The Love of $$$ is out of balance with LIFE

I am from this community,  Fort Chipewyan, Alberta.  When I was younger, the water level of Lake Athabasca was high, fish and fur bearing animals were plentiful.  We had a simple life, with the only access into the community being by air or boat in the summer. Then in the 70's, the oil industry took hold and never let go.  Life changed. You know what, this type of manmade destruction is non discriminatory, really.  It cares not if you're first nations, white, black, rich, poor, live far or near.  

Watch this video: Oil Sands Vs. Life   DON'T Skip this documentary, please.  A birth of a child took place at this 'Healing Walk' so, maybe there is HOPE. 

The oil industry is here to stay, but you have to mitigate the damages. 

There has to be balance. We must adjust with the times moving forward.  As with all decisions we make as parents, we must have balance. Sometimes we don't have a choice, not everyone can leave.  However, we do have a choice of what we put into our body. More effort should be on how to live a healthy life, without excess drinking, without smoking, and please stop eating junk food. And get more exercise and take time to enjoy what we do have. 

Suspended Fragments of Summer

Misty fog on the Ottawa River

It’s the last weekend in August and although summer doesn’t officially end for a few more weeks, this weekend always feels like summer is over. Like when you're almost at the end of a great book, you want to know what happens, but still would like the story to linger longer. I can feel the leaves changing, the north wind sneaking up, and fall just waiting to pounce at the first chance the sun is hidden behind the clouds. But I must remain present, in the now, so to speak. 

Over the summer, I managed to learn new things about myself.

 

Dinner night before!

July 1^st our 15 year old son embarked on an adventure at Laval University, in Quebec City, for five weeks of French immersion.  I knew that I’d miss him, and worried about how he would cope without us.  Particularly, since he would be immersed in a completely foreign language.  We stayed the night instead of driving back to Ottawa at a the hotel minutes from the university. I could not go to sleep until he sent me a text saying that he was in his dorm. I continued to wait for that last text of the day every night in July. 

 

August 2, in front of his residence

As the weeks went by and he seemed to be enjoying himself, I realized that letting him go this summer was the best thing for him.  I was proud of both of us, him for going without a fuss and me for following through and letting him go. It afforded him the opportunity to experience life separate from his parents.  Learning and meeting new situations directly and coming out at the end of the day surer of himself.

 

Almost immediately I was alone, I had to experience being by myself because hubby was away on business for the first week in July.  Learning to be comfortable being alone was strange.  Learning to accept that I could not control everything in my son’s life was even more difficult. That was biggest learning for me, letting go.  On August 2nd we picked him up. He looked taller, although somewhat thiner, but I could tell straight away  that he had matured. 

In mid July, I received a text from one of my sisters who was experiencing a critical health issue.  I wrote about it here. An unexpected surprise was a brief visit with my lovely island girls, who delivered the wonderful life saving cold-pressed juices from The People's Juicery. 

  

Rose & Mary Tofino, BC

The lesson from this trip was experiencing how very essential being there for someone is to their healing. The saying, laughter heals, is so true. Seeing it transform and brighten my sister's eyes was wonderfully encouraging. I am so grateful to be able to spend that time with two of my sisters.  We took a day trip to Tofino, BC. I had a great time driving the narrow and twisting highway. I mean, I REALLY, enjoyed it, what a thrill. I only wished I had my own car instead of a rental. 

Mama 

Hubby suggested that since I was already out west, I ought to go back to Alberta with my sister Mary to visit with our mom in Fort McMurray.  I did, and I am so glad that I did. My mom is living in an extended care facility. 

The most important thing I learnt about myself was that I have a bottomless cup of compassion where my mom is concerned. What a blessing to be able to visit with her. Living 2500 miles away makes it difficult to see her as often as I'd like. I don’t know what it is about an elderly parent, but they touch your soul with such pureness and wisdom.  And you feel that when they look at you, they SEE you. When you look into their eyes you can see all that was and all that is yet to be.  I have so much gratitude and love for my beautiful mama. 

The balance of the summer is a beautiful blur, working, reading books, Weeding Playing in the garden, meditation, swimming, and basically enjoying the serenity that comes with feeling totally blessed.   

