Of Gods and Grandfathers

A local parent and grandfather writes:

The only part of that whole story of the existence of God, the all-seeing, all-known Heavenly Father, that resonates with truth for me is that , it seems, Jesus died, childless, upon a cross.  That suggests that God was never a grandfather and that I can believe.

If God were a grandfather, no child in this world would go to bed hungry or cold. No child would awaken to the prospect of starvation or disease in a refugee camp, slum or unsanitary hovel.  Grandfathers don't let that happen to grandchildren; not to their own nor to others, anywhere.  If God were a grandfather, neither would he.

If God were a grandfather, no child would be bullied at school because of his weight, appearance, personality, cultural or ethnic  background, mannerisms or sexual orientation.  Grandparents can be brought to weeping ~ just thinking of such cruelties.  God would weep, too ~ if he were a grandfather.

If God were a grandfather, every child's game would end in a hard-fought draw in which every young player gave their best, played well and scored the winning goal.  No child would ever walk away from a game choking back those sad, stalwart tears  of  disappointment  that being on the losing side brings.

Grandparents are rendered bereft and heartbroken by that look.  Given the power of deity, grandfathers would banish it from the earth.

If God were a grandfather, the prayers and pleas of his grandchildren for victory or favour over another in any sporting or competitive endeavour would go unanswered, unrewarded and perhaps even earn a stern grand-fatherly finger-wag.  Grandfatherly finger-wagging is one of the more effective tools with selfish or disobedient grandchildren.

If God were a grandfather, he might try it with some football, soccer and basketball superstars who pray and beseech  so arrogantly and so selfishly in search of heavenly indulgence.  Of course, if God were a grandparent, he would not let his grandchildren play professional hockey, ever.

If God were a grandfather, all wars would end immediately.  Every grand-child would go home safe and nobody's grandchildren would be made to kill each other ever again.  Every soldier who has died in every war, on every side, was somebody's grandchild. Any grandparent will tell you that one more senseless death of one more grandchild will be one too many. Grandparents mourn and understand the torment of every other grandparent who has suffered that loss.  God, as a grandparent would not allow that  to happen.

If God were a grandfather, child soldiers would not exist, their captors and tormenters banished to a new and more awful level of hell.  Perhaps the existence of all soldiers might be reconsidered by a grandfatherly God.

Girls and young women would go to school freely and happily.  Grandfathers would drive the school bus, keeping them safe  from acid attacks, beatings and the brutal repression of their right to knowledge and education; their right to  childhood.  The perpetrators of such callous brutality?  Press-ganged and shipped to that same level of hell. Grandfathers would happily drive that bus too!

If God were a grandfather, our world might look entirely different from the world we see around us.  When I look about me at a world filled with...hunger, cruelty, hatred, vanity, cheating, pain, unnecessary suffering and death...too often and sadly, in the name of God the Father and his Son,I am forced to conclude that:  perhaps we simply have too many gods  and not enough grandfathers.

A Father’s Wish

(from one of my ardent followers)

Recently, I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. The departure was announced.  Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the father said, “I love you and I wish you enough.” The daughter replied, “Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed.  I wish you enough too, Dad!”  They kissed and the daughter left.

The father walked over to the window where I was seated.  Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry.  I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, “Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?”

“Yes, I have,” I replied.  “Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?”

“I am old and she lives so far away.  I have challenges ahead and the reality is ~ the next trip back will be for my funeral,” he said.

“When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, ‘I wish you enough’…may I ask what that means?”

He began to smile.  “That’s a wish that has been handed down from other generations.  My parents would say it to everyone.”  He paused a moment  and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail and  he smiled even more.  “When we said, ‘I wish you enough,’ we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.”  Then turning toward me, he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory:

     I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright, no matter how gray the day.

     I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

     I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

     I wish you enough pain so even the smallest  of life's joys may appear bigger.

     I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

     I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

     I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

He then began to cry and walked away.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person…an hour to appreciate them

…a day to love them;  but then, an entire life to forget them.

TAKE TIME TO LIVE! Live simply…love generously…care deeply…speak kindly…enjoy your latte!

Be busy doing what you love to do. To all my friends and loved ones…I WISH YOU ENOUGH!

“Any man can be a Father.

It takes someone special to be a Dad”

Crafted by Merle Baird-Kerr…May 18, 2013

Comments appreciated…scroll down…may sign in as “anonymous”

or e-mail…inezkate@gmail.com

"Fountain of Youth" (Part II)

The names contained herein have been changed to protect identities;

I have renamed them after Explorers and Adventurers.

