Wordy Wednesday: Masked!

Picture prompt by Shailaja

He couldn't sleep. In fact, he was so scared, he couldn't move. He was paralyzed with fear!

Jimmy, age 12 looked to the wall opposite his bed. What he saw scared him out of his wits! He wanted to scream, but his tongue was frozen in fear.

It was his first day at the cabin where three other campers his age were sleeping, all in bunkbeds, Jimmy on the bottom of one. He was in unfamiliar surroundings. Oh, how he wished to be in the comfort of his room, in his own bed.

An image of the side of a face painted with three bright orange circles at the bridge of the nose upwards was staring Jimmy in the face, and grinning! It wasn't a normal-looking face, though he thought it might be a dead spirit of some kind.

It certainly didn't help that one of the boys taunted him by reading part of a spooky story just before bedtime. And it certainly didn't help matters that it was a mystery based in Africa with cannibals.

Did this 'man' hold some magical power which made Jimmy's tongue stuck so he couldn't speak? Who was he? And more importantly, what did he want?!

Jimmy squeezed his eyes tight for a few seconds and opened them only to find the big eye still looking at him. He decided he needed to do something 'cause he was so tired from travelling and playing that day.

Jimmy started to concentrate on his breathing, slowing it down as he learned during yoga class at camp that very morning. He started to relax a bit (not looking at the face) and counted to 10 in his head, a pace equivalent to saying "Abracadabra" at least twice at a slower speed, before running to the light switch, a bunk bed away from his.

With the light on, Jimmy looked immediately at the man and noticed it looked different. In fact, it wasn't scary at all!

He walked to the window, noticed the curtain slightly ajar, and peered outside in the dark.

Looking through the window and then to the 'mask' back and forth, back and forth, Jimmy came to realize what happened. What he saw - it took a few moments to register - made sense!

The partially crescent moon formed an oval eye, the nose and mouth shaped by the moon whose light struck part of a sailboat moored at the dock, reflecting through the cabin's window to the former masked image.

The three circles were already on this unusual, ancient-looking instrument, an old drum that was hanging on the wall. The long rod beside it was its companion. It essentially helped to secure the drum steadfastly against the wall.

While the other cabin mates were sleeping soundly, Jimmy drew the curtains shut, turned off the cabin light, crawled into bed, and closed his eyes. He was so ready for a good night's sleep, and hoped his much-deserved sleep would awaken him with pleasant dreams.

This post is written as a picture prompt from Shailaja V. for Wordy Wednesday at the "BAR" (Blog-A-Rhythm). ;)

Very Inspiring Blogger Award: Woohoo!

Nominated for this award!

When I was informed by Usha Menon, a sweet elderly Indian woman who happens to be a prolofic blog writer, I was thrilled! Not just because this prestigious award (though a different look) was bestowed upon me last year (by her then too), but because it's great to know that people appreciate my blog writings.

Usha affectionately terms herself as "eccentric grandmum" as her blog site demonstrates. Her blog is named 'Kuch Khatta Kuch Meetha' seemingly after an Indian movie. She writes delightful haiku and imparts compassionate wisdom on her other blog posts.

I am grateful to have met her online - she is like a grandmother, to me too! - and, of course, to be honoured with such an award.

According to the guidelines (rules), you are supposed to write seven things about yourself. Here are mine:

1. I'm Dutch Canadian having been born in The Netherlands (also known as or nicknamed 'Holland' for short) and becoming a Canadian citizen as a young girl.
2. I was born a twin and am a surviving one, and middle child.
3. I consider myself a survivor having been close to death a few times in my life.
4. Apparently, I was left-handed as a child and was 'forced' to change to my right (wonder what would have happened if my left hand was my dominant one?)
5. Music has always been an important part of my life, though as I get older I love silence more (since we live in a relatively noisy world). I love a variety though I especially appreciate electronic for dancing, instrumental for relaxation, and devotional music for chanting.
6. I love to read non-fiction though I love to read great fiction - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon is my favourite book or at least one of them. IF you read it, you will understand why!) and I wish I had more time or ahem, need to make more time.
7. I love to look at the sky, day and night, though especially the moon and stars...don't ask me why, I just do! ;)

And now, I am supposed to nominate bloggers whose blogs deserve the award. Usha already mentioned names, some of which I would have listed below otherwise. I will name those who are part of BAR (Blog-A-Rhythm) as I belong to two blogging groups, this one more actively than the other.

