HELLO WORLD I'M COMING!

Dunno whether it's the fact I've been eating my vitamins like smarties recently, but the energy has been way up there - thanks be! I'm taking a slew of them at the moment. Multivitamins for the 'over 50's' (a.k.a. senior citizens this side of the pond). Omega 3's, Q10 for the heart, B12`s, D3`s, Selenium, Magnesium and finally last but not least, Ms. Ginseng for energy. I`m pumped up like a fire engine! I heard through the celebrity grapevine that the rich and famous eat them instead of food (which is how they stay skinny). I'm adding them with food. However, if Joan Rivers and Jane Fonda can look and 'Be' like that nearing 80 count me in!! - but the food has to stay!

What has helped me enormously to down the dreaded pills is a gorgeous orange pill box I got to encourage me to take them. It has a sunflower on it and I find it cheery and more capacious than other pill boxes I`ve had in the past. All 8 of them fit in nice and cozy. I fill the box each morning before I have time to forget. I want to feel this good every day.

Travelling over on the plane from Toronto earlier this month I read an article that said D3 is the magic `energy pill`. It makes people feel more cheerful and energetic. I have a borderline thyroid condition and apparently the D3 helps with this. I`ve also read that Selenium and Magnesium help you to be more positive and give you that `feel good`feeling.

So far since I started taking the golden nuggets last week, I have filled the freezer with 30 containers of food - one for each day I am away! Butter Chicken and rice, Beef Stew, Veggie Lasagne, Veggie Chili, Thai Chicken Curry, Salmon with veggies and rice and Pork Stew. I had the pork for breakfast last Sunday at 8.00 a.m.! Don`t normally eat it that early but I had been cooking it overnight in the slow cooker and needed to taste it.

If I had to live on an Island, and only allowed one item from my kitchen - it would have to be my crock pot and electricity of course!! I am not ever this organized - trust me! I have practically all my laundry up-to-date, and last but not least - almost all the house cleaned top to toe. Where is the energy coming from...I can only assume the vitamins!! I`m not normally that kick-ass Martha Stewart. Of course it could be the thought of Milan on the horizon that has pumped up the volume!!

So Because I want YOU, my beloved reader, to feel AWESOME absolutely every day of your life...check out your vitamins...See if there is something your friendly Pharmacist would recommend (not the one on commission!).

Choo Choo for now - and keep Doing - and Thinking thoughts - that make you HAPPY to be alive!! Stay away from the dark clouds of despair...Learn to navigate them down the toilette. Turn on the t.v. to a happy channel!

B.F.N.

Polly P xxx

FAITH AND BEGORRAH!

God and St. Anthony came to my rescue again today. I owe them BIGTIME!

I lost my handbag. Yeps! It was definitely gone. I searched the car and house from head to toe - nearly got up on the roof, but no sign of it anywhere. This was serious. On the plus side, I found things I had been looking for before they grew legs. On the negative side - No Bag!

This was bad. I had to be up at the University in 30 mins. to collect Claudia, but before that, I had to get into the office to drop off some lunch for Kevin and then...visions of my forthcoming trip to Europe, with no visa card, or driving licence, or chequing card, or money...and I was that 'Train Wreck' I mentioned yesterday. Can you imagine?

What did I do? I turned off all noise, music, and intrusive thoughts. Went into solitary confinement for 5 mins. and simply prayed my guts out. I promised St. Anthony that if ever I had a grandson I would persuade my daughter to call him Anthony, or Tony for short. By the end of my session, I knew that God and St. Anthony would come to my rescue...as always. They also obliged me a few weeks ago when we couldn't find the keys of the condo, and the movers were waiting outside the door to get on the ferry, and we couldn't leave until we found the keys! St. Anthony obliged! Such is my faith, for which I would be lost without.

I don't usually like driving without a licence, ever since a Policeman stopped me once, and scolded me for not having my bag or my licence with me. He was right. I was wrong. I admitted defeat, and he let me off without a ticket. Driving without my licence felt the same as driving without a seat belt on - I felt vulnerable.

As I was walking into our office I found a large white feather on the ground. I took it up and knew then I'd find the bag. It was my angel feather and holding it in my hand, I prayed all the way up on the elevator. Got into the office, dropped Kevin's lunch off and Lo and Behold there was my baby bag waiting for me under my desk, in a place I don't usually leave it. We have cleaners in our office every evening. They could have taken it, but they didn't. Phew! That was a close call.

Prayer calms me in moments such as this. And once you stay calm, everything else will fall in place!