At the Dance Studio, I met George, a quiet gentleman from Chile.  He had graduated from McMaster University...presently working at Stelco as a Research Chemist (specializing in metallurgical properties).  He was learning Fox Trot and Waltz...and there I was, with Latin American rhythms and dance step routines.  We developed a friendly relationship and met many times over a 2-year span.  I believed at that time, (although I wasn’t “infatuated” with him, nor was I “madly in love with him”), that proven friendship was the stepping stone to a solid relationship and successful marriage.  Within 2 years, we married and had two children.  Over the years our compatibility waned and after 16 years, we amicably separated...and later divorced.  What is Love?  Why did I not experience long-lasting Joy of Marriage?  The answers are a Mystery!

After a 5-year lay-off to be home with my children until both were in school, returning to an income now  became a necessity.  Soon I met Ferdinand, who was legally separated from his wife.  We were “therapists” for each other.  He became the excitement in my life...whether lunch or dinner or the game of  tennis.  His attention and ardour impressed me.  We enjoyed a few mini-vacations in the Caribbean.  This was wonderful while it lasted...until I discovered that he was living with a woman in Mississauga.  I was devastated!  He left me, realizing I knew about his “double life”...or was it a triple?

When my son was 12, Shirley, a long-time-friend, and I drove to Gray Rocks in the Laurentians, north of Montreal...ski weeks for the three of us.  In my class was Simon (of Lebonese descent), a mechanical engineer from Pennsylvania.  He noticed that I fell several times on that first day and was quite concerned.  I explained that due to the frigid temperatures,  my goggles were continually fogging, which affected my visibility.  He invited me to join him at the apres-ski bar for a glass of beer...how refreshing that was...when you have leisure time to unwind, relax and  listen to a local band.  Next morning he met me at the ski shop, and to my amazement, offered me a pair of new ski goggles!  I was so grateful and impressed and asked him, “Why?”  His response, “So that every time you wear them, you'll think of me!”   How Romantic!  What a Dear Man!  We shared our 2-sessions daily with the Instructor...then free-skied,  following which we enjoyed the apres-ski lounge.  On Friday, our class was taken to Mont Tremblant for a fabulous ski day.  What an experience schussing down these magnificent mountain slopes! A few of us made plans to return to Tremblant over the long Easter weekend.  My Life once again, became Alive! 

Simon telephoned once or twice a week.  He invited me to join him for a ski-week at Heavenly in California near Lake Tahoe.  Sadly, I declined...I had two children “to family” who needed a parent at home.  When summer arrived, I spent two wonderful weekends with him in the Poconos.  This was “the man of my dreams”...who adored me, cared for me and whom I respected in the highest degree!  For the first time, I felt that I was truly in love.  Discussing my teenage son and younger daughter, we realized our life together would be complicated.  I could not take them out of Canada away from their father.  To me it was significant they continue to spend time together as they mature to adulthood.

Decision Time...to release myself from Simon and he from me was most difficult. Without him, I was weak, remorseful, unhappy, in tears!  How could I move forward without him?  He assured me, “You have greater strength than you realize!”  It was a sad day when we parted ...never to see each other again.  Flying home, I asked, “Why was I given this opportunity to meet such a wonderful man...to whom I gave my heart and soul...then to see it crumble away?  As I flew into Toronto, the sun was setting beyond the horizon ~ I convinced myself that I must move on...the Sun will Rise Another Day!

Several years later, one of  my inquiring Real Estate clients  was Thor, continually seeking information about this property, that property...would view a few with me...nothing seemed to satisfy  him.  Finally he stated that he had no intention of buying soon...just waiting for some “fantastic deal”.  He enjoyed life since retirement from his business ventures.  He frequented the gym, he travelled to Palm Springs in California, to New Mexico for an annual Pow-Wows and wherever his fancy took him.  One Sunday afternoon, he rode his Harley Davidson motorcycle to my home.  My family was amazed!  Jimmy, my nephew, visiting us from Chile was impressed with this “bike”  since he rode a smaller one at home for his transportation to and from work. Everyone was thrilled to have a ride on Thor’s bike!  He was a “fun person”!  After spending a few years working and raising my children, he with his 1380 cc bike  gave me a “new lease on life” with a new-found sense of freedom.  We spent many road-days together.  Romantically, I had no interest in him...his company was enjoyable.  There is a unique “lure of motorcycling” ...the air, the roar of the engine, the acknowledgement of other bikers on the road ...the dress of leather jackets, boots, helmet and chaps. One such excursion was to locate a private island with a turn-of-the-century castle in the St. Lawrence River. Persistence paid off in contacting the Florida owners.  For a couple years I had a “private listing” on Jorstadt Castle…resulting in several showings and a couple offers on it! (Today it is known as “Singer Castle” and can be seen on Internet.)  My friendship with Thor ended when I became aware he had other women in his life…for various reasons.

