Hello all, the sun, has arrived. Hallelujah :-) We seem to have been, drowning, in rain, here in my beautiful ugly. April rained steady, May was rough as well. Even June which can be, quite hot and hazy. Last week, I thought I would lose, my mind, and that's why, I didn't write, who needs to read, whining, we all have our battles, we all occasionally, feel like we are, losing it. Full moon and practically, a week of rain, not pretty: 'nough said. The sun is back, with a vengeance, kind of scorching, these last few days, but, you know, I got my shorts game down, oh yeah, fun in the sun.I am reading a fabulous book, almost done, love it: Help Thanks Wow: 3 Essential Prayers, by Anne Lamott, fabulous, she never disappoints. She makes me laugh, out loud on the subway, she also makes me cry, quietly, same location, I like to read on the subway. This book is a perfect, carry with you book. It's funny, touching, full of insight, it's smart not cloying, or goody goody. She is a good person, she is flawed, she tries, she fails, she succeeds, she is weak, she is strong. I love her writing, it makes me think. It feels like, I am 'listening' to a, friend, a smart funny friend, who has been around, the block a few times, knows the lay of the land, and, knows that ultimately, we don't know, shit, but, we should keep learning, and trying. We should reach for meaning, keep the faith. Lamott's book, made me cry for, my gone, but, not forgotten, beloved cat, Dude,
brought back feelings, of doubt and the "did I do, the right thing", questionings, and a few pages later, reminded me, that I loved and cherished him, and did the best I could, always, that I tried to avoid him, suffering, and prayed for him, to go in his sleep, but, it didn't work out, that way, sometimes it doesn't, that doesn't mean, we shouldn't, keep hoping, for it, praying, for it, whatever term you are most comfortable with Her book, reiterates, to me, that it is ok, to ask for help, it is also important, to say, thanks, to our people, to a greater force, God, whoever, whatever, and that we are, surrounded by beauty, wonder, and... life. So get out the sunscreen, put on those shorts, no, not those, the nice ones, you only live once:-) get out there and soak up, the sunshinny days be well, all of you Later girls, BB
Changes
Good day you all, hope you are all well. I am, well, that is :-) I have made some, changes in my life. I asked for a raise, at my crappy job, the manager, hemmed and hawed and, said, well, you know, she couldn't make, any promises, and if there was something, it wouldn't be much, bla bla bla. So, I left her office, I decided, that evening, while working, that I would give notice, I did, this is my last week. I take next week off, vacation time, rest and relaxation, the week after that I find, a new job. This change has been, a long time coming. Time to move on. When I first took this job, I needed it, it was a transition job. It allowed me to go from, the closing of my bookstore, and then, the death of my anarchist, through some health issues. Through griefs, and rebuilding, my confidence, my health, my life. For that I will always be grateful. It was a perfect job, for me, it didn't require too much, of me, and I was very good at it, I talked to people, which I love. The thing with me, and, I suspect most people, I want a job that requires, my brain, my personality, my strengths, I don't want a job, that will suck out, my life force, or that exhausts me, or one where I am, disrespected. At this point, I feel like paying me, minimum wage, is disrespecting me. I am worth, more than that, figuratively and literally. I may take another, in between job, but what I really want, is one that uses, my people skills, my communication skills, that pays me a living wage. I want to grow and help others, to grow, in whatever way I can. Change is inevitable, and in this case, required, and most especially, sought out. more to come, soon. Be well you all Later girls, BB
Am I a zealot??
Hello all, hope you are all well. It is early afternoon, in my beautiful ugly. Mom has gone visiting, for a few days. I am sitting at the computer, having partaken of some delicious, homemade vegetable soup, added some leftover yams, to the mix, yum. Normally, at this time, on a Wednesday, I would be, getting off, the metro(subway), walking towards, the adult education center, where I volunteer. Unfortunately. both my student, and, her husband have, had health issues lately, so no tutoring, today. I have found myself, with some extra time, and, have decided to, explore a topic, that has been floating, around my head for a few weeks. As you know from, reading the blog, I have been exploring, my spiritual side, and I am happy in, my exploration. I have met people, I like, encountered ideas, and a way of living, my life, which appeals to me. I have never been, a joiner, nor a naysayer. I have always, believed that love, is the way, to understanding each other, sharing the world among, ourselves in harmony. We need more love, in the world, desperately.
