to-do lists

I confess that I have a total love-hate relationship with to-do lists. I love them because they allow me to put my tasks on paper and I know what I have to do when. I hate them because as soon as I have a list I am driven to complete it as soon as possible.

The most insidious lists are those that are in my head. In the spring the tasks in my head are all garden related and items include:

pull weeks in strawberry bed
plant more blueberry bushes
pull weeks in blueberry beds
transplant perennials
pull weeds in flower bed
prune raspberries
pull weeds in raspberry beds
spread manure over garden
pull weeds

You get the idea. The catch with this never-ending and every-growing garden list is that I don't like to get out there mucking about when it's cold and rainy. But such is West Coast weather that if I wait for warmth and sun it will be June and the weeds will have turned into saplings.

For two weeks now I have been plagued with thoughts of what I had to do - and yes, the weeds were getting crazy. Today I went to the nursery, bought two gazillion packets of seeds: every variety of lettuce known to man, kale, chard, carrots, kohlrabi, peas, beans, basil, etc. etc. I also bought more blueberry bushes and stakes.

Better yet, I actually bundled up and got out there: planted the blueberries and weeded the strawberries. Those were the "most desperate" on my list. And now that I have begun, the guilt and stress of not getting started have faded away.

You want to know how bad I am at having lists just sit there? I look at my day timer at the start of every work day and tick off everything on the list. That way I get to have a day where everything is already psychologically done. I know - I'm certifiable. But I can live with that, I just can't live with undone lists.

Spring

Skunk cabbage - more signs of spring. That plus the racket the frogs make at night and the birds make in the morning.

Today I walked Abby though a vernal tsunami of green - green water lilies poking up in the pond, green bulrush and flag iris stems vying for elbow room close to shore - green buds on the roses and alders - green grass drunk from a surfeit of rain - and lastly, green weeds elbowing out growing space amid struggling strawberry plants.

Time to get into the garden. I was hoping to do it tomorrow but alas, (or not alas as the case may be) I have more stories to write. So I suppose it will be this weekend that I make my annual pilgrimage to Buckerfields, the adored shrine of all of us in Cedar who spend half the year mucking about in gum boots. On my list are more blueberry plants because even though we proofed them against birds and deer this winter, we forgot about the rabbits. One of these years we'll win the battle and actually get a crop.

Also must get seeds - many, many packets of seeds. Time to plant lettuce, kale, chard, peas. More bean poles are on my list - Kentucky Wonder Green Pod - always the tastiest. And carrots - And let's see what else captures my fancy.

Exciting time of year.

Busy

Yes, I have been almost overwhelmed with work so far this week.

You want to know what retirement looks like? How about five features in one day? And that's just today. Don't even get me started on Monday or Tuesday. You know how bad it was yesterday? I didn't get around to The Voice until after 6 p.m.!

And this morning I didn't take Abby for a walk - we ran the whole way.

Happily, the worst of it is behind me now. I have one more interview this afternoon - one more story and then the rest of the week looks like a return to sanity.

I've missed looking at some cool FaceBook videos - haven't had the time. Sigh. Life is hard.

On the bright side, this means extra money - enough sheckles to pay for the garden seeds, plants and etc. that I shall be picking up later this week. Yup - sometimes working is about the money. And that's okay, as long as it's only sometimes.

Truth be told, a few of the stories I've been flying through have been near and dear to my heart - like organic farming.

Back to work - those interview questions don't get asked by themselves, you know.

Hunger Games - my version

I have not read The Hunger Games.

I have not seen The Hunger Games.

However, since I don't actually live under a rock I know what this dystopian story is about - not the details but the broad brush strokes. Which led me to wonder today how the story plays out - over three installments I assume.

And because I don't know what happens I created my version in my head. So here's what happens in my version of The Hunger Games. The heroine and the hero train for battle and all 12 teen-age warriors are dispersed into the "arena", which I assume is a wilderness area with cameras mounted all over the place. One by one the others are killed off until only three remain: our hero, our heroine and one other boy. Hero realizes that he must do something. He cannot kill his love. So he kills the other boy and dresses in his clothes, thus fooling heroine who kills him, not knowing this is the boy she loves. Naturally, she is dramatically heartbroken but hailed as a hero and brought triumphantly to the capital. There, as she is carried through the streets, she meets one of the top "officers" of the new regime. He is devilishly handsome is a dark sort of way. Heroine has caught his eye almost since the beginning. Since he is in charge of those who train the young athletes every year, and since the trainers are the winners from previous years, he puts her in charge of archery.