In no particular order then, actually I changed to alphabetically, I choose the following bloggers to receive this award. Drum roll please....

1. Cat Graham
2. Kathy Combs
3. Hema Anavatti
4. Nabanita Dhar
5. Nisha Sanjeev
6. Sanch LivingLife
7. Shailaja Vishwanath

Add the badge in your post.

And inform each one whom you have nominated for the award.

Thank you again dear Usha for this award nomination. I truly appreciate it. Namaste.

Wordy Wednesday: What is it that I really want to say?

The title is the writing prompt and is the challenge for today's writing for anyone who chooses it, namely, "What is it that I really want to say?"

Sometimes a challenge is, well, a challenge! And why not challenge myself and perhaps learn and/or grow in the process, if not a foot, maybe an inch? ;) So here goes...

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Clipart image

"So, what is it that I really want to say?" This thought ran through Emily's mind as she pondered what occurred to her between her birthday and a couple days prior. The scenario played over in her mind as she churned this question.

Two days before a momentous birthday, Emily went to see a counsellor for free as part of a work benefit. She had had the feeling a few months prior that she wanted, perhaps even needed to see one who specialized in the area of family of origin (or FOO for short) in order to deal with negative issues or patterns in her life.

She knew intuitively that the root causes of some of them such as an addiction to food stemmed from childhood or FOO, and she was curious in wanting to explore that and get to the root causes in order to change what was not working or no longer working for her.

Though her counsellor was a stranger - initial session - Emily felt comfortable enough with her and unloaded her thoughts and feelings, dumping them unceremoniously to or rather, towards the walls, the floor, the door, and occasionally at Mary, her counsellor.

Mary was an older woman which initially surprised Emily, but then came to the quick realization that that would be highly beneficial in giving her more experience and expertise to deal with Emily's problems or issues.

It was as Emily was talking about her twin sister, actually dead twin sister along with things that happened in her - Emily - life, that a thought triggered like a spontaneous flash in her brain. She came to the utter realization of something, something important she felt she needed to do, to share.

And two days later on Emily's birthday, as she was participating in an online healing discussion, this thought struck her again out-of-the-blue. Emily knew that when that happens, 'Spirit' or intuition was beckoning her.

In fact, later in the evening when Emily was conversing with her mother about details of her birth, her twin, and the like, the same idea stuck in the background amidst questions and responses.

It was the first time that Emily had even considered her mother's viewpoint in giving birth to her and her twin, and the aftermath of what happened, some of which wasn't shared verbally then, but implied.

And thus a formulation spun cycles in Emily's brain in speaking with a work colleague about writing and blogging, two days later.

Emily discovered then: she was pregnant! Oh my! How could that be? She was 55 after all!

Though most pregnancies are usually nine months, Emily wasn't sure how long hers would be. She hoped it wouldn't be much longer; however, one really never knew. She was to give birth, one that she knew she had inside of her, one that she was told by at least one if not more than one person.

And it wasn't the inspired children's story she had in mind written after a group of young children she had designed a program for. No, no! This was different. And it could be a long, labor-intensive birth, though who was to know for sure... ;)

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Epilogue: If you haven't figured it out yet, this woman is actually the author of this blog, namely me, and it is a true story, albeit a tad 'fictionalized.' That is what this blogger wants to say, yet doesn't quite know how to say it directly as there are ramifications with that, including the possibility of saying goodbye to her supportive loving community of online friends, though not yet!

An important note or aside as congratulations are not in order, not just yet, not until after the birth. That is really important which will be shared at a later time, sooner rather than later(?).