Today, as I sit at my computer ~ when the bright sunlight streams through my window, to keep the rays from blinding my eyes,  I wear a royal blue trimmed pink peaked cap…Harley Honey…embroidered script written and showing four butterflies each side of the title.  There’s symbolic message here!

One Sunday evening, attending a dance in Milton with Jill, I met Leif…a wonderful dancer. Together we enjoyed dinners, the Big Bands who often performed at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto…the enormous dance floors, the dress-up occasions for gowns and tuxedos.  He was insistent upon more than mere interest.  He adored me and wanted to live with me, marry me…however I had no emotional attachment to him.  He was difficult to rid from my life…almost to the point of stalking…even (as a locksmith) changing the locks on my doors to provide himself with a key.  Friendship Ended…Forever!

One of my friends introduced me to Vasco, a local businessman who was semi-retired.  We met and  dined together a few times at local restaurants.  I learned very quickly that this man, although he wanted a lady in his life, was still devoted 95% to his business, operated by his son.  He had  nothing better to do with his time!  He proved to be unreliable, had no hobby or interests except for his daily bottle of red wine.  To me…this was a dead issue…and Bye, Bye!

* * * * * *

In mid 2006, I retired from business because of chronic degenerative osteo-arthritis and moved to a one-bedroom apartment…the next phase of my life! I had abandoned sports due to lack of physical ability. My life now needed adjustments.. I had a small design company…Mardadi Designs…creating accessory fashions for women, children and men.  I’ve enjoyed movies, staged theatrical productions, more extensive reading, lunching with friends, often playing duplicate bridge weekly at local clubs.

My son has for many years been working as an EDI Engineer/Consultant hired by Agencies for contract work in a few American cities…although at this writing, he’s currently in Calgary, Alberta. In 2008, he was working in Connecticut.  He drove home every Friday evening (8 ½ hours one way) to be home with his family, returning each Sunday evening). Frequently, I’ve visited him in these various locations.  In May he invited me to spend a week with him in this New England state.  Two later times (August and December) I again returned. The Director of the ACBL club there  arranged partners for the Monday and Friday games.  In December when the pre- arranged partner was unable to attend, he brought me Samuel…a wonderful gentleman,  an avid bridge player and a WWII Veteran*** who was at Omaha Beach on D-day!  With him on these two days, I experienced an unusual connection (and unknown to me, it was mutual).  His birthday had been on Thursday…so following the Friday game, we shook hands…I kissed him on his cheek with double wishes for his “Happy Birthday Yesterday and our Happy Bridge Today!”  He was amazed!  The  next week he contacted me with our game results and an invitation to return again.  Through e-mails we kept contact.  He requested that my son install Bridge Base Online (BBO) whereby we could together play bridge.  This was a new venture…about which I knew nothing about it!  With my son’s expertise and Samuel’s telephone directions on how to “navigate this system”, gradually I became adept and after much endeavour began to “play like a pro”!  He and I have exchanged Bridge conventions which have enhanced our game. Our “online opponents” can be from anywhere…China, Germany, Iceland, Chile, etc.  BBO has the ability for us to create “Friends” around the world. When seen “online”, we chat briefly…may even play Bridge as partners…e.g. Poland, Oregon, England, Ohio, France.  I  have a few with whom I regularly play…yet my best and most knowledgeable Partner is Samuel… playing 3 or 4 times weekly.

*** His blog site…Oldest Military Blogger…key in to access his wartime experiences.

  

A few times yearly we visit together and play at local Bridge Clubs. We inspire each other…shared much conversation…met his family and friends...travelled to Tennessee…he’s returned to my home turf that he calls “Canada” and absolutely loves our “Escarpment Country”. In my life, he has been a beacon…as I have been his. Perhaps the Universe had destined us to meet.  My son calls our unique meeting, Divine Intervention (or Providence). We both feel younger as if we, together, had visited the:

 Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida.

I read that Ponce de Leon landed there in 1513. Today the Fountain of Youth is a National Park…the natural spring still bubbles away. It is legendary, that it restores the youth of anyone who drinks of these waters. 
                                                      May our attitude be ever youthful.

May we eternally drink from these waters.

Can you match the foregoing names with the following Explorer surnames?

Erikson...Vancouver...Magellan…Fraser

...Heyerdahl...da Gama...de Champlain

Four other Men in my Life are significant: Andrew,** my Son who has long time been My Trusted Friend, two grandsons and Jimmie (nephew) who lives in California. Jimmie and his wife, Marcela, moved  to US from Chile a few years ago. By e-mail, Jimmie and I regularly communicate. While my son was working in Silicon Valley, opportunity knocked. The four of us met…spending Labour Day weekend together…touring Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe and Squaw Valley, the wine valleys of  Napa  and Sonoma…truly  unforgettable experiences! 

