Heading for Adventure

A travel adventure has no substitute. It is the ultimate experience, your one big opportunity for flair.
~ Rosalind Massow

I am flying over the Canadian Rockies as I write this. I was supposed to fly to Vancouver via Edmonton when the West Jet staff could not find me. My Blackberry boarding pass kept being kicked out of the system when she tried to check me in. It turns out that I had been moved to a direct flight—score!—and I am hoping that my cousin will still be able to meet me at the airport. If not, I can just wander around a bit until she arrives. Thus the adventure begins.

The snow-capped mountains are beautiful. Perhaps they are just a hint of what is to come in the next ten days. I am hoping to be rejuvenated on this trip. I am tired, having had long days and late nights for some time now.

The school year ended well. Today, the sixth person expressed an interest in joining the part-time training program. That will mean the course will proceed as planned once an instructor can be found. I am happy that there is enough interest in the course.

Now a few days with my beloved cousin before I head to Alaska! Woo hoo!
I am officially on vacation for 12 days. Let the fun begin!

Peace,

Suzanne

Living Life Well

I’ve learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life". ~ Maya Angelou

One more day of work and then I am off on vacation. Woo hoo!! I cannot wait. Of course, a lot has to happen before I board that plane. Sigh. I don’t understand how with being so seasoned a traveler I still cannot pack properly. What is it with that? Also, why am I also so last minute with the packing? I seem to never learn.

Anyway, I officially take a break from making a living tomorrow and start making a life. I am excited to be going on this cruise and remain open to the work that will be done during Stephanie Staples workshops and to all that I will meet and experience.

A friend of mine called me this afternoon to share some of her experiences of her Alaskan cruise that she just returned from. Here are some of her insights:

1. She has never seen a place so pristine and pure. I love those words. I could use them both in my life and it just confirms my choice of gifting myself with this experience.
2. Pack less than I think I need. Ack!! What is wrong with seven dresses and five pairs of shoes??
3. Attend the naturalist lecture. I cannot wait to learn more about the beauty and environment. I have waited twenty years to experience this.
4. Don’t think too hard about the glaciers or I will cry. Yes, she is right. I will bawl my eyes out if I think deeply about what is happening to our earth.
5. Dress in layers. A ski jacket is not necessary.
6. There are no single men on the cruise so don’t go with the expectation of meeting anyone.
7. Go out on the deck often and breathe deeply. Go to some of the evening shows.
8. Remember to eat well. She managed to only gain two pounds by doing so. Try the smoked salmon in Ketchikan. It is amazing!
9. I will feel skinny because there are a lot of overweight Americans on the ship. Probably frequent cruisers who never recover.
10. Celebrity is one of the most posh cruise lines. Enjoy every minute of it!

I am officially beside myself. Is it time to get on the plane and head West yet? I am hoping to post the odd blog while away but may not be able to do it daily and will add photos probably upon my return. Stay tuned!

Peace,

Suzanne

Brain Dead

“When I use a word, “ Humpty Dumpty said in a rather scornful tone, “it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less.” ~ Lewis Caroll

Who really gets interpretation, other than an interpreter? We often beat ourselves up about the work we do. I had one of those days. I could not retrieve from my over-tired brain, the word representative. I started a sentence and for the life of me, I could not decide how to rework it when I realized that representative was not going to come to my mind. Sigh. That is all I really remember about my work today.

I think it is interesting how we hold on to that negative stuff in all areas of our lives. Let it go!!

Peace,

Suzanne

Talking is Work

Communication works for those who work at it. ~ John Powell

Today was a day of communication. The day started with a conversation with a colleague, went into a tense meeting, some good conversations, and a phone call filled with laughter to wrap up the day. Some days, I really need to pay attention to what I say. Other days, the challenge is to guard what comes out of my mouth.

I feel good about today’s communication but it was a lot of work.

Peace,

Suzanne

Feasting

When you look at the Crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host you understand how much Jesus loves you now. ~ Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Today is the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. It is one of my favourite Feast Days because it is about feasting…on the Body and Blood of the One who loves me without condition. May years have passed since I became a Eucharistic Minister and Fr. Foliot handed me the chalice in the commissioning service, announcing, “May your life be worthy.”

