I just watched Remember Me, and I feel devastated by humanity when recalling 9-11. Sometimes I really wonder if we will ever be capable of resolving our conflicts responsibly. When I think of the epic destruction in human history, I feel so sad and discouraged.

             Hate

It festers in our history,
in the vaults of creation.
The seeds of humanity,
are ruin and devastation.
It smolders,
like the cycle of insanity.
Endlessly repeating,
with no sense of humanity.
People, just pieces,
in a ruthless game.
Discarded, like forests,
in place of idolized fame.
Hate breeds more hate.
Finger pointed at the target of late.
Feigning recognition,
a war of attrition,
on the species, the Uprights,
those meant to be leaders.
Succumb to the darkness,
evilness heeders.
It's easy to lose faith,
to have no hope at all.
To think that we're done for,
successes are small.
Unless we believe that
our honest reflection,
comes back from our neighbours,
in every direction.
Until we know this,
in fact to be true,
we'll go on serving
all that is you.
It festers in our history,

in the vaults of creation.

The seeds of humanity,

are ruin and devastation. 

Sally

                      McGillivray Falls

I'd never heard of it until I met Christopher,
childhood memories, father building, logs to bring over...

He spoke of it with a whimsical, glitter in his eyes,

campfires, hiking, fishing and pies...

Chris lead me most gallantly on our first trip,
log cabin, old growth forest, and rocks to skip...

When I saw it I was overcome with surprise,

waterfall, nature lurking, animal cries...

I knew it was the right place for us to get married,

noon train arrival,  pagodas and cherries...

We rowed into the lake with our 'Just Married' sign,

double rainbow, wasp traps, and songs in 4/4 time...

Each of our children were brought into the folds,

playpens, and bottles and Snugglies to tote...

We raised them craving and loving the place,

Grandma and Grandpa and bright stars in space...

Now we go up as often as we can,

Board games, cards and Bluegrass Bands...

We're up and out by 7:00, driving on the road,

Gravol, audio books, big truck carrying our load...

Arriving at noon at Anderson Lake.

Pemberton, Mount Currie and D'Arcy to wait...

For Grandpa to arrive in his boat with life jackets,

wet dogs on the dock, kids making a racket...

The adventure continues with a ride on the water,

splashes, gas runs, Safety Patrol Officer...

Then you can see it, Second Beach, and you wave,

Barkleys, Evans, Catchpoles and Dave...

When you glimpse The Falls, majestic distractor,

Rubbermaid containers, row boats, and tractors...

You know you've arrived in the 'Heavenly Country'

appetizers, volleyball and The Bridge Tourney...

To appreciate life's treasures at McGillivray Falls Retreat,
just be prepared to relax, and put up your feet!

Sally

Enough Already!

Silence PLEASE!
How can anyone possibly learn or listen with all this noise!
Have the insight to know when to stop.
Honor the fact that 'Give & Take'  is the essence of the equation.
Honestly coming to terms with the notion that
Harmony comes from balance.
Heed the lesson and Shhhhhhhhh please!

Sally

Perfect Treat

I love it when my
mother-in-law comes over
and brings Chinese food.

Sally

Unwelcome Company

How dare you
arrive unannounced,
getting all up
in my face
and invading my house.

How dare you
bring tears to my eyes,
keep me up
all night
with fretting, fitful cries.

Who the hell do you think you are,

pulling my kids into this too,

making everyone 

feel lightheaded,

not knowing what to do!

Who the hell do you think you are,
making me feel so old.
You are entirely
unwelcome,
you nasty Common Cold!

Sally

Spirit of the West

I asked a question
in class the other day,
"Who has influenced you
in becoming who you are?"
In response to the
puzzled faces before me,
I gave them my own
examples to start.

My parents, my brother,
my sweet aunts and uncles,
and Spirit of the West, I said. 
The band, their lyrics,
and their social politics,
put my entire existence
to the test.

They opened my eyes
to the world
I was craving.
To people, and
the need to be free.
To the power of speech,
and the magic of music.
Their infectious, ardor
invaded me.

As I spoke these words,
I swiftly recognized
what a great impact
they had.
So Thank You
John Mann and Geoff Kelly,
and other great members
of your band.

My students caught on
and understood the strength,
of influence in our lives.
They spoke of Lady Gaga,
and the great J.K Rowling,
who are bringing up
kids in these times.

May our role models
be blessed,
and their brilliance continue
to spark and ignite our youth.
As there is no
greater power
than music and voices,
to lead young generations
to truth.

Sally

                      Autumn Supper

                          Carrot Soup
                         Tangy    Tasty
              Filling   Nurturing   Enriching
             Honey     Lime     Flour     Yeast
              Rising   Comforting   Satisfying
                         Warm     Fluffy
                       Homemade Bread

                                 Sally