As we close out section one we see her hate for him and his lust for her - what's next we may well wonder.

Well - next is that the next year comes around and this time Heroine's little sister is chosen to compete. Heroine continues to deflect dark one's advances. But how does she now save her sister when she can't take her place? In fact how does she save any of them? As the training begins, dark one and other trainers begin to drop oblique hints that not all is at it seems. In fact, the trainers have been doing more than training the 12 - they have been making periodic trips into the countryside, training and slowly arming the population. How is this possible?

Heroine finds out when dark one brings her on one of his trips - it turns out that he is the mastermind - his family is one of the poor ones and he has sworn to work from the inside - restoring justice and democracy. Heroine falls in with this idea and the rebellion moves forward.

The rebellion is slated to begin on the eve of the next hunger games. But dark one is found out and taken to the dungeons on the eve of.... now what. Do the games continue as planned?

End episode two.

Episode 3 begins with dark one given a bow and arrow and sent out with the 12 to fight. No one is there to give the signal to the uprising - the rebels don't know what to do. Confusion. The games begin. The killing starts. Heroine knows it is up to her. She must save her sister, her new love and the whole bloody planet.

Okay - I don't have the details yet of how she does this. Somehow she sneaks into the arena at night (by killing some guards I expect) and manages to free dark one who takes off to the provinces to lead the rebellion. She is caught trying to escape with her sister. And both girls are tied to trees to act as targets. Enter the cavalry. They are untied. A huge battle erupts and the good forces win over the bad.

there

that's it. Now I may have to see the real thing to find out what actually happens.

Cable Bay Trail

The Cable Bay Trail is an old standby. It's two minutes from my house, it has miles of trails and it's officially off-leash. So it's good.

On this warm and sunny day (warm at last!) I picked up Ocean and headed off with the two of them. It's was just a terrific two hours. Photos tell the story:

On another note - I'm back on Pinterest. They've changed their terms and conditions. I am not longer aiding and abetting in theft so I'm happy to be back. It really is fun!

Hiking the Westwood Ridges

One of the things I like about hiking the Westwood Ridges (other than the fact that they're so close and accessible) is that there are so many options. You can get out and climb up and down vigorously for four or five hours or you can have a relatively simple walk of three hours.

Today we had a human and dog pack: six of us (counting the baby) and four of them. Can you say chaos?

No matter - they had fun. I think even little Roman enjoys hikes - they rhythm of walking and all that....

I did fine too until I decided to prove to myself that I could jump across the stream. Turns out I couldn't . The water was deep and my foot got exceedingly cold and wet. Note to self - waterproof boots are only good if you don't get in so deep that water pours in over the top.

As it turned out, the day was perfect and the view from the top was outstanding.

And it was nice that for Roman's sake, we had choices about length of hike at least three times - as it turned out we used one of the shorter options - total hiking time: three hours and 15 minutes.

And yes - there was still snow up in them thar hills. (Mount Benson)

Joys of Retirement

Before I retired I thought the joy in that would lie in not working - in simply putting my feet up and starting each day with a blank slate. And there is something nice in that - in having whole days with "nothing much" on the agenda.

However, the real joy is in working and choosing to work only on the projects I want to work on. It doesn't even matter where that "want" comes from. It can come from "Wow - that excites me!" or "Wow - that's good money!" or "Wow - I can be a hero if I pull this one off!"

Doesn't matter - the satisfaction is terrific.

This really came home to me this morning when I noticed a former client that I could probably work for again if he knew I was available. Then I thought about my experience with that client. And I quickly thought, "Nope - don't need to do that."

And that's really nice.

writing

My biggest problem when it comes to writing is a lack of patience. It's not surprising, considering my favourite "whine" is "What's taking you so long?"

I think this is why my discipline of a page a day worked so well.

In my next book I chose to put in no such rules or regulations - but with the vague intention of writing at least five days a week.

Fail!

I have written nothing in what started off as a perfectly good manuscript in weeks.

This also explains my many, many "begun but never finished" novels starting at age 11 or 12. I am a very good starter. But after about two pages (sometimes as many as 20) my enthusiasm flags.

