Stillness.
She lies there starring at the blue sea above.
Her untidy hair speckled with sand is a halo around her soft dirty face.
Waves flow ashore, gently urging her to move.

Stillness.
Images flash through her mind;
Memories of events long gone.
Tears slither down her pale cheeks.

Stillness.
The sun brightens, her eyes close.
A smile emerges.
Sand crumbles and tumbles off her tired body as she rises to sit.

Stillness.
Her arms cross her chest, each palm holding each shoulder.
Her eyes flutter open.
A new sea is before her.

More Quotes

"You have to give up the life you have to get the life that is waiting for you." - James Hilman

"A contract isn't about saying what you mean. It is about meaning what you say." - Olive Wendell Holmes

"Never confuse having a career with having a life." - ?

his unspoken dreams for her

Love - love without borders or constrictions
Happiness
Joy True Joy
Travel - see the World
Find Inner Peace
Be You.

my own medicine

Whatever you resist - endures
Whatever you avoid - ensues
Whatever you fear - controls you.

Dreams will never go away.
Passion will never fade away.
The very thing we don't want to face
is exactly what we must.

Others will always think something.

How can they
    make a well informed decision
    advise
on your behalf when they don't
      feel what you feel
         know what you know
            are what you are
               desire what you desire

Stand up for what you believe in.
Stand up for truth.
Stand up NOW.

I WILL stand up now.

friends... charlie brown... christmas

"A friend is someone who knows the song to your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

"Friends are the most important ingredient in this recipe of life."

"It's the friends that you can call up at 4 am that matter."



I was sorting through some papers I had stacked up for a long while and found a Charlie Brown Christmas card from about two years ago from my best friend. The quotes above are ones she added to the card. The card had printed in it:

"Christmas seems so much warmer when you share it with a friend."

Someday...

I want to visit and spend time in a castle like this.

Quotes: Goals

"People are not lazy. They simply have impotent goals- that is, goals that do not inspire them." - Anthony Robbins

"If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes." - Andrew Carnegie

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. "- T.S. Eliot

"Winning starts with beginning." - Anonymous

"When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind. " - Lucius Annaeus Seneca

"Limited goals create limited lives." - Anthony Robbins

"When a goal matters enough to a person, that person will find a way to accomplish what at first seemed impossible." - Nido Qubein

"If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time." - Anonymous

*Additions*

"Wisdom denotes pursuing of the best ends by the best means possible." - Francese Hutcheson

"Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality." - Warren Bennis

"So many people are expecting a miracle instead of being a miracle." - Wayne Dyer

"No one knows enough to be a pessimist."

"The great end of life is not knowledge but action."

Public Policies Seminar in Vancouver

This weekend was amazing. I flew with a group of other students to Vancouver this past Friday to participate in the "Explore Public Policy Issues" seminar organized by The Fraser Institute.

Night Around Town
Once we checked in, we went out separate ways. I was going to go with a portion of the group to the beach and then to a restaurant/pub. Just before getting into a cab, I backed out and decided to run upstairs to grab my umbrella. I wanted to explore and take photos of the area, eventually making my way to a coffee shop. As I was about to press the "up" button someone called my name. It was an old friend that I haven't seen since early September. He was there to see the Rolling Stones Concert but it got cancelled. He knew one of the students in my group and decided to visit him instead... I just happened to be there at the right time. So we went out to a sushi bar and had a few drinks. It felt so good being in a big city again; I love the openness, architecture and atmosphere. There are a few places I would like to visit again next time I go.

The Actual Seminar
The next morning my alarm went off, and I turned it off thinking I'd wake up a few minutes later like usual. Not the case. I almost slept through breakfast. After breakfast, there was a group picture and registration. Then the seminar began.

The first topic was "Gun Registration" followed the Rise of Western Canada's Economies, Immigration and Terrorism, The Future of Online Gaming, and Drugs. After each lecture there was a question answer session followed by group discussion. I learned a lot and had a great time. There are sides to those subjects that I didn't understand but through this seminar, I understand them better. I particularly enjoyed the subject of online gaming.

At the Airport
At the airport I bought this book called "The Attraction Factor" by Joe Vitale. He's in one of my favorite movies, "The Secret." It was after I bought the book, something else weird happened.

One of the guys in my travel group is in my Business Law class. We talked a lot about class after we arrived, during the ride to the hotel. Ironically enough, at the airport for the return flight I bumped into my Law Prof. That was weird.

Shortly after that we parted ways and I went through security. I have never had such an issue with metal detectors in my life. I fly regularly throughout the year around Canada and the States. Rings I never had to take off at any airport prior, small clips on my sweater (smaller than average button on a white dress shirt), my sandals and even places on me that I know for sure didn't have metal on me were setting off the detector. The lady looked puzzled and couldn't explain it so she just let me go.

About 35 minutes later, when I was telling the guy in my class about seeing our teacher, my prof showed up again just as I was about to say his name. Funky timing.

There is something awesome about flying at night... because of the altitude and the lack of atmosphere, it's much easier to watch the stars. Besides, I usually have the weirdest experiences when I fly at night.

the gift of sight

Sight.
Clarity.
Endless Vision.