My journey as a Eucharistic Minister has been incredible, with many special moments. Perhaps the most mystical one occurred just prior to leaving for Africa. I stood at the altar and received the host. As I held it in my hand, it began to pulsate. It was as if I held the heart of Christ in my hand. As I received the host, I could not help but think that Jesus was now in me in a new and mysterious way.

Sometimes it is easy to believe that Jesus loves us but for Catholics, that love is revealed in a powerful way in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Look at the Body and Blood of Christ and know that you are, and always have been, deeply loved.

Peace,

Suzanne

Dreaming

What you dream alone remains a dream,
what you dream with others can become reality. ~ Edward Schillebeeckx

Dreams are sometimes the only thing that keeps us going….that and the faith that instilled the dream in the first place. Tomorrow is an Open House in the Chemin Neuf Community here. This is a dream of two people and one can see that they have leaned heavily on God for the reality to occur. They are surrounded by a small group of us who want their dream to be a reality. I look forward to that event.

My dream of taking an Alaskan cruise will be realized in a week. Twenty years in the making really, it is now possible only because my friend Sandy said she would accompany me. Today I ran into a woman who did the same cruise for her honeymoon two years ago. She loved it and told me that the food is to die for. Alright, that is what everyone talks about when they hear I am doing this. My reason for doing the cruise is to immerse myself in the magnificence of God’s creation. I cannot wait! However, it does seem like I will be packing on a few pounds if I am not careful.

What dreams do you hold this day? How long have you held them for? Why are you waiting to make them become a reality? What holds you back?

Peace,

Suzanne

Standing on a Rock

To be half a century plus is wonderfully exciting, because I haven't lost any of my past, and am free to stand in the rock of all that the past has taught me as I look towards the future. ~ Madeleine L'Engle

With my birthday gift to myself looming next week I am getting excited. I have had an amazing life and I am so grateful for so much. To be half a century is wonderfully awesome. I take the gifts of all those 50 years and am so blessed that I do feel as if I am standing on solid rock most days.

In just over a week, I will be boarding a cruise ship to head to Alaska with a friend from BC. This is the part of celebrating my birthday where I surround myself with beauty and walk with God in Creation. This is a trip I have wanted to do since my time with Sojourners community and I saw Judy’s breath-taking photos. It is never too late to live out your dreams. Hang on to the valuable lessons of the past but move towards the future. Live the life you want now. There may not be a second chance.

Peace,

Suzanne

Sing Anyway!

A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song. ~ Chinese Proverb

Today, we had our year-end staff meeting at Fort Whyte Centre. It was a beautiful space though I did not get to explore it too much. This little fellow came often to feed during the meeting, distracting a number of us as he fought with other similar birds and a woodpecker for feeding rights.

This was the meeting where we would find out what the mediators had to say to us. I think they were actually quite accurate in their analysis. I am sad at a number of things that will be changing in the fall. How it plays out will be the true litmus test.

I have been thinking a lot about ego again. Now I am adding expectations. I do not always have expectations. I try to go into an experience open. This quote makes me ponder why we do what we do. Just sing! That is how I feel as I end my day. Just sing, because you have a song. Leave the rest to God.

Peace,

Suzanne

Be A Dragonfly!

It is an absolute bonus to make friends out of colleagues. ~ Jennifer Aniston

Tonight was another 50th birthday party. I have lost count but I am sure that in the end I will get close to 50 small parties. Tonight was a small gathering to celebrate not only my birthday but also the imminent departure of a friend and former colleague who is retiring and returning to the Rock.

I think we started laughing even before we were together. I arrived at the hotel to hook up with the others and got into the elevator to go up to the room and the elevator did not go anywhere. I did not panic though. Instead I sent a text message: I think I am stuck in the elevator. The reply: You need a card. I’ll come get you. Lol.

Then there was the comedy of errors in trying to get cards and gifts organized while maintaining some element of surprise while the other person is supposed to not know that it is now their card that is trying to secretly be signed. I got beautiful gifts tonight: a stunning purple orchid in a purple pot and a cool little dragonfly “thingie” as it is officially called.

