An Elusive Quest

With the advent of the inauguration of Barack Obama, I think now that the world can take a deep breath. I’ve never spent so much time dwelling on the politics of the United States, both watching, listening and even reading till my eyeballs pop. I’m even half way through a book written by Barack Obama, “The Audacity of Hope”, great book by the way. Such has been the excitement generated by this once in a lifetime historical event.

I think the last time I got so excited over a political leader was in this country, Pierre Elliot Trudeau and prior to that, was obviously JFK stateside. Amazing how at different points in history these men and women take centre stage and shine that light, one so bright you can hardly ignore it.

I have had the privilege in my lifetime to have lived and seen a number of those great statesmen, of course the one that really stands out for me when I was a child, Sir Winston Churchill. Who could ever mistake his importance to the history of his time, along with many, many more of that era. Such were the deeds accomplished by so many brave people of all countries and from all walks of life, during those war years known as WW11.

The war to end all wars is what they preached at that time, of course we all know that somebody somewhere along the line wasn’t listening. The resulting conflicts that have taken place since are getting too many to count, people just never seem to learn, no doubt that will eventually bring the final demise of mankind as we know it……… Come on people wake up and smell the coffee.

This week saw the beginning of a new era and hopefully a new road to walk, let’s walk it hand in hand, peacefully.

In Canada, we do have I believe another great politician in the making, not quite ready yet, but one day, this man will be the prime minister of Canada just like his father, I am talking of course of Justin Trudeau..

Good luck Barack in your search for the golden grail, peace in our lifetime.

C'ya

Brush n Easel

This being a new year, I gave some thought as to what my first blog should be. It's no secret that the ink has been slow to flow for me for a little time now.

I decided that I really would like to honor Elizabeth and share some of her artwork with you. I love the canvases that she has painted, even though she prefers a low profile. So, what better way to start the year off.



This one was commissioned and called "Undaunted", it is acrylic on a 24x30 canvas board. The clipper ship is named 'Restless'.



"Vanishing Breed" is a 9x12 acrylic on canvas board.

C'ya

A New Dawn

I don’t know if your interests include the space program with NASA, and the various discoveries in the universe that are announced from time to time.

I think space exploration is an exciting adventure, an opportunity to turn fiction into fact.

With the advent of todays technology, it is now possible to look at all the wonders of the universe thus far. Using the computer, it’s like looking through a window at the photos of different planets and space. The recent Mars explorations have shown us some wonderful views.

One site in particular really got my attention, so much so, I just had to write a poem on it, I hope you enjoy.


~photo of Mars by NASA~

Another World

Rocks of silver and hues of gold
Perhaps a billion or more years old,
These stones I’m certain could surely tell
Of a planets death and a ride through hell.

Civilization there just had to be,
Perhaps beings, kin to you and me.
Sadly the stories we may never know.
Such firestorms. Finality. So long ago.

Seems planet Earth is so hell-bent,
To travel the path that Mars was sent.
Mankind, lifes lessons have never learned.
Are we too late ~ the warnings spurned?

Even now we can change, though it may be too late,
Screaming as we plummet, toward hells gate
Earth’s downward spiral, to its final hour.
Perhaps there is a savior ~ a greater power? ~

Don’t bank on it.

Eric Valentine Dec 18/08 ©

C'ya

Excursion

Mother was here for a short visit over Christmas, we took these pictures on the drive back on Xmas day. We thought the skies would make good pictures. At times ominous, but with more storm clouds on the horizon. (clickable thumbnails.)









C'ya

A Christmas Wish

I sit here at the window,
Looking out into the World.
And as I glanced about the town,
The thought then crossed my mind
Where would we be today
If no one stopped, to say hello,
As they scampered on their way.

So then I thought I’d make this wish,
Wish for friends, both near and far.
To take the time and say hello,
Show what good friends you are.
For in the present company,
We have many friends you see,
For you granted us, our Christmas wish.
Season’s greetings, to you and thee!

Eric Valentine Dec 19/08 ©

C'ya

Bah Humbug!