Right now I don't really care. I have enough writing projects (paid projects) to fill my time adequately. I refuse to worry about it. However, I notice that I am still doing what I have done all my life. While I walk I begin to tell stories in my head. They are so real in every detail that I am reluctant to stop them. And often I suddenly find myself at my destination without any idea how I got there. I love my stories. I can smell the flowers that populate the sides of dusty sun baked roads. I can hear the mountain twang of the hermit I am talking too. I can feel the texture of the the rickety wooden gate I am leaning on.

I derive enormous pleasure from telling myself stories - whose plots usually involve a great deal of heroism on my part, by the way. So maybe it's just as well that they stay in my head and never see the light of day.

politics again

I want to stay off the subject of politics - I really do. I try to tell myself that it isn't really getting worse. Surely politics has always been a dirty game. Think back to the Watergate scandal!

Unfortunately, much as I would like to stick my head in the sand, I am incapable of doing so. I am spitting angry with the current federal and provincial BC governments. Neither feels like a democracy any more. Harper himself declared his government a dictatorship. The robocall scandal is terrifying. We have to have a Royal Commission on this. If we don't, then the government will know they can use voter suppression again and again with impunity.

The federal government that promised during the election campaign not to re-open a debate on abortion, is now going to do just that in April. How dare they! How dare the government on both sides of the border declare a war on women. I want these old white guys to keep my private bits out of politics.

How dare the government label environmentalists as "radicals." They are the radicals. What is more radical than destroying the earth we live on?

I could go on. But I need to breathe and count my blessings and think of the places where we, the people, are making headway and gaining ground.

Icebreaker

It's no secret that I'm the biggest fan of Icebreaker in the whole wide world.

I have everything (or almost everything) Icebreaker: sports bras, underwear, socks, tanks tops, base layers, hoodies, sweaters, jacket and - gloves.

Now, about those gloves. At the end of last winter season I bought my first pair of Icebreaker gloves. Loved them! But within a few short months, they both had holes in them! Icebreaker? Impossible I thought. Then a good friend, knowing how much I loved them, bought me a new pair for Christmas. Within two months I had holes in them! I was shocked.

This past weekend I bought my third pair. But I was so puzzled about this, given the quality of the brand, that I wrote Icebreaker an email to let them know there was an issue. After all, I said to them, if it was my company, I would want to know.

Got an email back today. Take a photo, they said, and give us your address - two pairs of gloves on their way to you.

Now that's impressive! And I told them so. No, I was not expecting that.

Now I can tell the world that not only is Icebreaker the best brand, it's also got the best service.

And that folks, is what made my day.

Happy Monday

My challenge this morning is to track down bureaucrats and board members - yes, I have left messages and no the calls have not yet been returned.

Deep breath. I will get hold of them and the stories will come together and be done on time. It always works out - always.

I am persistent.

And so the day will be like any other Monday. I have a feature to write this afternoon and once that is done my Monday will become joyful because Tuesday can't be far behind. There are times when I am fascinated by the pattern of my days. I know it's not just me. We all have these patterns. I suspect most of us say we don't like them but underneath it all, I suspect we do.

Even though I am (semi) retired, I have kept my pattern. Monday is the start of the week and it tends to be a day to just "get through." Tuesday is better because new movies and tunes come out on iTunes (honestly - that is one of my measurements of the weekly ebb and flow.). Then Wednesday is hump day - hurrah! Thursday mornings - I love Thursday mornings. That's when I get out of the house to do my shopping and any other errands. Friday - well Friday is the beginning of the weekend so it's a great day! I'm still treating my week exactly as if I was still working full time. And of course, there are some weeks when it feels like I am working 9 - 5.

But I set it up this way. This must be the way I like it, right?

I'd better just admit that I love my life exactly the way it is. And that I am grateful to have it just the way it is.

technology

I'm such a technology hound - have been ever since I got my first computer at least 20 years ago - back in the days before windows. Let me tell you, you had to know what you were doing back then (or had to be able to fake it really well). I belong to the bracketed class of individuals.

Now I'm getting excited about this: http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/windows-8-vs-windows-7-vs-os-x-lion-1026401

Windows 8. I've been toying with the idea of switching to a Mac system for a couple of years now and I keep holding off. Maybe that hesitation is finally going to pay off. What has stopped me from going Apple all the way is price - not so much the hardware but all the software I would have to replace. And then the big issue is accounting software. Apple isn't known for it and I can't migrate Quickbooks to Apple.

