The big reveal for the week of May 25/09

Good morning music fans. I am completing this Thursday evening as I will be out of the office on Friday morning so I hope you enjoy your last day of work for this week. I received a few guesses this week and the brother of my beloved was the first to chime in with all the answers and he did so in a very creative way, using the answers as part of a sentence and they all became part of a paragraph. He even tried to imitate Horshack (otherwise known as Ron Palilo), at least that's what I think he was doing to try and get my attention. 

So here's to Paul K. my brother in law who is this weeks winner and he did it all the way from the coast of Brazil, that's where you are aren't you? Enough of the family reunion, that's happening on Paul's birthday in the summer, July 1st to be exact(check out the flag on the piano in the first video. 

Here are your answers:

The name of the song: Bus Rider

The writer of the song: Burton Cummings and Kurt Winter

The name of the band: The Guess Who

Who didn't play guitar: lots of people, but Randy Bachman didn't on this album as he left and the guitar work was done by Greg Leskiw and Kurt Winter

There you go, a wonderful Canadian band who I remember listening to way back in high school in the early 70's. There does not appear to be any live versions of the song Bus Rider online, so I will treat you to something else for you listening and watching pleasure. Do you remember where you were when you first heard these songs? Oh what memories they bring.

Have an awesome weekend. Spend some time "laughing" and "sharing the land" and spending time with family and friends. We are attending a Smyth reunion of sorts, should be sort of interesting :) at least I will have my little family to keep me sane and "normal" whatever that is.

"To make mistakes is human; to stumble is commonplace; to be able to laugh at yourself is maturity"  

Tuesday Musings (#37)

Happy Tuesday everyone

I'm still on a high (emotional not chemical) from the last weekend. I enjoyed my time with my colleagues so much that I have been basking in the glow of our friendship since the weekend started and unfortunately ended. In fact the weekend started before we arrived, even the anticipation (cue Carly Simon and Heinz) was fabulous.

Why is a gathering of people who developed a friendship relationship by seeing one another maybe twice a year for 10 years so strong? I'd hazard a guess that some of us saw the absurdity of others and decided that the only way out was to stick together. Others might say that in the face of overwhelming apathy by most of the others galvanized some to choose to look beyond the normal social barriers and initiate transparency so that any perceived walls would fall.

In the face of the different dynamics of race, colour, creed, background and more differences, some of us have developed life long friendships. When was the last time you heard two unrelated hetero men say that they love each other without any concerns about stereotyping or condemnation? So what am I going on about this morning?

Why and how is it that although I travel in multiple groups of people very few of these groups permit such transparency? This group started as two groups who were diametrically opposed based on individual makeup and the attitude of some. At one point we became a group not two and then some of us developed deep honest and open friendships. My experience is that no matter who and where you are, it takes great risk and courage to be transparent and the reward is overwhelmingly positive. I have the great privilege to call these fine folk my friends.

Happy Tuesday everyone

Obscure Lyric for the week of May 25/09

Good morning and what a gorgeous morning it is. Monday is here and so is the new week. I had an awesome weekend with some friends and colleagues and reminisced about life as a Mediator. That's all gone except for the photo's and the memories, but the planning for next year is already underway.

On to the music. The song this week was written and performed by a famous Canadian band. In fact, portions of the band are still touring, gotta have the bling I guess. I was a huge fan back in the day and remember hearing their music all the way back to grade 9 or 10 (yes that was a long time ago). This song was released as part of an album in 1970, in fact it is track one on side one(that's for you Chief).

Here are the lyrics:

grab the evening paper and sit down in your chair

grab yourself a toupee cause you're losing your hair

doesn't matter what you do, you've nothin' to lose

I would like to know the following:

The name of the song:
The writer of the song:
The name of the band:
Who didn't play guitar:

Have a great week, enjoy the sun, rain and whatever. Take every moment, thought and encounter captive so that you will enjoy the experience of life to its' fullest this week.

1st Annual RTW Mediator Re-union

I have just returned from the first ever RTW Mediator re-union. A few brave souls decided that since we are no longer RTW mediators and have new jobs that there is a need for and we are now responsible for the gathering of the RTW Mediators.

We met in Collingwood at the beautiful Tyrolean Village in a Chalet that sleeps up to 12 people I think. We had seven for the first reunion and are already planning for next years event, which will be held on the weekend of May 21,22,23, 2010.