**Birth of the Blog

In 2011, while working in Calgary, Andrew chatted with me about “this blog” he, (along with a couple personal friends), was urging me to create...as sort of a biography of a few articles and prose I had often written…very applicable to people’s daily lives.  The conversation went something like this:

“Are you ready yet?” he asked.   “No,” I hesitatingly replied.

“Do you have a name or title for your writings?”   “Yes, I believe I’ll call it…Kaleidoscope of Life.”

“Let’s do it now…I have the time.  What’s your Introduction?”   “I haven’t solidified my ideas, yet.”

“Just write a description of your blog’s intent…you can alter it later.”

Then, with our installed Team Viewer program, he directed me to select a  background scene and then proceeded to establish…Merle’s Kaleidoscope of Life. Observed onscreen, I exclaimed, “WOW…it looks beautiful!” A few nights later, he showed me how to amend my Introduction.  Then from my Document File  (thanks to Pary for assisting me to create this), I selected one of my written articles…it may have been “Tapestry of Life.”  He patiently walked me through the process to “post it” on my blog (step by step, by step, by step)... noting  chronologically on paper as my guide for the next  “posting.”

To Andrew, I am eternally grateful!  Without his assistance, this probably would not have transpired.  Today…my blog is Alive!  Since the initial conversation to begin this journey, I’ve published over 300.

Words of Wisdom

Leave the beaten track behind occasionally and dive into the woods.

Every time you do, you will be certain to find something

you’ve never seen or experienced before.

(Alexander Graham Bell)

Merle Baird-Kerr…originally written December 4, 2010

To comment...scroll down…may sign in as “anonymous”

or e-mail…inezkate@gmail.com

"Fountain of Youth" (Part I)

A Moment's Decision Will Affect Our Lives...

to return to the way things used to be...or

to chance something new and possibly quite wonderful!

One may say, “Nothing in Life is Perfect.”  Be assured, “Nothing is Permanently Perfect.”  There are Perfect Moments…and the will to change that, will bring more such moments. Life has complications and maybe impossibilities that try to beset us.  It is a rich discovery …to find that Moment to Live.

* * * * * * * *

A Potential Mother, first seeks freedom and independence...always dreaming of love, a husband, home and family. Marriage, to a woman, is a step to achieve these goals...providing a Life of Happiness and Great Personal Fulfillment!

Men seek in Women:  confidence, intelligence, unmaterialistic, spontaneity, playfulness, sensuality, honesty, independence, supportive. Men explore all these qualities.

Each looks for “the perfect match.”  For generations,  woman was dependent upon man finding her…by chance meeting...arranged marriage…church or neighbourhood friend.  Women today may independently search Mating Groups on Internet, they frequent bars, gyms and sports where men can be found, attend Singles’ Dances.  Others are more subtle…relying on opportunities for their destiny.

From my viewpoint point and reflecting on  memories of several attentions over many years, I consider some decisions wise and some irrational.  We feel that we are intelligent at any stage...the 20's, 30's 40's then we question the disappointments and failures.  The male, I am confident, has experienced  same.

Please understand: As I introduce these “men in my life”, mostly, they were acquaintances, becoming friends for a period of time.  Only my husband lived with me.

In Grade 8, Elmer and his twin brother moved to our farm village.  He was tall, lithe, athletic and intelligent.  We found ourselves competing for high marks.  Throughout High School, we were in the same classes...always sitting near the other and secretly passing notes.  I dreamed of possibly “a life together some day”.  To me it was a great omen that the letters of Elmer and Merle were the same. Although he attended University of Toronto, I rarely saw him. My mother informed me that Elmer then did post-graduate work in London, England and graduated from Carlton University in Ottawa as a Civil Engineer.  He retired as a Professor from University of Waterloo a few years ago.

At the tender age of 18, I suddenly discovered the first emotional stir for the opposite sex.  A church acquaintance of my parents drove to our home with a handsome man (dark hair and of swarthy build) to discuss some business with my father. Glancing at Lawrence,  my teen age body said, “WOW”!  I longed to see more of him...which didn't meet my father's approval.

Contrary to common belief, it is the Brain, not the Heart,

that is responsible for all emotions.  The Brain breathes...

beauty into art... drama into the crashing waves along a rocky shore…

serenity into a dramatic sunset…anger into uncalled for injustice…

danger into a possible vehicle collision.

Names have been changed to protect identities in the following;

I have renamed them after Explorers and Adventurers.