So when life become too hard to stand - KNEEL! Call on the 'Man Above' for solutions to life's sticky moments!

Choo Choo for now,

Patricia xxx

PACKING THE SUITCASES...YEAH!!

For once, I'm taking my own advice and Carpe Diem-ing! Each single moment of life is precious...So when my good friend Mary invited me to join her and some other friends in Milan this June, I said YES YES and YES again - just in case she didn't hear me the first time!!

So the suitcases are out and adventure is in! I'm off to Ireland June 2nd and will be away until July 6th D.V. with a week in Milan and Venice in between. I fully, and intentionally, will put FUN, ADVENTURE, CRAIC (not the dope version!) and POSITIVE IDEATION high on my agenda! I know that sharing a room with my Momma, who only wants God to take her, so she can be with my dad in heaven, may not be everybody's idea of a 'Fun Time'...but Momma is going to be getting an earful from me!! Something like this "Mother, if you wake up, and you're still alive, you have to SHOW UP FOR LIFE! Brush the hair, apply the rouge and lipstick, and put on a Smile to meet the faces that you meet. Grin and bear it girl!

God, and God alone, decides when it's 'our time' and he doesn't take too kindly to folk begging him to Speed it up Man!! Life is precious. There is a lesson to be learned from every experience...especially the painful ones - No Pain No Gain! And when we have lived out our Karma in this world, it's toodle pip, and then onto the next adventure! Hell...No!!

I like the idea that life is a train journey (and sometimes a wreck!!). We are always moving...moving...moving closer to our final destination. Some days on the train are sunny, others miserable, as the rain of sadness and disappointments, beat against the windows of our souls. But we know that sunshine follows rain, and that's what keeps us truckin' with our lives.

To have a positive image of the 'final destination' makes the journey more enjoyable. Being nice to others makes for a more pleasant journey along the way...and adopting an optimistic 'train of thought'. Being open to adventure and friendly means welcoming strangers into our carriage. They will be getting off at a different stop, but Hey! you never know what you can learn from them!

So as my pal Rick Steeves says 'Keep on Travellin'!

Choo Choo for now!

Patricia xxx

CARPE DIEM!

Forget Paris in the springtime...It pales in comparison to Victoria! The rhododendrons are now in massive bloom and are breathtakingly beautiful. I've never noticed such a wonderful variety of colours before - Light pink with dark pink around the edges, golden yellow, lilac, deep purple, orange, and the deepest of red which reminds me of Chivers jelly which I loved as a child. I wish they could stay like that forever. Just like I wish little Chi Chi could have her eyesight forever...but nothing stays the same...does it? It's true - the only constant is change which is why we need to CARPE DIEM!

There is nothing like a walk in nature to quench a thirsty soul. Yesterday I decided to take an early morning stroll down as far as the ocean. Unfortunately, I only made it half way there as I could not resist the lovely shops en-route!! And the sun was shining... Then I got chatting with a lady who was having a garage sale and she told me her mother was living in Ireland and all her life story...Then I got back on the trail again and as I was walking past Starbucks the smell of croissants was too much so in I went and bought some for the family for breakfast...onwards and nearer the ocean I met a lady who was looking for a doggie bag for her dog so I had one in my pocket and gave it to her only to discover she was a patient from the office! Small world! I never made it to the ocean...but I sure had lots of fun and adventures en-route. I really don't know why I have to drag myself out for a walk because when I do get 'round to it, I love it and feel great afterwards.

So 'Carpe Diem' and get out and about and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature around you...if only for a few minutes a day! I'll end with a few lines from one of my favourite poems 'Spring' by Gerard Manley Hopkins...

SPRING

Nothing is so beautiful as Spring - When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush; Thrush's eggs look like little low heavens and thrush through the echoing timber does so rinse and wring the ear, it strikes like lightnings to hear him sing...

It's one of the few poems I can remember from school and now waking up to the sound of the birds chirping on the trees outside, I think of it.

Choo Choo!

Patricia xxx

ON-LINE DATING...

Ah ha... knew that would get your attention! So what does on-line dating have to do with death or heaven? Nothing, though perhaps a little of the 'heaven all around you' if you score and meet your Purrfect match. Everybody in the whole wide world - my hairdresser - the lady who delivers the post - church folk - astrological clients - neighbours - family - the birds on the telephone wire outside our house - even the dogs in the street - What are they all talking about? Yes! you guessed correctly - On-line dating. It's the new buzzzzzzzz around town - o.k. maybe not so new.

