Be Still

Portrush, Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland, July 17, 2008

Hide me now

Under your wings

Cover me

Within Your mighty hands

When the oceans rise and thunders roar

I will soar with You above the storm

Father, You are King over the flood

I will be still and know You are God

Find rest my soul

In Christ alone

Know His power

In quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar

I will soar with You above the storm

Father, You are King over the flood

I will be still and know You are God

I will be still and know You are God

("Still" by Reuben Morgan)

Thematic Photographic - Watery -Shedding a Tear

The lazy, hazy days of summer are over. Already? Back to work on Tuesday. Shedding a tear.

Thematic Photographic - Watery

"Parkwood is one of Canada’s finest and last remaining grand estates, featuring architectural, landscape and interior designs of the 1920’s and 1930’s. Once home to auto baron R. Samuel McLaughlin (founder of General Motors of Canada), Parkwood is praised by Canada’s Historic Site and Monuments Board as “a rare surviving example of the type of estate developed in Canada during the inter-war years, and is rarer still by its essentially intact condition, furnished and run to illustrate as it was lived within.”

Spending the afternoon at Parkwood, I explored one of my favourite features of this estate. Speaking of features, it was "featured" in Adam Sandler's movie, Billy Madison.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqOgU-epKX0

Carmi over at Written Inc gave us this challenge for thematic photographic:


"It's hard to imagine what's more important than water. Our bodies are made mostly from it. We need to drink it fairly regularly to stay healthy. Our plants won't grow without it. So for this week's Thematic Photographic theme, I'd like to focus on - say it with me - water. I know you'll find new and exciting ways to share photos of the most critical resource on the planet."

Here are some of my "new and exciting ways" of sharing this watery, recycled, resource from the gardens at Parkwood this afternoon...

The mouth of the fountain leading to the tea house

Without realizing it due to the blinding sun, I captured my shadow in the pic. I think it is a "cool" effect!
Once again without realizing due to the sun, I managed to capture both streams of water coming from their mouths Walking towards the tea house...The tea house in the distance. To the left is the tent set up for a wedding today. I have been to a Swing Night under this tent at the Oshawa Jazz and Blues Festival. It was enchanting and felt like something out of "The Great Gatsby."The tea house...



Parkwood is located beside our hospital. (It was here where I came into this world!) Years ago you would not have been able to see the hospital from Parkwood, but the estate had to cut down many of the dying trees, thus the present view! Another bit of trivia that is not on the Parkwood website...R.S. McLaughlin donated a great deal of his money to the Oshawa Hospital. His one stipulation however was that there could not be a catholic hospital built in Oshawa or he would pull his funding. Why you ask? He was a protestant chap from Northern Ireland!

The view from the tea house looking towards the mouth of the fountain.
I had an enchanting afternoon at my favourite "watering hole!"

More "Colour" in my Life!

I have been frequenting downtown Oshawa lately because my community care clients have had appointments at the Oshawa Clinic. While I wait for them, I have been exploring the Oshawa that has been long forgotten. New life is blossoming in this diverse community. My most favourite place is Isabellas Chocolate Cafe!

This morning, I stopped in for a fair trade, Ethiopian, smooth, black coffee. As I entered, a blind lady was sitting to the left of the door, taking a puff of her strong -scented cigarette. She fascinated me. I couldn't resist taking her picture with my zoom. The picture is a bit blurry but you are still able to see why she fascinated me. With eyes closed, slowly she savoured every inhalation of her fag until it was finished. She looked so content. So "colourful!" Sauntering along, I came upon this most DELIGHTFULLY DELICIOUS chair on display in the equally delightful shop called "Brush Strokes." (If you look close enough, you can see me in the mirrored reflection!) I still had a wee bit of time to explore this cool store...
...look what was calling out my name...
...AND, it was on sale! Definitely meant to come home with me!

(More 'colourful' pics for the thematic photographic theme of the week....you know the drill - check out Carmi's blog for more thematic photographic.)

