysm? Can't remember how to spell it. I looked at my youngest sister in the driver seat, knowing she was late for something and gave her a little frown. I whispered to her that nobody told me this. She gave a sigh when I unbuckled my seat belt and exited the car. He was taken aback when I walked up to him, gave him a hug and a kiss on his (facial) cheek. Gave him another hug and told him I remember the last time I saw him. He lifted me onto a horse, also gave my brother and I a boat ride on the lake. When I pulled back, his mind was searching the memory, and when he found it, he asked me what I thought of that. I said, "Happy thoughts. Good childhood memories." He hadn't realized it wasn't just another babysitting job, he had made an impression on a step-niece. He actually had tears in his eyes for that validation. I said I love you and that my only regret is that I had forgotten you in that time since and I wished I had gotten to know you better. He said it wasn't my fault: he chose to stay away from the family for reasons of his own. Later I found out the family thought that he was a nuisance and weren't very nice to him. Last December when in Arizona I was driving my mother home from shopping in Tucson, the subject of Mike came up. We spoke nothing but good about him. She told me of what he was going through with the family and the events leading up to his last days. She had a message from him a short time before his death. He said that she, my brother and I were the only ones that he felt really cared about him. I cried. The next morning, I heard on the travel trailer door a scratching sound. I put on my coat and carefully opened the door and there stood Tracer, Mike's bloodhound mix. Those eyes and the wrinkles above them, the wagging tail, the smile. I knew he was telling me "Thank you" from Mike. I put my shoes on and sat on the step and hugged and pet Tracer (Short for Tres Arroyos) I told Tracer to tell Uncle Michael Merry Christmas and that I miss him. I received a wet, sloppy kiss. Oh yuck! *LOL* I then went to the main house and wished my Mom and Dad a Merry Christmas. My only surviving (on my side of the family) Grandmother and only Godmother will be 89 next month. I know broken Spanish and she knows broken English. Every year I wonder if this is her last year so I go visit at those two main Holidays, TG and Xmas. Many times it's been touch and go because of her ails. This year I'm adding Spring on the agenda. She is blind for many years now but still mentally and verbally feisty. She doesn't let people forget she's still here. I love that about her. I give her massages, and shaking the bed real hard making her bounce, I yell 9.5 earthquake, Mamanina! Do you remember California earthquakes? I love to hear her laugh. Sometimes I'll play guitar for her. She'll sing a song in Spanish and I'll howl like a coyote and that makes her laugh. I mean really laugh. She forgets things from one minute to the next and has to be reminded. It can be painful if I let it, but no, I must be strong and loving. My other cousins come to visit from California and some of them eye her possessions, and some of the "stuff" have turned up missing. I walk past what's left and go straight to her with hugs and kisses and give her updates on my family. I love you, Mamanina.My brother suffers from schizophrenia and it has put a strain on my family. I'm the only one that goes out of my way to visit him and listen to his outrageous stories. Sure, it tries my patience and I get short with him sometimes, but in a way it helps him to focus on what's really real. It makes me smile when he apologizes for his behaviour the next day and I say, "There's nothing to forgive, Xavier. I love you." Everything's cool. So, everybody out there, I know we live in very trying times and it's hard to trust strangers, be kind. A warm smile, a "hello" in passing, a handshake during an introduction, a hug and or a kiss in farewell can make a world of difference in someone's life. Especially the elderly. If your heart is good, it will show. Set an example for kids, too. Invest some time in them for if they live long enough, they may become our leaders, ALP in the high desert.
. . .
Well Mark, maybe there was no $50,000 cheque for each of us for our many years of "public service," but it was great to be appreciated today - and great to see all of our "comrades in arms" again!, MI, Calgary
. . .
Thanks for including me in your musing list. Could you please take me offthe distribution list? I am trying to manage my email volume and wouldprefer to follow your musings via the website. Thank you!, MD, Vancouver
. . .