She isn't sure how her already busy lifestyle, currently working full-time, singing in two choirs (first time), seeing a counsellor, attending occasional meetings and community events here and there, visiting with friends occasionally, and life in between will justify writing a book based on her life's story or stories... ;)

This post is written as a sentence prompt for Wordy Wednesday at the "BAR" (Blog-A-Rhythm). ;)

Gratitude List #1

My Earl Grey tea with heart

Here is my gratitude list for the day, week, month, and year(!) thus far in no particular order.

* A new year and thus a new beginning (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/12/out-with-old-in-with-new_31.html)
* My birthday this month: treating myself and being treated! ;) (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2015/01/happy-birthday-to-me-part-1.html)
* A new hair style, a new me! ;)
* The basics: shelter - a roof over my head and warmth; food; clothes
* Tops and sweaters at great discount prices
* Thrift stores...need I say more! ;)
* Donating to clear up space and help others in need
* Recycling and compost programs to help Mother Earth
* Creativity through blogging and writing
* Singing in two fun choirs including two of my favourite songs: Happy (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/world-gratitude-day-part-2.html) and Ode to Joy (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/12/ode-to-joy.html)
* Blogging communities for support and learning
* Blogging prompts, though even though I have lots of ideas and inspiration to write from, sometimes it's fun to write as part of a challenge and write FUN posts! ;) (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2015/01/wordy-wednesday-rainbow-connection.html)

(Just a side note, that I have copied and pasted the links above as my links don't seem to be working...not sure if temporary or not.)

I'm sure there is lots more I can list; however, I have left you with enough reading so enjoy! ;)

Now it’s your turn!

What’s on your list this week? Please share with me and the woman who inspired me - finally doing it! - to start this: Laurel Regan.

How to get involved in the Gratitude Linkup

1. Write and post a gratitude list in your own blog.
2. Click the "add your link" button below and share your gratitude post.
3. Click "get the InLinkz code" below and add the linkup code to your post.
4. Visit and comment on some of the posts listed in the Gratitude Linkup.

What's on your gratitude list today? Please feel free to share!

Birthday Tribute: Letter to My Dead Twin (Part 3)

Dear Luisa or what name I should know you by,

I hope I am spelling your name right! [For you readers, see why on my post from yesterday.]

Please know that I love you and have loved you, even though I didn’t know you, as long as I can remember, at least, after I found out about you. You probably know that already as the other things I am about to tell you. However, I wish to express what is upon my heart at this time.

I used to be SO angry - with sadness underneath all that anger - at God and for quite some time, demanding answers: Why did YOU die and me live? Why couldn’t I die and you live? Why couldn’t we BOTH die or both live?

As I was growing up, I often felt something was missing, but I never knew what it was. As a child growing up, I would feed this “hole in the soul” as author and former alcoholic, John Bradshaw terms it.

My relationship with food, I believe, was primarily to numb my feelings, to dampen my feelings of sadness, sometimes so intense, due to the pain of a sense of loss. And I feel there is tons of sadness, layers and layers of it.

I don’t recall having an ah-ha, this-is-it moment when my Mom informed me of your death, connecting it with feelings of emptiness that I felt a lot thus far. I doubt it, as I don’t even recall the conversation.

I desired to feel your presence or to see you even as some people do…some who can see spirits and angels. However, I never did and I wondered why not. It made me real sad. Why couldn’t I at least sense you around me?

I rarely spoke with you as if you were in the room though and I can’t even tell you why, other than perhaps because I didn’t see or feel you energetically. I felt guilty about that, thinking I was supposed to… if I didn’t, well, it might mean that I didn’t care about you or didn’t love you, enough.

I used to wonder what it would have been like to be playmates as children and even as adults, like to play pranks or tricks on people. For example, maybe swapping a date with our boyfriends. I think it could have been a lot of fun! ;)

And I also wondered if you and I would look alike and how much so so we could pull such stunts and pranks on people in the first place! ;)

And by the way, I would really like to know: Are you the one that puts heart shapes in my path so that I see them and think of you? It happened so innocently and spontaneously until I discovered in hindsight that I had a heart collection, I mean heart-shaped collection of items.

I later became aware of them over the years when I would see it especially in nature such as stones or even leaves or trees, and so many things like in my kitchen or elsewhere! ;)

Was that you whispering to me, letting me know of your presence? Was that a symbol of your love for me? Was that the reason why my inspired poem entitled
"You" came to mind, because it was about reflection, and being a twin is like that.