The Dragonfly came with a poem by Lynn Settee:

Oh Dragonfly….
is born in the water
and lives in the sky,
a wonder of nature
the Dragonfly.

ADAPT – CHANGE – GROW

but never forget where you came from,
just like…the Dragonfly….

I look at these women and see that they embody these words. We have all adapted, changed, and grown. We do not forget where we have come from, either professionally or personally. That is why we are friends, not just colleagues.

There was a moment of emotion at the table as one of the women shared her memory of me coming on to the team. She thought, who is this chick? Not a first great impression I take it. She continued on to say that I went from colleague to mentor and also related a story of how she had a career-changing moment because of me. With all three of these women, I have had poignant moments on the journey through their lives, not just their careers. They have been friends and that indeed is an absolute bonus.

We put a kibosh on work-related conversation once inside the restaurant but I recounted one funny story that had happened that afternoon, when I learned a new sign ”Whatever; I love you” pictured here.

Maybe that is why we have moved to that bonus stage of our relationship, because we can roll our eyes at our imperfections, remember where we have come from, and know that we can adapt, change, grow, and say with a smile and sincerity, “Whatever….I love you!”


Peace,

Suzanne

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you and all your heart might desire. ~ Irish Blessing

Tonight we had rain again, which is something this province does not need in the south. On this first day of summer, we did not have much heat and tomorrow is supposed to be cool. Drat!!

Today was also my sister’s birthday. She is three years younger than me, and as you can see in this photo of her, quite stylish. I have not figured out the date sequence of some of these photos. She looks older than she should be here, given the date on the photo.

I am a bad sister. I forgot to call her. I remembered at various points of the busy day and night but now it is too late to actually make the call. I don’t usually forget to call her. Sigh. Busy time of year for me. She will forgive me. I saw her at the annual Chinese Dinner on Sunday.

She hates photos being taken of her so I have honoured that and published one from long ago. She has been a single mom most of her daughter’s life and I thought about posting one of her with her daughter but I thought this one was cuter.

My wish for her could well be the blessing from above. Hope your day was great, Sis! May you have all that your heart desires.

Peace,

Suzanne

Judge Not!

If you judge people, you have no time to love them. ~ Mother Teresa

Today’s devotional and gospel reading was on Matthew 7:1-5, which talks about judging people. Before you get too busy pointing out the splinters in someone else’s eye, pull out the log in your own. I am struggling right now in a couple of areas of life where I do feel like I am judging certain individuals. I asked someone recently if she thought it were my ego at play in one situation. She concurred with what I believed, that no, it was not, and that I had the best interest of others at heart.

Some days I just get weary of all the griping and complaining. I hate hearing it. One of the lines in the devotional was this: Jesus judged people and situations every day, but he never held hatred or resentment; he never tried to get revenge. That is a powerful line. Lord, may I have the grace to judge wisely and not hold hatred or resentment. May my ego not be at play. May your love and grace be sufficient for me.

How is your vision these days? Got a plank or speck in your eye?

Peace,

Suzanne

Father God

Father! - to God himself we cannot give a holier name. ~ William Wordsworth

Ah, Father’s Day and Trinity Sunday. Interesting combination!

The photo is of us four kids with our dad. Doesn’t it look like we are having a good time? Perhaps it is my brother who is making us laugh, but one thing I can say about Dad is that he has a wonderful sense of humour that he has passed onto his children.

Dad is a hard-working man, still, at age 78, but today he will take a Sunday afternoon off to enjoy his family. The tradition is that we buy him Chinese food so that he cannot even pull out the old barbeque that he enjoys so much. I will be leaving shortly to pick up my sister and niece who have ordered that food.

In spiritual direction, I always ask about what the retreatant’s vision of God is and I listen carefully as they speak about their own father to see the parallels. Most people have a relationship with one of the members of the Trinity and God as Father does seem to be the common one.

God as Father is often an image that women balk at. I like it but it is not my only image of God. I tend to embrace the other two members of the Trinity also, both Jesus as God and man, and the Spirit, as Wind and Fire.

In some ways, I can see that Dad has elements of the Trinity. He is Father, protector and provider. He is Jesus, divine and human. He is Spirit, mysterious and active.

