The case of the origin of angles

A cool, misty morning greeted me as I set out in search of Carmi's assignment - angles. I knew exactly where I would locate them...my grade 8 math class. Is this their origin? Case solved! Nancy Drew would be proud.

Totally unrelated to the search involving angles at school today, I couldn't resist taking this picture of "S." I think she looks absolutely beautiful here. It captures her innocence and peaceful spirit. Her native tongue is Hindi and she has been trying to teach me to say, "Hi, how are you?" I am not a good student as I can't remember a word of it! She giggles at my many attempts! You can only imagine what I sound like! I even tried to put my newfound knowledge of the Hindi language into practice at my local Macs convenience store the other day when I greeted the owner. He giggled too!

All kidding aside... Isn't it AMAZING that this student with autism is teaching ME! A beautiful thing!

Thematic Photographic - Angles

Angles, angles, angles everywhere!

I immediately thought of my photos of the Eiffel Tower upon hearing Carmi's theme for the week over at Written Inc. Remember, you are more than welcome to join in on the fun.

I am so enjoying the creativity of each theme and the challenge it presents every week. I am looking differently at the world around me. My eyes are wide with wonder and my God-given, creative spirit within is ALIVE! ALIVE! ALIVE! I have discovered two unexpected passions since I began blogging: writing and photography. My next goal is to take a couple of courses to hone these skills. Any recommendations? Many kind, encouraging words have been expressed to me on my blog. Thank you one and all for spurring me on and empowering that creative spirit within me that lay dormant for so long.

I know exactly where I will take my next photo for this week's theme! Stay tuned...

Eiffel Tower, Paris, March 2007

Many angles to see on the walk up the tower! Paris, March 2007


A different view from the observation deck, Paris, March 2007

Obtuse, right, acute...look at all those angles! Paris, March 2007

Two encouraging letters and a bit of nature in Panamerica?

I first met Andrea on a Missions Trip I helped organize and lead to this area of Tijuana, Mexico back in March 1992. I was working for a youth organization in Edmonton, AB called Youth For Christ and 14-year old Andrea was in our program. Immediately, I knew Andrea was full of leadership potential- we just had to empower her self confidence!

For many of the high school students and leaders, this trip was life changing in a myriad of ways. The home you see in this photo was a typical family dwelling in poverty stricken Panamerica, otherwise known as the garbage dump. Nature was trying to break through, but unfortunately the dry, dusty and bleak prevailed. ( okay, I may be stretching it for the final day of this week's nature theme over at Carmi's blog!!) Our team came to help hand out groceries to the families here, then feed, bathe, de-lice, (or de-louse?) clothe and then play an assortment of games with the freshly clean, fresh smelling, beaming children! Amidst the bleakness, there was an outpouring of contagious joy!


Our team bonded during this experience. So, over the next few years I lived in Edmonton, Andrea and I, along with another team member, Janet, continued building our friendship. I was also fortunate to have been able to connect with Andrea's family who cared for me while I was so far away from home!


In the years I worked with high school students, I would occasionally wonder if I was making a difference in their lives. Yesterday, I received a touching email from Andrea, who is now 32-years old, which put my wonder to rest and caused me to say a prayer of thankfulness to God,


"Hi Karyne, It is so great to see you[ on facebook]!! I will be married on October 17, 2008. And I thought of you as I have been planning my wedding. And want you to know that you were a very instrumental part of who I am today. I am forever greatful for you. Since we've been out of touch you've just come to mind unfortunately. It would be so cool if you could join us...but I know I am thinking of you too late. Anyhow sending you lots of love."