Happy New Year Mark and All. The early part of Dec. '05 we were without internet in between servers, and then when we finally got it, I was off to Arizona for Christmas. Today I was able to sit down and read your musings. Wow, a month's worth. A muser, the one that called her Grandmother like a cockroach reminds me of a conversation I had with an Aunt who asked about someone in my family. Before I was done, she said, "Remember, when you point one finger at someone, you have 3 more pointed at yourself." I guess she took my update as complaining. I love the person I was talking about and wasn't meaning it to sound bad. There was also a relative (a couple of years ago) in my family that I hadn't seen since I was around 10 years of age at most, and when I was leaving to go back to California I said to him, "until we meet again." He said, "Well, I have brain condition, I don't have long to live." I rolled down my window and poked my head out in the cold night and said, "Is that right?! What is it? You can't leave yet, I just met you." A bubble in a vein, started with an "A". Aneurysm? Can't remember how to spell it. I looked at my youngest sister in the driver seat, knowing she was late for something and gave her a little frown. I whispered to her that nobody told me this. She gave a sigh when I unbuckled my seat belt and exited the car. He was taken aback when I walked up to him, gave him a hug and a kiss on his (facial) cheek. Gave him another hug and told him I remember the last time I saw him. He lifted me onto a horse, also gave my brother and I a boat ride on the lake. When I pulled back, his mind was searching the memory, and when he found it, he asked me what I thought of that. I said, "Happy thoughts. Good childhood memories." He hadn't realized it wasn't just another babysitting job, he had made an impression on a step-niece. He actually had tears in his eyes for that validation. I said I love you and that my only regret is that I had forgotten you in that time since and I wished I had gotten to know you better. He said it wasn't my fault: he chose to stay away from the family for reasons of his own. Later I found out the family thought that he was a nuisance and weren't very nice to him. Last December when in Arizona I was driving my mother home from shopping in Tucson, the subject of Mike came up. We spoke nothing but good about him. She told me of what he was going through with the family and the events leading up to his last days. She had a message from him a short time before his death. He said that she, my brother and I were the only ones that he felt really cared about him. I cried. The next morning, I heard on the travel trailer door a scratching sound. I put on my coat and carefully opened the door and there stood Tracer, Mike's bloodhound mix. Those eyes and the wrinkles above them, the wagging tail, the smile. I knew he was telling me "Thank you" from Mike. I put my shoes on and sat on the step and hugged and pet Tracer (Short for Tres Arroyos) I told Tracer to tell Uncle Michael Merry Christmas and that I miss him. I received a wet, sloppy kiss. Oh yuck! *LOL* I then went to the main house and wished my Mom and Dad a Merry Christmas. My only surviving (on my side of the family) Grandmother and only Godmother will be 89 next month. I know broken Spanish and she knows broken English. Every year I wonder if this is her last year so I go visit at those two main Holidays, TG and Xmas. Many times it's been touch and go because of her ails. This year I'm adding Spring on the agenda. She is blind for many years now but still mentally and verbally feisty. She doesn't let people forget she's still here. I love that about her. I give her massages, and shaking the bed real hard making her bounce, I yell 9.5 earthquake, Mamanina! Do you remember California earthquakes? I love to hear her laugh. Sometimes I'll play guitar for her. She'll sing a song in Spanish and I'll howl like a coyote and that makes her laugh. I mean really laugh. She forgets things from one minute to the next and has to be reminded. It can be painful if I let it, but no, I must be strong and loving. My other cousins come to visit from California and some of them eye her possessions, and some of the "stuff" have turned up missing. I walk past what's left and go straight to her with hugs and kisses and give her updates on my family. I love you, Mamanina.My brother suffers from schizophrenia and it has put a strain on my family. I'm the only one that goes out of my way to visit him and listen to his outrageous stories. Sure, it tries my patience and I get short with him sometimes, but in a way it helps him to focus on what's really real. It makes me smile when he apologizes for his behaviour the next day and I say, "There's nothing to forgive, Xavier. I love you." Everything's cool. So, everybody out there, I know we live in very trying times and it's hard to trust strangers, be kind. A warm smile, a "hello" in passing, a handshake during an introduction, a hug and or a kiss in farewell can make a world of difference in someone's life. Especially the elderly. If your heart is good, it will show. Set an example for kids, too. Invest some time in them for if they live long enough, they may become our leaders, ALP in the high desert.
Thursday Jan. 12, 2006 - Year 3, Day 297 - barrier free by design
-6C/23F, a frosty walk in the wee wee hours, very busy rabbits made Gusta’s walk a frenetic chore as she chased the illusion of fresh wascally wabbit – perhaps the notion of doing that at 3:30 AM must have felt like the perfect puppy dream/sleep walking activity
by the time I finished my ‘must do on Wednesday’ work last night it was too late to be driving so ‘early rising’ after few hours sleep became the safer alternative . . caffeine & light traffic are my friends . . I am off to Edmonton
my 2:30 meeting this afternoon with DH in Edmonton was re-scheduled to 8:30 AM . . thanks DH, you better be really nice to me!!
