In search of the invisible army
I still serve in an invisible army. There’s no six star general to guide us but we have no doubt about our personal marching orders. I have a theory though. I believe that if our army acts together, we might shift the culture of care just a smidgen. It could be a campaign of communication, and our army leading that charge is called Family Caregivers. One in four Canadians is on active duty. There are many services. Mine was caring for my aging parents, and was limited by their passing on after a decade of growing need. A sudden death incident did not spirit them away, as they might have...
Read MoreWomen’s Institute made it happen
As a proud member of the Cedar Woman’s Institute it continues to astound me at the role the organisation has played into the fabric of the Canada we know today. Most people know little or nothing about the Woman’s Institute and its origins. The W.I. is a worldwide success story that was founded in Canada in 1897 by rural women as a vehicle to address serious health issues of the day. Their vision and tenacity has played, ands continues to play, a huge role in the well being of children here on Vancouver Island today as can be seen in the wonderful article from the Times/Colonist...
Read MoreSpirituality Beyond Borders.
Thirsting For Spiritual Nourishment? For those of us who wrestle with feelings of alienation and a sense of disconnect, Spirituality Beyond Borders: Education for Transformation might just offer soul food. I confess that I fall into the category of thirsting for spiritual nourishment. Recently April 6-8th I took the opportunity to participate in Trinity: The Soul of Creation live webcast -in -community from the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was offered at the Bethlehem Center (Nanaimo) in conjunction with Spirituality Beyond Borders ( Parksville )...
Read MoreLiving In The Light
I have always had a burning desire to understand how the Universe works, what life is all about and the meaning and purpose for which I am here. This is a profound question I have often asked myself. I consider myself foremost a spiritual being. I have spent my life seeking my higher purpose. My faith has been tested many times. On my spiritual path I allow the mystical power of living with consciousness to help guide me through. I believe that each one of us has a true purpose and each one of us is a channel for the Universe. After we are born in the body we forget who we really are...
Read MoreMedical Marijuana
I recently attended an information workshop in Duncan regarding chronic pain control and was pleasantly surprised by the range of people attending, their ailments, and their ways of dealing with their pain, or not. The participants were adults of various ages, men and women, and they were looking for the relief of chronic pain for themselves. The causes were numerous and varied, caused by accidents’ and ailments. To help control their pain some used various prescription and over the counter drugs. Some were also smoking marijuana, or using other forms of cannabis. Although I know...
Read MoreNovember on Gabriola.
Lost between the October Ferry to Gabriola and December, lies November. Like nothing happens here in November? Get on the bus-Gus. Of course it does! Here’s my November as an example of nothing happens here, so pour yourself a java and put up your feet. Dream if you will and ask me again, “Why do I love it here”. Besides the dark nights, really-really dark-dark nights, and hardly a noise ‘cept the odd car. Most Gabriolans happily are tucked in for the evening, me by my fireplace toasty warm. Fact is, I just got home from Iyengar Yoga with Karin Young. Twice a...
Read MoreBooks, Bills & Bios.
That title pretty much describes my desk in what I call the ‘view area’ of my family room. When I first looked at this spot some decades ago when house-hunting, it sported a rudimentary desk, but what truly grabbed my attention then was this corner’s ideal placement with easy access to the kitchen beyond. What better place to store helpful book titles, pay the inevitable bills, and write irresistible biographies of talented artists, writers and musicians or announce the what, where, and when of upcoming events? Here I could sit searching for just the right phrase, watch the decreasing...
Read MoreHousing Crisis
The worsening problem of housing affordability is producing hardship for people all across British Columbia and the Capital Region District. In particular, people on fixed or limited income like seniors or single-parent families may face bigger challenges in finding and maintaining stable housing. In response to the problem, numerous pundits have come forward to offer perspectives and guidance. Jake Fry is the founder of Small Housing BC and is one such pundit. I saw Mr. Fry speak on Tuesday, October 11 at a community town hall meeting entitled “Let’s Talk About Housing...
