Canadian novelist, Margaret Atwood, once remarked that in Canada, you can say whatever you want, because no one will listen. And, it’s a standard operating truism – particularly in America and increasingly in Canada – that politics is becoming extreme and polarized, no matter where people are on the political spectrum. Not only that, but…
I was talking ‘car stuff’ with a guy I’ve gotten to know, Ralph. He’s operated his own auto specialty shop for many years. A midsize gent with bedraggled white hair, wise eyes and rough hands – that swallows your handshake – he’s a testimony to a lifetime of physical work… and, the consummate professional. You…
Fred Figures – Sept 2010 “Congratulations! You look like a very happy couple.” That’s what a man called out to us before driving away from a stop sign as we walked arm in arm together one evening. We were both surprised and appreciative of his comments – expressed as they were with genuine sincerity. It…
Please excuse my being excited… everyday feels like Christmas to me. And, like Charles Dickens’ ‘Scrooge’, I just can’t help it. And like him, I don’t deserve it. I’ve got a beautiful wife and three kids who love me – despite my worst days. Yet, that hopeful light, still within me, is less bright these…
For years, I thought my voice was what came out of other people’s mouths. Which was fine – they were speaking their truth – it just wasn’t mine. I hadn’t the experience of life to find out for myself. Eventually – with decades of life to draw upon – I saw there were commonalities between…
Early one spring morning, I gazed out my 11th floor bedroom window to see a couple already awaken from a night’s sleep on the street. They were sheltered by the overhang of the old central library’s roof, with its cement carving of the head of Socrates looking down. With shade disappearing fast, it figured…
Mother’s Day is a special day… something to remember, All the days and all the ways… all the love, I didn’t send her. But who would know, locked within her heart? – secrets are forever. Her day’s proudly about myself… disavow me? Never! She knows I’ll come through… not another Mother’s Day regret,…
Everyone knows of “Sesame Street” – with Big Bird and the smaller Muppets – but, “Mr. Rogers’ Neighbourhood” was a children’s TV first: kids talking about their feelings and dealing with them. Not your typical “pie-in-the-face”, Bozo-the-clown-type kid’s show… Mr. Rogers respected his young viewers too much, saying, “You made it a special day for…
The last time I tried a play-to-win contest, it was after we’d euthanized our old black Lab. At that time, as now, the message was similar: ”Please try again”… which I interpreted as meaning try again at the game of life. Despite the hurts, the loss, and disappointments, it’s still a beautiful world – although…
When I was one-and-twenty I heard a wise man say, Give crowns and pounds and guineas, But not your heart away. Keep your fancy free… But, I was one-and-twenty, No use to talk to me.” When I Was One-and-Twenty, poem by A. E. Housman Have you ever met someone who’s commonly called a “Scrooge” –…
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