I remember the first time I actually was conscious of sight. I was seven or eight sitting on the school bus thinking, taking in the feeling of being conscious of sight. The way the radiant sun reflected off the seats, the shadows on each smiling face, the sharpness of every detail. The world was busy doing it's own thing just as it always has been and will continue on. Just thinking about sight and the ability to see made everything seem that much more clear (sorta like pain... it hurts so much more when you think about it). Before my psychology class, I never knew about our blind spots, and some of the limitations in sight. It's amazing how the brain interprets what it receives from both eyes.

Why am I writing about this? I had been looking through old photographs, at the detail or lack there of. What makes a good photograph? How do I really capture what I see on film? At the same time, there are distortions and limitations that with our current technology we cannot fix but even if I could fix it, I rather like the distortion.

Leaving Home

Thursday, I had some time on the way to class to take some photos. It's kinda strange for autumn photos in the valley this late in the season to lack the golden hues. Rock lawns aren't too uncommon here. Practical but not conventional. Interesting.

There is a legend of a man under the sea. A fisher of men.

He is called The Guardian.

"What makes a legend?
Is it what a man does while he's alive?
Or is it what he's remembered for after he dies?"
- Jake Fischer

This is one of the better movies I have seen in a long time.

The script was incredibly well written.

The acting was amazing.

I loved it.

It wasn't overly dramatic.

It wasn't sappy.

Just real.

"So others may live."

the stronger the wind

"Good timber does
not grow with ease;
the stronger the wind,
the stronger the trees."
-J.Willard Marriott

Where?

I thought about my recent past and there is something to be said about the extraordinary but where are the words?

Il est interdit d'interdire...

It is forbidden to forbid... It's the title of one of my other online journals and I've been asked what I meant by it a few times. Here is what I intended it to mean:

We have a tendency to put limits on what we think we can and cannot do. We put boundaries around ourselves thinking that we are not confident, smart, rich, beautiful, strong, and/or whatever enough to move forward, to rise above our own fears. We come up with the same old lame excuses for not doing the things we most desire. What can one person do? Plenty.

It is meant to enable rather than disable. Rather than say and believe you can't, live with passion and possibility. Not fear.

What do you want most in life?

It is such an important question. Many give the right answer but to the wrong question. Take out the external factors... disregard what others want and expect from you.

What do you really want most in life?
Nothing is forbidden.

Success

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

**Note: This is quote is attributed to Emerson; however, it might not be his.**

Video Lecture: Subject *<3 Talk*

UPDATE: The name of the speaker is Leo F. Buscaglia

***Last class in organizational behaviour (*giggles* English looks so funny; many versions), we watched a lecture (a tad ancient however still true to today). Anyways, there were a few things that caught my hear.***

Helen Keller said: 'Before my teacher came to me, I lived in a world that was a no-world. I cannot hope to describe adequately that unconscious yet conscious time of nothingness. I did not know that I knew aught, or that I lived or acted or desired'.

Words... they are nothing but phonetic symbols until you assign meaning. Meaning is the emotional and intellectual content around a word. It isn't necessarily universal. Love doesn't need words; it's expressed in your hugs, smiles, laughter, action and listening. There are more actions to express love than words.

We can process more than two to three times more words than we can speak per minute. So what happens in between? We think. What about? Our counter arguments, all the things we have left to do, why the grass is green?

Why not think about what they really mean or too afraid to say. There are good theories of why prayer is so effective... your higher self, God, ancestors etc... are silent. They allow self determination (so do plants, dogs, etc).

Why do we so often dish out advice right away... "if I were you..." but you're not me. Denying one's experiences is a tragedy. Each and every experience is unique to each individual person. You can empathize but you'll never truly know unless I tell you how I honestly feel. Why not ask? Why not just listen.

Why are haters always so vocal and lovers not so much? Why don't people hug more? Are their arms going to fall off? Love truly doesn't hurt... it's what people do in its name.



(I laughed when I heard this next part but it's so true)

[Joe] "Hello! How are you doing?" with a smile and upbeat attitude
[Mike] in monotone "Fine."
[Joe] "Then why the hell don't you tell your face???"



Life is about creating yourself.

Television helps us become more passive in person (same can be said about the Internet). If we didn't have TV... what would we do, where would we be? Many conversations are simply a monologue disguised as a dialogue. Real dialogues are selfless, rare and oh so marvelous; people actively listen.

Cards are so impersonal; dare to be original and write your own. "Roses are red and violets are blue and you're a sweetie (it wasn't meant to rhyme)." What's up with the whole "whose on my Christmas card list" war? Christmas kinda takes the fun out of gift giving the rest of the year. You give and receive so many at once. Why not give less more often?

What's up with inviting people that you don't really want to be around? Why not respect them enough to let them be where they are wanted and respect yourself enough to do what you really want to do?

People who love you will care and have expectations. It's how you know that they love you. People never tire of being told that they are loved, that they are appreciated.

Why do we wait until people are dead
to tell them how much we care,
to tell them "I love you"?