Off to celebrate!!

Peace,

Suzanne

Eat Cake! Moderately

All the world is birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much.
~ George Harrison

Everything in moderation, right? Grab a piece of cake and chow down, especially when it is for a birthday. Just keep in mind that it should be a small piece of cake.

Today was another birthday event for me, dining with someone who had just celebrated a birthday himself. We ended up having a three and a half hour lunch, catching up on various things.

After that I went to one of my goddaughter’s homes because it was her 10th birthday today. Wow!! Double digits!! How exciting is that? She loved my sparkly bling gifts and put them both on immediately. She had also been at a birthday party for someone else that morning and each child decorated a small cake (the one in the photo was hers) and took it home.

Her uncle/godfather arrived, bearing two blocks of wood screwed together. He is such a jokester that she did not realize that was the “card” until he asked if she was going to open it. Off she went to retrieve a screwdriver and proceeded to open it. A crisp $100 bill brought a squeal of delight. Pretty clever! I suggested she keep the blocks of wood and gift someone else in the same way—and not necessarily with the same amount of cash. She liked that idea.

It was a gorgeous day here—hot and sunny, and while there were bugs, not one mosquito. Summer arrives this week and we are definitely being blessed with it today. I think it was 31 degrees at one point today. We sat in the shade and had great conversations. What a wonderful life, I have, some days! Grab a piece of cake and enjoy!

Peace,

Suzanne

Exercising My Right

Exercise is done against one's wishes and maintained only because the alternative is worse. ~ George Sheehan

Ahoy, Matey!! This is my normal bike route, washed out still by the high river. I have been trying to do an hour loop but have not yet been able to do it. Probably just as well since, I am finding the short loop about the right exercise for now. I can do this loop in about 25 minutes.

I have been trying to get in shape for my cruise. First of all, to be able to do some hiking and kayaking when we are off the ship. Secondly, because I know that I will be tempted by a shipload of food, which is supposed to be amazing on this particular cruise line. I am hoping to get some dancing in on this trip. That might help.

I am not sure that I like to exercise. I wish it were more fun. I think I really need to find a walking partner, which would be simple in this neighbourhood. A friend down the back lane and I walked the loop a few times last year and we are way over due to start doing it this year. Sigh. The alternative to not exercising is definitely worse. I do like to cycle though and it clears my head. I just need to be more diligent about it.

What’s your favourite exercise?

Peace,

Suzanne

First Step

Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up. ~ A. A. Milne

Long day again! Gotta get to bed early at some point…

After work a group of us involved with planning the 2014 National ASL-English interpreting conference met for the first time. I am VERY excited about the next four years. Dynamic group of people with loads of ideas. I cannot wait to see what materializes in the next while. Stay tuned.

Peace,

Suzanne

Ugh!

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within. ~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

I have had a bit of a frustrating day. My work team is in mediation and my manager shared one of the suggestions that will come forward next week, concerning my role on the team. I feel like they have missed the point and are appeasing the noisy gongs. I pray that I might find the light within so that the Truth will shine through.

Peace,

Suzanne

Let There Be Music!

There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is. ~William P. Merrill

End of the school year is always insanely busy….or maybe just insane. I have come home every evening and listened to what I am calling my new happy song: Chanda Mama. The music and singing literally transforms me. As soon as it starts my soul goes to some joy-filled place. Even though I cannot sing along yet, it makes me feel perky which is an odd word but my weariness dissipates immediately upon hearing the first few notes. You can check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I23Bkk92124 and see for yourself. The Playing for Change musicians are doing great work. I am familiar with a few of their songs.

I am one of the least musical people I know but music is something I cannot live without. I am not incredibly knowledgeable about music but I was surrounded by it growing up. My parents both had 78 records with artists like Elvis and Johnny Cash. My older brother devoured music and so I had a wide selection to choose from: Suzi Quatro and Pat Bentar, Beach Boys and Beatles, CCR and BTO, Meatloaf and April Wine, and David Bowie and Elton John. As I grew older and moved away, I gravitated to friends who played music and went to folk festivals and concerts. Certain friends passed along new music, introducing me to all types of people like The Indigo Girls, Metallica, and Bob Dylan.