On the same day, I received a letter from the little girl I sponsor through Compassion Canada who lives in Honduras. I have been a sponsor since 1992 and have seen 4 girls move through this incredible program. I recently have been matched up with Paola. She is only 6-years old (1st grade) so her mom writes the letters. I was humbled by the following translated correspondence,

"Dear sponsor Karyne...We her parents are very thankful with the project for all this, also for the short meals and the children receive good attention and give the children what they like best. They are well because they are concerned of the children health and they have a doctor and a dentist who always checked them. We don't know how to thank all the project's sponsors and we just have to pray the Lord for the life of each one of you. May the Lord keep you always in His path wherever you go. Keep on with Jesus Christ always, he is our rick [I think she means rock!], our helper because without Him our life is nothing. I want to ask you to answer this letter to my daughter because she is anxious to have a photo and letter from her sponsor. Well, bye may the Lord bless you. Paola"

It made me realize I need to be more diligent in communicating with this precious one. It is easy to forget in the busyness of life. But, I know these children eagerly anticipate letters from their sponsors. They treasure the gifts we send. One day I hope to be able to visit my child but for now I will dig out that photo of me and write Paola a letter! I know it will make a difference!

totally ridiculous...

What do you think about this news story told here on this blog ? The comments are an interesting read as well. Of course I couldn't resist and had to contribute my $0.02! As Christians, we have more critical issues to be worrying about than this pettiness. Has the Christian community digressed back to the stone age?

I received two awards! It's just like the Emmy's!

Thank you , thank you and thank you. My awesome bloggy friends here and here honoured me with these awards. I feel special! They said nice things about my blog! Maybe I should dress up for the occasion!
So I think I am supposed to pass on the love. Here are my pics for some great reading:

1) XBox 4 Nappy Rash. Follow this couple's journey of infertility. Honest and
funny in the midst of heartbreak.

2) Awareness. This woman's blog is thought provoking and well written.

3) Welcome to the Roger's Neighbourhood. This woman's blog is real and makes ordinary life interesting!

4) Single Parent Dad. Another honest read about life as a widower.

5) The Satorialist. If you are interested in fashion, this H&M style resporter captures real people on the streets of major cities around the world in cool fashions!

Who will be our next Prime Minister of Canada? (My first political rant on my blog)

Just like our friends to the south of us, (I tried to be creative using the red, white and blue of their flag, so the words you can't see say "to the"!!) we are having ourselves an election here in Canada. October 14, 2008 is our big day. I just received my election card in the mail today. I have no idea who I will vote for so I need to do some careful research-and do it quickly I might add. Our Prime Minister didn't give us much time unlike our US neighbours who have been campaigning for over a year! ( Our Prime Minister just called the election on my birthday!) I am disillusioned with all the party leaders yet do want to make an informed vote this Federal Election. Canadian elections have to be one of the quietest election campaigns in the entire world - really we are pretty apathetic as a whole nation.

Don't worry, I am pointing the finger at myself as well.

I heard this GREAT analogy today from the teacher in the grade 3 class where I work in the mornings. She wisely cautioned her students to stop "pointing their fingers" at fellow students for mistakes made before taking a good look at their own life. Using her pointed hand as a prop, she showed the students that for every pointed finger there are 3 others facing back towards YOU. A compelling visual reminder of how we should treat our fellow human beings. Thanks Dar!

Immediately, I thought about the story in the Bible of the adulterous woman who was brought before the temple courts where Jesus was teaching. The leaders ( teachers of the Law) wanted her stoned according to the Law and taunted Jesus to see his reaction. His response was this, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Low and behold, no one threw a stone at her! In fact, they retreated and left the temple. Jesus then spoke to the woman and asked, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She replied, "No one sir." He then declared, "Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin."
(John 8)

Great wisdom admidst the political turmoil of His day.

Yet I digress. Back to the point of my post...

I have always seemed to take a "haphazzard" approach to politics. One of the many reasons being these questions that have plagued my mind:
Does my vote even matter- really matter? Is my voice even heard? Are any politicians making a difference in running our country? We never seem to be happy with any government in power? We always seem to find fault with every Prime Minister?

Other reasons for my apathy? Stripped bare...Fear. Fear of not clearly understanding the issues, fear that my decision could be wrong and alter the course of history, ( okay, so I'm a bit dramatic here!!) fear that our country will end up in a greater mess than when it all began on July 1, 1867. Fear that ends in surrender.

NOW, I am determined to turn my apathy into educated interest.