While at College in  Toronto, Jacques invited me to an International Baseball League game...the Maple Leafs at Maple Leaf Stadium.  I was so flattered, yet felt somewhat uncomfortable, having not yet experienced the etiquette and good manners of a gentleman who buys the tickets, provides a blanket to cushion the hard seats, purchases hot dogs and pop from the selling vendors, who takes my hand as we navigate the many stadium steps. I felt truly honoured...yet unable to garner my inner feelings.  How do I handle this?  We dated a few times...remaining friends. (The Maple Leafs ~ now  Toronto Blue Jays.)

Sebastian was 25 and I was 19.  Handsome with curly auburn hair, he was anxious to marry and was  most disappointed when I rejected his proposal.  I had a Life ahead  to pursue...education to qualify for  job positions...but mostly to “find myself”.  Marriage, as exemplified by my parents, was nothing I was in any rush to experience.

As happens, with most females, I admired Al, Bill and Marco in College.  Only Marco showed any interest who wanted more than I was prepared to give...and deterred me by his sexual advances.

Returning home to Brantford for a summer job, Abel, who lived in my neighbourhood, invited me to attend the September Commencement Exercises.  He had already spent one year at London’s Western University..  The evening was conversationally pleasant; distances prevented any further development of our friendship.  He  graduated with a Business Administration degree; job awaiting him at Eaton's.

I was employed by the Hamilton-Wentworth Board of Education as a teacher, spending about 15 years with students varying from Grades 3 to 8..  Specialty Supervisors visited our classrooms a few  times yearly observing our students' progress...then offering suggestions for improvement. Roald, a Physical Education Supervisor, paid special attention to me, flirting and hinting at out-of-school-meetings (he was married).  This was unacceptable to me!.  My perception of the situation said, “I'd be thrilled to spend some time with this handsome man,” yet common sense ruled! “I'll not be responsible for the breakup of any man's marriage.”

Then there was Henry, a Grade 8 teacher in the same school, who at noon hour one day, suddenly zipped open his fly and flashed his enlarged swollen-looking penis!  Seeing me shocked, he stated, “You'll love this!  When can we experiment?”  Blatantly I replied, “Never!”   It was total revulsion!

With a yearly income, I had the freedom to explore the games of golf, tennis, renew my badminton interest from High School and learn to ski.  With a few lessons, I became exhilarated with this winter sport.  On a weekly packed ski bus travelling 2 ½ hours north to Collingwood or Holiday Valley, south of Buffalo, I met Christopher...tall, dark and handsome (the ideal man for any woman's eyes)...and an avid skier.  We dated a few times when ski season ended.  In his apartment, one Sunday, waiting for other guests to arrive, I was “in awe” of him...yet reticent to show any personal emotions.  He never chased me...always a gentleman.  I felt relieved, yet disappointed that nothing romantically developed between us.  He was Jewish, which I respected.  My desire was to spend more time together. Those were the days when “women did not telephone men.” I would often stay in Saturdays and Sundays, to await his call between ski seasons.  None ever came.

Monday evenings I played badminton at Westdale Collegiate.  There I met James.  We frequently played  Doubles and participated in a few local tournaments.  He captained  an Oakville soccer team.  We dated several times...all enjoyable.  I didn’t have these fluttery flashes, but he was a ‘fun guy’.  Near the end of his soccer season, it was evident his team would win the Championship.  He invited me to attend with him the Celebratory Dinner/Dance and presentation of trophy.  I DID NOT DANCE! And therefore, I would not embarrass him by going...and too embarrassed to tell him.  I kept giving him excuses, despite my desire to attend.. After 3 askings, he gave up.  He never knew my reasons!  Upon losing him, I was extremely disappointed!  Defeated...I must LEARN TO DANCE!

The lessons with a professional instructor were enjoyable, inspiring, rewarding.  Music I understood and quickly realizing that dancing was an outlet to express myself with choreographed steps to the rhythm and with defined body movements.  The Latin beat from the Caribbean came alive on the dance floor. Now confident, I attended Saturday night dances in downtown Hamilton.  In those days, it was safe to, not only go alone, also to accept a ride home from someone you met. Francis was German, a good dancer...I felt very much at ease with him.  Our friendship was mutual, instilling a warm comfort level.  One Saturday evening, he offered to drive me home.  Approaching his new Ford, I commented, “Francis, I love  your car,” to which he responded, “I want you to love Me!”  Impressed, I smiled.

