Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

The single story....learning that there's always more to know.

I just watched the TED talk from Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Adichie and in one word, it was awesome. 

Chimamanda Adichie talks of how she learned that there is no one story for any one, any place or any thing.  As I listened to her experiences of misunderstanding because of only knowing one story, I thought of my own assumptions, my own beliefs about people, places and events.  I thought about how easy it is to read or hear a story and believe it to be the only story. I don't think that we intentionally set out to only know one story, but rather I think in many ways it is easier to only know one story. It's comfortable to read "our" newspaper, watch "our" news and read "our" books. 

Change is difficult.  Changing how we see each others, how we view the world around us I think might be the most difficult kind of change.  I know from personal experience that I find myself completely thrown for a loop when I have to change my view or perception of a person because I have learned more about them or they have done something that I believe is out of character.  I have to stop and look at myself.  Look at how I came to my understanding of that person and I am forced to change how I view that person.

Because of Chimamanda AdichieI, I hope that in the future I strive to find the other stories.

Earth, Water, Fire and Wind - My Musical Mixes

I had read Chris Penn's - Ninja Power Move – How Your iPod Can Protect Your Mind when he first posted it and it's been stuck in my mind ever since.  In it he offers a "how to" for creating four music mixes to help you in those moments when you need confidence - earth, calmness - water, creativity - fire and compassion wind.  He suggests that each mix have 3 songs of various lengths - short, medium and long.  I thought at the time, yeah that sounds like a great idea, I should do that some day.  As part of my attempt to seize the moment, today was that day and it wasn't nearly as easy as I thought it might be. 

I started with compassion - who doesn't like Do They Know it's Christmas - but seriously, when I scrolled through my iTunes and I really thought carefully and mindfully about songs that evoked compassion in me, I was stumped.  I started with favourite songs, then singers, then I just picked randomly and after about an hour I had my first playlist.  Two hours later I finished the other three. 

I've just been listening to them: earth, fire, water and wind. I'm not sure that's how you should listen to them but, what a roller coaster it's been.  Earth and fire had me singing and feeling good - I hope no one can see in the windows - then water, slowed it down and wind, well it's done it's job.  I'm adding them to my iPod and the next time I need to feel good, jump start myself, calm myself down or reach out, I know how to get there. 

I'd suggest that everyone gives it a try.  I think it will be both surprising and fun.

(I bet your wondering just what songs are on my list?  I'm not telling.  The only thing I will say is they are all crazy combinations and I love 'em.)

Wartime/Victory Neighbourhoods

On May 8, 2010 we will celebrate the 65th Anniversary of VE Day.

Between 1941 and 1947, the Wartime Housing Corporation (later CMHC) built over 30,000 homes for munitions workers and returning veterans and their families.  The architecture continued and there is an estimated one million Victory Homes still standing in Canada.  Here in St. Catharines we have many Victory neighbourhoods, for example, the Carlton /Sandown/Doncaster/Ascot area; Grantham Ave/QEW/Welland Ave/Bartlett Ave; Western Hill and Ker/Hazel/Willow.

The men who served and returned home are considered by many to be the greatest generation.  Individually and as a group they played a key role in building of the city, the province and the country.  Their homes, while simple in design when compared to other heritage buildings, are an important link to a generation and a troubled time in our history.

To celebrate the 65th anniversary, the St. Catharines Heritage Committee will be marking the anniversary with some commemorative projects.  The details are currently being finalized but possible projects include: a brochure/driving tour; a plaque marking one of the neighbourhoods; and a website that features the brochure content and also allows past and present residents to share their memories of their neighbourhoods. 

Here is a map of the  neighbourhoods: 
View Larger Map

I'd love to hear from anyone who lived, grew up in or has memories of our wartime/victory neighbourhoods.

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Sunday Music and I don't feel 40

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This year, along with most of my friends we have or are turning 40.  I still can't believe it...40.  I remember when my parents turned 40 and thought, holy cow that's old.  But now that I've reached (and am well into) this landmark year, it doesn't feel so old.  I don't feel 40...heck I don't even feel 30.  Okay, so on any given day, I do feel at least 30.  But, the part that makes me go hmmmm, is that it seems like 20 was just yesterday.

This morning, while cleaning (and if that doesn't make you feel old, I don't know what will) I used that oh so fantastic iTunes Genius function.  It took a few minutes to choose the first song - Bizarre Love Triangle - and from there the Genius took over.  As usual a great mix!  Come on who doesn't start to belt out "Wake Me Up, Before You Go-Go"?  And for a brief few moments, I felt 20. I also realized that I am one lucky person to have friends like I do, to have had the fun that we had and still have a way too good time every time we see each other.

So while I sing and clean I will be thinking of my friends! Thanks girlees!

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Normal is just a setting on the dryer