So - enter Windows 8 - with touchscreen technology and lots and lots of goodies including cloud computing, an app store etc. etc.  This might even mean that instead of buying an iPad this summer, I might get a tablet that runs windows - if the OS comes out soon enough. Yes, I am succumbing. I am going to get a tablet so that I can download books and stop buying big, heavy tomes. It's time. And besides, I am running out of flat surfaces to stack my books on.

Technology: bring it on!

I am also swooning over other types of technology lately. I bought the latest, greatest Osprey dayback and now a lumbar pack - wow - talk about toting your stuff around effortlessly. Now I am eyeing the latest carbon fibre trekking poles - titanium just won't do any more.

Babies

If you really want to put things in perspective, all you need to do is go find yourself a baby and then hold him for a bit.

That was certainly my experience this morning. That's Roman with mom. Ain't he a beauty?

And he is. He is a gorgeous baby. When I see a little person like this, not only does my heart melt, but my brain, in compensation, stiffens up. It's Roman and his friends that matter. He's the reason I want to stop Enbridge and kick Harper out of government and hold the bankers' feet to the fire and generally do everything I can to save this planet and, hopefully, make it a better world.

This is important. I fear that far too many people are living only for themselves - for right now. They really do believe that they can take their toys with them. I believe we do it for the next generation. And I also believe that the good feeling I get inside when I do the "right" thing is reward enough.

This morning's hike was just the best. You can't beat a bunch of friends, three very happy dogs and a beautiful baby out in nature. yup - it's unbeatable!

Happiness

Happiness is a warm puppy. Or a warm adult dog.

Or - a number of other things.

Today I am so happy I could sing and dance. Yes - the happy dance!

What I find interesting is what it is that makes me happy. Today, several thing combined to make me ultra happy. First, getting my ordered Icebreaker underwear from Valhalla Pure and an Osprey lumbar pack for lightweight shorter hikes. And then hiking in the sunshine in Linley Valley (well, bushwacking is more like it).

And then coming back to more assignments from the Times. This last one probably made me happier than the others. You see, work, especially more work (because I am freelance) still really does it for me. This is true partly because achievement is one of my driving needs and partly because it means they like me, otherwise they wouldn't continue to assign stories to me.

And, last - it's Friday with a full morning's hike to look forward to.

It really doesn't take much to make me happy. And you know what? I believe that's a good thing!

back to politics

I just can't help myself. I love politics. Well, love might be a strong word - having an abiding interest might be more apt.

I loved Philip Wolf's column in the Daily News today - http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/story.html?id=e6aee691-1050-48ce-bd48-342901495888

As I tweeted back to him - I couldn't have said it better myself.

Spending $140,000 for a spin doctor. Maybe these people need to learn how to write a memo. Sigh.

At any rate, inspired by Wolf and Michael Moore's recent tweets on what he would do if he was president, here's what I would do if I was on council.

1. Stop raising residential property taxes. Just say not. Kick the addiction! It's unsustainable. Simple math will tell you that if you increase taxes by 2, 3 or 4 percent each year, eventually your tax bill will look like a mortgage payment. We have a finite amount of money in the budget. Live within your means. I do. So does everyone else. Can you imagine deciding that you want a new car and telling your employer he has to give you a raise so that you can buy it? Huh?

2. Core review. Absolutely essential. Costs at city hall are rising ten times faster than the cost of living. No one can convince me that we need every high salaried position that's gobbling up money or every fancy work station or every other expense in the budget. We need a core review by an outside agency.

3.Communication. For god's sake folks. Have you heard of blogging? Tweeting? Facebook? Why was everyone so active during the election and then suddenly - next to nothing? How about a City Hall Blog? The mayor and every member of council has a page in that blog and writes on it every day. Let's hear what's happening in your world and your thoughts about what is happening. Really - it's not that hard.

4. As for economic development, land development , social issues, parks and recreation - give me some time to think on that. I've ranted enough for today.

Kony

It's time to say a few words about Kony.

I watched the 30-minute film. This was not news to me. I've been reading about the situation in Uganda for some time and read a book that was written by a former boy soldier - several years ago I interviewed the author. He had quite a story to tell.