Read MoreIsland Women Victimised.
Innocent until proved guilty?, isn’t that the basis of our criminal justice system? So why are women on Vancouver Island treated so cruelly whilst awaiting trial. At this point they have not been found guilty and yet they, their family and friends are torn apart when they need each other the most. Where is the humanity in this? This is yet another example of our provincial governments myopic view of how to run a province. They blindly pursue their goal of cutting taxes no matter what the social cost may be. They impose users fees and cut services and have the gall to boast that...
Read MoreWhere’s Gabriola, You Say?
Here’s a clue! Starts with “G”. In the Gulf Islands, west coast of Canada. Surrounded by the Salish Sea. On the south side, you can see Nanaimo, Cedar, Ladysmith. On the north side, you can see Whistler and draw your eye along the horizon to Vancouver. From our highest peak, you can see Saltspring Island, also part of the Gulf Islands. In a matter of elimination, we aren’t Galiano or Ganges. We’re Gabriola. So let me show you how to find us, how to plan your visit to us, and how to get around on our beautiful island. This is going to be a comprehensive review, so put your feet up...
Read MoreTransitional Dressing
Making the most of your summer items If you’re like me, you probably have a few of those favourite summer clothing pieces that you’re absolutely heartbroken to pack up at the end of the season. Especially with clearance sales, which let you snap up some last-minute summer bargains, it can be hard to let go of all those “out of season” clothes. Well, don’t lose hope yet! Just because the cold weather is rolling in doesn’t mean it’s quite time to give up on your favourite warm-weather clothes. Many of the things you were about to bundle up and put in the...
Read MoreThink you’re not prejudiced?
think again when it comes to seniors. October 1st is the United Nations-declared “International Day of the Older Person.” The theme this year is ageism, a prejudice that the UN describes as the most socially-normalized form of discrimination worldwide. The term was coined in 1969 to describe a form of discrimination based on age. Since this time, we have seen a number of barriers broken: gay people can legally marry, women lead governments and the Supreme Court of Canada, people in wheelchairs hold public office and win gold medals, and the United States has elected an...
Read MoreYes You Can Self-Publish.
I have people asking me all the time if they think anyone would read their memoirs. The answer is a resounding, yes! If you have led a full adventurous life, travelled a lot and friends or family are constantly telling you that you should write a book, then go for it! You might consider taking a writing course or hiring a professional copy-writer if you can’t write. A copy-writer will research content for your book, be creative and also ensure sentence structure and flow. Remember not to do your own proofreading. This is separate from copy-writing and done after the manuscript is...
Read MoreMy Haibun Memoir
Within my heart I always knew at some point I would write about those magical days leading up to the reunion with my daughter whom I put up for adoption shortly after her birth. Almost 20 years later the first 32 copies of Dancing Into Reunion have just arrived by courier. I am so very pleased with all aspects of this book. I am also sincerely appreciative of those who encouraged me. My first experience of venturing into publishing has been a satisfying and a rewarding one. A professionally made CD featuring three songs I have written and sung as part of my healing journey...
Read MoreOur Vancouver Island.
Yesterday I came across a very rare and refreshing item, an article in a newspaper that made me feel happy and content. By and large the mainstream media, especially television, have become peep show galleries to other peoples misery and distress. They intrude with microphones and stupid questions when people are at their lowest, it’s amazing that reporters are not verbally and physically attached. Please read the article below, I guarantee will make you feel better. We are so fortunate to live on the Vancouver Island. ******************************************************* This...
Read MoreTrying on a decision
In my last post, we talked about intuition, where it comes from and why it’s a useful tool to develop. If you missed the last edition, click on “All posts by Erin Lee” below. One of the most valuable ways we can use our intuition is in decision making, and I’d like to share one of my favourite exercises, “Trying on a Decision”. Trying on a Decision is kind of like shopping for jeans. Most of us don’t take a pair of jeans off of the rack, look at them and say, “yup, these will look good!”. No! We take several pairs of jeans into the change room and try them on. Have...
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