Here are a few snapshots of the event:

We shared some laughs, a few libations and some great meals together and no, Phil, breakfast wasn't covered by per Diem, although Carpe Diem was regularly heard around the Chalet. We shared some tears as well. Having no other agenda but to make sure that our friendships grew, there was a great amount of transparency and trust which a million meetings would have never accomplished (even with the appropriate dress code). The picture on the 

on the right was taken as we ate the amazing ribs that Donny made on the most questionable barbecue I have ever seen and he made them to perfection.

The following shot is a tribute to Dougie B in that "we got no time for that" was also a popular refrain for the weekend. We decided that we needed a name since we were summarily dispatched to the non Mediation world and now

are interventionists, which I suppose is better than exhibitionists, right Don?

We were successful in deciding, (with a 100% vote which by the way is something that has never been accomplished in the history of any program, which no longer exists, like the parrot in the Monty Python sketch), that what we shall call ourselves from henceforth since we are no longer "Practitioners of the Black Art of Mediation" is Kelly's Zeros.

As of this weekend and moving forward, we are to be formally referred to as "Kelly's Zeros", not to be confused with the movie of a similar name, "Kelly's Heroes". In a moment of brilliance, likely from the light gleaming off the top of Barry and Donny's heads, we determined that this annual event will be referred to as the reunion of Kelly's Zeros.

All survived and when the roll was taken early Sunday a.m. we cleaned and closed and headed towards our respective homes. Interestingly, the Chalet we called our abode for the weekend was situated on Kandahar lane. This group of battle weary warriors took up the valiant fight against the oppressor and in a

feat akin to David and Goliath, slew the giant in our minds.

In the end, kindness and friendship prevailed, as it always does. With Barry waxing eloquently and not measuring his words with anything, we raised a glass in memory of to most of those who have fallen. By the way, we chose not to invite anyone who was not a Mediator with the exception of Jazz who was otherwise indisposed. We did not invite breaded, Linda T. and Marie allowing them to enjoy their retirement without having to dredge up so many memories from the past. Weezie made the trek all the way from Prince Edward county. No one was able to find Charlie to even express good wishes to him.

We missed both good and bad Rose, Rosalie (I have a problem with this), The Z man, Janice Z (no relation I think), Dougie, Normand, Phil, Woody (there were so many stairs you would have probably hurt something), Frances, Brad (the new Woody, hopefully with eyebrows), Gordie (they could have used you as a Marshall on the golf course), Juliellen (where did the frog go), Karen and Annette. If I missed any of you, it was not intentional.

See you next year. It is our intent to plan another re-union and to once again celebrate the many friendships that have developed, grown and solidified over the past 11 years.

It is no longer good bye, it is "see you next year". I love you guys, it is a real honour to know you, work with you and to call you my friends. Thanks to "J" for being the only non board employee to have the stamina to stick with us and to put up with us as we nattered on and on trying to fix what what we would love to fix. If anyone else (former Mediators) wishes to join us, please let us know.

It's been a slice, see you all next year.

The big reveal for the week of May 18/09

Good morning Music fans and welcome to Friday. What a great few days of sun we've had. I have been looking forward to this day for a while, as a group of my former colleagues and I are staging the first ever RTW Mediator reunion this weekend in Collingwood. Oh the things that we will chat about. Whatever happened to the little car in the old service delivery model? What happens (and what's said) in Collingwood will stay there.

Back to the music, no guesses this week. I suppose all the focus and excitement was on American Idol. I for one am so glad that the less dramatic singer won. The screamer just didn't do it for me. he has a great range, but just didn't fit the mould. Clearly, if you open these things up to a popularity contest and you "allow" voting, then the closest to social norms will win. Does anyone else wonder why the screamer hasn't been "discovered" yet? Maybe the over the top thing just doesn't fly any more. Whatever happened to Ziggy Stardust anyway?

Here are your answers:

The name of the song: Death on two legs.
The writer: Freddie Mercury.
The band: Queen (of course)
Basis for the album name: A Night at the Opera, based on the story that they watched the Marx brothers movie of the same name the night before.



Have a great weekend, enjoy the time away from the work demands. In keeping with the sentiments of the above song about a manager who broke the trust relationship with the band, I leave you with the following quote:

"trust is like a vase...once it's broken, though you can fix it, the vase will never be the same again"

Tuesday Musings # 36

Good morning it's Tuesday and it's the first day after a long weekend.

