from ground zero

By Anonymous
By September 2001 I was in a daze.  I had just removed myself as an identity synonymous with wife or mother.  When you're in doubting mode, the world slows down.  Too wrapped up in memeME for a change.

Mount Everest
Solitude was forced on me, not willingly sought.  Caught in any 30 somethings years old.  If you've ever read or watched anything on the topic of Mount Everest you'd know that it is very formidable and cloaked in disaster and death.  Yet any story ever told that we would unanimously agree, from all nations, from all religions, on this fact then and now we would agree that the most bravest of accomplishment from climbing and surviving crown the peak of Mount Everest and sinking a flag at its peak. 

Yet in each and every story there has always been one common denominator ::.... Can you guess what it is?  I'm being charitable by making a clue front and centre: 

Teamwork
Yeah, I know eh?  Odd, weird, even interesting.  In order for any singular one of us need others to survive.  We are not a species meant to do anything but work as part of a major team.

Watching halfway between writing and @CNN 9/11 15 years later.  We're you even aware?  At what point did you become aware is uncanny when you think about it.

Live coverage 
Forged a brave new world.  It gave new meaning to live and unedited.  I think I was presently OFF on 9/11.  It defined solitude in an extremely captivating way.

United cause
Of those who want peace over violence outnumbered by a few percentage.

We watched it live, each to their own bittersweet or horrible spectacle 9/11 became.  A flash forward by 40 years when one of the greatest Presidents the United States have ever known ::.... John F. Kennedy.  Assassinated by his own people to 40 years later it being an attack of the people.

Majority rule
Would lean in favorite of I being horrific demonic act of the violation of peace.  Because there is no world order that is policed more by the people instead of uniform.  They'd agree, no excuses or explanation nor narrative allowed.

The act of 9/11 was an act of violence against unsuspecting innocent people.  They weren't leaders, rule makers, of one particular race but separated by religion.  The VERY thing that should empower the believers of anything, not one thing.  Not divisible by anything other than right and wrong.

Anyone who is dedicated to their religion would not be told to kill or maim others is never permissible  under any laws.

One day with incredible loss have united a nation once again.  No other country in the world has had so many kicks at them (Pearl Habour, 9/11, New Orleans).

I admit that I've never really studied their civil war to gain freedom and democracy.  Perhaps sharing enough their air from osmosis dusting me with understanding a little itsy tiny bit by following the news at home and abroad.

Contrary to misperceptions, Canadians consider abroad the same for the U.S.  as anywhere else, Paris, Syria, Greece, India or you name it.

Blessings to all
I write about this to bow to the days leading up to then afterwards the tragic destruction in the form of two towers, symbolizing a very real threat to our safety and security.

If everyone could agree between right and wrong, what an amazing and remarkable place the world would be.

The Most Powerful Quotes Remembering 9/11 on the 15th Anniversary 

SEPTEMBER 9, 2016 – 2:05 PM – 0 COMMENTS

67

By COMPILED AND EDITED BY SARA LUKINSON 

Firemen pay there respects at the 9/11 memorial during ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2012 in New York City.(John Moore/Getty Images)

Last updated September 9, 2016

On the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 tragedy, remember and reflect with these powerful quotes.

“Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.”
—President Obama in a 2011 radio address

“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.”
—Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl, in Shanksville, Pa., in 2002

“My older brother John lived [his life] in Technicolor. … When he walked in the door, the whole house lit up. And I’m sure heaven lit up when he got there too.”
—Anthoula Katsimatides at the World Trade Center site in 2005

“Five years from the date of the attack that changed our world, we’ve come back to remember the valor of those we lost—those who innocently went to work that day and the brave souls who went in after them. We have also come to be ever mindful of the courage of those who grieve for them, and the light that still lives in their hearts.”
—New York City mayor ­Rudolph Giuliani at the World Trade Center site in 2006

Photos: See Inside the Construction of One World Trade Center

“One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history. We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11. And here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice.”
—President George W. Bush at the Pentagon in 2008