What surprises me is the controversy Invisible Children has stirred up. It seems that everyone wants to heap criticism and downright vitriol on this organization. Why? Because they spend more money than they should on administration? Because their message has gone too viral? Because.....????

People are suspicious. They think there are ulterior motives here. This reminds me of the Greg Mortensen issue - the author of Three Cups of Tea and Stone for Schools. He suffered almost the same nonsensical attack. "Greg is not spending enough on the schools - he is spending too much on book tours and advertising himself."

Hmmmm.

Where is all the outrage when governments spend (waste?) billions (not mere thousands or millions) on items like fighter jets? Where is the outrage when the government sends an army into a country and slaughters civilians - not building schools but tearing them down? And let's not forget that when the government spends money it's your money. When a non-profit does it's only yours if you willingly donated.

Maybe it's true. Maybe these non-profits are spending too much on computers, cell phones and videos. But at least they are doing something constructive rather than destructive. If, at the very least, they are bringing awareness of injustices and atrocities to us in the "civilized" world, then hurrah! Money well spent!

When we choose to attack, let's remember who is the good guy and who is the bad guy.

Kony bad

innocent children good

There are many. many more bad people in the world, some of them right here. Let's stop them. And while we're at it, let's forego the hubris of sending one more army out to get someone. Where there is injustice, let's send out the police. After all, that's what Interpol is for.

Not Much

Nope - not much happening today - a little bit of snow - a bit of walking (brrrr) - a morning spent watching The Voice (the highlight of the day so far) and really, not much else.

I deleted my Pinterest account after it was brought to my attention that the agreement I signed (which of course I didn't read - does anyone read these things?) says that I am fully liable for what I post and that any photographer can sue me for posting his or her pics.

Sounds like the old Napster. Ah yes, Napster - that was back in the days when the Internet was free and people simply shared. Napster (and its clones) were the evil forces that were the reason record (CD) sales were falling. So, the big long arm of government, lobbied heavily by the music industry, stepped in and started taking 14-year-olds to court in order to scare everyone else. It worked.

Did CD sales pick up?

Of course not.

At any rate, I buy my music now on iTunes and I will no longer be part of the pinterest community. Big Brother is bigger and badder than ever.

And I'm just going to get on with my day.

Religion

They say you should never talk about religion or politics. Well, I've waded into politics more than once so I may as well dive head first into religion as well.

First - this is what Scott said when David defended my right to criticize people who are "believers."
David- I feel misunderstood, not stupid. I was taking issue with what seemed like stereotyping by Goody. The logic felt something like: I believe, zealots believe. Zealots do awful things and are intolerant= therefore all believers support those actions and are intolerant. There are as many versions of faith and belief as there are believers and faithful. Do you honestly think that all members of a faith agree and believe blindly everything they are told to believe? Faith is a living, evolving journey for most of us I suspect.

Each of us have the right to be accepted for who we are, and to take responsibility for our actions, regardless of our age, sex, sexuality, race, colour, or number of limbs, colour of hair (or lack of!), or our belief in God or not. I just objected to being lumped into the group of intolerant zealots of questionable intelligence because I call myself a believer. We're as varied as snowflakes or drops of rain, just as non believers and other believers are. I have no time for folks who push their beliefs on me either, religious or political or whatever. If two people choose to share their experiences in the quest of mutual enlightenment- perfect!

I only ask for an end of stereotyping, and open minded attitudes on all sides about possibilities. People who say they have all the answers are people I fear. Thanks for taking time to rebut- I hope my words better represent my thoughts this time.

David replied:

By saying that he's a believer, Scot lumped himself "into the group of intolerant zealots of questionable intelligence". It wasn't you who put him in that group. He did it himself. Of course there is a lot of variety and shades of gray in the group who classify themselves as believers. That doesn't mean it is not legitimate for you to wonder how any intelligent person could be a believer.

The evidence for the existence of any kind of deity is exactly the same as the evidence for Santa Claus or pink unicorns. How is it being intolerant, disrespectful or offensive for you to wonder how anybody who seems to be intelligent can hold such a belief?

And by saying that you were being "offensive", Scott was essentially telling you that your beliefs are not to be voiced, so shut up. It's okay for him to say he's a believer. It's not okay for you to say that you aren't a believer and can't understand how anybody of any intelligence could be a believer.