Ottawa River

Eyes on You

We all enjoy the privilege of posting and uploading whatever we like on a variety of social media sites.  Indeed, social networking is a 21st century passion for people the world over.  In fact, there is no shortage of ways to showcase our whims to the masses, be it by using Twitter, Facebook, Vine, Tumblr, Google+, Pinterest, and in blogs.   Technology created ways to keep in touch with families, friends, and like-minded people like never before. Within seconds, we can upload something for the world to see, comment, or share. All is good with our world as long as we’re connected.

 

But do we have any responsibility to our “readers” friends, and family?  Should we think ahead about what impact our posts might have on others?  Are we at all concerned about the message are we sending? Do we know what we post is a reflection of our integrity, values and beliefs?  And, more importantly, do you know what you post can stay on these sites even when you delete it?  Yes, it does, because you can bet that someone has it on his or her computer. 

It is my belief that we behave on these sites as we do in “real life”.  So if we swear, use drugs and drink excessively, or act provocatively and immaturely outside of social media, it shows up there as well.  And so where's the harm, you might ask.  After all it’s just your life, right?  

Wrong.  More people than you think see your comments and posts, unless you have absolute control of your audience.  By the way, even setting privacy setting does not give absolute control once it's posted on the internet.  

Some comments from Facebook;  

• If you see something in your newsfeed that you don't like, just hide the post, seriously that's all you have to do instead of whining about people swearing.
• One must not assume all Facebook buddies will remain as buddies. No apologies to those haters and deletists offended with my posts.  
• Facebookers, please no profanity on my facebook, no talk about your sex life, gossip, booze, drugs or gangster talk or else I will delete you.... I have young children as facebook buddies...have some respect.
•  I like to keep my pages absolutely G rated!! Not only for my kids - but for me too.    
• If I got it, I will flaunt it! If you don’t like it, too bad! Delete yourself.

My comment on this picture below was deleted shortly after I posted it.  But because it was on my computer, I am able to post it here, after I removed the names of the people. 

It was this picture posted recently that started me thinking that our behaviour as seen on social networks, will unequivocally impact others.  And is a direct reflection on character.  This picture posted by her parents, says it's okay to drink. And, finally it's legal! Never mind how the abuse of alcohol has impacted this particular family. I know this picture is supposed to be lighthearted but given their relationship with alcohol, it only gave me a heavy heart. It's like they gave up the fight, flung their arms in the air and said, she going to drink, so whatever.  And any impressionable young person on their friends, and friends of friends lists gets the message as clear as the picture. 

That said, it appears that people still view social media sites as something that is private and personal like it's there own private journal.  You know these site were not built for the user, it's designed for commercial use. They make no money from you, so I ask you, who is their target? But that's a separate topic for another day.  Let’s be clear there is nothing private and personal if it’s on a social network site! By definition. 

Awhile ago I re-posted this status update on my Facebook page, it is from a close friend after the loss of members in our community;

“The recent tragic losses in our community due to alcohol have been heavy on my heart. What can I as an individual do to raise awareness about the abuse of alcohol and drugs, which contributes to violence, accidents and even deaths?

Well, I've decided to embark on a campaign on Facebook by commenting on any of my friends and family's Facebook status that mention anything related to alcohol, drugs or violence from now on; this is to show our young people who are on Facebook that many of the comments made on Facebook about being drunk, going to parties, taking drugs and any kind of violent acts are not acceptable, not funny and often lead to disastrous outcomes. If I am deleted from your friends' list because of my anti-alcohol and drug comments, I'm okay with that.

I encourage you to join this campaign in the memory of our loved ones who we recently lost due to alcohol or drug abuse. You can start by POSTING this as your status update and begin commenting against alcohol, drugs and violence for a healthier community.”

These social network sites are rather new still and norms are being created as we transition to this new way of expressing ourselves. Having said that, we must be responsible for what we post because once it is released on the internet, it's a done deal.  And you never know, whose eyes are reading it and how that information will impact him or her.  

Outside his Comfort

Our kitchen sink faucet was leaking, and every time I used it, I would be drenched.  It basically needed to be replaced, so I went to Home Hardware and bought a new faucet. I placed it on the counter next to the sink.

It didn't take hubby long to get the hint, he being a smart guy and all.