When I lived in Washington, DC, I could attend free concerts, which was amazing. On occasion we would pay to see Bruce Cockburn or Holly Near. The church I went to in DC had an amazing Gospel choir that sparked a new love for me with rocking spirituals. Sweet Honey in the Rock lived in the neighbourhood and would often play at functions. Some of their songs would make me weep, with images of unspeakable racial discrimination wafting over the audience.

These days I mostly listen to Christian artists, but once in awhile I stray to secular stars like Adele belting out Rolling in the Deep or something even a bit zany like Ricky Martin and La Vida Loca. What can I say? I grew up with eclectic tastes in music. What I do know is that music, in many ways, saved my life. It still goes to a place so deep that it is only second to prayer in being able to move me.

How about you? What place does music have in your life?

Peace,

Suzanne

Don't Feed the Beast!

We may have that rascal, the decrepit old self, locked away safely, but surreptiously we still pass him food through the slot in the dungeon door, do we not? ~ Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis

Tonight at my Chemin Neuf prayer group, we reflected on a passage by a Cistercian monk who is the author noted above, but also is known as Brother Simeon. The meditation garnered lots of discussion. This quote in particular brought comments of not feeding that beast. The part that caught my attention was in what parts of my person do I still allow the old inflexible grouch of sin to have his way? I have been so grouchy these past few days. I am working on it though and came up with a plan. No more grouching! Only action…especially in the form of prayer.

Discipleship is a living school in which we learn how to be like Christ by intimate association with him is how the devotion ended.

I want to model Christ….not the Grouch.

Peace,

Suzanne

Come, Holy Spirit!

Come, Holy Spirit! Melt me, mold me, fill me, and use me for the good of your people. ~ Prayer in Morning Devotional

Pentecost or the "great fifty days" has been reduced to one day by most people's understanding. It actually is the whole 50 days from Easter to now. Joan Chittister describes Pentecost as “a delicious time. A shaft of light has come to pierce the uncertainties of the seeking. We are living now with a torch in our hands, however dark the darkness.” She further encourages Christians to let the Spirit transform us so that our lives and Christ’s melt together and become one.

Today when I woke up, I had a desire to go to church, even though I had been last night at the prison service. I wanted to go somewhere that I knew the Spirit would be blowing through, a mass where joy would be prevalent. I found it at St. Kizito, the African Church in St. Boniface. The tri-lingual service was beautiful and just what this soul needed to be refreshed. The mass itself was in French and English with music in various African languages. What a blessing!

I felt transported across the ocean—the drums and percussion, the singing, the clapping, the rising to bring your offering to the altar, the women’s dresses, and the men’s shoes all made me think of my time in the Great Lakes Region. At one point, I could feel the Spirit blowing through me, as a wave of emotion swept over me. I don’t often talk about how much I miss Africa to people here, but at that moment, I did miss it terribly. I am pretty honest with myself about things but I do know I ignore my feelings on this topic. Today though, I could not.

On this Feast Day of the Holy Spirit, I could not help but wonder if God was nudging me to examine again my love for a nation so very far away from here where my gifts were so well used. The gifts of the Spirit are a blessing and I do want to serve God with them in order to return them properly. I want to be used for the common good of the people. I feel a wee bit unsettled tonight as I ponder this dilemma.

On the other hand, I do feel as if I am using the gifts here. The joy of the Risen Christ is crucial on this Feast Day. Today we receive the Spirit, the very breath of God in our lives. Set me on fire, dear One. May I be refreshed by the Wind that whips through my life this day and always.

How about you? In what area of your life is the Spirit blowing through today that you need to take notice of?

Peace,

Suzanne

Opportunity Knocking

There is no security in this life. There is only opportunity. ~ Douglas MacArthur

While some Manitobans have gone on with their lives, others are still in dire need. The photos above are taken last week during a busy week of travel. One is of a farmer’s field near Gladstone (yes, that is not a pond or lake but a field which is nowhere ready to be seeded) and the sandbags on 1st street in Brandon. There is no security in this life. Hopefully, there are some opportunities for these folks who are in fear of losing much—both short and long term.

