MAIL ORDER BRIDES

Bet you anything my readership will hit the ceiling today! That's what happened the time I did a blog about on-line dating. The search engine was worn out!!

I've a thing about mail order brides, simply because I see so many of them, especially in church, and they always look so miserable! I feel immense pity for the poor girls. Life is precious. They could do better than marrying a man old enough to be their father, and fat and sweaty enough to be a good candidate for Weight Watchers. 'Gross' is the word Kevin used the other day when we saw a couple coming towards us. He was holding her hand like she was a prize lotto ticket waiting to be cashed, and she was holding on to his clammy hand because she had to - all part of the deal. She looked a sweet 16, and he a sour 90!!  The MOB's are prevalent over here. I guess Canada is a popular destination.

Can a girl be happy under these confining circumstances? Does rat poison really work? Can high shoes and big glossy handbags compensate for the lack? Maybe there isn't a lack? Perhaps I am being far too judgemental. Maybe these old boys are where it's all happening, and are true knights in shining armour...well maybe not so shining! As a mother of three lovely daughters, I find it difficult not to be a Mrs. Bennett. I'm all about the girl, and some of these beautiful young women deserve far more. In my opinion, MOB's are a step backwards. Slavery was abolished years ago, or so I thought.

'Kinky' is the word that comes to mind when I observe how these men like their young brides to dress. The 'Barbie doll' and 'school girl' look is extremely popular, as are killer stilettos, short skirts, and long long silky hair. I guess from the fellow's point of view - it is a winning lotto ticket!! These sweet young maidens do what they are told to do, dress like they are asked to dress, clean houses with relish, work two or three jobs, look like every schoolboy's crush - so yes, it is a win win win situation - for the men that is!

I passed one such couple on my morning walk today. The man looked very happy with himself, and even smiled at me. He was on a little jaunt with his two favourite gals - his gorgeous glamorous 19 year old bride from abroad, who happened to be helping his 90 year old mother with her walker, while he eyed the passing traffic. So not only does he get all the goodies of a MOB - In addition, he has an unpaid nurse for his aged mother - an ingenious idea!! Two for the price of one!!

Is there something I'm missing?

Have a great weekend!

Polly P xxx

LETTING OFF STEAM.

After three weeks of intense Olympic training in the pool, I am now delighted to tell you I can swim like a whale - the beached variety that is.

Yesterday, prior to my training (!!), I decided to head into the sauna to heat up. The golden girls were in the pool, doing their aquafit classes, splashing around happily while listening to James Last, and the grooviest music I've heard since the 70's. 'Fly me to the Moon' being an example of what I mean. I would be happy just to get to the deep end...almost there!!

Anyway, to cut to the chase, I headed into the sauna. No sooner was my butt plonked down on the hot seat, when a young and sweaty fellow began chatting to me - I attract them. 'Them' being the weird variety. He told me how he had 'an anger issue'. He didn't need to explain, as every second word from his busy mouth was an expletive. The brunt of his anger at the moment was his best friend, who had stolen his very expensive sun glasses, and would not return them.

Suddenly - and before I could grab my towel, he stood up and smacked his hands together "I want to squish him like a fly" and with that, he sent shrapnels of sweat in my direction. "People are s**ts" he continued. "Really?" I returned, all innocent. It was getting way too steamy in there, so I bid the sweaty young man a hasty farewell.

After my lesson, I returned to the sauna with my Scottish pal. We like to have a little chat after the swim, and I was keen to know her reaction to the Scottish 'Neverendum' as they call it over there. Just as the conversation was getting juicy, a craggy old gal stood up and reprimanded us for chatting.  "I pay my money here for a bit of peace and quiet..." and with that she stormed out of the sauna. 'One less problem without you' I sang under my breath.

Peace and Quiet? - imagine if she had met the young man with the anger issue! Now that would be one blast of heat!! Isn't life funny?

Have a great day!

Polly P xxx

WHAT MAKES YOUR HEART SING?

We all know that life, like the weather, is a mixed bag. Sometimes sunny, other times cloudy and grey. But when you think about it, we need one to appreciate the other!

Right now, what's making me mighty happy is the fact that Fall is here. It's one of my favourite seasons. Also, 'Dancing with the Stars' is back - Yay!! In addition, I'm working out, cutting down, both on spending, and SUGAR!! Having a sense of control makes me feel happy.

What makes you happy? Think about it for a few seconds...write it down. Bet you can pick at least 3 things! Funny jokes? Music? Delicious food? Your garden? It's often the simple things - like gold visa cards!