You all remember that old Depeche Mode song: People Are People?
People are people so why should it be
You and I should get along so awfully
You and I should get along so awfully
So we’re different colours
And we’re different creeds
And different people have different needs
It’s obvious you hate me
Though I’ve done nothing wrong
I never even met you
So what could I have done
And we’re different creeds
And different people have different needs
It’s obvious you hate me
Though I’ve done nothing wrong
I never even met you
So what could I have done
I can’t understand
What makes a man
Hate another man
Help me understand
What makes a man
Hate another man
Help me understand
The Christian message, is one of love, of acceptance, of diversity. It isn't always, interpreted that way, that doesn't, nullify it's meaning. A few weeks ago, I was talking about, church, with my girl, and I asked her, what she thought. She said it seemed, to make me happy, but, that she had worried, that I would become, a zealot. Hmm, me a zealot??
zeal·ot
ˈzelət/
noun
noun: zealot; plural noun: zealots
-
a person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals.
-
historicala member of an ancient Jewish sect aiming at a world Jewish theocracy and resisting the Romans until AD 70.noun: Zealot; plural noun: Zealots
-
Interesting word zealot,
it can be very strong,
or sort of soft,
fanatic or enthusiast, to me those,
aren't really synonyms but hey...
When I shared this reflection,
with a lovely man,
from church, he seemed to think,
I had a bit of a,
zealot in me,
That when I embraced,
something,
I was all in.
Hmm.
He also felt,
that I had a bit,
of a provocateur in me,
and pointed to this blog,
as a manifestation of that,
spirit.
I felt no criticism on his part,
he was telling it as he saw it,
he's that kind of a guy,
straight shooter,
sincere,
nice guy.
This got me thinking.
I don't believe I am,
or ever will be,
a zealot.
I do however,
like to talk,share,
explore,discover.
I care about people,
passionately.
I love the Christian message,
reading the bible,
singing hymns,
calms me, fills me with love.
My objective in writing about,
these thoughts and feelings,
is not to convert or evangelize,
it is to share.
Of the 16 personality types in,
Myers-Briggs Type indicator,
I am :
Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Perception,
The Campaigner,
ENFPs are fiercely independent, and much more than stability and security, they crave creativity and freedom.
Hmm maybe I am a zealot,
after all
Be well you all.
Later girls,
BB
Spiritual quest part IV
Hello all, hope you are,
all,
well.
April's biggest challenge,
here in the beautiful ugly,
has been staying...
dry,
lots of rain.
May is,
so far,
all over the place,
Aw, Spring, I love ya,
you may seem fickle to some,
but to me,
you are renewal in all its,
joys and difficulties.
Busy with my,
tutoring,
work,
life.
I continue my spiritual quest,
I feel more and more at home,
in faith.
Who would have thought?
My Alpha course,
Alpha journey,
continues,
I leave every week,
with questions,
and ponderings,
I love that.
I live for food for thought
:-)
This week's theme was,
one I was looking forward to,
What next? what to do,
with the rest of my life?
As many of you know,
I have been at,
a crossroads,
for a while,
I haven't chosen a path,
I have been exploring,
different avenues, roads,
not investing myself,
on a course of action.
Not exactly idling but,
slow pace.
These last few months,
I have felt much more,
in tune with myself,
physically,
mentally,
in my core.
I am over,
the physical shocks,
of surgery,
the fear of dying that,
accompanied it.
I have healed from,
the pain of losing,
my friend, the anarchist.
I miss him still,
but it no longer,
involves searing pain,
I smile when I,
think of him.
So this week,
I went to Alpha,
with joy and enthusiasm,
and,
was glad to see,
the people,
who I have grown so,
fond of,
a community, warmth,
and, faith.
We watched the old version,
of the video in French,
because the new version,
wasn't ready.