We were out driving yesterday taking care of those ‘that time of the year things,’ ~ yes Christmas is knocking on the door once again.
Coming back through town we saw “Bob.” You remember, Bob of the chicken dance and Alzheimers? I must say I wonder often at the state of his world, as he goes from day to day.

This last few months have really been something else haven’t they?
What with all the election hoopla stateside, turning out such a pleasing result with Barack Obama President elect, now the world can sit back, hold its breath and wait and see, I’m thinking.

More recently here in Canada, there was the disgusting state of affairs with our government and our prime minister/I wannabe a president. My opinion anyway. Then the final let-down with the governor general allowing that idiot to get off the hook by a prorogue of parliament, thus suspending government, leaving nobody to run the country for two months. Just so he can avoid a no confidence vote. A pretty dumb move with all that is going on in the world economic scene and recession banging on the door.

Last but not least, winter has arrived here early yet again. That should bolster a few spirits I must say, people having to use the heating this early once more, when every dollar must count. What with all the thousands of lost jobs, lost homes for a number of people and Christmas standing in line, I doubt that a lot of people will be thinking very merry this year.

I took a look at Bob doing his brief happy dance down the street as we drove by. He actually seemed to have weathered this last year quite well if appearances are anything to go by. He still needed a haircut, but that boyish smile is glued on his face when you see him. He still walks along quite bent over, with almost every step looking like it could be his last, he actually looks better when he is dancing! But he survives the passage of time quite well.

In thinking on the worlds troubles, I have a new thought these days.

Bob the great equalizer, complete with his Alzheimers, for nothing bothers him in the least. It's strange that Bob is shielded from the realities of the present world and economic troubles, by his very disease.

The Alzheimers, wrapped around him like a protective cloak.

Merry Christmas Bob!

C'ya

Misconception

COPD sucks! Don't kid yourself, smoking and enjoying that cigarette is nothing but a misconception. Unbeknown to you at the time, it will leave you with a deadly surprise, that’s if you smoke long enough.

Imagine being drafted into the military, fully knowing that you are going to be involved in battles, a war perhaps at some point.
When you come down with COPD, you are drafted for life and every minute of each day will become your battle.

You start your day with your inhalers and pills, all lined up like little soldiers on parade; then you ride into battle and knock them all down, each time knowing, that the next day and every day they will be there once again. You will do this on a daily basis for the rest of your life.

Entering the world of COPD, every single moment is a battle for your life. Once in, there is no other way out, there are no cures and the best you can do is look to slow down the progress of your COPD. You struggle for every breath you take, and even the very quality of that breath has varying levels. If you are an air retainer which a lot of people become; then that means you really cannot get a good deep breath so you end up gasping and reaching for your next breath, almost before you have finished exhaling the previous one.
By now if you’re smart, you have done something to try and handle this disease.

There are things available that will help you combat and handle your situation somewhat. Take a rehab course, for there are many places out there that put them on. A rehab course will educate you about COPD and teach you to know and how to better handle your particular situation; how to breath better and exercise thus slowing down the progress of the disease, and thereby prolonging your life.

Lately I have pictured COPD as a raft out in the middle of the ocean. The raft is only big enough to accommodate a certain number of people and already the raft is very full. Surrounding the raft are thousands of other people with COPD; all clutching to the sides of the raft trying their best to cling to life and their breathing, for the raft helps keep them afloat. The raft at this point can be their desire to live, their willingness to work and exercise, eat right, work hard to do all the right things. Slowing down the progress of COPD after all, is all that you can hope for.

There are those out there unfortunately, who have been hanging onto the sides of the raft for what seems like an interminable age. Sadly, eventually they will become too weak and distraught, losing the ability to even draw a breath and to keep a grip of the raft. Slowly they will lose the fire and willingness to hang on any longer, releasing their hold on the raft and slip away, only to make room for another eager desperate person trying so hard to grab hold.

COPD will command your attention for every minute of your waking day, for it has to if you hope to survive. Your COPD will become the biggest focal point in your life, overriding all else. It’s hard to imagine a life like that, but believe me there are millions around the world in such a predicament.

So what does your cigarette taste like now my friend? Do you still need a personal experience with COPD in order to get the message, or maybe you want to test the raft waters?

C’ya