I would be happy to "friend" Scott and have a discussion with him. But his idea of offense and respect is a bit one sided. He's saying that believers have a right to their beliefs, and to express them. But the non-believers don't.

This is a blind spot for most believers. Very few of them think we should be offended if told we are somehow lacking if we don't believe. Lacking awareness. Lacking spirituality. Many of them feel free to mention Hell as our final destination. Maybe Scott is as accepting and tolerant as he claims, and would never say that to your face, but it is certainly central to the Christian religion. "The fool says in his heart there is no God." (Psalm 14:1) Yet merely saying that you don't believe, and can't understand how anybody COULD believe, is somehow "offensive". Sorry. That's not acceptable.

We've put up with this for centuries. Time we stopped being so.... inoffensive.

Much love

David in Wuxi, China

So now - where do I stand in all of this?

It's a difficult question for me to answer and the answer could be very, very long. The history of religion on our planet is not a nice one. More evil has been done in the name of religion than almost anything else I can think of. The wars against infidels, the pogroms against Jews, the Spanish Inquisition, the oppression of women in Muslim countries - it just doesn't every seem to stop. The things done in the name of Christ that are the exact opposite of what the man preached never fail to stun me. He was the long haired, bearded rebel who overturned the money lender's tables and who preached love for everyone. Now we amass money in his name (the Catholic church) and go to war in his name.

Should we be tolerant of all beliefs? Yes, of course we should. But when that belief becomes a dogma it become dangerous. If your belief (dogma) includes injuring me, killing me or depriving me of my rights as a human being, then no - I will not tolerate.

The danger is the dogma. I don't care if you believe the earth is flat - as long as you don't try to convince me of it or convert me to it. Believe what you will - but don't let harm arise from that belief.

So - religion - organized religion - is a system of beliefs that have become dogma that demonstrably do immense harm.

I am reminded of the old Abou Ben Adam poem about the angel making a list of those who loved God. Ben Adam was not on the list because he did not believe in God or love him. But he told the angel, "Put me down as one who loves his fellow man."

And in the end, Ben Adam's name came first on the list.

So I would say that I have no high regard for organized religion. Those who say that religious charities do good, I would say that so do non-religious charities, and without the added stigma of trying to convert people as they are helped. Look at the atrocities the church committed not even that long ago in our own country, tearing Native children away from their parents.

I prefer to be on the list as one who loves his fellow man. One who believes that there is an innately good spirit inside each of us. If we are to be brothers, we must shed the polarizing beliefs - to become one, let us recognize that we are one - one humanity with the ability to love each other just as we are.

Find Your Passion

I watched a TED talk this morning http://www.ted.com/talks/larry_smith_why_you_will_fail_to_have_a_great_career.html

All about finding your passion and making it your career - and the reason we don't and the excuses we give ourselves.

I thought about this on my walk with Abby this morning. At this point in my life I ask the question "Have I lived my passion?" Rather than will I or am I?

Although I think I should give more consideration to the last two.

At any rate, I thought about my life. I could have had a career in banking and in health services - and in rock 'n roll. I know - pretty disparate - but they all came up at one time or another.

Instead I have had three careers: one in film, the second in personal development and the third - writing. Were any or all of these my passion? For the most part, I would say yes - but it's a qualified yes. Certainly I was aware early on that I would have to do something creative with my life. So - film. I believe this was my first and most enduring passion. If I had it to do over again, this is what I would go back to (I think).

And I say, "I think" because when I was a wee little thing, what I wanted to do most was write. But if I carve it even finer to the bone, it's not really making films or writing books or articles - it's telling stories.

I think for me the medium of film has worked best for telling stories - I like beautiful things and there's something magical about taking beautiful pictures and telling stories with them. At least, that is a large part of how I see film. Hugo was recently a prime example of this.

I never took my passion as far as I could have. What came up instead? A lot of things - relationships were a big factor in undermining my single-minded pursuit of career. Lack of confidence - and that goes back to childhood.

On the plus side, I took it to a place where I routinely lost track of time and was totally and utterly absorbed in my work - and that is the point - not the awards or recognition but the abandonment of self.

Writing is something I will have the rest of my life. I am fortunate. Writing may not be quite as magical for me, but it runs an awfully close second. And travelling and hiking and being in beautiful nature and loving my Abby. I am blessed.

American Idol

I haven't made a secret of the fact that I watch American Idol - faithfully online the day after the show. For me it's up there (almost) with The Voice and X Factor. But I made the mistake of following one of the finalists on Twitter. This particular finalist also likes to retweet comments from other finalists so my observations from following him aren't necessarily based on one person.

One observation: Vacuous! Really. I know these "idols" are pretty young but still - tweets about shoes and hairdos and every second one is praising god for something or other.

And that leads me to thought number two for today. When I listen to Americans or read what they have to say - and I mean Americans other than Jon Stewart and the latest scientist du jour - ordinary, everyday Americans, I am struck by their strong similarity to ordinary, everyday people who live in the Middle East.

Truly, Christians and Muslims have so much in common they really should unite and become one sect. Both are fanatically god-centered - they pray for everyone and everything and leave their lives in the hands of this being they invented. It's beyond all reason.

I often find it hard to believe that reasonably intelligent human beings can still, in today's world, worship a god.

I'm not saying there is no such thing as spirit, but that's very different from some all-encompassing being who controls the world and sides with people in war and sends retribution down from above.

But there we are - that's America and Iran (and Iraq and Afghanistan).

Meanwhile, I still enjoy American Idol but I think I'll stick to the singing and judging and leave it at that.

Spring

Spring is here - officially. Earlier this week the frogs began their chorus and now I can go to sleep at night to their crepuscular lullaby.

This morning I really noticed the clamour of birdsong - and noticed as well the boy birds chasing after the girl birds. Spring bulbs are blooming spreading their multicoloured joy among last falls decaying leaves. Stinging nettles are almost ready for the picking. Trees are growing heavy with buds and the leaves have unfurled on the curling branches of swamp willows revealing their white-flowered hearts.

Next: swamp cabbages, longer and longer daylight hours and sunshine that brings real warmth.

Early Friday afternoon and my week is done. Everything - but everything - is tidied away with every story put to bed and tucked in. A weekend beckons and for me that means my favourite kind of shopping day tomorrow: Chapters and Valhalla Pure. Image! My two fav stores in one day!

Hiking on Sunday or, even more likely - snowshoeing.

More travel musings

I spent some lovely time yesterday on Google Earth checking out my proposed European adventure. I've decided to skip Greece - it's so darn far from the rest of Europe! The same is true of Italy's boot and southern Spain and Portugal.

So the revised itinerary (with lots of room for changes) is Berlin to Prague to Slovenia to the Dolomites in Italy to Switzerland to Provence (maybe the Pyrenees) and then Paris.

Meanwhile I need to concentrate on this year's vacation which is less than six months away - much closer in time.

Also need to concentrate somewhat on work, which I am loving!

And, of course, on American Idol. I have four favourites: Heejun Han, Jessica Sanchez, Colton Dixon and Hollie Cavanagh - curious to see how that goes.

Lovely day - yes it is - la di da

Travel Dreams

I've officially started planning my next European Vacation (hmmm - sounds like a great title for a movie.).

In fact, I've always found planning is a good part of the fun of the trip. I can get months of enjoyment in the anticipation. I'm just about done planning this year's month on the road. And by planning, I'm not talking about putting pen to paper etc. I'm talking about imagining in my mind - I like to leave plans loose - all the better to have them change and to leave room for surprises.

This year's plan involves the Blackball Ferry to the Olympic Peninsula and then a long meandering drive down the Oregon Coast to Big Sur where Abby and I will stay in a cabin in the Redwoods for a week. Then on down the coast to Pismo Beach and across to the Grand Canyon - maybe Sedona - then up through Canyonlands in Utah and then continuing up on a meandering path to see what we shall see - and looking for good hiking spots all along the way.

Next year is a month in Europe. I let this idea percolate for a while because I didn't really want to tread over too much old ground. So I'm thinking Berlin - then down to Prague, hiking in Slovenia - down to Greece - Santorini probably - up to Switzerland for a week of hiking in the Bernese Oberland. Then over to Provence - and finally up to Paris for a flight home.

Sounds yummy.

Now this is one perk of retirement you have to love - the time to really travel.

Happy Dance

Happy dance today - big big happy dance.

First - Wrecking Ball by Bruce Springsteen - on sale today - downloaded by 9 a.m. Listening to it now. So good. Love The Boss!

Second - sunshine!

Third - got the final news on taxes this year - paying several thousand less than anticipated and saved for - and wow - that's what I call intaxication! (that euphoria you feel when you realize you are getting a refund until you realize it was your money to start with)

So - paid the government, paid my accountant, bought my RRSP for 2012 - maxed out - and money left over. I know exactly what I'm going to do with at least some of it: more Icebreaker!!!!

happy happy happy dance.

Monday

I'm taking deep breaths this morning. Not because it's Monday - although it is Monday and it's a quiet, slow day for me and I like that. No - what's disturbing me is that I read the news online. I know it's American news but because we have the Harper dictatorship currently in power, I think what is happening there can't be far from occurring here too.

I'm talking about the newest erosion of 1st Amendment rights. It is now illegal to protest if there is a government official within 100 yards (I am no sure of the exact distance). And you can be arrested - even if you are unaware of the presence of said official.

This is draconian at best. Facist definitely. Certainly this has nothing to do with democracy.

When are we all going to get angry enough to say that we're not going to take it any more?

Okay - deep breath. I need to focus on my life - my beautiful life. Although I am also concerned that that's what people did in Mussolini's Italy and Hitler's Germany - they let these "little" things creep up on them. They thought there was nothing they could do and focused instead on their lives....

It's hard to know what to do. I sign the online petitions - I pass them on. I know that makes a difference. I have attended rallies and I will again. I will speak up in whatever forum I can.

We certainly do live in interesting times.

Maple Mountain

It was a brilliant day for hiking up and over the top of Maple Mountain - and for taking a long, hot bubble bath when I got home.

As yummy a day as I can imagine. The dogs had a blast - of course. Best of all, J and I hatched a plan for Europe. We'll wait three years for her boys to be old enough to either come along or stay home with dad or relatives. The plan is a two week hiking trip. Probably 2-5 or 6 day hikes. I'm thinking one in Switzerland and one in Austria or Germany or France. I'm going to start checking tour companies that will take our baggage from inn to inn so we only have to hike with a day pack. About 7 hours a day would be ideal.

Very exciting.

Life is grand.

movies

I do love movies. Yesterday I watched Hugo - charming, delightful, well acted and directed. This evening I watched The Way, the story of a man (and others) walking the Camino Santiago. I normally wouldn't have bothered but since I have already read two books about the Camino and I know there are others, I thought it would be great fun to actually see the scenery I've read so much about.

So glad I saw this movie. It was much better than I expected. Best of all, of course, was the Camino itself, which truly was the star of the film. I could see myself doing this journey. In fact, I can see myself doing several of these "long walks."

And I think I shall. I imagine doing an across Switzerland trek and  - well - others. A good thing to research. Hmmm - no time like now to start. Google awaits....

odds and ends

There's something really nice about being finished work by lunchtime on Friday. And just to make sure that no more assignments come flying my way that need to be completed before the end of the day, I am heading out: post office to drop off a parcel of books for my mom, the tailor to pick up hemmed slacks and Westwood Ridges for a walk with Abby.

Sounds like a plan.

American Idol is ramping up. I have an early favourite in Colton Dixon. I am so tired of girls trying to be another Adele - the singing flavour of the month. Which is not to disparage Adele. I took some time to watch and listen to her on YouTube yesterday - the lady has chops. She truly is sensational. I kept thinking of opera meets country.

But Adele is fabulous because she is herself. So what a singer (and everyone) needs to do is find out who they are and then be true to that - 100 percent.

One of the great disappointments in my life is not singing. I know the old saying: if you can talk you can sing. Well, yes of course I can sing. It's just that you wouldn't want me to do it in public.

So here's to the singers! And here's to The Voice and American Idol - very entertaining.

Almost Friday

Did I hear someone say March 1?

Did I see sunshine today? Spring maybe?

Better yet - is it almost Friday.

It's been a crazy week but today was lovely. Two features today kept it all down to a dull roar. Little things - tiny things make me happy. Like going to the tailor today and picking up my new hemmed pants and having the length just right. And knowing that tomorrow I can pick up two more pairs of hiking pants and know they won't be dragging through the mud any more either.

Happiness is finishing the working and day and catching up with American Idol. This year, so far, I find the male talent more interesting and varied than the female. Too much Adele copycatting.

I downloaded two movies to watch this weekend - "The Way" and "Hugo" so I expect to be massively entertained.

Life, in other words, is good.