Bloggers: Celebrate your world

I love to write and reflect. This began in April, 2006, when I moved far from friends, family, and my social network, taking a new job closer to become a caregiver for failing parents. Previously I'd only written for educational publications.

I depended upon e-mail to keep in touch with the real world. Then, writing my book about my parents, I incorporated my e-mails into my text. The glory and beauty of Muskoka inspired me and kept me going. Here is an excerpt:

What a lovely drive into work. I felt a sense of peace in the drive. This was when I depressurized. The scene changed every day. I saw two large turkey vultures at the side of the road. They eyed me as I passed. On another day, there was a fox trotting perkily along the side of the road. She seemed happy that humans had made her a nice trail. It sure made hunting easier!

I drove by these gorgeous lakes and trees, noticing the snow and ice slowly melting, as I followed my daily route to work. Each day, nature painted a few more dabs of colour on the trees. They were red, yellow, and dark brown buds of promise and they looked beautiful. Then, in the night, nature painted the buds a little more and a little more until I could no longer see the trees and homes behind. Soon enough the leaves burst into beautiful green and the tiny, isolated cottages became invisible behind them once more. I navigated my way home from work, oblivious to the furor at home. Along the highway, I passed sparkling lakes and shadowy forests; I turned the heat on in the car and opened up the sunroof. It was good to feel the sun.

Many face health issues with failing parents. I documented my trials here in Central Ontario, since navigating health care in rural Ontario is different than that of the city. Cuts are being made to rural health care, and this is going to impact access for those without means, such as transportation. Then, I realized that there is little documentation of issues like safety and the many so-called accidents (needless drownings) related to boats or swimming in cottage country. There is a pattern, and it is frightening.

In addition, what with the economic situation and the troubles newspapers are facing, I really believe it is we amateurs who must blog to celebrate and laud our regions. Local reporters are being cut from local papers. Local papers feature nationally syndicated writers, e.g., Arthur Black who resides in B.C., who have little to do with regional events. Add to that: none in provincial media appeared to mention Gravenhurst's tornado. The local papers (which publish weekly) captured the stunning images of friends helping friends, and crews cleaning up, but not until the Wednesday following the Thursday event.

Many thanks to my followers. I promise to visit you virtually in your neck of the woods.
Thank you, all, for your kind comments. I am reluctant to say 'thank you' each time, but I am most grateful. Plus, people do not always check back in once they post! I know I have lurkers who read and do not comment. My children read it to see what the old f@rts are up to!

Tomorrow I shall post about our lovely anniversary dinner. Scrumptious food and celebrated chefs abound in Muskoka!

Here is my video-celebration of Muskoka:

Random Acts of Kindness

This morning CBC featured a group trying to put a little love back into the world. Their Dec. 14th web post says,

"Darius Bashar is the site's co-founder. He joined guest host Karen Horman to talk about using social networks to make the world a better place...one act of kindness at a time. Learn more at the Daily Challenge website."

What an intriguing revision of the original RAK, on the RAK Foundation site. RAK has become a popular notion since its inception. An Amazon.ca search brought up 40 books on RAK.

I recall driving across a toll booth, one of the suggestions in the book I read (see image!), and paid for the person's car behind me. It was so much fun!

My students were right with me. We began complimenting each other and writing each other and found more and more websites with more ideas.

For parents I sent home: An Affirmation of our children.I practiced this in February in my classroom that year. I found a free poster and it encouraged us. It was a pleasant way to spend Valentine's Day week and provided writing activities.

A s I peruse the site, I have had some doubts, though. Some of the challenges seem to be far less that RAK, and more visions of the world as it could be. For example, they suggest turning off your computer when you leave work. What is with this? This should be a mandatory part of your day. Another: "drink at least a litre of water today". Really? That notion is outdated and has been determined to be unnecessary to one's health. How does that help another person? Or, "opt for more exercise today". I rather believe that the RAK ought to involve people in social situations.

Manners seem to be a thing of the past. I have blogged previously about this, with the lack of "Thank you", in society. During the radio interview Darius suggested that we say hello to the security guard, for example. I wonder if this should not be a part of daily practice?

It occurs to me that we are asking people to step up to the plate to be kind, when it is truly good manners. I adore my husband's manner in social, or business settings. On our 7th date he took me out. When we got out of the taxi he said to the driver, "Thank you, sir!" I was so impressed. Being uncertain of myself, not a user of taxis, I was a bit nervous. I realized what a simple, polite things we can do for everyone. The driver must have been around his age. I have tried to practice this simply idea since.

I make sure that I find a good thing to say to everyone I meet when provided with goods and services. It makes them a bit more friendly. I ask 'how are you today?" If they look a bit harried I try to reflect this back to them. I like to empathize if they appear overworked and tired. I often ask if their shift is nearly over. I worked as a cashier for two days a week and understand what customers can be like. I try to act positive when in the other position. It is not easy. Annie's Cafe always has people with a smile. I feel as if I am a special guest, not paying customer.

When I drive, I am not usually in a hurry and will slow down when conditions are ripe for them to pass or I will pull over to let speedy drivers pass. It seems only good manners and a safe way of being proactive. I cannot stand the incidents of road rage. There is no reason for it! I have often made a mistake driving and had a driver give me an ugly look (or finger) and have no way to apologize. People are quick to judge and consider me aggressive or berate me with their horn.

I think we all should simply act our age and not our shoe size. Show simple respect and treat others the way we would like to be treated. The seemingly old fashioned 'do unto others' would stand us all in good stead. The Ethic of Reciprocity is a good one, found in texts and religious precepts. Let us be kinder and happier. Make the choice.