A lifetime love affair

Publishing indeed!  
I just adore magazines the same as the way I loved figure skating ... a quick bond and a lifetime love affair.  

August 2017 biggest accomplishment
As August 2017 comes crashing to an abrupt and disastrous halt.   I've taken in some quality movies and series, primarily from HBO. 

 Not surprising that HBO leads the pack (with Netflix nipping at their heels).  Not only was HBO an early disruption to network television, they also proved that there was a sophisticated, educated, and most likely upper income situated, who would flock to quality programs.

No, they didn't just become a reseller, they created content.  It is befitting that their great Game of Thrones is leading the buzz both online and in conversations, dinners, viewing events.

I had taken a sabbatical in life.  Withdrawing unto myself, with a deep reflection on the past.  Ironically, the highest KLOUT ranking than I'd had since KLOUT reinvented itself, causing a free fall of early adopter scores by at least 15 points.

Lucky for many, online marketers don't look at authenticity reinforcement like KLOUT or KRED scores.  That has something that has always puzzled me.  Particularly in Canada:  because these scores establish true influence, define audiences and decipher appeal of a profile.  Just log in with ideally your Twitter handle, then add your Facebook page, your PINTEREST boards and instaGRAMs etc. to connect everything together in one full swoop.

I received a personal email from one of my first real online connections, Mike Lehr, a couple of days ago and struggled with a response.

My greatest accomplishment
in August was achieving the highest mark on Solitaire from my computer.  Talk about mental shut down or just turning off my "give a damn meter" completely.

Granted, the highest mark in Klout Score for about 8 years is remarkable.  What is more amazing is I probably have spent a lot less time online.  

The beacon was there but my cloudy mood wasn't seeing it.  Sunglasses towards life.  Muted, darkened and cloaked in disguise.  Dwelling on the has beens, the should haves in the twilight of life.

Mike made mention of the tag leading him to the conclusion that I write a lot about those of us in our 50s and plus.  It is a fairly closed society I would admit, but not an exclusive one by any means.

Leading the helm being born in 1961:  when, according to either Boom, Bust & Echo or The Popcorn Report, it was the worst year thus far to have lived in.

I started reading about demographics in the early 80s .... I know, that time of YuppyDOM and YuppyHOOD - the stamp of coolness presented in the being you represented.

I admit to being a Yuppy of that era.  I admit to having puffed up bangs and during the week wearing a ladies suit attempting to clamber up the chain of career, not unlike the baby turtles climbing over each other to attempt to escape the pail in which they hatched from their shell.

I do write to so many of us that were born in the middle of bomb shelters and a United States invasion.  Nuclear war seemed eminent between the US and Russia.  The authors of those events, the greatest politicians the world had ever seen:  a storybook tale, among a loving family, loyal brotherhood, beautiful wife and charisma telling stories of hope, pride, and human-kindness to all people of all colors.

One of the few things that Mike said that made me think again:  whether my 50s have been a disappointment?  Uncanny, that love, friendship, life & family have been some of the best I've been lucky enough to have.   It has been the worst in my career in equal proportions.  That is a very frustrating circumstance to be in.  

You have the war stories, can regale heroic accomplishments, awards and rewards but somehow sucked into this hole that, like the turtles is hard to climb out of.

Depression and mental health issues must be alarming for anyone 50 or older.  Unlike your elder Baby Boomer siblings who have glided to the opposite spectrum of life:  Semi retired by 55, kids all university educated (without the debt load) because you were parented by those from the great depression era and had faced huge obstacles to get to the other side:  optimism, reward, recognition, service, loyalty, dedication, beliefs.

In similar fashion, and dipping into my fascination with numbers, I wonder how much financial foresight they had to have by when in order to fulfill many of us others wildest dreams.

Some of us got on a treadmill and forgot what gave us joy.  Too caught up on just making it through another day.  The pressures to not just keep up in the Yuppy attitude:  comparison and competition drive our segment.  Where our children have become entitled and tenacious.  Like Yuppies, Millennials know what is going on in their world:  the threats, the competition, the need for education, striving to get ahead in a very large age group.  

I'm lingering around the 1960s and older who are nipped at the edge of Baby Boomers who had all the best opportunities.  Waiting and learning, we had to observe, ask a lot of question, and act as a sponge, embracing lessons from others' failures, rapt with attention to their climb into iconic status:  Steve Jobs, Michael Jackson (watch it on HBO right now), who are admired and respected, after many years of disappointment, disillusion, accusations, failure.

Steve Jobs and Michael Jackson, the ones before us:  Baby Boomers, taught us valuable lessons and a common understanding:  the higher the achievement, the more likelihood of opposition, targeting, slander, dishonesty, suffering, monetary loss.  

Survival is key
Surviving is a critical characteristic we in our 50s share.  We've faced so many obstacles and had to start over more than once.  Or, had to rethink our own perspective and outlook.  Maybe change how we view the world, banishing bitterness to deep hole of the past.

Rebound, rejoice, rejuvinate
we have the energy to realize we still have a lot of youth in us along with knowledge accumulated by failure or lack of luck.  We've exercised our energy to levels that our technology dependent youngsters have become so reliant on, the likelihood of them being able to read a traditional clock, nondigital form, is rare.  We grew up with the basics, started with the basics, and able to conjure up some pretty cool answers to solving a lot of problems.

Once again, we're faced with much greater of forces of life:  no longer just war, struggle for power, and financial supremacy, today you have to worry about safety, violence, terror, corruption, like never before.