I spent four hours washing and primping my car yesterday, I said primping not pimping. I have a significant amount of disgust with the word pimping. The acceptance of a generalized use of the word "pimp" should be offensive to all people, especially women. The entire existence of one who would be referred to as a "pimp" is one of subjugation of women for financial and other reasons.

What is happening to the language and what is happening to the collective souls of people today. At what point does the acceptance of something that is wrong stop? Often people refer to the slippery slope of life, I think we are already halfway down the mountain and there is very little opportunity to stop before we crash.

What about you? Where have you allowed the culture to define who you are? When will you stop being defined by something or someone else? I for one want to be defined by who I am and the values that I try to demonstrate, but "aye theres the rub", who am I?

Recently in a discussion in our small group, we began to discuss who we are and I posed the question "am I just a collection of actions (the things I do) or am I more than that" We had a terrific discussion and the discussion continues. If I am just a collection of the things that I do and for that I am loved and appreciated, then life is all about performance. If on the other hand I am loved and respected for more than that, what makes up the portion of me that is not action?

I personally don't think life is all about performance, how about you? Are you just a series of behaviours that define who you are? Or, is there more to you and can you define who you are without attaching actions to yourself in that definition?

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Obscure lyric for the week of May 18/09

Hello out there it's Victoria day. Monday and it's a holiday here in Ontario, the one and only time I appreciate the queen. I hope that you are having a great day away from the grind and are enjoying family, friends and some good food.

We took this weekend as an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate after an already busy early spring. Looks like the weather for the following week will be nice so get out there and enjoy some sunshine. A bit chilly over night here, but that's early spring.

I chose this weeks song after I heard it on the radio while travelling to one of my many appointments last week. I love this band, they have been one of my favourites since high school and although the membership has changed somewhat, their sound, style and stage presence is beyond compare. This is an interesting song from their fourth album and this song is often forgotten behind the more grandiose songs/pieces of music. If I recall correctly, apparently the song is about a former agent.

You've never had a heart of your own

Kill joy, bad guy, big talking small fry

you're just an old barrow boy

have you found a new toy

to replace me

I would like to know the following:

The name of the band:

The name of the song:

The writer:

The basis for the album name title:

Have a great week, enjoy the sunshine and the continual outbursts of spring.

The big reveal for the week of May 11, 2009

Good morning music fans and welcome to the long weekend. How about those 'canes, I love it when a skating team and not a group of behemoths gets to play for the biggest prize in hockey. Back to music, if you read my previous post, you will know my memories from Lakeside Park and Rush and my days of yore in St. Catharines. Those were the days I could tell you stories, but I won't here.

I had several guessers this week, including one directly on the comments section from someone who found the blog looking for something else, pretty cool. Peter McM. and his sidekick Steve B. got all the answers corrects:

Here are the answers from this weeks trivia:

The singer: Don Henley
The writer: Bruce Hornsby
The name of the song: The end of the Innocence
The name of the band (trick question, I was asking for the band that the singer drums for): The Eagles

Here are three versions of the song by both Don Henley and Bruce Hornsby, enjoy. One even has an introduction from a Japanese broadcaster from the Grammys

Have an awesome weekend, I know I will. It's a long one and while I am not travelling to a cottage with millions of other Ontarians, I am travelling to my deck to plant my herb garden. That along with my beloved and some fine music and maybe a drop of Forty Creek every now and then will make for a great rest from the toils of the daily grind.

give a stranger one of your smiles, It might be the only sunshine they see all day

Lakeside Park

With the Mat 2-4 weekend nearly upon us, I am drawn as always to that great Rush song, "Lakeside Park". Why, I spent many hours just:

"sitting in the sand to watch the fireworks display"

I have so many memories of my high school years spending time in "Port" and hanging around and just enjoying the great park with friends. I arrived there for the first time early in the winter of 1969-1970 and remember walking in the park with my Dad seeing the old carnival building falling more and more into disrepair. The merry go round was falling apart and it wasn't repaired for several years after that, sometime before 1975 I think. In the spring my Dad and I would drive golf balls from one end to the other.

In high school, we spent innumerable hours there and at friends houses doing what teenagers do, no descriptions needed I am sure. We discovered the joy of Frisbee and spending time with friends and making new ones (usually girls from the Collegiate or Grantham and even D.M.). It was our place and our time to live and learn most of life's adventures. The port was great and Murphy's hadn't been rebuilt yet, at times it was pretty decrepit, but it was our place to be.