Does it work? Apparently it's working better now than it was in the beginning. Just like Facebook, it's great for some and not for others. I think the chances for success are better if you live in a small country where everybody knows each other (to a point) and if you don't...you can quickly find out. You can do your research through family records and friends and apply due diligence.

In a vast country like Canada the amount of weirdos out there is scary for want of a better word. You really need to do some serious homework before you head out into the unknown...Do you know really anything about that person smiling back at you? I've heard people look better on the photo than in real life. That fellow you thought was 6' 3" turned out to be nearer 3' 6" and that generous 'sugar daddy' made you pay for the taxi home! You could be dating a potential 'Christy the tickler' or a 'Jack the Ripper' for all you know! Maybe - God forbid - a terrorist who wants citizenship in the country. I've heard of such stories. As for 'Plenty of Fish' I believe they've more sharks than fish!! Beware of free sites unless you want free herpes.

I've a better suggestion on how to find lasting love...GET A DOG!

Yes, you get two loves for the price of one. First, you get the undying love and loyalty of a dog, and then the potential for finding a mate when you have a dog is HUGE. Seriously.

I made that observation recently on my way over to Vancouver to bring Chi Chi to see the eye specialist. Very sadly, Chi Chi is now diagnosed as blind (but our love isn't). Between the jigs and the reels, I have been paying a lot of visits to doggieland - from the Vet's office, to the animal hospital, the ferry ride to Vancouver, the eye specialist, etc. and from what I can see, dogs are always accompanied by regular guys, and the potential for conversation and mating there is...BOW WOW!!

On the ferry, Chi Chi and I had to stay in steerage as dogs are not allowed upstairs. However, they do have a cute waiting room for pets and their owners (love stories can begin here...) While I sat there cuddling and consoling Chi Chi, one rather sleazy looking man came in with his canine. I could tell he was open to persuasion...something about the body language. Nah! Well, blind or not, Chi Chi went ape and that quickly got rid of him! You see dogs have a good nose for bad boys - that's another perk! They have excellent taste. You see when it comes to love, their opinion matters.

You can trust your dog to find you a better mate than any on-line dating site or Patty the Millionaire Matchmaker for that matter! If your dog likes your man...well that's a very good sign. And if he/she doesn't...you know who gets the walking papers? And if your dog doesn't like his dog...well now that's another story!

Get off the computer and onto the dog trail! Prove me wrong...I dare you!!

Choo Choo for now and Happy Victoria Day!

Patricia xxx

HEAVEN IS ALL AROUND US...

So said Rev. Mark at Georgina's funeral and it's what my mother would always say when I'd tell her about some remarkable angelic intervention I'd experienced "Shur heaven is all around us love" meaning the angels are never far away from us.

I have noticed a strange phenomenon happens to me whenever somebody dies; I see their double soon afterwards. Most recently when a patient of ours died, I saw his exact image in a store. Then again one day when I was waiting to cross at the crosswalk he was standing at the other end of the crosswalk, also waiting for the light to change. If I didn't know he was dead I'd have gone up to him and said 'Hello'. Sounds weird I know, but it happens an awful lot. Co-incidence or what? Don't know.

After my pal Nancy died June two years ago, I would think of her a lot, especially since her death was so tragic. Her favourite colour was pink and we both shared a love of elephants (my favourite is a pink rose quartz elephant she gave me). I was sitting in my car waiting for Claudia one day and I asked Nancy for a sign to let me know that she was O.K. Suddenly, a girl passed by wearing a pink t-shirt with a large elephant image on it. That was all I needed! Co-incidence or what? Wishful thinking? Don't know...

Before daddy died last December, I'd visit him in hospital. He loved having his hair brushed and he also loved touching people's hair. I asked him 'Do you like my hair?' 'Gorgeous' he'd say, as he gently caressed it. I keep the little folding purple brush I used on his hair in my handbag. One night shortly after his death, I had returned from Ireland and was lying in bed thinking of him. I couldn't sleep. Suddenly, I could feel invisible fingers touching my hair. It was only for a few seconds, but I knew it was dad letting me know be was o.k. I wasn't scared as I know things happen that nobody can explain. Co-incidence or what? Wishful thinking? Who is to know...

The other day when I was walking on my beloved chip trail, I passed a magnificent meadow of wild purple flowers. It was breathtakingly beautiful. The sight of this profusion of purple made me think of Georgina and her love for the colour purple. Just as I was thinking of her, I noticed a girl walking by herself ahead of me. I never had the pleasure of meeting Georgina, but I have subsequently seen many photos of her. This girl could have been her! She was tall with long flowing hair and wore a dark purple sleeveless top. She had a soft lilac coloured cardigan wrapped around her waist. Naturally, she made me think of Georgina! The strange thing about her is that she was walking very slowly. Most people walking on the chip trail are power walkers or dog walkers. She was neither. She certainly caught my attention!