Tonight I am tired and won’t be saying much other than to please pray for those still affected by the flood. We are expecting heavy rains here again and that will have an impact on things.

Speaking of opportunities, on a totally unrelated note, I won my first Apple product last night at the fundraiser—an i-Pod Nano, Generation 4 so it is not too glitzy. I have yet to figure out how to work it. My niece is anti-apple. My brother, on the other hand….well, think Frodo and hear, “My Precious…..”

Peace,

Suzanne

Freedom 55

It's in the shelter of each other that the people live. ~ Irish Proverb

My friend Mary Lou celebrated her 55th birthday today. Her actual birthday was a few days today but she had this dream of having a social gathering that would help finance her campaign for the fall election. She was pleased with the turnout that she and another birthday girl had.

Jon Gerrard spoke, encouraging all the candidates who were present. As MC, I sat with about six of the candidates.

I could see the excitement in them as they spoke of politics and the upcoming election. Jon is proud of his people and is hopeful that they might gain more seats this time around.

What struck me though is that Mary Lou has found freedom 55. No, not the retirement plan, but a joy of what she is doing in this campaign and a hope that she might win this time. Even if she does not, there is a beautiful confidence that comes through. Good for her!! I love that she is taking great risks. That only comes when one has found freedom. Other friends let fears hold them back. Not Mary Lou. It is very inspiring.

I hope the journey is fun and fulfilling whatever the outcome. She has hit a good stride and regardless of whether she wins or not, the lessons she is learning are important. I was glad too to see that Mary Lou’s friends and family came out to support her. It is in the shelter of our loved ones that we can find confidence and joy.

What is holding you back from fulfilling your dreams and finding your freedom?

Peace,

Suzanne

Golden Moment

Yes, there are times when the gold medal only goes to the winner. But not in the race of life, where the winners are those who are superior not to others but to their former selves. ~ Robert Cooper

A year ago I attended the reception for Gold Medallists at the University of Winnipeg. I was so thrilled to have won this unexpected trophy. I had worked hard when I returned to school when I was 40 and was surprised when I started to get A’s on my papers and tests.

I found myself really loving studying when I returned to school. When I first went to university, I hated it. I was in my 20’s and needed an attitude shift…as did the professors. Older and wiser, I had a different perspective. I was truly interested in learning. My former self was transformed. She thought she was not smart or capable. This winner knew she was.

A year later, I may not have used my skills in a thoughtful way, but I do utilize them. I was out with a friend on the weekend who said she had a work-related issue she wanted to bounce off me. I listened, and then asked her only one question. The facial expression said it all as the lights went on. Oh my!! I had figured it out; why hadn’t she seen that? I felt good about being able to assist her.

I am not 100% sure how I will put to use my learning but I do know that I use it every day. I am grateful for the skills. Sometimes, I fail miserably at this and at other times I love what I see. I am only competing with myself so it is all good as they say.

I cannot believe that it has been a year less a day since my convocation. I should do something cool to celebrate tomorrow.

Peace,

Suzanne

Travel Bites

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. ~ Mark Twain

Today is the anniversary of my friends Rena and Prokopis’ wedding in Athens. Interestingly enough, I ran into Prokopis today in Brandon of all places so I got to wish him well in person. This photo was taken in Athens on their wedding day and I was there.

Twenty-six years ago, I struggled to make the decision to attend the wedding, unsure that I could actually afford it, and a bit nervous about traveling by myself to such a faraway place. That is when the travel bug bit though. I have never really looked back—it is the one bug I don’t mind having bit me. Traveling alone was such a novel thing for me back then. The trip to Greece though was phenomenal.

I went earlier than Rena due to a glitch in wedding dates and a federal election that postponed the big day for a week. I traveled around to Skyros and Santorini. I feel madly in love with traveling. I discovered all kinds of things about myself, including that I did not really ever suffer from the vices Twain mentions above. Of course, traveling has only accentuated the broad-mindedness I had.

The second photo is of me in Santorini, learning to breathe deeply, explore greatly, and learn passionately. What a blast that trip was!

Happy Anniversary, Rena and Prokopis! Thanks for the memories.

Peace,

Suzanne

The Future is Hers!

Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot uneducate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore. We have seen the future, and the future is ours. ~ Cesar Chavez

Another busy day in my life! A highlight though was meeting a student who was formerly on my caseload for lunch. I had been with her through early and middle years, and then was no longer open to her in high school. I had heard she was graduating in a few weeks and so sent a message via Facebook (thank goodness for such social networking sites that allow you to track people), inviting her to lunch.

What a delight to catch up on her life! She has been transformed. She struggled to stay in school and I remember telling her she was smart and she should stay. I must have told her 10 times today how very proud I was. She is working, has had a few boyfriends, bought a car, an I-Pod and a laptop out of her own money, and has a life plan. She is pleasant, assertive, and lovely all around.

I think what amazed me was her inner strength. She has such amazing inner convictions. I think, in some ways, that she always has. One time, I showed up at the school for the first time in the school year without letting her know I was coming. I thought she was going to fly right through her desk. She knew I was going to listen to her and change what had been bugging her. She was always a student who knew what she wanted.

I cannot wait to see where she goes from here. You cannot uneducate someone. She has learned so much and will be a fabulous addition to her community. What a joy!

Peace,

Suzanne

Weary

Weary. Weary at the close of day, wondering if tomorrow brings me joy or sorrow. ~ Leon Redbone

There was lots going on today. I worked out of town but accomplished many things even before I left the city. I spent the day working with some students and signers. This time of year, the push is on to see my schools one more time. It is crazy really.

I drove back to the city and made what I had hoped was going to be a short stop at the office…which turned into a half hour. From there, I washed my very “sticky” car. It must be cankerworm season. Sigh. Afterwards I picked up sushi for supper en route to my parents. While waiting for the sushi to be made, I popped next door to do some shopping for a work-related farewell party. I managed to run into a good friend and chatted with her a bit before bopping back into the restaurant to get my sushi.

I spent an hour catching up with Mom and Dad before jumping into my car at 8:00 pm to finally go home. I dragged myself into my apartment and then decided I really MUST get in a walk and so changed into walking clothes and took off. I was glad I did. It helped clear my head. I also reveled in the beauty of this season. So many gorgeous, fragrant flowers! Halfway through my walk, I realized my body is in pretty rough shape. I probably need to see a physiotherapist soon. I managed to finish the walk without incident though and now have caught up on work and personal email so can concentrate on getting this blog out.

I am weary at the close of this day…but a good weary. I feel like I accomplished a ton of things. I do wonder what tomorrow holds in store. I am hoping for joy!

Peace,

Suzanne

Slavery Still Exists

Every single human being on the planet is God's good idea. ~ Steve Bell

Steve Bell spoke these words before playing a song at the Mobilizing Men Against Human Trafficking event tonight. No one deserves to be a slave and no one deserves to feel worthless. He also told the story of how his former foster daughter ended up needing to be rescued from a man who was keeping her a prisoner in BC. If we think that human trafficking cannot happen to us or to someone we know, we need to think again. Sadly, slavery exists today. It does not only exist in places where the sex trade flourishes like in some Asian countries, but it happens here, in my province, in my town, and maybe even in my neighbourhood. Twenty-seven million people globally are victims of human trafficking. That is an insane number.

I went to hear MP Joy Smith speak about the work she is doing nationally. Steve is just one of the people she assisted. Grand Chief Ron Evans also spoke tonight. We know that the number of murdered and missing Aboriginal females in Canada is high. We can only speculate how many of them have been tragically lured into the sex trade.

At the end, Joy called on the men (and women) to take a stand and commit to working to make the world safer and to take action to combat modern day slavery. I forget all of the suggestions but some were to not participate in purchasing or watching pornographic materials, another was to speak out when someone puts down women and children sexually, and a third was to create a safe environment in order to protect our families. She suggested praying for the policemen like her son, who had the emotionally brutal job of watching the pornographic videos made by perverts in order to charge the perpetrators. You can fast and pray. You can take action to change the demand of the sex trade.

What are you willing to do?

Peace,

Suzanne

Do What You Can...