Another thing that makes me happy - no kidding! if you'll excuse the pun - it's the reality show '19 kids and counting' about the Duggar family. There are 19 children in the family...and room for more!! I love their simple way of life, living out in the countryside, with dogs running around wagging their tails, and everybody pulling together, and eating junk food to their heart's content, and happy as Larry. You have to watch the show to see what I mean.

My girls reading this will say 'Mom! you got to be kidding!' No, I'm not. Now you know - I like the Duggar family. They say it like it is - that life is not all pickles and hairspray! I believe them... though I can understand why some wouldn't! They make no apologies for the fact they are very devout. The two elder daughters are now engaged to be married. In keeping with their custom, and faith, they are not allowed to kiss, or touch their loved one before marriage. After marriage, it's all go once the sluice gates of love are opened!

After all those heart-thumping months of deferring gratification, enduring chaperones travelling everywhere with them, the soon-to-be married Duggar sisters will need a bit of release - which might explain the 19 kids and counting act they have to follow! The baby bar has been raised high by momma and poppa. I want to join their family, and be invited for Thanksgiving! They are my kinda people, simply because they live life completely by their own standards and rules, genuinely believe in God, allow themselves junk food, and always seem so happy - in a simple kind of way, without pretension.

So, like my friends the Duggars, do what makes you happy today! (I know what some will say to that!!) Dance, sing, laugh out loud. Listen to Eckhart Tolle. Savour the simple moments.

Turn off the nagging mind, and turn on the happy!

Luv,

Polly P xxx

ANGELS...OUR TWIN SOULS.

Ever since I was a teeny tiny tike, I've felt the presence of Angels all around me. I keep them close, and frequently commune with them. I've just completed a book of true stories about my travel adventures around the world - hitchhiking around Europe, living in Paris for a year, taking the 4th class trains in Morocco, Kibbutz life in Israel, living in Fort McMurray, Northern Alberta, with snow up to my eye balls! I've been there - done that - lots!! and have gotten myself into mighty sticky situations - some were akin to entering a wasp's nest! Aaagh don't remind me!!

I would not be here writing this in bed, sipping my delightful morning coffee, were it not for my beloved Angel protectors. They are my companions on the journey - my leave-me-never friends. There is one in particular, and I am convinced it is my Godmother, Aunty May. This is so weird - I'll share it with you... I keep her photo beside my bed, along with my darling Daddy's. Yesterday, I found a birthday card she gave me when I turned 1. No kidding - somebody's a hoarder! I shared it with Kevin and the girls at supper, and they said "Aaah sweet".

Later in the car, I found a little elephant charm down by the side of the seat. Aunty May always gave me elephants, because she said that like elephants, I had a retentive memory! Whenever I have a question on my mind, or an important decision to make, they'll deliver the answer - either via a random fortune cookie message I find on the street, or on a car bumper sticker. One way or another, they never leave me holding!! Aren't they great?

I've decided to call the book 'Divine Intervention' because that's how it feels to me. Were it not for DI,  I would not be alive today - for sure! I discussed the publishing of the book with a lady in the US. She is keen to help me get it 'out there'. Imagine my surprise when I discovered her second name was 'May' - as in my Godmother!! That is hopeful.

Last, but not least, guess what I found on my walk yesterday morning?  - Just as I was thinking about 'my forever friend' - yeps! A little golden heart with these words inscribed on it "You and I". 

Am off to the Women's Expo today...should be fun!

In parting...You have your Angels too! Start a dialogue...Happiness will be yours! They come in all shapes and sizes - dog form - cat form - You name it baby!! Can you guess?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Luv,

Polly P xxx

CUPCAKES AND FREEDOM...

That is what Canada is to me. Luxury, comfort, and freedom to be.

Never was it more apparent than this morning. I read a harrowing story in the newspaper about a young software wiz kid, Saeed Malekpour, stuck in an Iranian prison for the rest of his life. At the time of his capture, he was living in Canada. He went home to Iran to visit his dying father. Because he worked in the computer industry, (designing software for big companies in Iran), before coming to Ontario in 2004, he was charged with 'corrupting' the world.  The really sad thing is he is completely innocent. He was just in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

He has been brutally tortured by his captives, the "cyber army", beaten to within an inch of his life, given electric shocks that would temporarily paralyze him, stripped naked, and then threatened rape. The poor fellow was kept in solitary confinement for 320 days, and has been in captivity in this savage establishment since 2008. How is he still alive? A miracle, I would say.