The old version,
isn't as well suited,
to the open and modern,
church that is St-Jax's
IMHO.
Long story short:
the video,
spoke of the bible,
being a way of living,
a guide book,
that God has given us,
and the guy spoke,
specifically about,
sexuality,
and offered up,
specifically,
a hetero normative version,
of the world.
Cold shower.
Now, to be clear,
we all live in a,
hetero normative,
world,
and we adjust,
and honestly it is expected.
Norm is norm.
But, what I have come to,
appreciate,
about St-Jax's,
like the other places I feel at home,
is that I am liked,
loved by some,
for who I am.
We don't discuss such things,
why would we,
we accept each other,
for who we are,
but, I can usually smell,
a bigot and hommophobe,
at a fair distance,
and,
like all groups,
there are undoubtedly,
a few in church.
But, I felt in my heart,
in my bones,
that the leadership,
and most of the congregation,
wasn't.
So, it was with a weight,
in my heart,
that I emerged from the video room,
to the discussion area,
I went to get some herbal tea,
and, wondered if I would have,
to leave St-Jax's.
I sat down with my tea,
and found the leader,
of the group and others,
discussing,
the different tone of these,
videos.
It seems they had all been,
uncomfortable with the video,
as well.
and they agreed that sincere love,
is just that.
Phew
My perception about,
St-Jax's taking people,
for who they are,
was right.
The thing is I could leave.
I have lived without St-Jax's
and faith in my life,
before,
and I could do it again,
but,
I find that,
more and more,
I would rather...
not
Be well you all, thank you,
for accompanying me on my,
journey
Later girls,
BB
Belief
I have been very busy, lately, well, by my standards, busy. Lots of social activity, learning, cultural outings. Went to see Book Of Mormon, with my Bff for her birthday- so smart, so funny, so irreverent, and yes, a little offensive, but we loved it. Funny, how things, come to you, to flesh out thoughts, ideas, creative questions, or meaning of life, interrogations, a little mysterious. I am not referring to research, but, just living, your life, and things appearing to shed light, on barely flickering ideas. I have been writing about this, for a while now, how faith and specifically church, has brought, centered ness into my life. Now to be clear, it hasn't made me happy, it has made me calm, well, calmer. I am happy, I was happy, I am blessed, I have an amazing family, friends who are...well, the best there is, I have love and passion. My health is good. What church has brought, is an opportunity, to work on letting go, of anger, an opportunity to forgive. I struggle with some of these, things, it is hard for me to let go, of hurt, of anger, but I am working on it. I find that faith, is a lot like love. You have to believe, you have to trust, you have to make, yourself vulnerable. Faith isn't the way for, everyone, I don't think. But, belief is, living your life ironically, is bullshit, love isn't ironic, neither is goodness. Sarcasm and snarkiness, hide pain. Laughing is good, essential to long life, like singing and loving, but, profiting from others, weaknesses and foibles, laughing at them, isn't. As Bruce Springsteen sings: Still at the end of every hard earned day people find some reason to believe When things are hard, belief is all the more important, but, even us happy blessed people, need belief, well, I think so still fleshing this idea out, I wonder what you all think about this. Be well you all. Later girls, BB
Taking notes, taking note
Hello all, hope your Easter, long weekend was, great. I had a marvelous time, stimulation, reflection, relaxation, exercise, all of it. The weather was a little of everything, good, bad, a tiny bit ugly at times, but, truly, it was all good. I went to a Passover celebration, at St-Jax's, fascinating and inspiring. On Good Friday, I went to the Cathedral, humbling and thought provoking, and on, Easter Sunday, I went with mom, to my wonderful church, there was the Montreal Gospel Choir, we sang and danced, with enthusiasm if not, great rhythm :-) there were baptisms, so much joy, so much love, really a day of hallelujahs. I have been feeling fantastic, lately. It seems, faith has brought, calm to my life. Faith is different, for everyone, I think, I'm no expert, but, for me, it brings, centered ness, and, what I can only describe, as peace, of mind, of heart, of purpose. I was watching a you tube vlogger, the other day, he's an ok guy, a bit hipster but, anyway, he said something, that rang so true, to me, resonated, there are two kinds of people in the world, those who want to do things and, those who do things. He