The *Catalyst*

Another year in college has begun. My classes look promising. This education is my catalyst of opportunity and adventures.

"Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." - Oprah

New challenges await me.
I'm falling into fall.
I'm ready.

My last day off before I take off

Yesterday I gave my notice and damn it feels great. The English philosopher Sir Thomas More was onto something when he wrote:

"A country's character is defined by its everyday rustics. They are the legs you stand on, and that position demands respect."

It's a metaphor for why I left. It feels like a cloud has been lifted and I can move on with my life. Life isn't meant to be a struggle or as complex as some would lead you to believe. Take care to take care and know what you're worth.

*boom*

While watching a SG-1 rerun, there was a loud crackle in the sky similar to a firecracker but so much louder. Seconds later, a loud blast that hurt my ears. I pushed through the vertical blinds as neighbors too came out of their condos to catch a glimpse of what had just happened. A thick black smoke was rising, the sun stained a bold new shade. Then the emergency vehicles came and flooded the air with their sirens. A dizzy whiff of propane hit me. Shortly thereafter the world hit the mute button on every sound imaginable except for the voice of mankind, my neighbors.

more than words can say

I don't know why I went into the hardware store today but I did. I wasn't looking for anything in particular nor did I need anything but I found this card. The photo drew me in but the words kept me. *

"Some people will be missed more than words can say.

[open card]

And more than hearts should have to feel."

* I don't personally know anyone who died recently. **
** However, this card doesn't need to be taken literally either.

It ain't broke...

I was reading the quotable quotes in Reader's Digest and this one stood out. It reminded me of my dad.

"Normal people believe that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Engineers believe that if it ain't broke, it doesn't have enough features yet." - Scott Adams in the Dilbert Principle

To fathers out there (past, present or future), HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! ;)

the UK and creative endeavors

I went home a couple hours early yesterday. A welcomed opportunity. I've been putting in six day work weeks for a while now. Where did the hours go? I read my horoscope on google, the muse of this morning's (soon to be afternoon) blog.

Pisces: "Take a fresh look at where you find joy in your life. Even if you don't have time today for play, schedule enjoyable activities for the weekend. Create a special event with the children in your life. Although you still have work ahead, it will be easier to handle if you have some fun while you can."

Perfect timing... This weekend is busy with fun and creative endeavors. Yesterday after I left work I wondered around the mall, something I don't do often. There were tables of antiques and hidden finds for sale. After that I wondered into a small shop along my walk home. Inside I found a few furnishings that will be perfect for my new place. Afterwards, I spent at least hour browsing through the "previously loved books."

Speaking of which, I started reading a new book... "Interview with a Vampire." I've watched the movie a couple times before but never read the book. I'm also on the second audio book of the Sword of Truth series, "Stone of Tears." Listening to it reminds me of how much I have changed since then and helps me define more clearly the person I hope to become.

I started going through old pictures... pictures of my vacation in Scotland a few years ago. I miss it there. It's so different their way of life. My eyes must be tainted seeing as I was only there for three weeks and didn't stay in one city longer than two days with the exception of Manchester. Visiting and living with locals for a couple of days is so different than actually living with them.

There's that traveling side to me that I just can't shake... it's like a "the grass is greener on the other side" traveling complex. Only I have wings; my feet aren't bound to the earth and I want to see all that's wicked awesome. I know I want to live in the UK for a few years (late 20s, early 30s I suppose) but I've been toying with the idea of going sooner than later though I've been asking myself why. Life isn't bad here. The lack of strings here just make the idea more possible and attractive by the minute. Later on I might not be so lucky... Could you imagine going to Dublin for a weekend? Rome the next for next to nothing?

But like the beautiful mountains I see here everyday, would it start to loose its magic? Would I start to take advantage of its existence? A certain amount of loss can be expected...

But back to what I was talking about... this weekend's creative endeavors. I'm knitting this scarf that when you look directly at it, all you see is green and black stripes but when you hold it on an angle, you see alien heads. Tomorrow I think I will start a new portrait, maybe even do some photography. I haven't practiced drawing for a while now.

The sun is shining; theres a cool breeze. It's the perfect time for a walk. I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

Dying Young

On a drive anything can happen. The wheels took me to a store. I found an old '91 movie called "Dying Young." Essentially it's about a man who is dying of lukemia, who just wants to live a normal life. He lies and says he is getting better but he isn't. He does not want to die alone or in a hospital but to experience being alive with real love.

Movie or not, cancer is something that many struggle with some place, somewhere all the time. In the most deparate of times people get their strength, their courage from the oddest places. How long does he live? That's not the point. The point is that he lived. The whole plot and themes revolve around the fact that cancer does not affect just one life. Rather than fear hope anymore, he clutches on until the end however and whenever his life may end. She does not leave.

Sometimes life gets tough and you want to quit but then again those times are what allow us to really see and appreciate what we have. It's not that their love was more perfect or just some dramatized hollywood storytale -- these characters, these people, went through enough pain that their character was tested and sensitivity to the wonderful things hightened. This sensitivity is just a perspective I saw. It's what I enjoyed most in this movie. It's neither sad nor happy; it just is.