Untitled Poem/Song

Looking through my old journals tonight, I came across this rough draft of a poem I wanted to make into a song, but never did - yet! It was written in September 2003. It is raw and vulnerable. It speaks for itself, with one exception...I have risen above and am celebrating my singleness today! (sure I still have my moments, but the pain and loneliness is not as deep as I used to experience)

One more thing...I never did come up with an appropriate title so if any of you have suggestions, please feel free to leave me a comment! Without further adieu, here it is:

Complete/Why?

Why
Why am I on this soapbox
Why do I still struggle with these high school feelings
Why does it still matter what guys think of me
Why do people assume there is something wrong with me
because I am not married yet
Why do people think we are not complete and whole beings
because we are not married
Sometimes the pressure is too much
Sometimes the pain is too deep
Sometimes the loneliness too unbearable
Why do I get overlooked
Why do I feel rejected
I'm tired of getting overlooked - of getting rejected
There is nothing wrong with me
I am complete
I have every reason to be confident in
Who God created me to be
It is my prayer that those girls who come behind me
Who feel this way
Who ask "why do I get overlooked?"
Will rise above
Will Dance
Will Celebrate
Be complete!

Summertime Surrogate Motherhood

Lancaster, PA, August 2007 Amish child looking for mommy

"Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. 'Honour your father and mother' is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, 'so you will live well and have a long life.'" (Ephesians 6:1, The Message)

"Evie-Chevy." She hated us calling her that. I guess it was disrespectful as she was our elder, yet somehow the name suited her. Chevrolet's (Chevy) motto is "Let's Go" and that definitely described Evie-Chevy, a real go-getter. Her given name was Evelyn. She was a special lady in my life - a summertime surrogate mother.

Evelyn first came into our lives before I was born. Evelyn worked with my parents at Physicians Services Inc. ( now O.H.I.P) on Yonge Street in Toronto in the 50's, so they would socialize together outside of the office. In fact, they went on double dates together! As it goes with life, my parents lost touch with Evelyn when they moved out to the burbs. Twenty-five years later they reconnected at a christian resort in Muskoka. It turned out our families both had trailers at this resort: Muskoka Baptist Conference (MBC)!

I have fond summer memories of my time at MBC. When I was younger, Evelyn would look after me at the trailer while my parents were down in the city working. She always told me I was the daughter she never had. I felt special. My summer surrogate mother! Evelyn and her husband John treated me to many exciting adventures like horseback riding, an airplane ride over Muskoka, dinners at the Thursday night smorgasbord, hay rides, daily trips to the beach, campfires, etc. They had two sons a few years older than me, so when I got older, we would chum around together during the summers at MBC. Off season, our families would always spend Christmas together. Evelyn and John were a wonderful christian influence in my life.

Evelyn died three years ago. Evie-Chevy, the go-getter, succumbed to leukemia. No doubt she is "on the go" in heaven, relishing her time spent at the feet of Jesus, the true love of her life. Vividly, I recall a strong desire to visit Evelyn in the hospital on Labour Day, three years ago. I knew I had to see her that day and ended up changing my plans so it would be possible. We had a wonderful, special visit despite her pain. She was always so gracious and positive even in the midst of suffering. As I was leaving she said, " you know Karyne, you were always my girl!" I wept. As I walked out the door, I knew in my heart I would never see her again - here on earth.

The next day after my visit she went into a coma and never regained consciousness. Without a doubt in my mind, I know that tug I felt in my heart that day was from God.

Interestingly enough, Evelyn and John's oldest son Steve is now the music pastor at my church. He is married with three children and I had the privilege last week of camping out at their house to look after the kids while Steve and his wife went away for a few days to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. Evelyn would be proud of how her grandchildren have turned out. They are incredible kids. I was a wee bit nervous as to how the week would go-being a swinging single and all!

Quickly my nervousness turned into relief as these children made me feel right at home. I couldn't believe how polite they were and how well they got on with each other. They even said thank you to me for cooking their meals for them- sadly something I am not used to hearing from the pre-teen and teenagers I encounter. We enjoyed playing games in the evenings. I taught them Dutch Blitz, Scrabble and "Bite the Bag," while they taught me how to play Wii, " Water Poker," and how to make everlasting cards!

