I have to take a Blog break...I am sad!

I just wanted to let my faithful blog readers know that I am taking a wee bit of a blog break. My battery died in my laptop, which is strange to me because I rarely use battery power. Anyways, I have one being shipped to me as we speak. One of my students suggested I check on ebay. I did and saved myself $100! YAY! So hopefully my battery will arrive soon. Speaking of my students...I baked caramel brownies for them today as a celebration. These are a group of grade 8 students whom I help with their math. They all are doing so well I wanted to reward them in some way! Fortunately their fellow classmates reap the reward too! I am so proud of them and they are more enthusiastic about learning math! YAY! Gotta run...see you soon!

The Secret Lives of Seniors

He was leaving to have a smoke as I was entering the building. I've seen him around many times before. Sometimes he stays the night. I see his truck in visitor parking as I leave for work in the mornings. His girlfriend lives on the fourth floor.

Did I mention I moved back in with my folks- who happen to live in a Seniors building. "Senior:" person over the age of 65.

As I passed this man tonight in the foyer of the building and we exchanged a quick glance (I was coming home from a lovely evening at the movies with my childhood friend Michelle. We saw "The Secret Life of Bees"...AMAZING), I couldn't help but think that these Seniors are getting more action than I do at the present time! Good on them! The Secret Lives of Seniors!

Which reminds me of a conversation I had with one of my grade 3 students today:

"H": Miss Whalen, are you married?

Me: No, not yet.

"H": Well, you are tall enough to get married.

Out of the mouth of babes! These are the days I love my job!

Thematic Photographic - Happy

Calvary Baptist Church Choir, Oshawa, ONOur fearless leader, Steve

Our fearless accompanist, Sharon

My fellow alto choir mates...

The soprano and tenor section

Birthday boy, Darren , trying to hide from the camera, but I finally captured that smile!

Darren's wife, Carolyn, being a wee bit shy for the camera!

Aren't we a happy bunch?:)

I love Carmi's way of allowing us the opportunity to capture life's moments. "HAPPY" is the theme this week at Thematic Photographic. I decided to take my camera to choir practice on Saturday morning. (extra rehearsal for our Christmas program) It was bright and early so my choir mates were more than thrilled to have their photos taken!!!

This community makes me happy. I love going each week to practice. I love the fact that you are missed when you are away one week. I love how we care for each other. I love how we pray for each other. I love that we all love Jesus. I love learning musically. I love that we have fun. I love that we make music together that honours God. And that makes me happy!

Okay, here are my "Starbucks Drawings!"

Here they are. But, remember this is my first assignment before learning the technique!

Drawing Lesson at Starbucks

("The Creative License: Giving Yourself Permission to Be The Artist You Truly Are" picture courtesy of Amazon.com)

Over a year ago, I purchased this book at Chapters. The title intrigued me. However, I tucked it away in my spare closet - my car trunk- and only discovered it again one month ago! I immediately pulled it out of the trunk determined to begin this journey into learning how to draw. So, yesterday, armed with my pen, notebook, pumpkin spice soy latte and the book, I found a quiet table at Starbucks.

I felt exhilarated as I began reading the opening pages of this incredible book. My first assignment:

Draw, without erasing, a:

1) Mug
2) Chair
3) Table
4) Person

Okay, at this point, I was feeling a bit self-conscious as I didn't want the couple sitting beside me to think I was a crazy stalker staring down objects and persons in Starbucks. I was trying to focus but got a bit distracted eavesdropping in on their conversation. They were both young, freshly graduated, university students reconnecting their friendship after a few years apart. I must admit I had a secret crush on the guy-he was BEAUTIFUL - and I so desperately wanted to draw his portrait. Not possible. We were too close in proximity.

Quickly, I re-focused and got to work. I LOVED the process and the end results! I know this journey into rekindling and harvesting that creative spirit within me will be gratifying!

Balls, blurriness,the Prime Minister and poverty

Have you ever wondered how the mind of a person with autism works?


I do. As I daily interact with students who have autism, I am in awe and fascinated by their incredible minds. Sure, they may not respond in the way we want them to or expect them to. However, I am learning they have much to teach us. I think their brain may look like this blurred picture as they function day to day. ( By the way, that is my little plug for this week's Thematic Photographic over at Carmi's blog!) Yet, there is a clarity that makes sense to them. We just have to tap into their colourful ways and learn how to communicate with each other that may require us to "think outside the box."
And,

that may require us to have a great deal of patience and a broad sense of humour. Take for example yesterday... I was assigned to work in the special ed class for the afternoon as the regular EA was at the Track and Field competition. My assignment was "P", the boy that used to say the "F" word every few minutes and the one that used it creatively in unexpected places! (Here he is...the infamous "P", enjoying the Terry Fox Run in September at our school.)