about 25 years ago, when provincial legislation governing building & other codes was being revamped the very valuable ‘Barrier Free Design’ functions via a review committee slipped through cracks & disappeared; together with Eric Boyd & Dave Pinney & quiet voices of many behind the scenes including Paul Mousseau we lobbied for its ‘re-instatement’
it sometimes seemed the barriers were everywhere, they were free, as if by design
we succeeded, though that was the first of what seemed like an endless series of battles
the Barrier Free Design Advisory Committee was supported on a budget that did not even resemble a shoe-string; for nearly 20 years that followed a great group of wonderful people with cleverness & understanding, with skill & passion ensured that code re-writing could genuinely make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, frail elderly folks & children could achieve useful function in buildings without putting developers in the poor house; a group of colleagues & friends bantered & debated how best to ensure fairness as well as form followed function – a genuinely thankless job spent nit-picking with engineers & officials of many stripes – as a product of this work the Alberta Building Code & National Building codes have few sections that have not been impacted
today at a luncheon in Edmonton my colleagues & I are finally being thanked for that thankless job; it is bittersweet as a Barrier Free Council, entrenched in new legislation – finally exists – now new appointees with a mandate they have yet to fully appreciate begin a new generation of code-evolution . . . oh yummy thoughts of debating millimeters, newtons & nuances, of visual impairments & things that drive you crazy; we all had fire in our bellies when we started, some burned bright, some burned out, some did a slow burn . . . but we burned in a way that would have made Kerouac proud
things got tougher, then easier . . worthy skills equal to a worthy struggle
each time you see a Braille appliqué in an elevator, use a barrier free washroom, find ramps actually in the vicinity of the wide parking stalls & building access that is genuine & functional there are a handful of people responsible for that
they are my friends I admire profoundly – your thank-you luncheon is long overdue, I’ll be seeing you soon
Mark
by the time I finished my ‘must do on Wednesday’ work last night it was too late to be driving so ‘early rising’ after few hours sleep became the safer alternative . . caffeine & light traffic are my friends . . I am off to Edmonton
my 2:30 meeting this afternoon with DH in Edmonton was re-scheduled to 8:30 AM . . thanks DH, you better be really nice to me!!
about 25 years ago, when provincial legislation governing building & other codes was being revamped the very valuable ‘Barrier Free Design’ functions via a review committee slipped through cracks & disappeared; together with Eric Boyd & Dave Pinney & quiet voices of many behind the scenes including Paul Mousseau we lobbied for its ‘re-instatement’
it sometimes seemed the barriers were everywhere, they were free, as if by design
we succeeded, though that was the first of what seemed like an endless series of battles
the Barrier Free Design Advisory Committee was supported on a budget that did not even resemble a shoe-string; for nearly 20 years that followed a great group of wonderful people with cleverness & understanding, with skill & passion ensured that code re-writing could genuinely make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, frail elderly folks & children could achieve useful function in buildings without putting developers in the poor house; a group of colleagues & friends bantered & debated how best to ensure fairness as well as form followed function – a genuinely thankless job spent nit-picking with engineers & officials of many stripes – as a product of this work the Alberta Building Code & National Building codes have few sections that have not been impacted
today at a luncheon in Edmonton my colleagues & I are finally being thanked for that thankless job; it is bittersweet as a Barrier Free Council, entrenched in new legislation – finally exists – now new appointees with a mandate they have yet to fully appreciate begin a new generation of code-evolution . . . oh yummy thoughts of debating millimeters, newtons & nuances, of visual impairments & things that drive you crazy; we all had fire in our bellies when we started, some burned bright, some burned out, some did a slow burn . . . but we burned in a way that would have made Kerouac proud
things got tougher, then easier . . worthy skills equal to a worthy struggle
each time you see a Braille appliqué in an elevator, use a barrier free washroom, find ramps actually in the vicinity of the wide parking stalls & building access that is genuine & functional there are a handful of people responsible for that
they are my friends I admire profoundly – your thank-you luncheon is long overdue, I’ll be seeing you soon
Mark
342,564
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
January 11 Responses
Interesting topic today Mark as I seem to have the same issues with keys - In fact lost some a month or so ago, paid for the locksmith (20 seconds and he was in), then found the keys weeks later.....all because no spare set was in existence! An excellent jolt to head to the nearest Canadian Tire after work and have that spare set of keys made and duly concealed in the appropriate location for just such an occasion!, AF - Calgary
. . .
To SW: I will be looking for that book. Your comments ring so true for me, as a mature independent passionate woman. AIR, Calgary
. . .
Mark: Hope the fall didn't bruise the ego? And those keys? A big thanks to SW in Couer de'Alene for the summary on the book Sex and the Seasoned Woman (can't wait to read it). You go girl, I will stand beside you., CB, Calgary
. . .
I've finally figured out how I know you!!!, F, ?