“My father, Norberto, was a pastry chef at ­Windows on the World in Tower One. For 10 years, he made many fancy and famous ­desserts, but the sweetest dessert he made was the marble cake he made for us at home. … Whenever we parted, Poppi would say, ‘Te amo. Vaya con Dios.’ And this morning, I want to say the same thing to you, Poppi. I love you. Go with God.”
—Catherine Hernandez at the World Trade Center site in 2008

If you would like to have your own story published, anonymously, or to try your hand at blogging -- see how you like it and see if you want to spin off on your own, you can reach out and find me on LINKED IN to see what we can come up with together.  All posts are posted anonymously.  No blogs will represent violence, harm to another.  But do consider it a safe haven to express yourself.  Anonymously.  Unknown.  Unnamed.

Changing colors of autumn leaves

Listening to Adele on iTunes singing "Hello" takes me back.  The words singing in my ears with such passion.  I wonder who she was talking about when she wrote her songs.  She writes her own songs doesn't she?

I can tell it is getting close to that time when the leaves here start turning colors :: from green, to yellow with soon orange, brown  hanging on until they finally give up a drop.  I guess I'm one of those to drop.  Like a leaf, if you're an optimist.  You don't think about being the last leaf to drop.  You focus on at that moment you are hanging on.  

Some of us fight that sensation.  Of completely letting go.  Fearful, hesitant.  So afraid of what will happen, so attuned to what is going on with those around it, completely ignoring its own decline and decay.

Alas, the wise leaves before us know that the worst that can happen is you don't have a soft landing from those leading the drop before us.  You're not even thinking that far back to make yourself consumed with the hanging on.

What happens when you fall?  Well, you first discover that the fall is not as far as before and those before us have actually softened our fall.  So much that we are in a state of peace of and centered self.  

Do we listen to the sway of the falls falling before us.  Less likely because we're more engrossed in our own survival, shriveling selves that we forget the wisdom before us from others and other life experiences.  

Paranoi is another word for it.  I've developed this sense of paranoi that alarms me.  At what time do you forget things that you know and tackle new fears every day compounding.

TWEET: >>VIDEO and SONG by PITBALL (with Enrique Iglisis) "Messin Around"<<  really catchy song, my favorite right now.  #Long weekend 2016 

Here's a fun song for today.  I double dare you to NOT get up and start dancing to this song, regardless if anyone is looking at you.  Feel what YOU want to do ... NOT what others expect you to do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w9dXWU5nMI

YOU can be anything!

You better believe me
This is very true.  
If you don't believe me,
ask my daughters about 
my son Kyle.

Prouder than the biggest lioness
Everyday he inspires me
by setting the example on 
how to be the better person
or the best version of yourself.

As a mother, it goes back to that
9 month relationship with that
baby in your womb.

Falling in love
When do you start talking to it?
How did you feel from 
the movements?

A womb
A gentle glide,
maybe back and forth.
Watch out for somersaults
because they can be the worse.

Motherhood childhood
If you are the mother of a child
you can probably understand and relate
if you are a child of a mother
there are many things to learn from her.
She didn't go to school for the job,
she wasn't told what it would entail, the
highs, the lows, the championships, the falls.
She knows it all
Yet she still is your biggest fan
single loudest cheerleader
Instant defender, protector, teacher, scolder, nagger.

Now
When was the time
when you stopped listening
and just started doing?
Somewhere between adolescence and
motherhood afterhood.  


Is faith belief?
When did you start losing faith?
When faith has been steering you all along.
Not in the way that you'd design it
or be all glitzy and for show.


Inner committee
Is it because you stopped believing
your own press?
Or do you believe that old press
was a mistake?

Know
Where you lose some of that inner glow
where enthusiasm and ideas blow
knocking anyone over in its path, 
or the fury if it didn't pass

Stop
The kick in the pants
self discovery talk
Was that with self or
glorious being?
An angel guide  on eagle wings,
takes you away from that place.

Glow
Maybe it is an inner mantra
that at first seems quiet
reflective
observant
learning
feeling
the
flow.

Flow
Ebbing towards a much calmer sea
from the beach
or the breaches of my mind.