His sister has been battling for years to get the Iranian Government to recognize the injustice of his treatment, and to set him free. Her valiant effort has meant his conditions have improved somewhat, and he can now receive phone calls. He told her that fond memories of his 2 years living in Victoria, has helped him survive. He closes his eyes, and visualizes himself jogging down a road, in a park he used to visit here. He loved to swim, hike, and ski Mount Washington. These happy memories are what keeps him going.

As I was enjoying my early morning walk by the ocean this morning, sharing the beach with the  seagulls, and watching the ducks gracefully glide over the shimmering water, all I could think about was poor Saeed Malekpour, and how he would give anything to be in my place - even for one hour!

When you read this, please say a little prayer for Saeed, and for all the other innocent folk being subjected to intolerable cruelty all around the world.

We have a lot to be grateful for - FREEDOM - and the cupcakes too!

Luv,

Polly P xxx

IS MODESTY A THING OF THE PAST?

Call me a prude but please there is nothing worse than the sight of a dozen naked hairy women running casually around me. I find it rather rude. I'm sure a man would beg to differ. This is the unsightly intimacy that greets me every Tuesday in the changing room, when I go to my swimming lessons. Why? Especially when there are six cubicles where people can modestly take their clothes off, and put them on again - without shocking strangers!

My kids tell me I have a habit of staring at people, so excuse me ladies if I start to compare body parts. Am I too prudish? Could you run around butt naked in front of complete strangers? Is it me? Is it them? Directly after our class, there is a children's class, so can you imagine the shock they must get looking at all the naked grannies!!

Actually, the same thing happened to Kevin in a gym in Calgary. When he went into the changing room - same thing. Men running around naked as the day they were born - and little kids exposed to this. He did make a complaint at reception - probably on deaf ears.

I met a new pal from Scotland who is also doing the swimming lessons with me. We are about the same age, and were the only two showering with our swimming costumes on! "Would you do the naked thing around here?' I asked her. "Not in a million years!" she laughed. "It's the way I was reared".

Isn't culture and upbringing an interesting thing?

Who is right? Who is wrong?

I'll wear my goggles heading into the changing room next time!!

Bye for now!

Luv,

Polly P xxx

C0-INCIDENCE OR WHAT??

Friday afternoon when I was in the office with Kevin, the phone rang. It was a young man keen to make an appointment to see a Psychiatrist. We spoke for a few moments, and I explained to him that he would need to get a referral from his family doctor, etc. He sounded a very nice young fellow, and in our brief conversation, he made an impact. He told me his name. I recognized his surname in an instant. He was from a prominent family here in Victoria.

So, here's where the co-incidence part comes in...

Tonight, as I was bringing Lulu for her nighty-night walk, a young man stopped to chat with us. He loved dogs, and wanted to know all about Lulu, her age, etc. Then he began telling me all about his dog, and soon our conversation meandered onto the night stars and constellations. He was a mine of information. Like himself, I could talk about dogs, and stars, 'til the cows come home. I found him actually quite fascinating. He was well dressed and mannerly - or as I say to my girls, 'the type of fellow who must have had a mammy who reared him well'.

As we were chatting, he pulled a rubic cube from his pocket which he called 'The Friendship Cube'. He told me that he had invented it, and it came with a card. The idea behind the cube was to 'pay it forward'. Do a good deed per day, then you earn a cube, and finally, you recruit somebody else to pay it forward, and do a good deed for somebody else. Right up my street!

I know what my girls are going to say when they read this "Mom - how do you always attract the weirdos?" Maybe it's because I'm a weirdo myself haha!! Every dog knows his own, or so it goes.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, the young man gave me a little miniature rubic cube to keep, along with an instruction card. I thanked him and then asked him his name. Guess what?? When he told me his name, I nearly dropped - it was the same young man who was looking for a Psychiatrist in the office on Friday afternoon. I knew I recognized the voice, and his name was one you would remember. His parting words were "I hope our paths will cross again".

Whatcha make of that?? Co-incidence or what? Or simply frickin' weird!

Choo Choo for now!

Polly P xxx

IF THE CUP IS FULL WHY KEEP POURING?

I was listening to Dr. Wayne Dyer's 'Change your thoughts' meditation c.d. recently. I picked it up for $4 at a consignment shop. Within two minutes of listening, I began to understand why somebody had donated it. Sorry Wayne, but your Tao hmmmmmms sounded like a cow mooing, and was a bit hard on the eardrums! However, in between the very long Tao Now moos, he had a lot of good advice, some of which stuck like wax to my eardrums.