It was clear to me over the course of the week that these children "honour their mother and father." Steve and his wife have done a fabulous job of raising their children, through prayer and hard work no doubt! I am confident these kids will turn into responsible adults who will "live well and have a long life!"

I feel so blessed to have these opportunities to experience parenthood, if only but a fleeting moment! I love how life comes full circle. Evelyn, I will always be your girl and will carry on the tradition of summertime surrogate motherhood!

Thematic Photographic - Colourful

Carmi's theme for the week is "colourful." Check out his blog for other entries or if you want to join in!

My assortment of colourful were captured yesterday while on a shopping adventure with my mom. We had a brilliant day together exploring small town Ontario!

First stop...Greenbank. A trek through the countryside is not complete without a visit to this amazing bakery. As a family, we would stop here on our way to the trailer every weekend in the summer. Actually, we have been coming to this establishment for almost 40 years! Our order: a loaf of white bread, a loaf of Chelsea bread, and 1 dozen buttertarts-their specialty!

Sunflowers are one of my favourite flowers. I had to capture these which I found growing beside the Chicken Coop. I love the brilliant yellow colour against the brilliant blue sky!

Next stop...Oakwood. Hidden behind the four corners of the village was this eclectic antique store. We found many treasures in this old, crowded shop. One such treasure immediately stood out to me - this colourful abacus. I asked the friendly owner if I could take a picture of it. As a child, I loved playing with my abacus. It was also a reminder that school starts in one week, which means it is back to work for me! Final stop...Lindsay. There were many colourful opportunities in many of the shops in this quaint town. However, I didn't feel comfortable pulling out my camera. I sensed the persnickety shop owners would not approve. I longed to take a picture of my favourite dishes, Fiesta ware, but just couldn't sneak a quick shot. I did manage to shoot this pic of these handbags hanging outside one of the shops! Weary from all the shopping, picture taking and the humid afternoon, we stopped for a cold drink in this coffee shop, "Cinnamon Grounds" ... an appropriate colour for the walls I must say.

I love this brilliant red geranium against the black railing.

Finally, I had to include this bag of "Skittles," even though it wasn't part of my "colourful" journey yesterday. I wrote about them here.


So ends my colourful journey!

Life Lessons from the lesbian, lovers and.....the sisterhood!

I am grateful for this crazy life I live. There are days when I am not. However, I am quick to turn to gratitude when I consider the "adventures" I experience with the people/family God allows me to cross paths with on a daily basis.

Take for instance the evening last weekend I invited my parents to join me at Isabellas coffee bar for a night of live jazz music. One thing I love about my parents is how hospitable there are towards friends and strangers. ( Let's not forget this or this as well, but I digress!) That night, they decided to invite a lady in their seniors building who is dying of cancer to join us - well, it was more like a kidnapping! They knew she needed a distraction.

As it turns out, there was no soft, jazz music conducive to 75 year old seniors. No, it happened to be a BAD country band. I, who is a country music lover - yes I do admit to that, did not like this band. Of all the times I have been to these live music nights at Isabella's, I ALWAYS hear wonderful musicians. Not that night. We left early. Thankfully, my parents were good sports about the whole thing.

In true Whalen fashion, we couldn't end the night without some kind of embarrassment. Remember, seniors have no inhibitions! Our cars were parked in front of this men's clothing store, which happened to be beside an apartment filled with "druggies"(excuse my lack of political correctness). As you see in the photo below, my parents wanted a picture of this sign. Someone once said, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." So...I decided to join in and be creative with the photo op! Good "craic" (pronounced "crack") was had by all that night.

Gratitude. Remember.

Yesterday...

The day began when I picked up a community care client to take to her doctors appointment. Usually they are seniors but not this woman, so it caught me off guard. Immediately as she entered my car I knew she had a rough life. In the span of the 10 minute drive to her appointment, she shared openly her entire life story. My assumptions were correct. I learned she was a widowed lesbian who recently had a one night stand with a woman who had a questionable sexual history so needed to get tested to make sure she didn't contract a STD. In addition, I was told she grew up in foster care, then lived on the streets, and finally came out of the closet. There was a part of me that was afraid she was going to "hit" on me because the conversation leaned that way until I quickly changed topics! I admit I was uncomfortable. No, I am not "homophobic." I think part of my discomfort was the heaviness of our conversation. I was trying to process everything while listening to her talk. She was lonely, in pain and scared out of her mind. I could see it in her eyes. I realized that I needed to put aside my uneasiness and just listen. I don't believe it was coincidence I was her driver. God allowed me to cross her path for some reason. One of which was to remind me that I have every reason to be thankful for my life.

