Gratitude and Optimism

"Looking forward.., moving forward..." You have heard the expression. Everybody is using it. The words have almost lost their original effectiveness.

Looking at this indomitable kid's face, I cannot stop laughing. Truly blessed with three sons, we look forward with gratitude and optimism. I am wrenched from my complacency, my relatively peaceful existence back to the sleepless nights, chaotic events and the prevailing sheer fear of the next crisis ~ if not a calamity ~ that raising three well-adjusted males entailed.

For a while, I am just going to glance at this laughable photo and look forward...

Moments

"We do not remember days,

we remember moments."

~ Cesare Pavese, Italian poet & author (1908 - 1950)

It is only of late that I am observing that children naturally live in the moment. I am not a psychologist but it appears that children are not distracted by cumbersome past and future thoughts. Yank them from their immediate activity and one quickly learns how important the moment is to them! They will protest.

Living in the moment is a skill that adults may be able to relearn with practice. I am working on it.

Cayuga O.P.P. Flags at Half-Mast

Flags fly at half-mast over the Cayuga O.P.P. Detachment. Five Canadians lost. Four soldiers and one journalist repatriated to CFB Trenton, Ontario today. December 30 was the third worst day for casualties in the Afghan mission. A total of 138 soldiers and 2 civilians dead.

Olympic Torchbearer Fizan Jaffar

Olympic Torchbearer # 129, Fizan Jaffar, identified himself in a photo that we posted. As Fizan was unable to take pictures the day of his historic run, he welcomes any additional photographs that may exist. If anyone has pictures, or knows of anyone who may have pictures, taken along Munsee St. between J. L. Michener Public School and the Cayuga ball park, please contact us at lwalker@mountaincable.net and we will be pleased to put you in touch with Fizan.

Certified Service Dog ~ Gordon

Gordon wishes to say "Happy New Year" to everyone. Suitably dressed for our Canadian winter in his warm coat and red boots, Gordon visits the bookshop. A certified service dog, he enjoys his leisure time.

His original owner had expectations for Gordon on the racetrack, but greyhound racing was never Gordon's dream. (Second only to the cheetah, greyhounds are the fastest animal in the world.) Trampled on the track early in his non chosen career, Gordon became shy of the sport.

We join Gordon in wishing all of our friends a Happy New Year and all the best in 2010.

Old Days Old Times Old Friends

Never a Christmas Morning
Never the Old Year ends
but Somebody thinks of Somebody
Old days Old times Old friends

We are not certain of the origin of the above. Christmas and the end of another year is certainly a time for refection. It is a time when many of us make resolutions. Perhaps simply a vow to do better covers it all!

Auld Lang Syne

Auld Lang Syne or "For old times' Sake..." is associated not only with New Year's Eve but often sung at farewells of any kind.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you'll buy your pint cup!
and surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o'kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS:

We two have run about the shopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS:

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine';
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS:

And there's a hand my trust friend!
And give us a hand o'thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS:
Scottish poet, Robert Burns, 1759 - 1796.