Wednesday Jan. 11, 2006 - Year 3, Day 296 - key issues
-3C/27F, light snow falling onto a blanket that fell overnight; Gusta is in dog-heaven while her owner tries not to fall on ice hidden under the snow . . . we’ll do better tomorrow
amazing how much we depend on little things/systems in our day to day life ‘not to fail’, amazing a day [or more] could be altered by a little event . . losing keys, locked out, no access to anything
‘life’ or at least ‘potential chaos of the day’ flashed through my mind; not when I fell on the ice, let loose of the leash or hollered for runaway Gusta to STOP – but when I got back to my building, reached into my pocket to find my keys missing . . . the sprint back to the ‘fall location’ & fumbling about in the snow were not all that comforting while ‘how will I manage to get through the day without my keys’ thoughts raced
a good idea putting keys in a zippered pocket, even better when the zipper is closed
having a spare set of keys made is no on my to-do list
Mark
342,588
amazing how much we depend on little things/systems in our day to day life ‘not to fail’, amazing a day [or more] could be altered by a little event . . losing keys, locked out, no access to anything
‘life’ or at least ‘potential chaos of the day’ flashed through my mind; not when I fell on the ice, let loose of the leash or hollered for runaway Gusta to STOP – but when I got back to my building, reached into my pocket to find my keys missing . . . the sprint back to the ‘fall location’ & fumbling about in the snow were not all that comforting while ‘how will I manage to get through the day without my keys’ thoughts raced
a good idea putting keys in a zippered pocket, even better when the zipper is closed
having a spare set of keys made is no on my to-do list
Mark
342,588
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
January 10 Responses
Just have to thank you today for your continuing glimpses into the passion and compassion of a man. Thank you for writing every day. CS, Hope Maine
Mark, I am heading off for holidays. Please remove me from your mailing list until Feb. 15. Thanks., BB, Edmonton
In grade 10, a frustrated teacher asked our English class, "What's really important to know? I don't remember how we answered. I only remember his tired response: "Everything," he said. "Life's tragedy is that there simply isn't time, but spending the rest of your lives trying is all there is!" Your Kerouac card brought that to mind. Thank you. , MW, ?
Mark, Great quote from Kerouac, my favorite writer. When I first read him, I was a kid in Grade 8 in Winnipeg. It was like fireworks going off and I wanted to put on my backpack and hit the road., Keep musing and amusing, JD
Good ~ when you plan your trip ~ I know a lot of nice ladies of your vintage ~, KL, Marriott
Dear Mark, I am not sure how my work email ended up on your mailing list - it hasbeen some time now - perhaps forwarded by my realtor. Anyway, I liked the idea of being able to look at your musings on your blog from time to time rather than have them come into my work email. Could you remove my name from your mailing list? Regards, HD, Edmonton
I've been reminiscing about what it is I'm yearning for in a relationship with a man at this stage of my life, and came across an article yesterday introducing Gail Sheehy's new book, Sex and the Seasoned woman... which hits bookstores today. Her research reports a new phenomenon in Boomer-generation female attitudes. You men who are already yawning, better pay attention; these are the women you may date/love/have in your life!! I love this stuff, and am finally admitting that this is the new me, without shame and guilt. Like the Kerouac quote about fabulous yellow roman candles....I want passion, not just sexually but in every way. No settling, no compromise, with friends, lovers, new adventures. Sexual revitalization, A new dream, and spiritual exploration, are top desires!
So, here's the scoop.....
WHAT A SEASONED WOMAN OFFERS:
*A 'what the hell, life-is-short" joie de vivre.
*Emotional stability.
*Financial independence.
*The ability to talk about anything.
*No ticking biological clock.
*A knowledge of what she wants sexually/appreciation of a good lover.
WHAT A SEASONED WOMAN WANTS:
*Romance, fun, flirting, finesse.
*Good conversation.
*Mutual sexual pleasure with emotional connection.
*Not to be tied down.
*Men who are not threatened by her accomplishments
*She wants to go dancing!
Comments welcome Mark!, SW, Coeur d'Alene Idaho
Hi Mark, This is not "musings" related but I was wondering because you know so many people ...are you aware of anyone who is looking for a job as a Salesperson. Thanks ...have a great afternoon!, SP, Calgary
Mark, I am heading off for holidays. Please remove me from your mailing list until Feb. 15. Thanks., BB, Edmonton
In grade 10, a frustrated teacher asked our English class, "What's really important to know? I don't remember how we answered. I only remember his tired response: "Everything," he said. "Life's tragedy is that there simply isn't time, but spending the rest of your lives trying is all there is!" Your Kerouac card brought that to mind. Thank you. , MW, ?
Mark, Great quote from Kerouac, my favorite writer. When I first read him, I was a kid in Grade 8 in Winnipeg. It was like fireworks going off and I wanted to put on my backpack and hit the road., Keep musing and amusing, JD
Good ~ when you plan your trip ~ I know a lot of nice ladies of your vintage ~, KL, Marriott
Dear Mark, I am not sure how my work email ended up on your mailing list - it hasbeen some time now - perhaps forwarded by my realtor. Anyway, I liked the idea of being able to look at your musings on your blog from time to time rather than have them come into my work email. Could you remove my name from your mailing list? Regards, HD, Edmonton
I've been reminiscing about what it is I'm yearning for in a relationship with a man at this stage of my life, and came across an article yesterday introducing Gail Sheehy's new book, Sex and the Seasoned woman... which hits bookstores today. Her research reports a new phenomenon in Boomer-generation female attitudes. You men who are already yawning, better pay attention; these are the women you may date/love/have in your life!! I love this stuff, and am finally admitting that this is the new me, without shame and guilt. Like the Kerouac quote about fabulous yellow roman candles....I want passion, not just sexually but in every way. No settling, no compromise, with friends, lovers, new adventures. Sexual revitalization, A new dream, and spiritual exploration, are top desires!