Through a Varsity group, I met Edmund, a High School Language Teacher.  Fair of skin and red haired, he was very friendly…a fine gentleman.  We were great friends for 2 or 3 years.  He left his teaching position to attend Trinity College (University of Toronto) to gain a divinity doctorate degree en route to becoming a Presbyterian Church minister.  Frequently on Sundays, I took the train to Toronto...he would meet me at Union Station.  Together we would attend Massey Hall to hear the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at one of their rehearsals, following which we had dinner prior to my return train to Hamilton. During the third year, I seldom heard from him.  In May, we met at a Lakefront cafe in Burlington and when dusk, parked beside Dundurn Castle overlooking the Bay.  He asked me to marry him…a huge surprise! To marry him didn’t seem like the “right dream to come true for me”.  Yes,  I respected him...but lacked  romantic heart beats that should spell of “love”. 

I am beginning to wonder about Relationships and Love between Man and Woman. What is it I’m  missing? Are my expectations too high?  From what I had read and heard, “chemistry is rare”…which seems I haven’t yet discovered!  A couple married friends commented, “This romantic excitement isn't cracked up to what you believe.”  Flo, a newly married friend in confidence told me, “I am happy but this sex thing wasn't fantastic.” Infatuation occurs when courting and extends through the “honeymoon days”.  With the daily routine of Life, it wears off.  Pondering all this...what are you left with? A Friendship that is Stable is possibly the basis of a Good Relationship and a successful marriage...upon which  Love will then surface and be built upon...day after day, year after year.  Is that the secret?

Que Sera, Sera

( lyrics by the Jay Livingston and Ray Evans songwriting team)

When I was just a little girl

I asked my mother, “What shall I be?

Will I be pretty? Will I be rich?”

Here's what she said to me:

(Chorus)

“Que Sera, Sera,

Whatever will be, will be.

The future's not ours, to see.

Que Sera, Sera.

What will be, will be.

When I was young, I fell in love.

I asked my sweetheart, “What lies ahead?

Will we have rainbows, day after day?”

Here's what my sweetheart said:

(Repeat Chorus)

Now I have children of my own.

They ask their mother, “What will I be?

Will I be handsome?  Will I be rich?”

I tell them tenderly:

(Repeat Chorus)

(To be continued...Part II)

Merle Baird-Kerr...originally written December 4, 2010

To comment...scroll down...may sign in a “anonymous”

or e-mail...inezkate@gmail.com

Can you match the names with the following Explorer surnames?

                                           Drake                         Cartier                 Amundsen

                                           Tasman                      Hudson                 Cabot

                                           Hilary                        Columbus              Cook

"Women of the Sea"

There are many types of “mermaids” out in the world and there are many ways to become one.  (Never let an adult ruin your dreams to be a “mermaid”).  They are real...a belief of many.  Scientists and many people just don't go searching for them ~ there are  many things in the whole world that haven't been discovered yet. There are many “spells” to become a “mermaid” ~ about which you can research.

A mermaid (mer as in “sea” and maid as in “woman”) and therefore “Woman of the Sea” is a legendary aquatic creature with the head and torso of a human female with the sea-blue tail of a fish.  The male version of a mermaid is a merman.  Mermaids and mermen are fish-like people who swim through the ocean and the seas.

Mermaids in stories would sometimes sing to sailors and enchant them, distracting them from their work and causing them to walk off the deck or cause a shipwreck.  Stories would have them squeeze the life out of a drowning man while trying to rescue him.  They are also said to take them down to their underwater kingdoms.

The mermaid is featured extensively in literature and art of various cultures and eras.  She is the subject of Hans Christian Andersen's most well known fairy tale...The Little Mermaid...and the 1989 Disney movie based on it.

Ten Things You Probably Didn't Know About Mermaids:

The original mermaid wasn't a maid at all.  The merman was a Babylonian named Oanne.

One of the earliest mermaids came from Syria.

Mermaids are literally beautifully portrayed “Women of the Sea”.

Some societies believe humans descended from mermaids.

Aquamarine is made from “mermaid tears”.

Mermaids can see into the future.

The infamous Sirens of Greek mythology, started out as Bird Women.

Mermaids spell trouble.

Sailors once mistook “manatees” for mermaids.

Starbuck's original mermaid was severely suggestive ~
being a 2-tailed-spread-eagle mermaid; now only the tail tips are visible.

According to The National Ocean Services

no evidence for aquatic humanoids has ever been found.

Mermaid statues and sculptures can be found all around the world in publicly accessible  locations such as town squares, fountains, memorials, harbours and seaside sites (over 130 of these) and far more in private settings. It seems the fascination with these creates an aura, appealing to the spirit within us.