Release
optimism, gratitude, creativity tide.
Allowing your instincts 
to be your guide.

Wisdom and growth
Maybe with more wisdom
grows the appreciation of the great things
that happen behind the spotlight
of a social media glow.

Gratitude is
creating an appreciation
like never before.
For the very best things 
that you can enjoy.
For free, out there, helpful, 
creative and pure.

Love of a dove
Spread those wisdom wings
and wrap those so dear
whom you love
with all your soul
like a beautiful dove.


Far reaching
High outtabounds
limitless, boundless
energy abounds.
Through the coming
of one
with your soul.

Awakening
Beginning to uncover
the real you.
Who was likely covered,
burdened, trodden so the
spirit may have fallen low.

Singing to others
by writing, tweeting, posting hello
to those who help make her grow.
Surrounded by talented by three
thousand times the speed of sound.

Faceless
Her audience, her readers and growing fans
don't quite know what to make of this
lady so grand.
With style, with grace,
with wisdom to share.

Ageless
Because of her age,
merely a number,
but because of it 
gathers many asunder.

Beauty
For beauty wherever and whatever form
is in tuned with the beat of what most want to feel
A champion for others, 
finding inspirational
clauses.

Beacon of light
To inspire, lighten a spirit, lift a mood.
To restore optimism to others
is a duty born
To stomp out hate, violence and/or fear.
To return to the important
things to hold dear.

Wisdom
Not money, not wealth, not even fame.
Can drown out the inspiration
many will claim.
As their right, their worth, and
wisdom reborn.

Fly
Let's spread our wings 
and let those gifts soar.
We can make a safer,
even more beautiful world.
We reach out beginning with one
and grow in affection and support.

Dream
among dreamers
because they eventually
become visionaries.
The ones that are 
easily discounted.

Ascend
Yet rise above the clamour and noise
where radios and televisions on mute or off.
The people's choices emerge,
sending messages out as a blurb.

Narrate
Telling a story
of grow and learning.
To instigate allegiance
to this yearning.

Unite
Of gathering
the still
yet like minded.
Forming a voice
that cannot be contended.

Fire and heat
The thermometer and furnaces
of hate, racial bias, violence and corruption
are burning bright
with heat to those who draw too near.

Taking steps
while they're stepping back
from the dreaded topics
of poverty and despair.
Like turning one's head
at a roadside wreckage.

Look
How can we be mere
onlookers?
Luckily, there are others 
who make us look and reconsider
our role in humanity, our planet, 
our young and our elders.


One thing I know as a mother is how gifted my son Kyle is with people.  Over 27 years, I have wondered how can I capture the ingredients and sell it for a whole lot of people who need to have a better attitude on life.  Be more thankful.  Appreciate others more.  Judge less.  

His sister called me to tell me the coolest thing.  It reminded me of a phenomena that is uniquely Kyle:  once you meet him, you can never possibly forget him.  Apparently, still so.

This sis of his called to say she applied to this hipster hangout for the trendiest of youngest group of Millennial explosion (22 or something close to that).
They instantly hired her on the spot, without not even 1/2 of a 1/2 of a percent of Bernie Saunders math, pause.  She was merely told, if you're the sister of Kyle, you are on our team without hesitation.

How's Kyle?
I forgot how often after school, or in summer months, I would meet some of his teachers, in the community, grocery shopping, doing stuff.  It wasn't uncommon for someone to walk up to me to ask me how Kyle was doing?

With an imaginative soul.
Can you imagine that?  It was amazing, yet as you drift along in this tide, you don't get a chance to really stop and take in that it is probably even a bigger and more unique gift than any politician could commit more than a decade in learning how to smile at people just right, giggle, chuckle or full body laugh.  

Kyle
just has it.
The "it"
YES, that IT
the thing we
all want

To be liked,
for being a really good person.
To be loved,
because he makes us want to be better.

We watch, we learn
He shows us that it isn't 
the toughest, the richest, the most obvious
who are the most talented.
It is usually someone who is gifted.  
Sometimes, even more less, 
discovered as a true treasure 
for our world.  