went on to say he wanted to be a doer, this was in the context of him cutting and bleaching, his hair Taking chances, moving out of your comfort zone, it's a good thing, doesn't always involve, risky behaviour, either, it didn't for me. What it did mean, was not just thinking, about going to church, on Christmas Eve, but actually suggesting it, to mom and us going. It also meant not just thinking, about volunteering when I have, more time, but, noting that I have... plenty of time, and just walking in, to the community center, to volunteer for literacy tutoring. I have always loved, notebooks, but, I used to leave them at home. Now I have a small pocket one, if I need to leave someone a note, happens less and less, a smallish not too small, idea jotter, as an aside, I used to remember everything, no need for notes, but, recently, I was listening to the Sunday sermon, and it struck an idea, a parallel in my head, and, I knew it would make, a really good blog post-topic, after listening and enjoying, the sermon, not writing down a thought provoking note, I forgot it, the thought has not returned, yet, or has it, who knows?? point is, notebooks (real or phone) are our friends, I prefer the paper version, no one thinks you are, checking your face book updates. I have an Alpha and theological notes, notebook, and a journal, I keep notes, I no longer rely on memory, take notes, take note, live your life, consciously with intention, experience, don't just let things, happen to you, experience them, relish in them, learn from them, take notes, take note, that is my current modus operandi Be well, you all Later girls, BB p.s this blog was written last week, sorry for the lateness, been a busy week :-)
Notes on spiritual quest part III
Hello all, hope these notes, find all of you, in good spirits. I have had a cold, for a few days now, and the rain has been with us, here in, my beautiful ugly. Rain in April means, flowers, to come, awakening, growth, no way that is... negative. I am feeling very strong, centered, lately. Not necessarily, buoyant and smiley, but, quiet. A resonating peace inside me. I do believe, that is a direct result, of my heart and mind, being open to the spiritual. I think of it as the St-Jax's affect :-) I went to St-Jax's with an open mind, a yearning, I have been welcomed with love, and prayer, with humour, with intelligence. Strangely enough, I seem to fit there, I have not contorted myself, to fit a mold, nor have I have been made, to feel I should. Many of the people there, have a similar thirst, thirsts, even. For knowledge, for meaning. This past Saturday, we had our holy spirit day, we watched videos, we sang, we worshiped and prayed, those of us who wished to, called to the holy spirit, in whatever way we wanted. I felt at peace, I felt, cherished and loved, I felt safe. My faith, manifests itself, quietly, it builds a little at a time, it is of the mind, and, of the heart. It is calming, it is centering. It may have been there all along In the last year, I have cleaned out, the negative influences, in my life, the meanness of some, masquerading, as humour and wit. The disparaging of divergent, opinions, points of view. I would have felt embarrassed, to share the fact that I like, church,that I look forward to going, that it fills a part of me, that needed, sustenance. I am not embarrassed, I am not preaching, I am sharing. blessings and peace be upon you be well later girls, BB
Notes on my spiritual quest part II
Good morning all, hope you are well. March has been, all over the place here, in my beautiful ugly. Hot, cold, record snow storms, and today, rain According to the dates, on my blog post, it's been more than, two whole weeks, since I wrote. Lots has been going on. I continue my Alpha classes, at church. I am liking it, my group is a good fit. The discussion is of a high level, but, civil and respectful, friendly, no putting people's ideas down, very far from, a preachy or belligerent tone. One of the things I like most, about my church, is the friendly, (not over friendly invasive) sincere tone. I don't like to be pushed, never have, I can make up my own mind, but, my heart is open. I know that to many, religious belief makes, no sense, that it can't be scientifically, explained. That's cool, there are a lot of things, I can't explain and that doesn't stop me, from believing. For instance, how does one explain, love. Attraction, can be explained, scientifically, chemically, but, love? Nope. In fact that has been and remains, one of the great quests of, art and literature. I am not here to try to convince, anybody of anything. I just share my road and