This song was my Post for December 30, 2017 and, as I noted back then, some of the lyrics were questionable. However, the song is worth repeating Continue reading
Month: December 2020
“My Dream”
One aspect of most (perhaps all?) creatures, is that a common threat will tend to bring them together. We are no different in that we too have a tendency to unite against a common enemy however, despite the seriousness of COVID-19, there is still antagonism, discrimination and just plain aggression, both within and across numerous borders, towards people who are perceived as “different”. Politicians who sow the seeds of dissention with divisive politics, must take some of the responsibility but, ultimately, each of us is responsible for our own actions.
I am sure that we are all hoping for the control of COVID-19 and its variants during 2021. Most of us are probably hoping for the vaccine as early as possible. There seems little doubt that it will soon join the many other life threatening conditions that are now under control but then … we are left with the ever present antagonism and discrimination.
Below is “My Dream”, which is a poem taken from my book “Just Thinking” (click book cover over to right – may have to scroll – for more information. The link below goes to my reading of it (audio only).
“My Dream”
I dream of a day
When we’ll all be friends
I dream, as I look at the stars
That the world will see
That being valued and free
Is better than destruction and war
***
I dream of a day
When my friends are yours
Although from quite different lands
That you understand
All colours and beliefs
Can live in peace. Can hold hands
***
I dream of a day
Hopefully not far away
When compassion wins in the end
We’re all human after all
We all stumble and fall
Let’s help each other up and be friends
***
I dream of a day
When the killing has stopped
And peace prevails at last
Borders are open
Old vendettas forgotten
Past beliefs… will stay in the past
***
I dream of a day…
But it is only a dream
So many people will say
Perhaps I am delusional
Perhaps just a dreamer
But to survive, we must find a way
***
To break down barriers
To live together in peace
That will be a challenge for some
But why must we label
Our different neighbours?
Why can’t we become as one?
***
We all want respect
We all want freedom
Let’s open our eyes and see
That we all want the same
It’s really not complicated
It’s peace, for you and for me
***
I dream of a day
When world peace is achieved
When the pen is the only weapon
There will be universal love
And to the power above I’ll say
“Thank you. Our Earth has become Heaven.”
Don’t ……………………………!
Don’t comment … Don’t dwell on this past year … Don’t stress over your current life challenges … Don’t worry about next year. Just listen … relax … and have a wonderful Christmas holiday, and here’s a thought to take with you into the new year:
“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” (Kalu Ndukwe Kalu)
Reading during COVID?
One thing we can all do during these peculiar times is to settle down with a book. It passes the time nicely, and can be educational and/or entertaining and/or just plain thought provoking. Best of all though, you don’t have to go outside to get a book. Just order from any number of on-line retailers! In our COVID-times … what could be better?
For dog lovers, and anybody who wants to learn a little more about dogs, plus anybody who loves a “rags to riches” kind of story … “Who Said I was up for Adoption?” is a book about the first 18 months of an abandoned and troubled German Shepherd/Rottweiler Cross who moved in with us. He was also my first dog!
For something just plain fun to read … “The Odessa Chronicles”! Imagine an owl (Odessa); a cat, and a jackalope coming together due to a series of unfortunate circumstances, and setting up home together on an old uninhabited farm. Now also imagine a human who had just retired, and whose dream was to live out his days peacefully on a little farm. You can probably guess which farm he purchased! You can probably also guess that his life would never be the same again. “The Odessa Chronicles” is a book of short stories suitable for ages 4 to 104!
Finally “Just Thinking” is a book of poems about various aspects of life. You may find them enlightening, thought provoking, or perhaps some will mirror your own life. One of the poems was used last year as a discussion piece for senior students at a US school!
All three books have links (click book cover pics over in the right side column), and amazon.com has the broadest selection of reviews. Purchasing direct from Friesen Press Bookstore may be financially beneficial!
Finally, note that all three books are available in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.
So … given that you are being advised to stay home as much as possible, treat yourself to a book and enjoy this change of routine!
Merry Christmas!
Every now and then, a short video comes along which immediately gets my attention. What do you think about this one?
“The Lady of Shalott”
Anybody who can play a standard harp and sing at the same time is good from my perspective. When they can get (and hold) my attention singing a lengthy song in “olde English” some of which is a little baffling to me, then they are really special.
“The Lady of Shalott” has undergone a number of changes over its considerable lifespan, but I believe Tennyson (the apparent original author) would be very happy to hear Loreena McKennitt’s take on his poem.
Oh dear … Ray!
Ray was estimated at 2 years old when picked up by the Humane Society in Nov 2012 … so that makes him around 10 now.
Above pic taken a few weeks ago.
He has started wandering around the house at night Continue reading
“Vox”
I’ve been listening to a lot of Sarah McLachlan just lately, so it was rather inevitable that she would be here for us today! Enjoy her … Continue reading
“To Build A Home”
I was working on my computer last weekend, when I heard some interesting vocal refrains from another room which stopped me from what I was doing. Then the melody structure changed completely, and I just had to know what it was. Continue reading
COVID – Odessa – Christmas!
With COVID-19 controlling our current life-styles, and with Christmas on the horizon. this would seem to be a very appropriate time to promote the book “The Odessa Chronicles. It can be ordered from any of the usual on-line book retailers, or direct from Friesen Press Store, so no shopping trip necessary. Bonus … it is suitable for ages 4 to 104. Continue reading
A New Direction Perhaps? 