Gratitude. Remember.

By the way, apparently she had a yeast infection, not an STD! Yes, that may be too much information, but she was SOOOOOO relieved. I shook my head and chuckled. I needed the laughter....

Which I found later on in the day.

My best friend and her daughter had driven up on the weekend from Kingston to visit family. The night before yesterday, we had an adventure, including loads of laughter, at the movies. Shari, her daughter Mady, sister Sandra and I went to see "The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants part 2." Shari and I have a history of bringing in food illegally to the movies. One time when we were in high school, we brought in a whole meal deal from Dairy Queen, including the ice cream sundae! My large handbag does come in handy after all!

We decided to keep the tradition going but this time we brought in "turkey bites" and cheese! Can you imagine. Turkey bites? What were we thinking? Where were the M&M's? As part of the "sisterhood", we wanted to support San on her protein day. We were EXCITED! So, with the smell of the turkey bites wafting throughout the theatre, we chowed down and enjoyed every DELICIOUS, low fat, low calorie, illegal morsel, while laughing our guts out and tearing up during this great movie about the bond of friendship.

Gratitude. Remember.

Back to the day at hand... After I drove my client home, I met up with Shari and Mady to visit our friend's mom in the hospital. She had a major stroke in July. She was like a second mom to us. We needed to be there. That is what the "sisterhood" is all about!

Gratitude. Remember.

After the visit, we headed on over to the Salvation Army Thrift Store to see what treasures we could find. Shari is the queen of thrift store shopping. Interrupting our mission, my cell phone rang. It was my mom. I could tell another adventure was about to ensue.

My instincts were correct again. Apparently my parents got their car towed while at a doctors appointment in downtown Toronto. I couldn't believe it. Parking was suppose to be free for people who have a disabled sticker on their car. No one told my parents about the "fine print." It is free except between the hours of 3 and 7 pm!

So, I had to go rescue their car out of the pound. I quickly said goodbye to my "sista" and frantically drove to catch the Go Train into Toronto. I was praying the whole time none of us would panic and that we would make the most out of the situation.

I wasn't sure what state my parents would be in when I met them at Union Station. I should not have had any doubts - it was Mabel and Wyman after all!! When I arrived at our meeting place, my gregarious parents were chatting it up with the people sitting beside them on the bench. Of course!

Armed with the address of the pound, we began our trek to find the car. No problem. After paying the crazy fee of $175, we were allowed to take the car. Whew!

Mabel and Wyman ( yes, those are my parents real names!) were not defeated and wanted to make the best of the situation. So, while in Toronto, we decided to have a late dinner at this amazing fish & chip restaurant called, Duckworths.

After dinner, we safely made it home. What an adventure making the most out of a bad situation!

Gratitude. Remember.

I am thankful for my crazy life!

Shari and Mady on a mission at the Thrift Store.

Here I am on the Go Train...

The view of the Toronto skyline from the train...

Meeting up with my parents at Union Station ( I forgot to take a pic of the car in the pound!)...
Driving through The Beach...
Ready for our dinner...
Delicious!

Thematic Photographic - Poignant

Catacombs of Paris, March 2007

As I entered this subterranean ossuary where over 6 million bones of people lay, I was overcome with both a deep sadness and a reverence for the lives represented here.

Due to the closure of the largest cemetery in the Les Halles district of Paris, which the locals believed was a danger to public health, the catacombs ossuary was created. Bones were dug up from the various cemeteries throughout Paris from 1780-1860 and transferred to this quarry. The first bones that arrived here were just thrown into a heap. Later on they were arranged in neat rows, 5 feet high and 80 feet deep.