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. ~ Theodore Roosevelt

I have had a busy day, running errands and such. I met with my retreatant today, who is slowly making headway. God is working well there. Such a joy to see! From there I stopped in at a florist shop because I had a text to pray for a friend’s dad who has just been diagnosed with cancer. It brought back a flood of emotions, as it is the same cancer Rob died from so quickly. I had a Pilates class afterwards. There was a sidewalk sale in that part of the city so there were roaming clowns, all kinds of free stuff, and sales at all the boutiques. I then went to a mall where a circus also happening and which was being protested by animal advocates. A quick stop at home was next before meeting an ex-roommate for supper at a local Indian restaurant.

I am not sure that is what Teddy meant…..

I am off to bed because I have done enough with what I had where I am today.

Peace,

Suzanne

Regrets

We crucify ourselves between two thieves: regret for yesterday and fear of tomorrow. ~ Fulton Oursler

Tonight I stood in line for a long time at the BDI, which is a local ice cream joint. It is my second visit of the year, this time with my goddaughter. We had a lively chat as we waited and the time passed painlessly. We walked around the neighbourhood looking at houses, and she dreamed aloud of the house she would like to some day live in.

Being a teenager is a challenge in these times…maybe in any time. She has had a rough week. Tonight though she seemed very free just to be. I was glad. She does suffer from the crucifixion above. She regrets a number of things in the past and is a little afraid of the future yet at the same time we had some good conversation about what she would like to do.

I am happy when I can see her dream and feel relaxed. She is a gorgeous young woman. She does not really know that, like most other girls her age. I hope she grows into it.

I felt a twinge of sadness as she spoke about some of her regrets. She is much too young to regret things but it does show she is thoughtful and compassionate.

I am going to bed early tonight so this is short.

Peace,

Suzanne

Writing Your Life

Life: A diary in which everyone means to write one story, and writes another. ~ Sir James M. Barrie

Sometimes a day does not turn out the way you expect it. I pray every morning: I offer you all my works, prayers, joys and sufferings, Lord. May they all be according to Your Holy will and for Your greater glory. I am never 100% sure what that will mean but I pray it anyway.

Today was one of those days that if I had had to script it upon waking would have turned out very differently. I was on my way out the door to a school when I received a couple of emails about a student in crisis at the school I was heading to. Would I mind interpreting a meeting once I got there? Hmmm…ominous. Of course, I would do it. What was to be a simple classroom observation and my last visit of the school year turned into something very different.

The staff had also prepared a surprise birthday party for me, complete with lemonade and brownies. Mixed in were some kind and gracious words about what a wonderful resource I was to them and how much my work was appreciated. Ah, that would not have made it into today’s script either.

I had a meeting in the afternoon with the program that ran year one of a training program for the signers I work with. I was not sure exactly where the meeting would go and I was ready to put up a fight when I realized everyone around the table wanted to make it work. They were quite amicable about several points. That was very exciting for me. I had envisioned a much different tale unfolding.

Today was a day of expecting one story and being surprised and delighted by another.

Ever had one of those days?

Peace,

Suzanne

Graduation Day!

There is a good reason they call these ceremonies 'commencement exercises'. Graduation is not the end, it's the beginning.
~ Orrin Hatch

My friend Cindy graduated this morning with a BA. Like me, Cindy courageously went back to school to complete a degree she once started in another lifetime. She was younger and single when she started university. Now she is a busy career woman, married with three children, and fostering a fourth. I admire her—she certainly is an inspiration. I was busy too but I only had my own schedule to manage, not five others.

Tonight, her family, and that of her niece’s who also graduated today, hosted a celebration to recognize the hard work and determination she and her niece showed. I think marking milestones is a crucial passage. If the event slides by unnoticed, the lack of praise and appreciation for it sinks into a soul and festers. There were lots of happy faces tonight to honour Cindy.

As we shared a quiet moment away from the crowd in the kitchen, she admitted that the degree had come at a cost…a cost I understood. The time with family and friends cannot be retrieved. She is proud, and rightfully so, of her accomplishment though. Life is a balancing act and regrets are not worth the drama.

Now it is on to a year or two to recuperate for her and then to decide about a Master’s degree. She will be great at whatever she does. This is not an end, but a beginning of a different journey for her. How wonderful to witness!

Peace,

Suzanne