So, here's the scoop.....
WHAT A SEASONED WOMAN OFFERS:
*A 'what the hell, life-is-short" joie de vivre.
*Emotional stability.
*Financial independence.
*The ability to talk about anything.
*No ticking biological clock.
*A knowledge of what she wants sexually/appreciation of a good lover.
WHAT A SEASONED WOMAN WANTS:
*Romance, fun, flirting, finesse.
*Good conversation.
*Mutual sexual pleasure with emotional connection.
*Not to be tied down.
*Men who are not threatened by her accomplishments
*She wants to go dancing!
Comments welcome Mark!, SW, Coeur d'Alene Idaho
Hi Mark, This is not "musings" related but I was wondering because you know so many people ...are you aware of anyone who is looking for a job as a Salesperson. Thanks ...have a great afternoon!, SP, Calgary
January 10 Responses
Just have to thank you today for your continuing glimpses into the passion and compassion of a man. Thank you for writing every day. CS, Hope Maine
. . .
Mark, I am heading off for holidays. Please remove me from your mailing list until Feb. 15. Thanks., BB, Edmonton
. . .
Mark, I am heading off for holidays. Please remove me from your mailing list until Feb. 15. Thanks., BB, Edmonton
Tuesday Jan. 10, 2006 - Year 3, Day 295 - fabulous yellow roman candles
-8C/18F, overcast & frosty . . . a sprint more than a walk; Gusta argued with 2 lap pups . . we moved on
I’ve been reminiscing recently prompted by more than just a few déjà vu moments . . reflecting on early days in my relationship with SC
it was a couple of years so many years ago . . we moved on
we’ve been close, we’ve been estranged & a-stranged on many occasions, we’ve never been out of love, we’ve never run out of love – great lovers, great friends always . . we moved on
reconnecting . . revisiting . . remembering . . we moved on
memories to be treasured & remembering that loving someone that deeply lasts a lifetime no matter what directions & paths we each take; we have, we do, we will . . . we moved on
about a dozen years ago I sent a card with the Twain quote to SC . . she keeps it in a frame on her desk; well, she bested that with a card that arrived yesterday – destined to be framed & sit on my desk
the precious words inside the card suggesting this quote references me are private, humbling & will be treasured FAA; the card cover is this quote from Jack Kerouac:
‘The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars . . . ’
some people I’ve met over the last while have challenged me on how easily I say ‘NEXT’, but then they’ve not experienced the imagination of Twain & the passion of Kerouac rolled together during a precious place in time
when the bar is NOT set that high, it is better if . . . we moved on
I thought, in a 2nd marriage to ‘whatzername’, that I had found it again; I misjudged that by more than a country mile . . . we moved on . .
may life bring me more high bars & magic & fire . . . let it burn, let it be fireworks
Mark
I’ve been reminiscing recently prompted by more than just a few déjà vu moments . . reflecting on early days in my relationship with SC
it was a couple of years so many years ago . . we moved on
we’ve been close, we’ve been estranged & a-stranged on many occasions, we’ve never been out of love, we’ve never run out of love – great lovers, great friends always . . we moved on
reconnecting . . revisiting . . remembering . . we moved on
memories to be treasured & remembering that loving someone that deeply lasts a lifetime no matter what directions & paths we each take; we have, we do, we will . . . we moved on
about a dozen years ago I sent a card with the Twain quote to SC . . she keeps it in a frame on her desk; well, she bested that with a card that arrived yesterday – destined to be framed & sit on my desk
the precious words inside the card suggesting this quote references me are private, humbling & will be treasured FAA; the card cover is this quote from Jack Kerouac:
‘The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars . . . ’
some people I’ve met over the last while have challenged me on how easily I say ‘NEXT’, but then they’ve not experienced the imagination of Twain & the passion of Kerouac rolled together during a precious place in time
when the bar is NOT set that high, it is better if . . . we moved on
I thought, in a 2nd marriage to ‘whatzername’, that I had found it again; I misjudged that by more than a country mile . . . we moved on . .
may life bring me more high bars & magic & fire . . . let it burn, let it be fireworks
Mark
342,612
January 9 Response
Good morning Mark. I'm in Calgary...Diamond Cove to be precise. Basedon your musings I assume you live somewhere along Fish Creek. I don'tthink our paths have crossed, but we may have swore at each other on theDeerfoot., AB, Calgary
Monday, January 09, 2006
Monday Jan. 9, 2006 - Year 3, Day 294- pulling hard
this morning @ 6 AM it was eerily quiet as I walked Gusta – not a creature stirring – but she smelled one; in due course I too saw the rabbit that caused her to pull hard on her lead straining . . anxious to bust loose; Chinook breezes bring the warm, +5C/37F;
thanks to those who wrote yesterday
you have me musing to myself, playing with some BHAG’s [big hairy audacious goals]. . a pregnant idea is gestating, a seed germinates, it grows . . straining . . anxious to bust loose
a jumble of ideas, thoughts & material floating in your head . . . no order, no sense of how it all relates yet . . . the chaos invigorating, the direction unclear – what a buzz !