Did you happen to know dear twin, that a perfect heart shape is made up of two perfect halves, like a twin?

Will I ever hear or know the answers to all these questions and more that I have been thinking of over the years?

Will it even matter when I see you, when we meet beyond this realm? Will I be able to embrace you and will I weep all my pent-up tears over all these years as I feel them now running down my cheeks, or will we kiss and hug each other in joy and laughter?

Oh God, how hard it is to be a surviving twin...at times. I know I am strong, but sometimes it’s so tough. It’s tough to be alone as I feel so often in life. So many people do not see me, the real me, not know me or understand me.

That is why I have looked for you, looked for you everywhere, searched for your presence everywhere in others. Occasionally I would meet someone who would symbolically represent you, usually in a workshop of which I have taken many to uncover and unearth the layers of emotions, especially anger and sadness that I have felt most of my life.

I no longer cry as much since my cycle ended and sometimes I wish just for that reason, and that reason alone that it didn’t stop just yet. It’s so healing and cleansing to cry.

Just remember this please, that no matter what happens I love you. I miss you. I wish you were here, here with me, here to hold my hand, here to give me a hug, here to share joy and tears and laughter.

May you, wherever you are, be at peace, at peace in your heart and soul...till we meet, and then may I join you and feel that too.

Love you dear twin, love you sis. <3 Namaste. Now your turn: have you ever written a letter to a dead relative as if they were alive? How did you find the experience?

Happy Birthday? to us Twins?! (Part 2)

Photo symbolically of me about 10 years ago representing my twin & I

When you read this post, keep in mind that my twin is dead and has been for 55 years as of today.

All of a sudden, as I think about that and the essence of what I wish to write/type here, I burst into tears. I can't believe that still happens! I mean I thought I came to terms with her death when I created a spontaneous (intuitive) 3-D collage about 20 years ago. (More about in another post; otherwise this one will be too long.)

And then, why should I be surprised? After all, I cried in my EAP (employee assistance program) counsellor's office this past week when I shared what little I knew of her and our birth.

If you read my post yesterday, you will remember perhaps that I had a heart-to-heart chat with my mother about my twin. This is what I discovered:

* My Mom knew intuitively at five months that she bore twins. Everyone laughed at her, not believing her: read fourth comment below to understand why.
* At seven months, my mother knew she was about to deliver and it happened rather quickly.
* After I came out, she was holding in the other baby, my twin, as best she could, not pushing it out. She informed the midwife that she was having a twin and that there was another one coming, but the midwife ignored her. (This point was hard to digest.)
* According to my mother, we were both like a baby doll as we were only about 1-1/2 lbs.
* We were born on a Sunday, my Mom thinks about 9 in the morning, but not 100% sure.
* I was rushed to the hospital along with my twin (rather than to-be born twin if I understand correctly), about a 20-minute drive away to Geleen, the nearest town to Stein where I was born. (I wonder if my Dad drove or if we went by ambulance.)
* We were both placed in incubators. I was in one about four months.**
* My twin died the following day (which is today, January 11th). It had something to do with her lungs; she couldn't breathe properly. (Probably not fully formed lungs.)
* My Dad was called the next day and he went to the hospital - not sure why my Mom didn't accompany him - perhaps caretaking of the other children? - so he could take of the funeral arrangements. (That's all I know thus far.)
* Not sure the spelling of her name, but along the lines of Luisa. I was named after an aunt, Tante Luisa (or known as Aloisa in Austria if I understood correctly) as she was like a mother to my Mom.
* My Mom told me the news of my twin sometime before I moved out of the house at age 18. Unfortunately, I do not recall our conversation or her having done so. (The only possible recollection I have is that I might have stopped questioning if I had been adopted prior to that incident as I always felt different and estranged, from my family; not their fault.)
* When I was about 30, I accompanied my parents to the cemetery to see if we could find her grave site marker, but couldn't see it nor her name anywhere. (I wondered what would have happened if we did, though I imagine my Mom and I would probably have cried a bucket of tears, at the least!)