The students were sitting quietly , believe it or not, in a circle listening to a story. My job was to keep an eye on "P." All of a sudden, "P" reached over to the boy beside him and looked as though he was about to grab this boy's private area. Immediately, I gave "P" the glare! In my mind I was thinking "surely he isn't about to do what I think he is going to do...surely this is all innocent...surely he has no idea ..."

Always trust your gut! "P" actually stopped what he was doing, looked me in the eye, gave me a coy smile and said, "No breaking balls."

Oh my goodness, he knew EXACTLY what he was doing and saying!! I was cracking up inside! He is hilarious but totally inappropriate! I do have to give him credit for correcting himself. This was "P"'s way of communicating to me that he knows he was inappropriate. He immediately turned around and continued to listen to the story!

His world isn't a blur is it?:) As you see, a sense of humour is a requirement in this job!

On Tuesday October 14, 2008, Stephen Harper was re-elected as our Prime Minister of Canada. I exercised my right to vote, however only 51% of Canadians turned out to vote. I hope our leaders on Parliament Hill will stand up and take notice as to why only 51% of our population voted - the lowest turnout in years. We still have a minority government. Harper's Conservatives were only 12 seats short of forming a majority government. What a waste of taxpayers money. This election was not necessary. ( For those of you not familiar with Canadian government...The Prime Minister can make the choice to call an election before his term is up...a political move to try to get a majority government so his government can pass more bills, etc. ) Well, we will see what will transpire in the next few years. Here's to hoping the Conservatives will make a difference.

Today many bloggers around the world are raising awareness for the issue of poverty that is affecting all our societies. It is time we took part in the solution, whatever that may be. My bloggy friend at Awareness has written a powerful piece about how poverty affects her world. Read her story here. Another good read is here.

I wrote about poverty affecting my hometown here.

I have so many thoughts about this issue. I feel as Christians we should be taking more of a stand. The church is not doing enough. Jesus strongly urges us to help the poor, orphans and widows. ( You can read the many passages in the Bible that address poverty, such as Luke 12:33, Luke 18:22, Luke 21, John 12:5, Acts 9:36, Acts 10:5, James 2:2, etc.)

I need to be doing my part as well. I will pray that God will show me how and I pray I will have the courage to get out of my comfort zone and make a difference. I am challenged by the verses that tell us to "sell our possessions and give to the poor." I wonder what would happen if we all lived by that philosophy.

My parents recently attended a "Newfie dinner" (corned beef, cabbage, dumplings, drawn butter, boiled potatoes, carrots and turnip) at the Salvation Army in Peterborough. What my parents didn't realize was it was a fundraiser for a family in this congregation who was in dire financial need due to terminal illness affecting the father. This small congregation raised over $6000 to help this family. They were deeply moved by the generosity of everyone. My parents and I were touched as well. This small act of self sacrifice is one way we can live out the message of Jesus. It is one way we can share Jesus to our world.

What can you do in your world to help the poor?

(Downtown Oshawa, Ontario, July 2008)


Together, armed with compassion, let us "make poverty history!"

"When he [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)

Free the Birds!

Kindred spirits.

Spirit connection.

Kindred spirits on a quest. A quest free of expectations. A quest bringing four strong, beautiful women who love Jesus together for an extraordinary evening of adventure and celebration. A quest allowing true freedom to reign. A quest connecting our spirits to Alanis Morissette and Alexi Murdoch on Wednesday night at Massey Hall in Toronto.

Honest, raw, spiritual celebration. A God moment. Church. Full awareness of God’s grace. Celebrating our journey together. Expressing deep gratitude for this gift of life entrusted to our care.

Free the birds. Let them soar. Bringing Hope and Truth to those we encountered along the way, from the Mexican student on the Go Train to Anthony at Richtree Marche to the homeless man on the street outside Massey Hall.

Connecting. Loving. Being. Beautiful moments. Perfect.

Free the birds!

San, Shave, Gislaine from Brazil and moi! It was Gislaine's first concert in Canada. The quest began on The Go Train. Photo taken by the Mexican student who encountered excited, free women! We made his evening!

Dinner at Richtree, our favourite people-watching hang out.

Napoleon, my favourite dessert at Richtree Marche!

Our favourite barista ! I first encountered Anthony here . We finally connected on a deeper level with him this night! A great guy. He told us to bring our desserts and join him at his counter. You can only imagine the conversation that ensued. It made our night! When I asked for his picture, he asked if he looked better with his glasses on or off, then proceeded to explain to me that people tell him he looks like Elton John with the glasses on and Phillip Seymore Hoffman with the glasses off! Which did I prefer? I captured both!

Here is Anthony's famous Chai tea for Shave.

Elton or Phillip?

When my parents first met in the 50's, they would go on dates to Massey Hall where Billy Graham hosted youth rallies every Saturday night!



Reclining in the original seats!





Free the Birds!

Alexi Murdoch - AMAZING!!! We LOVED him!! My favourite song, Orange Sky.




Inside the intimate, perfect acoustically sound Massey Hall!