journey, with you all. Today, I have a meeting, for volunteering, in a literacy program, helping a person to learn, to speak and eventually learn to, read and write, French. Seeking purpose I continue writing in my journal. I have been reading much more, lately, C.S Lewis, St-Benedict, Merton, Montaigne, Orwell. This all sounds very deep, and it is, but, it is snack size, the great ideas collection, from Penguin is perfect, for carrying around, reading on the metro. Less than one hundred pages, usually. Today, would have been, Francoys, my anarchist friend's, fifty-seventh birthday. You are missed my friend, I miss your laugh, our talks, your coffee, I miss you, but, I feel your friendship, in my heart, in my life, everyday. I imagine there would have been, quite a bit of talk, about church, but, I also know, that you respected my choices, and me. Bonne fete cher ami have a great week, you all. Later girls, BB
Notes on my spiritual quest-Part I
Mom is away for a few days, I hope she is having, lots of fun, she must be, she is with my aunt and, they get on, very well. I miss her when she isn't here, it is definitely more quiet. Mom is a whirlwind of sound and movement, it is who she is, and I love her the way she is, but, quiet and solitude is good for, everyone. I have written of my new quest, my spiritual quest, my personal exploration of, faith, my coming to St-Jax's is quite, serendipitous. A part of my everyday landscape, spoke to me, one day, open modern church, all are welcome. I have been going to service, almost every Sunday, since mid January and in the last, few weeks, I have been attending Alpha, on Wednesday evenings. I have gotten a few questions, from friends, both live and via social media, on Alpha, what it is, what it means. I am no expert, but, to my way of seeing, Alpha is series of guided, talks on Jesus, his life, the meaning of life, and our place in the world. Alpha, starts with a meal, the food is delicious, varied and plentiful, afterwards you watch a video, and a group discussion follows. So far, I have to say, I have enjoyed it. The people are lovely, and welcoming. My group, is a good fit, smart and reflective people, who I like. I am not sure that the videos, would convince, Atheists, I think most people who come, to Alpha and to the church, come with an open heart, a heart yearning, for whatever hearts yearn for. I say this not in a flippant way, but, in a sincere way, I think different hearts, yearn for different things. Mine, my heart, and I believe by extension, my soul, yearns for meaning, for purpose. Some people yearn, for love, for acceptance. I am not sure, if St-Jax's and Alpha, lead to that purpose, maybe. But, I do, feel good and welcome, there, I feel centered, at peace. It's hard to explain. I think faith, is personal. A framework, guidance, helps and may even be, essential, but, to me, it remains, a relationship, between me and, my God- like I said it's personal. I share this with all of you, because, I share most of my quests, with you, it helps me to know, what I think, gives texture to my thoughts, my ramblings. There will be more of these Take care all of you, be well Later girls, BB
Stop, turn, look around
Hello all, hope all is well, with all of you. I am feeling good. The quasi dawning of Spring, fills me with joy, always. Even, the cold blustery, rainy parts. Spring is renewal, rebirth, new phases, flowers, melt, all of it, as my best friend always says, it's all good. I don't always think that, It's all good. I let myself get morose, critical, down, but, I recover. You got bounce back, keep going. Last week, I felt a little tired, a little cold. And then, a friend, posted something in response to, a photo of me and Bff at the hockey game, It was the Clarkson Cup, women's hockey league championship, in Ottawa and our beloved Montreal Canadiennes won!!! He said, you have a lot of fun in life, BB, and it is contagious. Wow, reality check, damn right, I am lucky, I have fun, I have friends, family, acquaintances, a job, a curious mind, a good heart, most of my teeth. I love life, I care about the world, about the planet, my fellow humans, and all the creatures, great and small who share, it with us. Is there lots of ugly, in the world? oh yeah. But so much beauty, so much good, so much deserving, of our hard work, belief. Keep working, keep smiling, keep the faith. Use your anger, at inequity, injustice to spur, you to work, to protest. Use your gratitude, to all you have been, given, to help and give, back. Remember that smiles, and good humor, can be... contagious Keep trying, the sun rises, everyday Be well, my friends Later girls, BB