I could fill many pages telling you of similar incidence after the death of a person but I think by now you get my drift. I do believe that 'Heaven is all around us' and yes, I do believe in life after death...and finally, I do enjoy listening to Theresa 'The Long Island Medium' on television. I believe she has a genuine talent and that she does bring comfort to many.

Whether you're a believer or not, isn't it comforting to know that even when your loved ones depart this world, they are always close to us in spirit.

Choo Choo on it...

Love,

Patricia xxx

GEORGINA R.I.P.

On Tuesday 30th April tragedy struck our family. My beautiful niece Georgina O'Neill tragically died in Toronto as a result of an epileptic seizure. She was 16 years old, beautiful, with long flowing hair and sparkling blue eyes. 'Georgie Girl' was full of life, and like many kids her age had many friends and interests. She was fortunate to come from a close and very loving family. As a student, she was hard working and highly intelligent with vast potential. As a friend, she was loyal, charming, and much loved by many. Now she is gone and our worlds shall never be the same again. She has left a huge gaping wound that will take time to heal... In her 16 years she left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Why? It's a question that has been going through my head morning, noon, and night. Why did God take her so soon? This little girl could only have made our world brighter and happier. We need people like her in our world and yet, sadly, she was taken - far too soon. And bombers and kidnappers and rapists still walk...?? My theory is that she had no karma left to work out in this world... She was perfect enough to enjoy the rewards of heaven NOW... without having to suffer anymore in this Valley of Tears...There has to be a good explanation and this one works for me. To know she is enjoying the rewards of heaven makes me feel happy. A psychic confirmed she was in a wonderful place, and I have no doubt she is.

The funeral was like that of a President's; a tribute to the love and respect the community had for Robert, Kate, Georgina and all the family. Hundreds of people filled the church to capacity, and seats were assembled outside to cater for the masses of people who had come to pay their final respects. There was enough food to feed an army, and the attention to detail was remarkable. It takes months to organize a wedding, yet this Celebration of Georgina's life came together in just one week! Hundreds of hands clearly were at work behind the scenes.

Purple was Georgina's favourite colour, and is also the colour for Epilepsy. We all wore something purple to the church. Kate's friend Mary Beth was the Funeral Director. She did a truly superb job. Everything from the lilac cup cakes to the purple sprinkles on home made cakes. The love that went into every item of food was indeed touching. Purple foil covered chocolate teddy bears, purple orchids for everybody to wear, purple napkins, lilac and purple ribbons to wear on our lapels etc. Purple ink on the memorial cards...

A lone piper played outside the church and the haunting sound of the bagpipes could be heard all the way down the silent streets. The warm afternoon sun shone down from the sky in sympathy, and all our hearts were united as one...

I will remember forever the sight of all the family walking together into the church, dressed in varying shades of purple. Every time I see that colour, I shall think of Georgina. She would not have wanted a black, sombre farewell, so purple it was! A trio of girls from her school sang a rendition of Leonard Cohen's  'Hallelujah'. (you can hear it on Polly's Playlist). Her best friend since kindergarten days, Jacinta, delivered her Eulogy, but it was the words of the pastor, Rev. Mark that filled our hearts with hope. He was absolutely, and without doubt, one of the most impressive people I have ever listened to; a sentiment that was shared by everyone in the church that day.

Rev. Mark said it was O.K. to be angry with God and that God could take anger, but we must not give up on him... He re-iterated that it was not 'the will of God' for Georgina to die - not at all. He said God does not want to see us suffer and to say it was 'The will of God' was not correct. I shall NEVER use that term again! His words really made me think. I had never been to an Anglican Church before, but I sure was impressed - very!

Rev. Mark said God wants all his people to get along and if there is somebody you are at war with...try to get along with them, because if you don't you'll be seeing them again in the great big banquet in the sky! It's likely God will have them planted right beside you - the people who annoyed you most in this world - Fancy that? Rev. Mark had a good sense of humour which came from a strong conviction that God is good, and that our beautiful beloved Georgina is far luckier than the rest of us! She is in heaven now...we poor souls have to work to get there! Dang!

PEACE to each and everyone of you reading this now.

In honour of Georgina, I shall strive to be at Peace with the world; to be a better person, and to realize that life is short...

I'll finish with a quote from Georgina's Memorial:

'God will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone'.

                                        (Lamentations 3:32-33)