do you ever have that ?
today is a busy day . . school & university classes are all back in, hot-spot vacationers have returned & 2006 is finally fully underway in the business world . . . traffic too, sadly, is back to gridlock levels
gotta buzzt loose
Mark
thanks to those who wrote yesterday
you have me musing to myself, playing with some BHAG’s [big hairy audacious goals]. . a pregnant idea is gestating, a seed germinates, it grows . . straining . . anxious to bust loose
a jumble of ideas, thoughts & material floating in your head . . . no order, no sense of how it all relates yet . . . the chaos invigorating, the direction unclear – what a buzz !
do you ever have that ?
today is a busy day . . school & university classes are all back in, hot-spot vacationers have returned & 2006 is finally fully underway in the business world . . . traffic too, sadly, is back to gridlock levels
gotta buzzt loose
Mark
342,636
Sunday, January 08, 2006
January 8 Responses
Mark: Interesting musings - Since a comment made to me on Friday, I have been toying with the idea of using some of my holiday time to volunteer my time and skills (e.g. Habitat for Humanity). Your musings have given me another push in that direction. Now I just have to decide where my plan will take me., AW, Calgary
. . .
each 1 of us to take on responsibility for 6 billion of us ? Oooh, What a loaded question! Calling all mystics, for it is a mystical, alchemical equation that lets one of us take responsibility that ultimately benefits all 6 billion of us. I volunteered for that job. The miracles worked by acting locally, doing good and doing well in our own families and communities, really does help those coping with desperate conditions in other parts of the world. I have been awed by the ability of people to take good care of themselves in the face extreme hardship given self-determination, a peacefulenvironment, and access to resources respectfully offered. Thank you for thereminder of my personal wealth, and for the picture of the raven. Did it sayGrock? it was a raven :o) CS, Hope, Maine
. . .
What a timely question, Mark. I have been having some deep conversations and emails with a professor in Boise, Idaho, who is an expert on entrepreneurs who make the world a better place....At his suggestion I checked out an organization on the web called Ashoka and encourage you to take a look....I felt so hopeful that this is just one example of how anyone can be involved in the grassroots of creating change all over the world.... I was so inspired! It isn't just the Gates or the big icons who impact poverty, ignorance, oppression....it's all us fortunate little people, who simply pose questions like you did. Thanks.... , SW, Coeur d'Alene Idaho
. . .
Could be a raven, don't you remember, I told you how to tell the difference ??? different symbol for the day , with different meanings. Good morning Mark :) , IA, Post Falls Idaho
. . .
As a new year begins, and so many ponder the reason for life, the real meaning is found in being kind to you neighbor, and helping those in need. With every snap of Bono's fingers, representing another persons life passing, you stand on your soapbox and cry it out for the whole world to hear. , HF, Calgary
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I find myself torn between personal and community (defined micro or macro)responsibility. I believe that only those who desire change can achieve change. While change can certainly be thrust upon us, only our personal choices can make that change a positive or negative. Only individual perspective will determine events of change to be anything but neutral. I find myself gripped in change (and pending change, and desire for change). My response thus far has been simply in sadness and ennui. However, once I am able to accept change, my response to it will necessarily improve. And with the acceptance and a kinder, gentler outlook, I can potentially be an inspiration of change for others. But in the end, those who we observe and judge as needing change can only effect change themselves. Regardless of what the "haves" provide (be it money, spiritual connection, freedom, or what-have-you), the "have-nots" alone are the agents of change. And that only occurs with the right mix of realistic outlooks, acceptance of reality, and willingness to adopt new worldviews. To bring it back to your query, I think that those who "have" best serve themselves by making it their responsibility to "do these things that need doing", but only the "have-nots" can sustain it, and only by their distinctchoice to do so. , JS, Calgary
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RE: best before; Don't know if you are a reader, but on the subject of life and death you might try "How, Then, Shall We Live?" by Wayne Muller. A good book for gaining some additional perspective on best before dates., AB, ?
Sunday Jan. 8, 2006 - Year 3, Day 293 - a bigger picture
calm, -6C /21F, a long walk to chill cheeks as the world stood quiet; we encountered a solitary large crow atop a sprig atop a branch atop the tip of dead tree [AI might suggest it was a raven ?] sounding his/her cry across the Fish Creek valley
a lazy hang out at home ‘making turkey soup day’ yesterday; hhmmm it was really good . . enough to last a week - well rested . . ready to go hard on a Sunday of work & preparing for a busy Monday with out of town clients to tour around . .
whether it is Bill Gates curing diseases in Africa with a single cheque or Esther Dyson opening up the former soviet world with internet access . . all good things . . I wonder if the dying in Africa, oppressed in China & many parts of the Muslim world . . . to say nothing of the starving everywhere – I really wonder if they care about the latest I-pod, satellite radio or George Bush’s legacy
the gap between rich & poor, fed & unfed, healthy & diseased, free & oppressed seems a little wider each day – it may be getting narrower, but I think it is getting deeper
smart people all over the world are doing lots of good things to make the world [or their pockets] better, making discoveries & developing new products which will diagnose & prevent, speed communication, fuel industry etc. . . those things must surely fuel discontent between haves & have-nots ??
how happy vs. unhappy are poor, starving or downtrodden peoples ? in a world where we are more & more capable of giving them a hand, giving them a hand-up are we not fuelling their discontent the more we sit by not helping ?