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark has been a major tourist attraction since 1913.  She rests atop a rock in the harbour's sea water. The statue was a present from Carl Jacobsen (the Carlsberg Breweries) to this city, made by a then little known sculptor, Edvard Erichsen.  The Little Mermaid was unveiled in 1913 as part of a general trend in Copenhagen in those days ~ selecting classical and historical figures to be used as decorations in the city’s parks and public places. Unfortunately, it has been a target for defacement and political activities.  In 2006, Copenhagen officials announced that the statue may be moved further out in the harbour to avoid further violation and to prevent tourists from climbing on it.

 

Of Interest:  In the mid 1990's, visiting Denmark on a 2-week vacation, I was elated to see the statue not far from shore in  the harbour...so graceful, so mesmerizing and being able to photo it! The statue is made of bronze, is 125 cm. tall and weighs 175 kg.  The statue was inspired by ballerina Ellen Price, who in 1909 danced the lead role in the ballet The Little Mermaid at the Royal Theatre.

William Mistele (author of Mermaids, Gnomes and Salamanders) wrote:

Some women have that special aura of a mermaid.  Some mermaids have entered our world to demonstrate that love can exist under the most difficult situations of  life…as human beings know it.  And I expect some mermaids are here to see if they can work with human beings to avoid destroying the oceans as we are now doing...and one mermaid is here to record human experiences for future races that appear on earth in case we become suddenly extinct.

Loreley

I do not know what haunts me,

what saddened my mind all day.

An age-old tale confronts me ~

A spell I cannot ally.

The air is cool in twilight.

The Rhine’s dark waters flow.

The peak of the mountain  in highlight

Reflects the evening glow.

There sits a lovely maiden

above,  so wondrous fair.

With shiny jewels laden,

She combs her golden hair.

It falls through her comb like a shower,

and over the valley rings

a song of mysterious power

that lovely maiden sings.

The boatman in his skiff, is

seized by a turbulent love;

No longer he marks where the cliff is;

He looks to the mountain above.

I think the waves must fling him

against the reef nearby

and that did, with her singing

the lovely Loreley.

(Author unknown)

The Sea Maid

To where I watch on the yellow sands

as they pluck sweet music with sea-cold hands,

they bring me coral and amber clear.

But when the stars in heaven appear

their music ceases, they glide away.

They swim for their grottos across the bay.

They listen to my shrill tune,

the surfy tide and the wondrous moon.

William Shakespeare

(excerpt from Midsummer Night’s Dream)

Margot Datz (from “A Survival Guide for Landlocked Mermaids”): Darwin may have been quite correct in his theory that man descended from the apes in the forest; but surely woman rose from the frothy sea ~ resplendent as Aphrodite on her scalloped chariot.

A Human’s Reverie

             Oh, I wish I were a mermaid so beautiful, alluring, seductive;

             Hair angelic,  gentle wind-blown and sensually cared with jewelled brush 

Below the ocean’s blue waters, my home ~ freedom to travel unfathomable depths,

I’d chat with dolphins, ride on the whales as they swim and cavort, playfully dive.

To Monterey Bay’s curve-ed shore, I’d slip through kelp fields so lush
and find a place in the sun to await my lover ~ so handsome 
 I’d hear the chapel bells chime ~ the bluebirds of happiness sing  

and envy the condors from the rugged coast, upward swooping on mighty wing.

The sun creeps brilliant from the horizon ~ he comes to me on silent foot.

He’d tell me of his art and sports, of places visited with long-time friends.

Oft he comes  to the sea ~ lonely without her ~  to catch of me, a glimpse.

 I’d tell about Monterey Canyon’s abyss, sitting on the edge of very deep chasm,

 of Marshall Islands’ coral reefs and colourful tropical fish of Waikiki.

 We’d fantasize about South Seas; longing to travel to Bali or Oahu.

                  The golden hours we’ve spent  together; and much too quick ~

                               it’s Sayonara (farewell…until we again meet).

               He to his life under sunny skies…and I to my fish in the deep blue sea.

                                                       Behind a veiled sheer, I’m rare to find!

                                                       Born under Pisces, sign of the Fish

                                                       Into a spiritual, mystical world.

                                                       Swimming so freely in the ocean tides,

                                                       I’m able to move with lithe and grace.

Perhaps…I’ll Believe!

I live by the Lake and wonder so often,

“Do mermaids inhabit these deep blue waters?”

Bill LeBlanc may believe…as read in The Spec.

He’s finishing a sculpture from a poplar tree trunk

beside Hutch’s Restaurant ~ Van Wagner’s Beach Road.

Sirens of the Sea shows four lovely mermaids

entwined ‘round the stump  ~ a suitable perch

for a mermaid or two ~ with shimmering blue tails.

Professionally, Gary Yokoyama ~ snapped this photo.