Conditioned as survivors
YUP! We Yuppies can set the tone, raise the bar, lead by example on life's greatest lessons.  In style, polished, educated, ethical and poised as our parents and grandparents instilled in us, not simply taught us.

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

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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.

Discover your super POWERS

::: ___________________________________________ :::

"Some days are summersaults

 while others need headstands"

                                  Jeannette Marshall

                                     Author of Meanderings

                                    SocialMEdia @optioneerJM

::: ___________________________________________ :::

I swear every time I'm asked to put up a BIO, I get more creative :::   

knowledgeJunkie +visualCurator+socialmediaEnthusiast+greatGal http://meanderingsabout.blogspot.ca/

http://www.pinterest.com/optioneerjm/

@optioneerJM #bestofeverything  #smilingwords 

::: ___________________________________________ :::

Have a little listen while you read or stop and have a watch 

these guys R fantastic #Canada 

PLEASE show em sum love :: 

discovered by U here on socialMEdia 

@New Swears 

::: ___________________________________________ :::

The more succinct you are the more you dig in to gain insight into who you really are :::  you are subconsciously creating your super POWERS.

Wit reigns supremely with rising stars  who surround themselves with the #positivevibe crowd and #smilingwords to represent the #bestofeverything.  

Why not battle with humor? ( humour in #Canadianeze ) instead of heartbreak, pain, violence abuse or whatever is bothering you on any given day.  

::: ___________________________________________ :::

Not that you're a victim or any sort of whiner or ranter ::: remove yourself and stay far away of the negative force you can get sucked in so easily on this #socialMEdia sensation.

Be a source to be reckoned with as in a creative force that circulates only among the IN crowd who are inspirational, humanitarian, motivational, super POWERs.

::: ___________________________________________ :::

Be the voice of many ::: the poor, the hungry, the bullied, the ill, elderly and the sick ::: never forgotten :::  the unlikely who would be paid much attention to on this new 

MEdiumDOM 

of me, myself, I buy.  Because I can, I want it, not necessarily need.  

Create a chain of unified voice who are synonymous with optimism, gratitude and honesty.  Who stifle the mentally unstable, negative, violent, bullies or terrorISMisms.

Show there is a unified voice to form a consortium of only the #bestofeverything best of anything circulated by #smiling words :::  

Where only the most peaceful, loving, humanitarians become citizens of a community.

This is pure magic ::: and I'm Canadian .... eh?

::: ___________________________________________ :::

The community is bigger than a country, continent, religion, culture, or company. 

Creating a culture that does not rely merely on one thing.  But a collaboration among many.

Dedicated to serving their fellow woman, man, child, and living things.

Reach your super powers hidden under-neath the surface ::: ready to be discovered and revealed to yourself along with others.

::: ___________________________________________ :::

::: ___________________________________________ :::

Please share if you were inspired and want to help others be the #bestofeverything by communicating #smilingwords
::: ___________________________________________ :::

Farewell 2015, bring on 2016

So close, yet so far away .... the count down to 2016 and the farewell to 2015.  Time to fold up the bitter thoughts that may have lingered and shed its unproductive head.  Syonara baby to all the naggy little irritants that floated above my head, ready to *PUFF* and become a cloud, waiting to pour the negative imaginations.  Take a snow blower to the tenacious icicles that make you freeze, instead of live high on life.  Hit those memories like a volleyball.

You know you have some, we all do.  Granted, some seem to have more than others.  Is it because they exhaust them, some appear to be too willing to share their grief?  When so many others, will bottle it up and without a leak, the smallest of shaddow will egnite an explosion of rage, or rant, or retaliation.  How calm those can seem unless you are around when it catches alight.

You wouldn't be harboring any resentment towards anyone or anything per chance would you?  Sometimes masked in blame, you gurgle and ripple when a reminder flickers before you:  a transit bus sign, a song soothes you before it reminds you of a time, when things were less complicated.  

The burden of security.  Laying in our minds in varying capacities.  To one it may mean safety, while distinctions apart:  a warm bed to sleep in, a healthy meal to eat, the last drag on the cigarrette and the final withdrawal of a needle.  Where being clothed is always a choice and having clothes to wash and change is always a blessing instead of a chore.  

To have hands to pick out vegetables or fruit because we are grocery shopping.  The littlest things gone missing.  New ones to be discovered.

Let 2016 be a time of peace.  A peace of mind, a peace sign, a peaceful time.  Void of explosions, where those in need are given safety and men and women are only friends.  

Rejoice in the peace sign.  Let it be renewed symbolism of hope.  Those who want * P E A C E * have their wishes granted.  Let art and music along with all means of expression carry that one unified theme * P E A C E * to you, to me, to your neighbour, to mine, to your church, to my prayers, to your job and all that entails:  be paid, love what you do, help others become better.

2016 brings about a freshness and spirit.  Avoid casting a noose around your neck called "Resolutions" that are high, wide and difficult to reach.  Instead find steps you can make in that ultimate destination.  Health equals exercise, mental health, security, love, vegetables, fruit and food we can learn to like.  


Replace "Resolutions" with absolutions.  Things that are possible for you to accomplish one minute, one hour, one day, one month, arriving at another year.  You have cast aside the negative in 2015's wind, to allow the sun to shine on optimism, hope, pride, and opportunity.

Look into your left hand.  It is almost time to blow the molecules left of 2015 away.  Your right hand trying to force you to look ahead.  Don't look down, look up.  The horizon is changing with you at the wheel.  Of your destiny.