 There was a lot of cussing and grumbling and more grumbling.  Water was leaking and spraying all over him and onto the kitchen floor.  "I hate this!" he kept muttering under his breath.  He needed a new part, so off he went to buy it.  He returned with the required part and a new attitude.  He said, I am doing this without any drama.

Wait for it... drum roll!

He did!!!

Sometimes, even a lawyer can keep his cool under the sink, dripping wet.  Who needs a plumber when you have a handy guy around the house who takes a step outside his comfort zone to please his wife. :)

Extraordinary Surprises

Vancouver Island, BC

I just returned from a whirlwind trip to Vancouver Island. It didn’t start off as a pleasure trip.

 

It began with a startling text message from my sister, Rose, who was in an extremely perilous health condition.  Having just been informed by her internist that she was at risk of dying because her liver was not working.  I acted quickly and emailed another sister, Mary, the subject line of my email was “road trip?” 

Without hesitation she responded by booking her flight, and we agreed to meet in Victoria, BC and drive up together for the 3-hour drive to Port Alberni where our sister was hospitalized.  We had no idea what we would be seeing when we got there, but you can imagine that our thoughts were rapidly creating all sorts of scenarios, and, all of them grave. I even packed black clothes in case the trip ended with a funeral.

Not letting the seriousness of the situation get us down, we decided not to tell our sister we were coming to visit her.  I think, partly because we didn’t want to draw too much attention to the seriousness of her situation, and partly because in my family we always love to surprise one another.

That morning in Victoria, BC, I texted Rose to let her know that I was going on a weekend drive, and my sister Mary also texted her saying she was going for a drive.  Both of us live about 2500 miles apart, so we hoped she wouldn’t connect the dots.  Hee, hee, hee!!!

When we got close to the hospital we sent another text, mine stated: "Done my drive, now I will be visiting.  Love you."   Mary’s text was “Thinking of you sis, and feeling so close to you.”  She responded to Mary’s text saying, “discomfort by the bloating.”  Mary texted back, “You need a distraction!”

 

Within minutes after the last text we were in her room.  She was nowhere to be found; we looked around the ward and then went back to her room.  She was in the bathroom. Whew!  We drew the curtains around her bed and waited, and when she moved the curtain back she saw us.  Her eyes were as big as saucers, and her smile lit up the room.

Mary on left, Rose on right

 

But she was horribly yellow with jaundice, which made the whites of her eyes a yellowish colour, the likes of which I’ve never seen before.  The results of her blood tests indicated that she was close to succumbing to a coma. My heart sank, knowing that she was indeed in a very critical condition. However, it was encouraging to see that she was walking of her own accord and eating.  She was placed on a low protein diet.

When I saw her dinner, I must say I was not surprised, but still I could not believe what she was served on her “special diet”.  On her tray were battered fried fish, mashed potatoes, waterlogged vegetables, canned fruit cocktail, and a glass of milk.  I could only describe the food as dead.   The food had been prepared in Toronto, all the way across the country, frozen, and then thawed on the west coast, where there is no shortage of fresh fish and other nutritious local foods.  I know all hospital food is frozen then reheated at the hospitals. This is a cost saving method at the expense of the patient’s health when they most require nutrient for healing.

Fortunately, I was in a position to provide Rose with fresh pressed juices from The People's Juicery in Vancouver, BC.  She had ten 16 oz. bottles of cold-pressed juice, enough for two days.  She immediately went on a two-day juice fast, drinking water in between the life-giving green juices.

 

Rose after I cut her hair with her bottle of
cold-pressed juice from The People's Juicery

After two days of drinking cold-pressed green juices, Rose’s blood test showed a great improvement and her doctor was astonished at the change in their readings. She was discharged from hospital a couple of days later.

Food is indeed medicine! If I had any reservations before this, they are certainly dismissed now.  Although, I admit that the fact that we, and other people, who prayed and who visited her also gave her healing energy that help in the healing process. 

We left our sister light-hearted, knowing that she was healing in an extraordinary and natural fashion. A trip that began ominously, ended with laughter, and a promise of a brighter future for Rose.  It's important to remember what we put into our body becomes us, so, eat whole living foods.  It's never too late to adjust your taste buds towards a healthier diet.  :)

In Search of a Bowl of Sunshine

This acai bowl made at home! 