Strolling the wave-crested shore this summer,

I’ll chat with a mermaid…and another pic

Gary can capture to publish in The Spec.

Merle Baird-Kerr…crafted May 17, 2013

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Motivations & Smiles for June

(gleaned from my collection of “yearly calendar quotes”)

Your are the bows, from which your children,

as living arrows, are sent forth.  (Khalil Gibran)

Vision is the art of seeing things invisible. (Jonathan Swift)

Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.  (Thomas Alva Edison)

Practise is the best of all instructors.  (Publilius Syrus)

Energy and Persistence conquer all things.  (Benjamin Franklin).

Grace and Beauty command the world.  (Park Benjamin).

Positive Thinking:  Keep your face to the sunshine and  you cannot see the shadows. 

                                 (Helen  Keller)

Go the Distance:  When you accept a task, finish it.  (Anonymous)

Once you're Moving...you can keep moving.  (Ronald Alan Weiss)

The City of Happiness is located...in the State of Mind.  (Anonymous)

From Marie's  2013 Motivation Calendar with Invitation to Action:

Envision a mystic scene of a man viewing a sand beach and placid blue river

gently winding between a valley and tall rugged soaring mountain ~

brilliantly back-lit by low-riding white cloud.

Explore:  In any field, find the strangest thing and then explore it!

(John Archibald Wheeler)

Special Event Days

June 5 ~ World Environmental Day is celebrated each year on this date to raise global awareness of the  need to take positive environmental action.  Begun in 1972, it is a program run by the United Nations.       

       ~ Canadian Clear Air Day: a federal campaign encouraging people to adopt habits that will improve local air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Avoid driving whenever you can, especially alone.  Take the bus, car-pool, cycle, roller-blade or walk.

June 8 ~ World Oceans Day: Together we have the power to protect the ocean!  Dry land covers just 30%  of the planet.  The ocean is our planet's unsung hero...the origin of life.The Great Barrier Reef  is the largest living structure on Earth.  Its blue whale is bigger than any dinosaur that ever walked on the land.  Humans have explored less than 10% of the ocean (although using its waters for transportation, travel and business)!   Visit...RiversToOceans.ca  to discover how YOU can make a difference.

June 9 ~ Canadian Rivers Day promotes Canada's waterways...currently under the administration of Parks Canada Agency.  Did you know that weekly (sometimes bi-weekly) TVO features Canadian Rivers...a colourful and historic view of a selected river anywhere from northern Canada  to rivers from the Pacific to the Atlantic.I enjoy these programs immensely...many, previously unknown to me.

June 9 to 15 ~ Canadian Environment Week recognizes and celebrates the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Metis people of Canada.

June 13 to 16 ~ Sound of Music Festival...attended by thousands yearly in Burlington, Ontario. Beginning on Thursday evening to Sunday, this annual 4-day summer musical extravaganza is FREE and appeals to all generations.

June 16 ~ Father's Day...to honour all fathers and father-figures.

June 21~ National Aboriginal Day which coincides with  Summer Solstice and First Day of Summer.  This day recognizes and celebrates the cultures and contributions of all the First Nation, Inuit and Metis people in our country.

June 23 ~ Full Moon.

June 24 ~ Saint Jean-Baptiste Day....the feast of St. John the Baptist, a Jewish preacher who baptized Jesus in the River Jordan; it is a day celebrated in Quebec and other areas of French Canada.

Did You Know?

During the summer months, many leatherback sea turtles are born on the beaches of the Caribbean and lower eastern US coastal areas.  Later in life, many of these turtles will spend much of the year in Canadian waters, feeding mostly on jellyfish and other invertebrates.

Canadian Animal of the Month

The beaver is a well known animal famous for its engineering skills and is symbol of Canada..  Its best known structure, the dam, is built only by beavers that need to enlarge the underwater habitat that will be open to them in winter, providing a year-round-place to store food and regular access to their lodge.The beaver is Canada’s largest rodent; an adult  from 45 to 60 pounds can live up to 30 years.

Today you can see the Canadian Beaver on the back of the Canadian five cent coin. Trappers went across the country to hunt them and bring back the pelts for use in clothing and trade…very important to the country’s early economy.

The Beaver (magazine)  was first published in1920 by the Hudson Bay Company; and is still being published today.

Beavers can hold their breath up to 10 to 15 minutes underwater.

Beavers are also prevalent in United States.  On my drive back from  California to Hamilton, Ontario in 2001, I was privileged to observe a beaver in Colorado diligently working to build his lodge in a quiet mountain stream only a few feet from my vehicle...location was beyond Twin Lakes en route to Aspen.

                                             Crafted by Merle Baird-Kerr...May 28, 2013

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