I’m feeling unbelievably wealthy, though I am not, when I compare my life, my way of life, my home, my country . . my opportunity to the whole world
I am a proponent of personal responsibility, but I wonder if the times have changed such that we should MAKE IT our responsibility to do these things that need doing ?
we expect, I think, our governments, corporate leaders & philanthropists to see the big picture, to see it & act on the things that need doing to help us, help the world & help our fellow citizens
it does not seem to be working
the big picture, the bigger picture – I think – is that we each need to take on that responsibility
sound preposterous, doesn’t it ?
each one, each 1 of us to take on responsibility for 6 billion of us ?
I think we ARE the only ones who can
if I am wrong, please tell me WHO you think is seeing the big picture & solving anything
happy Sunday to all from my soap-box
Mark
a lazy hang out at home ‘making turkey soup day’ yesterday; hhmmm it was really good . . enough to last a week - well rested . . ready to go hard on a Sunday of work & preparing for a busy Monday with out of town clients to tour around . .
whether it is Bill Gates curing diseases in Africa with a single cheque or Esther Dyson opening up the former soviet world with internet access . . all good things . . I wonder if the dying in Africa, oppressed in China & many parts of the Muslim world . . . to say nothing of the starving everywhere – I really wonder if they care about the latest I-pod, satellite radio or George Bush’s legacy
the gap between rich & poor, fed & unfed, healthy & diseased, free & oppressed seems a little wider each day – it may be getting narrower, but I think it is getting deeper
smart people all over the world are doing lots of good things to make the world [or their pockets] better, making discoveries & developing new products which will diagnose & prevent, speed communication, fuel industry etc. . . those things must surely fuel discontent between haves & have-nots ??
how happy vs. unhappy are poor, starving or downtrodden peoples ? in a world where we are more & more capable of giving them a hand, giving them a hand-up are we not fuelling their discontent the more we sit by not helping ?
I’m feeling unbelievably wealthy, though I am not, when I compare my life, my way of life, my home, my country . . my opportunity to the whole world
I am a proponent of personal responsibility, but I wonder if the times have changed such that we should MAKE IT our responsibility to do these things that need doing ?
we expect, I think, our governments, corporate leaders & philanthropists to see the big picture, to see it & act on the things that need doing to help us, help the world & help our fellow citizens
it does not seem to be working
the big picture, the bigger picture – I think – is that we each need to take on that responsibility
sound preposterous, doesn’t it ?
each one, each 1 of us to take on responsibility for 6 billion of us ?
I think we ARE the only ones who can
if I am wrong, please tell me WHO you think is seeing the big picture & solving anything
happy Sunday to all from my soap-box
Mark
342,640
Saturday, January 07, 2006
January 7 Responses
I will be away in a 3rd world country for 3 months so can you drop me fromyour emailing lisr . I will notify you when to start when i get back .Thanks for everything, JF, Lethbridge
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Mark, I trust you didn't take my comments (perhaps it is you that is confused) assuggesting that I agree with JD. The communication that is so blatantly clear in my mind has a habit of coming across rather jumbled and often entirely different than my original intent. I love cars. I am one of those men who is not offended when it's suggested my choice of vehicle says something about me. Mere transportation it is not. I would rather drive a 20 year old BMW than a 3 year old "domestic" (given we don't have a Canadian car company, aren't they all imports?). It is a mechanical wonder with which to tinker, repair, tweak and tune into mechanical harmony and driving bliss...or at least that's how it is in my head. My wife's eyes glaze over in less than 3 seconds the moment I say something like "Since I replaced the idle air control solenoid..." My father-in-law on the other hand is listening with rapt interest as he shares the same propensity for taking things apart, ostensibly to make them better but, really we all know we take things apart because it's our nature - "screw goes out, screw goes in...simple enough...what's this do?". My wife thinks cars are dull. Dull? DULL!?!? Obviously she doesn't know what she's talking about the poor, misguided soul. My wife loves classic English literature. Austin, Dickens, god knows who else. Why anyone would subject themselves to the torture of reading and analyzing fiction from 300 years ago baffles me. My wife is pursuing her Masters in classic English because it's her passion (certainly not because it leaves her with a degree sufficient only to pursue a career as a Starbucks Barrista, or perhaps to inflict the pain of classic English literature upon other unsuspecting folk). My passion bores her to tears, and hers me. So then, define dull. Hence my statement that only you know if your life is dull. That JD does not experience your writing in the same manner others do is not a reflection of your life or her character (or lack of it). Her rather obnoxious communication of that is however. But that's just my 2 cents., AM, Calgary
Mark, I trust you didn't take my comments (perhaps it is you that is confused) assuggesting that I agree with JD. The communication that is so blatantly clear in my mind has a habit of coming across rather jumbled and often entirely different than my original intent. I love cars. I am one of those men who is not offended when it's suggested my choice of vehicle says something about me. Mere transportation it is not. I would rather drive a 20 year old BMW than a 3 year old "domestic" (given we don't have a Canadian car company, aren't they all imports?). It is a mechanical wonder with which to tinker, repair, tweak and tune into mechanical harmony and driving bliss...or at least that's how it is in my head. My wife's eyes glaze over in less than 3 seconds the moment I say something like "Since I replaced the idle air control solenoid..." My father-in-law on the other hand is listening with rapt interest as he shares the same propensity for taking things apart, ostensibly to make them better but, really we all know we take things apart because it's our nature - "screw goes out, screw goes in...simple enough...what's this do?". My wife thinks cars are
. . .