The banner of Alanis...interesting symbolism going on..not sure if you can fully apprecite it in this photo:)
Alanis -free, real, honest, intimate, not pretentious and AMAZING! A true rocker with the incredible ability to connect with her audience!






I love this pic with the neon sign peaking through the original glass windows!


Finishing off the evening back at Richtree Marche with Anthony and the gang while we waited for the last Go Train headed for home!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sending out a Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Canadians! Celebrate! In these uncertain times in our country and around the world, we do have much to be thankful for. Let's count our blessings. What are you thankful for?

Economic Uncertainity and God

UPDATED ...

Fear has gripped me tightly, trying to intertwine its way into the deep crevices of my being.

Economic uncertainty is the talk of the town as of late and is the culprit contributing to my fears. Never before have I been so worried about my future. Sadly, there is no sense of job security anymore in my generation. I realize I am now at an age where it would be difficult to find a job if I lose the one I have now. This scares me, especially as a single person. It would be nice to have a partner to share the financial burden with!

I haven't heard rumblings yet of layoffs in my place of employment but you just never know. Tonight at choir practice, a choir member shared how many of her co-workers at a prominent Canadian bank today were told, without warning, they were no longer needed as their jobs were being outsourced tomorrow. I don't think I'm as prepared as I should be if something like that should happen to me tomorrow.

I am not the best visionary. I am one that lives life to the fullest daily - well most days!! It's like I forget there is a tomorrow! I have made some good financial steps but is it enough? Could I lose it all? Should I have a plan B just in case I should lose my job? What would that plan B be? The economic situation in the US IS affecting us here in Canada. Our Prime Minister doesn't seem too worried and doesn't think we will hit a recession. Our Canadian economists disagree. These are uncertain times.

Not only am I NOT the best visionary, I don't seem to have the best memory lately. How could I forget that God is IN CONTROL. How could I forget that in these uncertain, constantly changing times, God NEVER CHANGES. How could I forget that God is OUR PROVIDER. How could I forget to trust Him.

I am a witness to His provision. I am a witness to His faithfulness.

How could I forget to allow Him to take care of this fear trying to suffocate me.

Tonight at choir, I was thankful for our Director's words of encouragement which reminded me once again to remember... GOD NEVER CHANGES. GOD IS OUR PROVIDER. TRUST HIM. REST IN HIM. STOP WORRYING.

When I came home, I pulled out my Bible and found comfort in the Psalms...

" Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall...I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed...I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me. God sends his love and his faithfulness...his faithfulness reaches to the skies...O my Strangth, you O God are my fortress, my loving God. God will go before me...God is our refuge and strength, our shield and protector...my refuge in times of trouble."

Then I was led to this passage in Matthew 6,

" Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes? ...Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?...So, do no worry, saying, 'what shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or what shall we wear? ' People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about iself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." ( both from the NIV, and The Message translations)

No need to fear! God is in control, even when life seems hopeless, uncertain, and doesn't seem to make sense. I will cling to these truths.

It's late and I need to get to bed. I feel I am not making any sense right now. (and no I have not been drinking!) Maybe I will edit this post tomorrow. I need my beauty rest as I have another opportunity to be spontaneous. My TIFF buddy San called me just now wondering if I want to go to the Alanis Morrisette concert tomorrow night at Massey Hall in Toronto. Her sis-in-law cancelled so she has an extra ticket. Ya'll know me by now that I'm always up for an adventure! So it will be another late night tomorrow but soooo worth it. It's our Thanksgiving long weekend coming up so I can catch up on my needed sleep then! I will try to take some pics at the concert and post them here soon! My internet has been going wanky too so haven't been able to blog as much as I want. Good night one and all!

Still...Who will be our next Prime Minister of Canada?

I am still undecided and frustrated. I have no idea who I will vote for on October 14. I am still not impressed by any of our four major political leaders and their platforms. I wish we could pick and choose. Our great(said with a touch of sarcasm) debate involving the four major political parties occured the same night as the US vice presidential debate. I was bored and was soooo tempted to flip channels to hear our US counterparts hash it out. But, I resisted the temptation as I wanted to support our candidates. Yesterday, the day after the debate, I was reading the news on the BBC (UK) and there was no mention of our Canadian debate, even though we are part of the Commonwealth. Of course the US debate was covered. I'm not sure if you remember a few weeks ago I mentioned on my blog our elections have to be one of the quietest campaigns around. Not even our leader in the Commonwealth deems it important to even mention on their news channels.

Our local paper has been interviewing our local candidates discussing the key issues during this campaign. This morning as I read their plan for the economy, I was mortified. Only the Conservative candidate shared his specific plan, which didn't sound great. The rest had nothing to say except criticism for the other party platforms. I am finding this to be a tough election. On Monday, our school is hosting the local Liberal candidate so we will see what he has to say.

Enough politics for today. I am off to shop in the great city of Toronto - a cure for my frustration:)