Lighting the way
Like a Nelson Mandela, 
not merely an Oprah Winfrey.  
The difference is obvious.
One dwells in the limelight
while the other is far away
from the spotlight.
A legacy of our times.
Like the Dali Lama who is still among us.
Or for some like me, fairly unknown, yet mysterious.

A lot of little somethings
So maybe that is something
worth delving into.
What makes one person so great
that others remember

Intention
Who wants that chance
to be the best of who they are NOT
diving deep into the talent
yet undiscovered.

Commitment
With quiet humility and dedication
one can only hope to make a dent.
Help one person out of despair.
Failing hope.
Growing disbelief.
Not looking back because
the wreckage is in front of them.

Inspire
How do you repair, restore faith,
uncover talent?
By cheerleading the unheard,
the unfamous, 
not infamous.

Explore
Exploring lands and cultures
without touching new soil.
That's what in front of us,
if you just focus on the most
beautiful, peaceful and hopeful
images, readings, teachings
stirring within new belief.

Believe
in yourself
in what you are capable
of doing.
Not yesterday, NOW.
Not tomorrow, NOW.

Images are all courtesy of Google from a GOOGLE SEARCH.  I would like to thank all the creators and give them tribute as one, easily found.

The tribute to Harry Potter is by design for two reasons:

1) The main character in "Goldfinch" the book that I am heavily engrossed in right now, is nicknamed "Potter" by his best friend.

2) There is a lot of excitement surrounding the release of yet another Harry Potter, to international instant acclaim, by J.K. Rowling:  a true inspiration for women everyWHERE as this century's #bestofeverything #womenofinspiration 

A simple thing

I came across these words on a Facebook share :: .... WOW!  L-u-c-k-y MOI!  I have to confess, I took a huge liberty here.  You see, I did ask the poster whether they were his words and, if so, did I have his permission to use them?  But as usual with a percolating mind, I know if I don't exude the idea or at, the very least, write it all down.  

That's the beauty of having a blog, really.  You write about what you want to, about things that matter to you, you may even invent a thing or two.  The secret may be, to dig deep, deep down.  Just like the heroic miners in the absolute 5*START #bestofeverything for must see #movie ::.... brilliant landscape, scenery and set portraying a mine cavern.  Disjointed jointed point there BTW meaning you have to dig down very deep to find strength to go on and try to sort out your true purpose in life.  Like the miners had to survive.  Where you have to dig down deep to not just merely survive, but move to where your star should be.  In the universe or twinkling above home.

Love this!! GREAT music, inspiring quotes or words (this is my Friday night, BTW) ::....... when creativity explodes as you escape the daily grind of "the job".  Oh, excusssse moi ~ career climb for others.

No finer purpose
than none.   My purpose has had free reign these days.  I can't decide if I'm going to be a grumpy old fartess or a steady fashionista fighting her 50s (with another 5 years to go ..... in that age bracket, I hope, is all).  With encouragement, or self-belief, just continue to blog and reach the pinnacle of my dream ::... which would be (drum roll) ....:: a professional blogger.  (Stop with those giggles and snorts).

A simple thing
can help us grow.
A something that we should appreciate.
Allow us to glow.
Fall to the wayside
away they go.



Where have you gone?
All those friends
we knew long ago
or was it yesterday?
My, how the years flow.

I'm getting tired 
of "what might have been."
Yesteryears with spent tears
I need a new idea to burst forth
with brute force
to set the ceiling as the sky


need a new place to go
really just tired of no go.
No go anywhere
fast or slow.
Except to work I hate
in a group with distaste.
At a place that doesn't care,
no, doesn't care whatsoever
about their local employees.
Ready to offshore
more and more of our jobs
Just to keep a profit
bigger bonus for execs.
Then, there's Mauritius to see across the sea.

So why don't we go?

When you hit an age or a moment
when you wonder if you'll let go
Say to heck with it all and go seek life
Wouldn't that be surprising?
Would it cause an uprising?
Only they'll know .... i guess.