The tears are streaming down my face as I am typing this. In all these years, I don't think I ever considered the perspective of my parents dealing with her death. I almost feel embarrassed and ashamed by that, only thinking of myself in terms of my loss.

My Mom started off by saying at this part of the conversation about my twin, "How nice it would be for you to have a twin sister." (I think she meant "your" twin sister; regardless, I got what she was saying.)

She also said that she thinks of her many times - my Mom is an extreme empath (who feels the feelings and pain of others) so you can only imagine what she must experience/suffer. (I am one too but not so extreme.)

I too think of her from time to time, perhaps not enough. I light a candle for her whenever I go to Jerry DesVoignes' winter solstice event where community members chant, in part, sacred songs in Sanskrit - bhajans (devotional songs) - they are soothing, calming,and uplifting for my soul. I think of her on my birthday and sometimes the next day. (I wasn't sure previously if she died the same day of birth or the following day).

And a few years ago, I spontaneously thought of her out of the blue - an indication of Spirit or intuition or whatever you may call it - that I knew she was going to die, i.e., when I was a baby in the womb. I experienced feelings of extreme sadness and had no clue why, and then that thought came out-of-the-blue. This occurred near the beginning of December two years in a row. The second year I had forgotten about the previous year, until the thought came to me again.

You may think I am making that up and/or is evil, superstitious or the like depending upon your beliefs/faith. You may think what you wish. I know in my heart that I am not making this up: claircognizance (clear knowing) is the highest form of intuition which I have and this was one sign of that. (I have had numerous instances over the years.)

And I also know that I am not an evil person. I have a kind and caring heart and people who know me, know that of me. I was told, not to brag, that I have a "pure heart" from someone who did an eye-reading (similar to iridology) on me. Sorry to get on the defensive, but well, maybe I am protecting this story, my twin, and me...whatever!

**I will write a post about this another time. And I will also post my letter (tribute) to her (written today), real soon...Tuesday possibly.

Does any of this resonate with you and your experiences or that of someone you may know? How has it affected you and/or them?

Happy Birthday to Me! (Part 1)

New birthday haircut

Today is a 'special' day. Not only is it my birthday, but I have been alive now for 55 years which makes me officially a young senior, at least in my part of the world. ;) Hmmm, too bad I can't get senior discounts, yet! ;)

Over the years, many tell me that they cannot believe my age. If you think I look young(er), you should see my mother who has an amazing complexion with surprisingly few(er) wrinkles than most people her age. I must have gotten my good looks/youth from her! ;)

However, this could also be because I am and oftentimes feel young at heart: I have a strong inner child who loves to play and have fun, though you don't always see/get that sense about me due to my usual serious non-fiction posts; however, you will catch a glimpse occasionally through my writings such as this one on (The) Rainbow Connection)...or when I wink, like this: ;) (I love to cyber wink!)

And my dear readers, I am here to inform you that you are only as old as you think. My gift for you today is this, not only this post, but a 'secret' - ;) - people generally live longer if they think/believe they are young! :) Now that doesn't necessarily mean you can/should behave in a reckless manner like an invincible youth! ;) (Ideally, you will live to enjoy and experience as many birthdays as you can as healthily as possible.)

My birthday card from my work colleagues declares: "Birthdays aren't about counting candles, but about counting every happiness in your life." Well, I did that today.

Though the day didn't flow smoothly this morning nor part of this afternoon, I was still able to enjoy it. Firstly, I got my hair cut. Different from my usual bob cut as I wanted a change. Though I know a bob suits me well, whether cut straight at the ends or slanted, shorter in the back and longer in the front, I wanted and thought it was high time for a transformation or in this case, a transformative image. It was time for a change!

After all 'transformation' was the word I chose, rather it chose me as the word to act as a theme and focus for the year. Read more about this here.

Secondly, I spontaneously walked by my favourite restaurant (that is from looking in from the outside) to finally entering it and dining there. I initially asked for my favourite, Earl Grey tea (to make a long story short without all the details), as I just wanted to experience Water St. Cafe on this cobble-stoned street in Gastown: to be able to sit in the corner table with two windows on either side – that spot was taken – to looking outside, to feeling what it felt like to dine in a classy place, etc.