Mark is not dull, Mark is different, a good different! Just celebrating a birth of my 8th grandchild, also the 40th birthday of my oldest daughter today. Life is grand for me. I live in Kelowna but celebrate my childrens' lives here in Yorkton, Sk. Will golf again in Palm Desert in Feb. Take care big guy. GNP, Kelowna
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I enjoyed reading your emails, but have too much reading between home andwork. Thanks, TY, Calgary
. . .
Hello again Mark, I was unable to open the attachment as it was barred to me as unsafe. Maybe you can send it to my hotmail address, XXXXXl.com instead. Please send my best wishes to Nancy for her contact via musings. Love from Shelagh, SK east of London
Saturday Jan. 7, 2006 - Year 3, Day 292 - best before
-3C/27F, light cloud, occasional snowflakes; a hyperactive Gusta this morning . . she seems to have eaten Mexican jumping beans or something
my collection grows . . dinner with muser LW provided 3 things I really like; stimulating conversation, strong opposing views & paella
DA, sorry to read that your mother passed away; the obituary speaks of an incredibly strong & prolific spirit – perhaps that explains you ? my thoughts are with you & SA
death, loss, the end of life on earth makes me wonder if, not unlike the forest floor, the deadfall seeds, fertilizes & gives nourishment to new growth, protects new growth
this morning I read that Lou Rawls died, Ariel Sharon barely clings to life & 12 miners perished - it seems our society [or the media at least] places so much emphasis on death & remembrance . . not enough on birth
it makes me wonder
if the headlines read ‘brilliant corporate icon born, 7 lbs, 8 oz.’ or ‘future leader of France born at 3 AM this morning’ ….or ‘scientist destined to make Einstein obsolete delivered by caesarian section’ . .
it makes me wonder what we would do ?
just as we mourn those who have lived great long lives or done great work or been taken from us before they had an opportunity to make their best contributions, we focus so much attention on that end of the spectrum
when I talk to friends who are new or expectant grandparents, I think they find balance – they find the joy in new life, new potential, new opportunities are what it is all about - knowing that just as their own life approaches later chapters, new issues are going to capture the imagination of a whole new generation
we are here to pass on what we can pass on & then we pass through
life is planned obsolescence, we just don’t know our ‘best before date’
Mine: best before August 7, 2046
Mark
my collection grows . . dinner with muser LW provided 3 things I really like; stimulating conversation, strong opposing views & paella
DA, sorry to read that your mother passed away; the obituary speaks of an incredibly strong & prolific spirit – perhaps that explains you ? my thoughts are with you & SA
death, loss, the end of life on earth makes me wonder if, not unlike the forest floor, the deadfall seeds, fertilizes & gives nourishment to new growth, protects new growth
this morning I read that Lou Rawls died, Ariel Sharon barely clings to life & 12 miners perished - it seems our society [or the media at least] places so much emphasis on death & remembrance . . not enough on birth
it makes me wonder
if the headlines read ‘brilliant corporate icon born, 7 lbs, 8 oz.’ or ‘future leader of France born at 3 AM this morning’ ….or ‘scientist destined to make Einstein obsolete delivered by caesarian section’ . .
it makes me wonder what we would do ?
just as we mourn those who have lived great long lives or done great work or been taken from us before they had an opportunity to make their best contributions, we focus so much attention on that end of the spectrum
when I talk to friends who are new or expectant grandparents, I think they find balance – they find the joy in new life, new potential, new opportunities are what it is all about - knowing that just as their own life approaches later chapters, new issues are going to capture the imagination of a whole new generation
we are here to pass on what we can pass on & then we pass through
life is planned obsolescence, we just don’t know our ‘best before date’
Mine: best before August 7, 2046
Mark
341,664