The last week of February we had a huge snowfall in the capital region. This snowfall surpassed a record set in 1967, as I understand.  The snow was so slick, wet and heavy, which resulted in many accidents.  Cars got stuck within minutes of parking to pick up students in the school parking lot.  Whilst I waited, I observed a few high school students going to several cars to push them out of the snow. The snow showed no mercy, falling as though making the point you can’t mess with Mother Nature and we should all have stayed in bed.  Hopefully, this will mark the last we’ll experience a winter storm of this magnitude, being only three weeks until spring.  

As I Waited, I found myself daydreaming of warmer and calmer times. Specifically,  our Christmas Hawaiian trip, which was just a couple of months earlier.

 

Sweet memories, of sun, sand, and the sound of the ocean surf came flooding to mind.  I love the feel of the heated sand under my toes, and then to have a delicious cold something, something,  to eat. Which got me to thinking about a favorite pastime in Kauai, Hawaii. Taste testing acai bowls from different establishments on the island.

What is an acai (Ah-sigh-ee) bowl?  It is a bowl of sunshine, truth be told!  The purple super fruit is from Brazil.  If you are not familiar with acai’ bowl, it is a dish that for the most part is consumed for breakfast.  But it can be enjoyed any time of the day or evening.  The ingredients are granola, a fruit blend smoothie, which includes acai, and toped, with some fresh fruit slices, placed in a nice big bowl.  There are no rules, leaving creations limited only by the imagination of the individual. However, it is my opinion that taste is enhanced knowing about the  nutrient benefits especially if all ingredients are organic.  Certainly knowing that the acai bowl, which is filled with antioxidants, omega-3s and amino acids all things that are good for you, makes this wonderfully enjoyable amazon treat quilt free.  I'm telling you, when you experience that first bite, crunchy with a burst of cold and creamy sweetness, this can  absolutely enhance your happiness and contentment level. It will make your day! 

The bowls from three places on Kauai that met my discriminating taste buds are:    

Aloha Juice Bar in Princeville, HI

This fruit stand is visually so appealing with bright colors of fresh fruit.  The acai bowls are a nice size, with a large serving of granola, fruit and acai.  I enjoyed it and would have been my favorite.  However, when told that there was a strawberry allergic person in our group, and then to be served a bowl with obvious bits of strawberry mixed with the other fruit.  Not cool.  Not cool at all!

Moloa’s Sunrise Juice Bar

This place beside the highway is by far an island favorite!  The generous plate serving size is not match by anyone on the island.  The food is fresh, attractively plated and so tasty good.  And the cold coconut milk is thirst quenching on a hot day. My acai bowl, however, was more on skimpy side, hardly no granola.  I personally love the crunch of the granola and I like more than one type of fruit as topping. So I asked for papaya for an additional fee. 

The Coconut juice bar and café

Best Acai Bowl in Kauai, Hi 2013

We almost missed this place and must have driven by it many times in the previous ten days on the way to the beach.  Set back on a corner lot, with lonely empty picnic tables in front.  But the girls while on their bike ride earlier decided to stop there to enjoy a shave ice.  And wouldn’t you know it, the topping for the shave ice was natural organic fruit juiced.  No sugar added!!!  Wow. 

If they put that much effort into a shave ice what would they do with an acai bowl, I wondered.  They didn’t disappoint.  As it turn out this quickly became my favorite place on the island to enjoy an acai bowl.  Unfortunately, we discover it on our last day. 

The bowl was a healthy size. Lots of granola, a combination of three different fruits, and the acai smoothie was so thick and absolutely delicious.   Yummy.  It is not only a healthy meal, but it is appealing visually too.  After all, they say we eat with our eyes first. Yeah, that's what they say.  

Oh, speaking of visually yummy, I had an awesome kale salad at Rainbow  Living Foods, in Kapa'a.  Also on my last day in Kapa'a.  

Kale Salad

On a snowy, stormy, wintery, February  afternoon watching cars being pushed out of the snow, is one time living in the past, totally worth it.   