In another spontaneous move, I asked the men "And what about me? It’s my birthday today!" in a teasing tone after the two women on my left thanked the men to my right for their wine; I was flanked in a table between them. Thus, I ended up getting a free glass of the finest smooth red wine – and I rarely drink, yet alone red wine – which I have ever tasted. The server said "velvet" or "velvety" similar to my "smooth" as in "silky smooth.

After the men had left, I lingered awhile after my tea and tiramisu (so I wouldn’t get tipsy on the wine - I had a very light breakfast and no lunch as my day happened to go), savouring this delectable wine."

Tea, tiramisu, and wine: what a combo!

And I discovered later that this particular wine was Amarone, an Italian wine that is "$70 in the liquor store" according to a server: WOW! ;) Definitely worth a taste! ;) And for you wine lovers out there, here is a gift for you. ;) (My apologies for all these winks today, but I just can’t help it, and it’s NOT the wine!)

At Water St. Cafe

And the evening ended with heart-to-heart chats with one of my sisters and later my Mom, the latter in part about my (dead) twin sister and my birth. More about that tomorrow!

I did think originally that I preferred to have a more spontaneous day rather than a planned one, so I would say it ended up pretty good after all, somewhat like an old wine perhaps for a 'senior' albeit a young one like me! ;)

By the way, the title is sung to the tune of the popular Happy Birthday song! ;)

Do you celebrate YOUR day, your day of birth? And if so, how? Do you or does your day express the essence of you?

International Blog Delurking Week 2015

This badge was created by Melissa, and she has generous enough to give permission for bloggers to use it if they participate in International Blog Delurking Week 2015 (which ends January 10th).

i don't know about you, but I have never heard of "International De-lurking Week" before never mind the word "de-lurk" (or delurk)! According to urban dictionary it means, "Entering an online discussion after a time spent lurking, esp. if suddenly prompted to do so."

I heard about International De-lurking week from Shailaja Vishwanath, one of a number of brilliant fiction writers I have met through the blogging world.

Since I wasn't 100% sure what this was in reference to, I had a read and then decided I wanted to do the same. Why not? If anything, I would get a few more readers/commenters, even if only for the one post! ;)

For those of you who wish to know more: International Blog Delurking Week traditionally takes place in the first week of January (from Sunday to Saturday), and is a way for bloggers to find out who reads their blog.

So, now my turn to ask. I'm curious and I feel just now a tad shy asking: who of you - (is that proper English?!) - regularly read my blog, even if occasionally from time to time? I know we are ALL busy, have busy lives like myself whether you are married, have children or not, or are single.

And if you wish to share anything else, like for example what you like (or prefer me to change) about my blog), what blog posts you admire/prefer, stuff like that, that would be great. Your comments and feedback are most welcome. Thanks!

...and stay tuned as tomorrow, I hope to write a tribute to my dead twin sister... ;)

Guest Blog Posts

Photo courtesy of Roberto Kaplan

Sometimes it's fun to write posts for other blogger known as guest blogging or more commonly as being a guest blogger. ;)

I have two written two guest blogs thus far, one as of a few days ago for Asma Ferdoes' (AKA Asiya Fathima), a blogging friend I met via a blogging challenge a number of months ago. The post:

Similarly, I wrote my first blogging fiction piece - I was new to being a guest writer - on another blog of a friend of mine, Vinodini Iyer (who also happens to hail from India) at the end of August last year. I had neglected to link it up to my blog - silly me!

I would love to hear what you think as it is my first blogging fiction piece as I normally write non-fiction. Thanks! :)

Wordy Wednesday: (The) Rainbow (Connection)

Wikipedia image

Rainbow. What comes to mind when you see/hear/read that word? Do you think of a pot of gold over the rainbow? Or making a wish perhaps when seeing one? Do people actually do that or am I just imagining it or making that up?

Have you ever seen a double rainbow? Isn't it magical? (I would show you a photo of one I took years ago, but it is gone. However, you can see it on the video below.)