After all, my female Canadian forefathers sacrificed a great deal so I could have the right to vote TODAY. I can't give up. I can't let fear prevent me from taking a stand for what I believe in and ensuring the safety of these beliefs. My vote DOES matter and DOES make a difference. I just need to make certain I know what I believe and what each party/leader believes.

A friend of mine recently sent me an email full of great questions to ponder in helping me to assess these beliefs:

*Should corporations serve people or vice versa?
*Should Canadian politicians work to protect and strengthen the Canadian economy first or grow the global economy first?
*Do you agree with Trudeau's quote, "The government has no business in the bedrooms of the nation?"
*Should tackling environmental problems aggressively and intelligently be a big part of our politics?
*Are women, GLBT's and minorities deserving of equal rights and equal pay with everyone else?
*Would you agree that the best economic policies help protect the poor and grow and protect the middle class?

In addition, there are other issues close to my heart, such as the future of the education system and its affects on our children.

I have alot of homework to do so I better sign off and get busy!

On October 14, 2008, I will stand my ground and boldly make the best decision for the future welfare of our country.

Thematic Photographic - Nature

Nature

powerful, beauty, majestic

destructive, breathtaking

eerie, enchanting, elegant

miraculous, fresh

freedom, creation, creator

strong, lovely

harsh, relaxation

God

Amazing

grateful for every single moment my immersion in nature reminds me of my awesome Creator

"Beauty and the Beast"

(Grey Abbey, Northern Ireland, July 2008)

"Nature overtaking man's domain"

(Dunsilly, Northern Ireland, July 2008)

"An Enchanted Forest"

(Bangor, Northern Ireland July 2008)

Thematic Photographic - Close Up

My friend introduced me to the macro close up setting on my digital camera last spring and my life hasn't been the same since! Here are some of my favourite close up shots for last week's Thematic Photographic. I know I am a little late but still wanted to participate!

Mom

Dad
Summertime fun

I love this shot of my dad prepping for fly fishing. He was born to fish!
Dragonfly
Dad fly fishing
Strangers on the beach in Cape Cod

Lock on my cousin's antique bookcase in N. IrelandA collection of some of my cousin's first edition booksThe Ulster Flag

My favourite student- at peace

Wellie on the beach in Donegal, Ireland

Images of Bangor, N. Ireland

Birthday Celebrations

I am FINALLY posting my b-day celebration story. It has been a crazy couple of weeks, thus my blogging has suffered. The story starts below all the pics. I couldn't get the text to stay by the pics:) You'll have to guess what pics belong to which adventure! My former student from GCC days, Tala and I in Toronto. We look sooo tired from the hot and humid day!
My mom's famous birthday chocolate torte
Moi with the torte !
San and Lisa on route to see Brad Pitt at TIFF...


San and I...

Lisa and I eagerly awaiting Brad's arrival at his premiere of "Burn After Reading" Brad's co-star, Tilda Swinton in backseat...
Brad is in this vehicle behind the driver...my George wasn't with him that night, how disappointing!
Brad's forehead and top of head...my shot without even knowing where he was... I did pretty good I must say..I followed his voice:)
Brad's signature...

San, Lisa and I in the Royal York bathroom...disappointing...we thought it would be "posh-er" The three of us at La Marche/Richtree restaurant...

Lisa and I... San and I and a little bit too much of my cleavage showing:)
Trip to the cottage...the old boat we took a ride in around the lake...

Moi ready to get fishing..
The faded "beached" whale, well actually a dolphin...


self portrait

Fall is calling... I LOVE fall in Ontario and love the colour of this leaf!
A common sight in cottage country...
C'est moi fishing...didn't catch anything.
Sun. Sept. 7, my actual birthday...ready for the tea party!

My friend Michelle brought me these flowers...my favourite:)

My college buddy, DL and I. We have known each other for 20 years!
My friend Michelle and I. We have known each other for 36 years! Yikes. We don't even look that old do we:) We met in kindergarten!
Some of the gang that popped in for tea and my mom's famous birthday cake! I am wearing the hat I bought at Marks and Spencers in N. Ireland!
Here it is...just like Royalty!
Breakfast Monday morning with my co-worker friends, Debbie and Linda at our favourite diner, Lily Lou's!