Not Just a Pet

Dogs lived in the hills behind our house in Doghead, Fort Chipewyan, Alberta.  I don’t recall them ever being allowed in the house, even in the -30C degrees in the dead of a northern Alberta winter.  The best analogy I can give of our team of dogs is that they were employees.  Work dogs.  Sled dogs.  Dogs were essential aspect of the Denesuline since the mid 1850’s; they packed food and were used as transportation.  Our dogs, in exchange for their loyal work, were well cared for. They were all very healthy, and by all accounts, very happy dogs. 

The distinct smell of certain type of dog food transports me to our little kitchen watching as my dad stirred a big pot of dog food on top the wood burning stove.  The only dog I remember playing with was Curly.  She was the breeder and had special privileges like not being tied up in the hills. I have very fond memories of her and how special she was to our family. We also had another domestic dog, which my big sister brought home from the mission one summer.  

   

I never thought I would own a big breed dog, certainly, not one that would share the house.  Since we no longer required dogs to haul our stuff and transport us what was their job in today’s society, I mused.  Their purpose, I soon realized was a surprise that was literally a breakthrough in how I relate to dogs now.

 

When our son was two he wanted a dog. Hubby and I discussed the possibility of having a dog.  I was adamant that if we got a big dog, this dog would have to live outside.  I’m sure he must have thought I was crazy.  Hubby held his ground and said, if we got a dog he would live in the house. This called for an extensive research on breeds and I read up on many different breeds. Finally we settled on a standard poodle.  I liked the fact that standard poodles don’t shed and are known for their intelligence, but more importantly they are also known to live with children without aggression.

 

Bodhi 2 months old and Andrew 2 years old

We fell in love with Bodhi (Bodhisattva) immediately.  He was a two-month fluffy ball of energy when we picked him up.  

His energy just increased as he got older. In our area, I was known as the lady with the bouncing poodle.  He was so excited and loved to bounce up and down, sometimes backwards.

Bodhi has an amazing personality with powers to make the most apprehensive person feel safe with him. Everyone who met him, fell in love with him.  He was smart too. Once when he was younger, he took his stuff toy and placed it on our son’s bed.  Then he took Andrew’s teddy bear and placed it on his matt.  I would never imagine that he could think of exchanging toys with Andrew.  And of course, his “work” in the family is to make people feel happy, comfortable, and safe.  He does his job extremely well. 

Which is why what he went through in December was difficult to watch.  On July 6, 2012 he turned 12.  Early in December I noticed Bodhi being unsteady on his feet and a weakness and slow movements navigating stairs.  I took him to our local vet.  He basically said he is getting old and this was expected in older dogs.  He sold me new food that is supposed to help.  Bodhi loved the new food. 

Then about two weeks later, after coming in from outside, Bodhi appeared unsteady on his feet again.  Then just as suddenly he had no control over his front limbs. Every time he tried to stand he fell back down. As you can imagine witnessing this was so scary.  

Thankfully, both hubby and I were home at the time. Hubby was on a conference call with clients, and he immediately said, “Something is wrong with our dog. I got to go.”  We wasted no time taking him to the vet.  After an x-ray and blood test didn’t reveal anything, we decided to take him to the Animal Hospital for further test. After a battery of test, he was diagnosed with a compressed disc that was pinching his nerve and cut off blood to his front limbs. Evidently this is common in big dogs, and is sometimes called disc herniation. 

We were so impressed with the Alta Vista Animal Hospital. Straight away he was assigned a neurologist.  Within a few hours, he had a MRI, surgery, and was in recovery.  Private Medicare at work for our four-legged patient got two thumbs up from us.  I am please to write that Bodhi is getting back to his old self and continues to get stronger daily. 

Bodhi 2012

This experience revealed that Bodhi is part of our family in the real sense, we feared for him.  As we took care of him in his recovery, it was clearer to me that he is connect to us on a very deep level and his life is just as precious to us as our own.  I now can relate to people who think of their pets as their “children”.  Indeed, the transition from “work” dog to integration into being a true family member surprised me as I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions with the prospect of losing him.  I know that when the time comes we will make whatever decision to be respectful and in honor of Bodhi.  

He is and always will be our Bodhisattva!  

Update: May 24, 2013 Bodhi left our world @6:35 pm.  He will live forever in our hearts.  Bodhi you were the very best and we love you dearly.  We were all with him, even my brother Rossi, when he transitioned to the next phase of his journey.  <3 i="" nbsp="">