Just as Peart enjoyed the memories of his time at Lakeside Park, so did I and so many former members of Lakeport High School and others. It's not the same though and memories are best left that way, as memories. Nothing can bring back the life that it was, but the memories will last forever.

"though it's just a memory, some memories last forever"

Enjoy the May 2-4 weekend wherever you are. I know that at sometime during the weekend, I will sit and listen to "Lakeside Park" and reminisce of those times gone by. Maybe this is the weekend to start calling some old friends and begin a mini reunion?

All Home

Finally, we are a complete family again. Josh returned home last night after a long semester and equally long 12 hour drive from school. It was so nice for the four of us to just sit and chat, laugh, reminisce, plan and giggle at our own silliness last night.

What an amazing blessing it is being part of this family. We are all so different and yet so similar. It is great to retreat behind the curtains, turn off the tv and just sit and chat. It's going to be a great summer with the four of us as busy as we will be, just being there.

I love the simple stuff, eating together, working around the house and hanging out. The only proble is that August is not that far away and Josh will be gone again until December. Oh well, makes for great entertainment in planning a family road trip to go visit.

Tuesday Musings # 35

I have been thinking about mediocrity lately. What an amazing word that is, just the sound of it make me think about its origins. I have been unable to accurately determine where the word came from, but when I find out I will post it. If you know the history and the basis for it either Latin or Greek please feel free to help me out.

When I think of mediocrity, I think of just getting by, of doing what is barely necessary to accomplish a task. I really would like to see myself and others driven to the point that mediocre is not acceptable. Whatever happened to striving for excellence? When did we begin to accept just passing. Please do not misunderstand me, I am not looking for perfection and I know I will never get to that point. Neither do I or have I ever placed an expectation on my children to accomplish perfection.

I have always challenged them to "do their best" and if they accomplished that, then whatever result they received was accepted. In numerous arenas that I travel, I see mediocrity and I am appalled by it. Charles Swindoll wrote a book entitled "Living above the level of Mediocrity" and that should be the goal for all persons. If we accepted that challenge, would things be better? I wonder what would happen if we agreed what is the the best and we strove towards it?

Happy Tuesday everyone

Obscure Lyric for the week of May 11/09

Good morning music fans and welcome to Monday, already. I hope that you and yours had a great mothers day to celebrate or remember those who raised us and appreciate the time energy and love that was expended on our behalf.

This weeks lyric is from a solo artist who also has a gig with another band. The other band has been around for quite some time, I remember hearing one of their earlier hits on the radio years ago when I was picking fruit down in the Niagara region as a teenager. They still tour and you will know who they are, everyone does.

The song was released in 1989 and was on the third solo album by this artist. The song was not written by the artist, but the writer also performs the song in concert.

They're beating ploughshares into swords
for this tired old man that we elected king
armchair warriors often fail
and we've been poisoned by these fairy tales

I would like to know:

the name of the song:
the writer:
the singer:
the name of the band:

Have a great week, enjoy the sun and you can tell we are moving towards a long weekend, the gas prices are already going up.

Surprise visits and other things

I love surprise visits.

I love just doing it, seeing someone and then inviting them to a meal and enjoying the time together. Just this morning, two members of our small group were out checking out the garage sales and then dropped in to visit with me.

How cool is that, we just sat and chatted and then they were gone. I love my small group. I love that we all have grown in our relationship with God and each other over these past few years. The members have come and gone but the core has remained and we get along well and we challenge and encourage each other without restraint.

This is what church is supposed to be as far as I am concerned. Church is a group of people who spend time together learning about and from God, worshipping Him and then looking for opportunities to serve others so that they too will experience the love that we have received. As much of a traditionalist that I am, church is not about traditions, special clothes(like dressing up for church), special music, money or any of the other sacred cows that need to be slaughtered on the altar of sacrifice.   

Sometimes I just want to scream at the things that distract us from our true calling, worshipping and serving God. There are several ways that I experience closeness with God, when I sing and when I am silent. The silence of the monastery is such a passionate time for me. I discover what is pressing to me and more importantly, I listen. 

When was the last time you prayed and didn't speak or even consider your own needs and listened in your heart for what that "still small voice" had to say? Lately I have been spending my prayer time in complete silence and just observing my surroundings. Usually, I ramble on and acknowledge, confess, thank, and supplicate(ACTS), but I have seen the need for me to be silent. An old chorus based on Habakkuk 2:20 went like this,

 "the lord is in his holy temple, let all the earth keep silence"  

I have been silent and have heard His voice and I have tried to listen and follow His direction. 