I hesitated to take a photo out of respect, but wanted to capture this moment on film. What I didn't realize - I guess I didn't clearly read the fine print- was that I was not allowed to take pictures in the ossuary. An employee quickly came alongside me to correct my wrongdoing! I understood.


As I weaved my way through the mile-long maze of tunnels, lives long forgotten neatly lined both sides of the dirt path. Surprisingly, I was not claustrophobic. The tunnels were narrow, dark, damp, and eerie. The smell of death wafted throughout. I took the time to reflect, even though there was a part of me that wanted to run from the skulls gawking at me!

My thoughts turned to God - the one who created, knew and loved every one of these people who were just thrown into a heap. Was that all their lives were worth in the end? I am thankful we are more than just bones. I am thankful our spirits live on. My experience 60-feet down in the depths of the catacombs cannot be explained adequately with words. I think that is okay. It is meant to be that way. So many thoughts fill my mind even now as I recall this poignant adventure. But, I will remember in silence. Without words.

"Happy is he who is forever faced with the hour of his death and prepares himself for the end every day."
( a quote that was on one of the plaques along the way)

If you want to see more poignant adventures from amazing people, click on Carmi's blog here.

Repost:Thematic Photographic - Poignant

I wanted to repost this blog I wrote years ago. Timely as our new mayor in Oshawa is asking faith groups to adopt a homeless person and I am raising funds for The Refuge in Oshawa by walking in The Coldest Night of the Year next month! 

poignant (adjective)

evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; causing or having a particularly sharp feeling of sadness; affecting or moving the emotions.
poignancy (noun) poignantly (adverb)



I never imagined this would be such a difficult "assignment" when Carmi posted this week's theme.


Armed with my camera, I decided to wander around downtown Oshawa today while waiting for my Community Care client, who was at a doctor's appointment.

I was born in Oshawa. Years ago, the downtown core was bustling with activity. Fondly, I recall an eclectic mix of memories from shopping in the quaint stores along the busy streets to banking at one of the large institutions at the four corners. From lining up in front of the Regent movie theatre, for what seemed like hours, to watch The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and Rocky 3 ( not all at the same time), to stopping for lunch at Cultures. From lining the street, bundled warmly to catch a glimpse of Santa and his reindeer, to trips to the doctor and tagging along with my parents to many wakes at the funeral homes.

Enter the shopping mall. A great idea for our winter climate. However, it eventually sucked the life out of our downtown, turning it into a dilapidated mess. A few of the original stores anchored the storm. Now, our city council is revitalizing our downtown core enabling it to come alive once again.

Yet, another life has always been alive and well in downtown Oshawa. The homeless or
as Pam at How God Messed Up My Religion says, "those who live outside."

They are "the invisible citizens." Broken and forgotten. Brushed aside. I forgot. It's easy to forget when you don't frequent downtown.

Today, the broken people of Oshawa who live outside captured my heart. As I was taking their picture ( which I felt very awkward doing...it was as though I was infringing on their privacy in a public place), they suddenly looked up from what they were doing and directed their gaze at me. In that moment their sad eyes spoke, "don't forget me."

I won't.

Summertime Floods

Yesterday evening, we experienced torrential rains like I have never seen before. As usual, we also experienced flooding due to the re-construction of this church parking lot at the top of our hill. We never had a problem before the re-construction. The "lovely" pastor of this church had ignored this severe problem for a couple of years. Finally, this year the city got after him and he thought he solved the problem. Apparently not. I wanted to document what happens when it rains...

What this pastor doesn't realize is how treacherous the main road becomes due to his ignorance. Cars, fire trucks and ambulances driving west are suddenly upon this flooded street when they crest the hill. Hopefully this problem will be resolved permanently very soon before a major accident occurs.

Can you see the rainbow? During the storm, this rainbow graced us with her presence!

When I awoke this morning, I took a pic of the remains of the storm/flood...
Obviously the pastor knew he needed to clean up the mess and got some teenagers to shovel it all away. Great way to shift responsibility. ( Can you hear my sarcastic tone?!!) Guess where they took all the mud? You guessed correct - back up the hill! Can't wait for the next rainstorm:)