This could be the end
of my sanity or that
brilliant glow.
That seemed to follow you
for so many years
then you feel they've stopped
before you realize it was you
who has slowed down


of everything ....
i regret ... i can barely think of a few.  
Not bad when you reckon how the years grew.
Landing me smack dab in the top of the hill
or on a steady downward climb.

so why don't we go
somewhere you're craving or
go to see someone we both know.
That we know
only we know
about them.

somewhere we know
to be discovered if
we simple go
and do 
what we want to


only we know 
when that'll be
today after something or
tomorrow after that
we'll float away to
fade away
from those that barely
we know.

....:: entertaining while visually stimulating while you are lulled by the words and musical backdrop to Keane's hauntingly beautiful voice ::....

Where have you gone?

I'm getting tired 

need a new place to go

So why don't we go?

This could be the end

of everything ....

what we know

so why don't we go

somewhere we know

where only we know 

I took a number of liberties with Keane and hope he doesn't mind.  Just writing this makes me realize that Keane could just be the name of the band, and not any one person.  

How embarrassing if that is the case.  Yet the intent was to just let go.  Write whatever I want to write.  The real purpose was to recommend two movies, actually:  Concussion and 33.  Regardless of your age ::... inBETWEENER ...:: or Millennial ::... will recognize Keane as a simple thing ... really good stuff and #bestofeverything in music right now (see date on blog).

Thanks for the shares on facebook, #RT on Twitter, PLUS thumbs up on Google Plus+ et al.  Thanks +Philippe TREBAUL @socialfave for your great support.  It has greatly impacted the increase of followers, and I know your tool really made a difference.  Everyone::... go check em out!!

JUST lovin it!!

Today has been like no other 
don't ask me why or how because I JUST can't say.

Exhuming the fumes by the fatal impact I narrowly missed being totally deflated and flattened by.  Now, before you jump to conclusions, realize that toxicity can latch themselves on to you whether family or coworker or boss (the person who ultimately decides whether to keep or fire you?)

JUST about everything and the #bestofeverything going on around me right now.  To tell you me week in a nutshell:  my manager TOLD me (didn't show, coach, recommend, give examples) NEVER to use JUST.  Thank goodness on my time off I can JUST just JUST just about anytime I want to.  So there!  Take that!  Bhwamm!  Mental fart to get that outta the toxic gas chamber from my belly.  

Today is the tomorrow of tomorrows
it is the last day I gave birth.  To a "cowgirl".  That was a distinction that very few can ignore.  My youngest baby, Kelsey, was born 21 years ago tomorrow.  The day was smack in the middle of the #CalgaryStampede held annually for over 100 years in Calgary, Alberta, CANADA.  Being born on a stampede day meant you were not assigned:  "It's a girl!" but "its a cowgirl" ~ no exclamation or caps required.   And, oh boy, do we have a gal now.  She's awesome.

You know that host of the 1988 Olympics town.  Or where the evils of oil reside (to some at least) TransCanada Pipelines who was shot down by both Obama and the american public, influenced by naysayers and fear mongers alike, equally responsible are the great MEDIA houses of CNN and CNBC who sharpen the tune based in a direction they want the public opinion to go.  

Remember the Lionardo Dicaprio thing?
Well, where I live is where he said freaky weather patterns were a clear signal of global warming when he came to win (finally) his Oscar performance in The Rendering, filmed near here, where I live.

Just about communications became the finale to my week :: which was Tuesday, not Sunday like everybody else.  In fact, in any given week, my Sunday could be any day of the week.  A meeting, I know, amazing ::... I didn't think I'd ever be part of a meeting with anyone of importance where I work ...:: but there I was smack dab in one.  

We embrace opportunity to express ourselves so I don't think I can get fired for asking some pointed questions yesterday.  I got in a couple of sharp remarks.  AND because this is my one-day weekend, I'll let er rip:  one was about something dear to my heart ::... volunteerism ::...

"What we call "viral" is really the pulse of the people dancing to the same tune." 

~Jeannette Marshall 

Its about community where the founders of HP actually got it right.  You create a COMMUNITY, not a CULTURE and you strike gold.  Seriously.  Think about it.  When has it not caught on?  Of course in every community there is a leader.  The difference between being part of the online community under the umbrella of social media is that the leader happens by the will of the people.  It isn't based on anything less pure.