Saturday (but not in the park)

Good morning, it's looking crummy already out there. Is this going to be one of those years where it is sunny all week and rainy all weekend? I truly hope not! Today is garage sale day in Elmira and we have lots of treasure for sale. My beloved loves these things, I, on the other hand would rather go to the dentist. I feel the same way on this day as when I used to be in sales, not sure why, that's just the way it is. We try to support each other in our individual endeavours and this is my turn to support her.

I listened to a radio program where Chuck Swindoll was speaking yesterday. I really like his speaking, writing and preaching. He was speaking on marriage and since our small group is working our way through a book about marriage, I was instantly drawn to his words. Once again, I was challenged by his speaking and God's word to love my wife. Those are empty words without the actions and behaviours that are needed to show love. And so, I am here helping with the garage sale, that's just one way to show my wife that I love her. It's all about placing her interests before mine.

That is not a popular thought and hasn't been for some time. I remember the 70's and reading "Looking out for #1" before we were married and my beloved having some concerns about the "theology" of the book. I now see that it is completely contrary to what I believe and try to strive towards when I say I love her. Looking out for her first is more important than what I want(unless of course it's looking out for her that I want).

the big reveal for the week of May 4/09

Good morning and welcome to Friday. Oh man what a week it has been. For the most part the weather has been terrific, I have had very little time to enjoy it unfortunately. The weekend is coming and so apparently is the rain.

I received no guesses this week, someone thought it might be Carole King and I suggested that they were in the correct ball park.

Here are your answers:

Song name: One who is touched by the Sun
Writer: Carly Simon
Album: Letters never sent
Son of a famous artist: Ben Taylor (son of James Taylor and also her son)

Here is a nice live version of the song

Have a great weekend in spite of the rain. Enjoy those moments when you can rest and enjoy the peace that the rest brings.

I think I should have no other mortal wants, if I could always have plenty of music. It seems to infuse strength into my limbs and ideas into my brain. Life seems to go on without effort, when I am filled with music.

Obscure lyric for the week of May 4/09

Good Monday morning music fans. I trust you had a wonderful weekend. I think that with the continual sunshine that spring is finally here. We finally got the snow tires off the car, so that should be a true harbinger of spring. My apologies to those of you from the north who may still have snow falling in June.

I searched through my music library and found this song. It is on a compilation album that I have and was purchased for me by my beloved as a gift as I really only liked one song from the artist. From that comment you can extrapolate that I have never purchased any of this artists music. I have, however, begun to appreciate the skills and poetry of this persons work since listening to their "greatest hits".

This person grew up in the U.S. and was raised in a family where music was a constant. The artist even started out in a short lived duo with a family member. This person has been around for some time and their professional work began with in 1971 when a self titled album was released. The song I have chosen was released on an album in 1994 and the basis for the album was information that was never completed for its purpose, I suppose to compare it to blogging it would be like keeping a blog for editing but never posting it. Apparently, this song was written about the artists mother and Jackie Onassis both of whom dies in 1994.

here is this weeks lyric

Often I want to walk

the safe side of the street

and lull myself to sleep

and dull my pain

I would like to know the following:

The name of the song:

The name of the artist:

The name of the album:

Trick question: name the son of another famous artist who plays on the album:

Have a great week, enjoy the sun and all the signs of life that are early spring.

The big reveal for the week of April 27/09

Welcome to May y'all. April was great and I'm glad it's over, I am really looking forward to some nice warm (not summer hot) days and watching things grow. I'm planning on planting an herb garden on an old table on my deck this spring and plan on using fresh herbs in my cooking.  I love to cook so that will make the adventures so much more fun.

Several of you had the right idea this week, but only one submitted a guess online. So props to Peter M for getting all the answers correct  and even challenging me with some obscure lyrics. You got me by the way, oops

Here are your answers:

The name of the song(and the introduction): Love lies bleeding (funeral for a friend)

The writer of the music: Reginald Kenneth Dwight(Sir Elton John)

The writer of the words: Bernie Taupin(what an amazing talent he is)

The name of the album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

The following song is written about: Candle in the Wing written about Marilyn Monroe originally

Enjoy this version from Central Park in 1980.

and how about this one from 2002 from Japan

Have an awesome weekend, enjoy the warmer weather and the company of friends, family and other loved ones. May the warmth of their friendship bring you to the place of peace and rest. 

"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent"