I’ve spoken of my Dad a few times in the course of writing to you but have yet to mention my Mom. Today she was part of Living Library, an event held at the Canadian War Museum and three library branches in Ottawa. When Irena Szpak was still a young girl, she was an underground messenger during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944 – she told her story to the person who “borrowed her” for half an hour before others did the same over the course of four hours. There were other “books” like her, who had their stories to tell as well. It was remarked, “You must be very proud of your mother.” I am. She’s a great lady.
Take care,
Kita
In the Land of Blood and Honey is a film depicting a love story set against the background of the Bosnian War. It is also the directorial debut of actress Angelina Jolie whose name needs no introduction. A juggernaut of fame with every trapping of Hollywood imaginable, it is entirely easy to dismiss Ms. Jolie as a conjured up person – no real identity but a composite of all the western world can love and envy at the same time. A more in depth look reveals a real human being who is doing her best in this complex world. I’m glad I have found this out.
Take care,
Kita
I received a wonderful message this morning from a friend of mine, who e-mails Awakenings of the Day each day. This message will stay with me
a long time. It goes like this: “The sun never stops even after all this time. The sun never says to the earth, “You owe me.” Look what happens with a love like that; It lights the whole sky.” (attributed to Hafiz) Isn’t it lovely? Thanks, Auriella.
Take care,
Kita
The holiday season is jam packed with frenetic activity. Once the momentum of visiting and celebrating is reached and passed, there is a palatable letting down that brings with it a feeling of loss and disappointment that “it’s all over”. It’s important to take the time to be aware that this emotional vacuum is only temporary. Think good thoughts about yourself and the coming New Year. Above all, have hope that you are exactly where you should be and that you are on your path. When I think this way, I do feel I can accomplish much. And I wish the same for you. Happy New Year!
Take care
Kita
I bought three different mugs today for extended family for Christmas and was so pleased that my shopping was now done. Once home though, I discovered I had two of the same mug. I was loathe to go out and battle the traffic again so I called and explained my predicament. “No problem. We’ll bring you the right mug to your door and take the other one back,” said Mike, one of the store’s salespeople. I was surprised and delighted by such gracious service. True to his word, Mike delivered the mug and I set about wrapping my last gift. You wouldn’t guess what happened next. I realized I had asked for the wrong mug – yet again I had two of the same. Mortified, I phoned once more. This time Valerie delivered the “right” mug and I finally had my chickadee, songbird and finch. The store’s name is The Cuckoo’s Nest and there’s nothing crazy about its customer service. Talk about Christmas Spirit!
Take care,
Kita
This time of year brings with it overloaded schedules for many of us: work deadlines, holiday planning, parties, school concerts, gift buying, decorating, baking – in the midst of the usual routine. Sometimes the thought of getting it all done can be overwhelming. Remedy? Stop, stay still and breathe. A few moments like this may just ground you to the point of saying, “I don’t need to/have to do all these things.” Dispense with the unimportant and better yet, with the tasks you really don’t like doing; keep the rest and keep breathing. You and your holidays will be happier.
Take care,
Kita
We’ve all been guilty of this: a situation arises that is following the same path, and we automatically assume the outcome will be the same as before. And what we keenly remember is that it’s not a good outcome. That’s why we’ve braced ourselves preparing for the worst. Doesn’t give the other person a let, does it? S/he is forever painted with a certain brush and EVEN if the former’s behaviour has changed, s/he doesn’t stand a chance as long as we remain rigid in our memory bank. I’ve been on both sides of this human equation, and I hope I am learning to show some more flex.
Take care,
Kita
I was on the other side of the world for two weeks and since I’ve come home, there’s been a shift – a shift in thinking. Or maybe it’s a shift in perspectives, I’m not sure. But what I do know is that I feel calm, an internal stillness like I don’t have to struggle any more. I have surrendered and the result is a much happier and content person. “Oh, it’s just having two weeks holidays; you’ll be back to stressing and worrying in no time,” say some. And I say, what if everybody went to the other side of the world and experienced what I have just experienced? Wouldn’t this make for a calmer, more peaceful planet?
The “what if” here is so huge and so hopeful.
Take care,
Kita
How is it that I was in Hong Kong for the past couple of weeks? My girlfriend won a trip for two a few months back, and because her husband chose to stay home with their little girl, she asked me to come along. Of course I said, “Yes,” thinking at the time how unlikely it was that I would be going to Asia since it had never been on my travel radar. The trip was great – travelling business class more than made up for the 16 plus hours in the air to get there. Wonderfully helpful people, a superb subway system, green spaces, outstanding museums, breathtaking panoramas, food like no other, and a cleanliness that belies the megatropolis that Hong Kong is, has me thinking, “I’m going back someday.”
Take care,
Kita