Apparently, 500 years before the birth of Jesus, a God-realized being named Lao-tzu in ancient China created the ultimate commentary on the nature of our existence. This classic text, called the 'Tao Te Ching or the Great Way, offered advice and guidance that was balanced, moral, spiritual, and always concerned with working for the good. In the c.d. Wayne Dyer  takes you on a journey through all 81 verses of the Tao, offering affirmations and a unique meditation technique that you can directly apply to your life. By repeating the word 'Tao' as a mantra, you will subliminally attain a level of wisdom and peace that you may never have experienced before...

Now I did try the Taooooo out loud, and Kevin ran in asking me if I was all right! You have to be careful where you try the Tao...

The affirmation that resonated with me was 'If the cup is full why keep pouring?'  

Something about it struck a chord within. Yes, I do have a lot of bling. The house has enough plates to feed an army, and then some. Yes, I do have a lot of clothes. No, I never need that extra cookie, No, I don't need another orange top...you get the drift?

Yeps, did it again! I've begun a 3 month challenge to myself. Started yesterday on 9/11. I wanted to do something special on that terribly sad day. I have challenged myself to stop filling up a cup, that is really replete. Between now and 12/11 d.v. I shall not add to my wardrobe, home, waistline, or wish list. I just want to see if I can do this for 3 months. I want to get back to a simpler life. A Tao existence. When we go shopping, Claudia repeats my mantra, to remind me - ''If the cup is full why keep pouring?'' 

Here's to a cracking great 3 months!! I'll be saying a lot of 'TAO NOW BROWN COW'!

Something to chew on...instead of cookies!!

Have a great weekend!

Luv,

Polly P xxx

MR. SUBMARINE MAN

Upon my return from Vancouver, I had to take a trip to the supermarket. Just as I was loading the car, I could hear the familiar clippity-clop sound of footsteps coming towards me. These tired aching feet, with their ill-fitting shoes, were on a mission. It could only be one person...and sure enough, it was him - Mr. Submarine Man!

I call him that because he always comes up to me, and asks for money to buy himself a Submarine sandwich, with a drink. He is quite specific about the amount too. 'Miss, could you spare $5 so I can buy a submarine sandwich".  I'm a sucker for Mr. S, because there is something about his face, his appearance, his manner - apart from the fact he always calls me 'Miss' - (good strategy Mr. S!) and he is old enough to be my father!

It's not that I see him a lot, maybe once a month, sometimes less, sometimes more. But between the jigs and the reels, it's no skin off my back. He has become one of those strange people that enter your life, yet you don't know why they do. Sometimes I wonder if he is an Angel in disguise, sent by God to test my kindness pledge. As a thank-you, I promised God, that I would try with all my heart, to perform a random act of kindness each day. But he had to help me, and put the needy party in my path... That's why I find it hard to pass a panhandler (don't like the word beggar!).

Now that I'm off the chocolate, my new challenge to myself is to try and follow up on this pledge. You can join me if you wish...Maybe it is to yourself, that you owe a kindness. Maybe you are too hard...too cruel...too self-depricating...too critical...too mean to yourself. Seriously, think about it. And if you're nice to yourself, and it feels good. Well then, go out and spread the joy!

Love,

Polly P xxx

RE-VISITING POLLY'S BUCKET LIST

It's Monday morning, the last day of our long weekend in Vancouver. I'm lying in bed drinking yummy hot coffee, and just chillaxing, before our return journey to Victoria later today.

Travelling with my fingers, I opened up Polly's 'Bucket List', and it got me thinking. I cannot believe it is two years since I started writing my blog. Time really does fly at an insane pace. I enjoy writing it, and find it both comforting and fun. Since today marks goodbye to summer, and hello to Autumn, I felt it would be a good time for us all to review our own personal bucket lists. What's yours? Think about what you would like to do, or achieve, between now and Christmas - apart from losing 20 lbs!!

Today, I am glad to say marks the end of my month-off-chocolate challenge. Yeah! I did it, and survived. So if I can do that, maybe I can venture forward with boldness to something greater...

I decided to tackle my life-long fear of swimming in the deep end. My fear is as a result of two very scary experiences I had as a child. I will be starting intermediate classes this week...wish me luck!!
Feel the fear, and do it anyhow...right??

I will not clog the system with too many new challenges. We'll take it month by month...just like the chocolate challenge. See how it goes, easy peasy...

So go stoke your joy engines dear Polly Pals. Why not sign up for winter classes, dancing? art? piano? pilates? Yoga? (dang, i wanna do them all!!) My feet are itching to do some dancing lessons too, but let's not get ahead of ourselves!! Swimming first, and then we'll see!!

On that positive note, BFN and have a great week until we talk again.

Luv,

Polly P xxx