Rather than bore you – you can read facts about rainbows on wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow, I am going to entertain you instead, indirectly, at least. At least I hope so. I hope to! ;)

You see, I connect rainbows with my pal Kermit, Kermit the Frog that is (though I think it should be Kermit The - pronounced as thee - frog). Yes, you heard/read that right: I absolutely adore Kermit.

I actually have him and ‘Kermie’ – that’s what I call Kermit Junior – at home. Yes, you heard/read that right too! I would take a photo, but they are both hiding in my storage right now of all places, or else I would dig them both up. Perhaps another time as it’s quite a feat to go there, behind the fridge of all places, and I kid you not about that! Ok, I digress here.

I love Kermit's sense of wonder and curiosity, and most of all his expressiveness. That includes his voice! ;) And his voice does wonder to rainbows, did you know?

Have you ever heard his sweet rendition of "The Rainbow Connection?" It was the hit song for the "The Muppet Movie" according to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow). It was not only nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song in 1979, it also reached #25 on Billboard’s "Hot 100 Singles" of all things! ;)

Oh, you are missing out I think! Okay, here’s your chance. Go ahead. Have a listen. Don't be shy.



Let me guess: you now want to know/see the lyrics in order to sing along, right?! Ok, here goes:



So tell me now, what do you think? Isn't that such a sweet song? And now your favourite rainbow song? And favourite Kermit the frog song? And favourite Muppet song? ... (Ok, I digress again!) ;) Perhaps rainbows do that to me: tickle me silly! ;)

What do rainbows do for you? How do they make you feel? What do you think of when you see one or two (a double one that is)? ;)

Written for Wordy Wednesday

2015: Here I Come!

Labyrinth at St. Paul's Anglican Church

Went for a meditative walk, more like at the pace of a leisurely stroll, sauntering and at times swaying ever so slightly to the music, though more often than not losing my balance as in losing my balance with pain, the major symptom of plantar fasciitis nipping me at the heel, rather my arch on my left foot - ouch! - to beautiful background music at the labyrinth inside Saint Paul's Anglican Church in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. (I have to clarify that as there is also a Vancouver in Washington state in the United States!)

The New Year's Eve schedule is on the lower left of the church's web page: http://stpaulsanglican.bc.ca/worship/the-labyrinth-what-is-it/.

The music program started at 6 pm and I arrived approximately one hour later. A man by the name of David Yates played various instruments including a flute (Native?) or two, a Swiss instrument called a hang (also known as a hang drum that looks more like a UFO, unidentified flying object also known as a flying saucer), a didj (short for didjeridu or didgeridoo), a water-sounding instrument and other wind instruments, followed by Clare Morgan on Celtic harp.

Listen to the beautiful etheric sounds of a hang played by a friend of mine, Zamir Dhanji along with a didgeridoo player at https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=R3WjzYc5tp8

Or here is another sample of a solo hang player:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hang_%28instrument%29

Walking the labyrinth on New Year’s Eve (at this particular church) has been and probably will always will be (until things change) be a ritual that I have come to depend on and enjoy for some time now, not sure how many years. I let go of the old year and focus on the new year, setting my focus, anchoring my word or theme for the new year; see my post yesterday about this.

It's been a common practice for myself and countless others who all have their agenda for the evening. For some, it might be to set and anchor in their intention(s) of 2015 just around the corner. For others, it may be a way to reconnect with folk who may be absent from various community and social events, like myself as I usually attend ones in North Vancouver. And for others, it may be one of a few nonalcoholic events or a precursor to a party sans alcohol or not.

Whatever the reason, it is a soft and gentle way to end the old year and beckon in the new. It is a quieter, more reflective type evening and especially great for introverts. Even though most people who walk the labyrinth look downwards, I make a point at making eye contact when passing by others, and smiling. Sometimes, it seems a more somber affair with downcast faces towards the floor.

As I am averse to kissing strangers and the like on New Year's Eve and prefer a more subdued atmosphere, I am happy to return home to read and/or write (i.e., blog). ;)

How do or did you celebrate New Year's? And how do you usher in the new year: do you have a New Year's ritual?