The Wed. Girl's Night Out gang at Montana's!

The famous moose head...
butting heads with the other birthday girl Terri...
Friends again:)

I love my vibrant life, even in the shades of grey. I love my 40's and all this stage in life has to offer. I love how life comes full circle. I love how the hard times I have experienced in my past have shaped me into the confident woman I am today. I love that I have chosen not to be bitter and have chosen to move forward. I love the colourful friendships I have formed over the years and how they have come alive enriching my life in ways I never thought possible. I continually thank God for allowing me the privilege of living and continually thank Him for molding me into the person I am today. I still have work to do, yet I somehow enjoy the process now. I love the moments in life where I feel alive.

My birthday weekend was full of those moments. It started with a visit with a former student of mine from my GCC ( A boarding high school I worked at) days. It was a hot, humid evening when I met Tala, now living and working in Abu Dhabi, UAE. She was in Toronto visiting family and friends for the week so I was able to catch up with her. We had a precious evening, picking up where we left off. I LOVE how that happens.

The next adventure was to TIFF (The Toronto International Film Festival). Two of my dear friends, San and Lisa, joined me in the quest to "stalk" celebrities. I was hoping to have a wee chat with my George at the opening Gala of his new movie, "Burn After Reading, " but was disappointed to find out he wouldn't be making an appearance this year at the film festival. Instead, we "stalked" Brad Pitt.

There is a bit of skill involved in this quest. When we arrived at Roy Thompson Hall, a huge crowd had already formed. We decided it would be best to move to the location where the celeb cars enter. Brad's car stopped in front of us for a few minutes. We weren't entirely sure which celeb car it was until a guy standing beside us confirmed our suspicions. He had a special camera that took pics through tinted glass:) So there I stood smiling and welcoming Brad to Canada! There are still some friendly Canadians left in this world! When Brad got out of the car in front of the venue, we moved with the entourage to see if we could catch a glimpse of him. The crowds swarmed us so I went with the flow and held up my camera and started shooting pics even though I could not see Brad at all. I knew he was directly in front of us though. I was pleased with the end result of my pic taking. (see photo below) Satisfied that we got to experience the Brad mayhem, we found our way out of the crowd and stumbled upon an excited fan who got his autograph. I love how there is a camaraderie amongst us crazy fans trying to catch a glimpse of someone we don't even know!

After bidding our goodbyes, we finally were on our way to Le Marche/Richtree restaurant. But not before we made a pit stop at "The Royal York Hotel." We heard some celebs were staying here so we hoped we might run into someone famous. This is a gorgeous hotel and is where the Queen stays when she is in Toronto! No celeb sightings but I couldn't resist taking a pic of us in the bathroom. We had high expectations for this powder room but were sorely disappointed with the uncleanliness of it. We finally arrived at my favourite, colourful restaurant - another great place for people watching! Had a lovely meal together and then headed home in the early hours of the morning!

Waking up early the same day, I joined my parents for a road trip to their friend's cottage. We had a lovely day boating, fishing and relaxing in this colourful community.

The next day, I invited a few friends over for birthday cake, not just any birthday cake. My mom's famous chocolate torte made every year for family birthdays! I enjoyed the afternoon immensely. Another adventure ensued at the close of the party as my friend JL couldn't get her car started. She called her hubby who came to the rescue along with her three adorable girls. While we waited for him to fix the car, we had a "dress up" party. JL's girls LOVED exploring my closet and accessories drawer-just like Mr. Dressup's tickle trunk! It was soooo fun having them play dress up in my wardrobe. We decided we will have to do it again! Once again I am thankful that God allows me, a childless singleton, to experience the joys of parenting!

The birthday celebration continued the following week with a birthday breakfast with my work colleagues at our favourite diner and then an adventure at Montana's with my Wednesday night girls gang. "A picture is worth a thousand words!"

I am blessed with this colourful life I am living! Now, I am exhausted and need to recoup from all the celebrating - the telltale signs of aging!!:)