Politics have no place on social media unless politicians post a disclaimer:  "I am not responsible for my honest opinion" which could go against the norm, or the establishment, or the BIG boys.  

I take what I learn and I share what I learn along the way.  Where else can you fill your brain up with really smart stuff and connect with 100% awesome people?  Its safe to say it isn't likely it will be a parent, a sibling, a teacher, a boss.  It is VERY likely, if you let yourself flow, where you can uncork your true hidden potential.  

There are no judges anymore because they got snuffled out by popular opinion and that becomes the highest votes among humanity.   What we call "viral" is really the pulse of the people dancing to the same tune.  It can't be influenced by media or companies because every individual has the right to surround themselves with whom they choose.  And the power will bubble to the extreme wise.  

I strive to be surrounded by the best with the logic that if you truly want to be the best, why not learn from the best? why not shadow the best? why not exchange with the best? why not look at the prettiest pictures, most magnificent art?  

You are in charge of your destiny by selecting who you spend your time with, where you spend your time, how useful are you being?  

A do do DO

What are you doing on here?
My best friend and her hubby came over for a BBQ this evening.  The hunkster hubby is trying to get his project off the ground:  our getaway car wrapped up in a 1979 Porsche.  Sound pretty fantastic doesn't it, except when you dwell on the fact that you haven't had a spin for 4 years (at least).

Why life ain't fair
What is it that a guy can have a "project" last for eons and cost mucho moola without a poof of smoke or a vroom vroom.  I should, to be fair, state that the car was started and the cloud of smoke was worse than any carbon tax register.

The girls are gals
We did a fabulous job of hanging out on the driveway while our hunks piddle and screwed around (with screwdrivers) with tools and we were content.  Ask us 50 somethings whether we could turn back time and put the breaks on these never-ending project that suck mucho moola out of the funds.

To be fair
We may have extended ourselves beyond the requirements: do we need those many shoes or purses?    Our defense mechanism is that we need as many pairs of shoes as they need tools.  

Take that!?!!
Truth be told, we really don't need those many purses, shoes or accessories as they need tools.  But never has anyone argued with the "in case".  The tool that is bought because it is needed for the specific time is far different than the "in case' that particular tool meets a specific requirement is like that purse or pair of shoes that we buy "in case" we need it.

An explanation or evasion?
My greatest friend, who has known me since we worth both 18, starting out at college asked me what the big fuss was about social media?  She said anything she has crossed paths with is nega-tive.  She links it to negative association or being tricked into saying something or her kids being trapped into something.  Something that they should avoid at all cost.

An explanation or defense?
If you find yourself fooling around on social media, we have to be prepared to defend why we do what we do do DO.    As I said to my dearest friend, or tried to explain to her, social media is not a news cast, or about what is trending in the news, or what has people all hopped up about.

Occupation or preoccupation?
To try to explain to a non-participant is a challenge.  It isn't like I get paid to tweet, blog or post.  I tried to tell her that you can be recog-nized for your efforts.  To try to explain how it can be measured is like trying to defend why smoking or drinking alcohol is okay.

About writing or expression?
My very best friend who has known me for so many years, through some challenges, and championed triumphs, asked me:  "When did you decide you liked to write?"  It was awkward.  I was reacting defensively at first.  Then I had to internalize the question and think about the answer in it's realism:  I didn't know I loved to write until I started to write and I felt this physical release.  It was like I could just write and it dissipated those worries or thoughts.  

The reaction to attraction
Whether it is from a post of words, a quote that resonates from you inner being, or an image that just seems just too cool not to share.  Writing, posting or blogging on social media is a source for saying how you really feel, what you think to be true, or what would help others.  

A piece of the peace
There is a peace that envelopes you when you can be expressive through means that are outside your own creation.  Whether it is a reaction to what is happening or a thought on what could be a reaction to what is going on around us.  Writing a blog, posting on social media, is found at the inner core of our being.