VISIONS & IDEALS

As a Man Thinketh by James Allen is one of my most favourite books.  I discovered it about 10 years ago, and have continued to read it repeatedly throughout the years.  In this tiny book James Allen aptly maps out the powerful potential each of us embodies, that it is hard to believe it was written in 1904.  Funny while we move forward with new inventions and gadgets, the simple principles of human nature remain the same… We can achieve as much or as little as we think we can… And visions are always a portal to life’s achievements. 

Visions And Ideals

The dreamers are the saviors of the world. As the visible world is sustained by the invisible, so men, through all their trials and sins and sordid vocations, are nourished by the beautiful visions of their solitary dreamers. Humanity cannot forget its dreamers; it cannot let their ideals fade and die; it lives in them; it knows them as the realities which it shall one day see and know.

Composer, sculptor, painter, poet, prophet, sage--these are the makers of the after-world, the architects of heaven. The world is beautiful because they have lived. Without them, laboring humanity would perish.

He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realize it. Columbus cherished a vision of another world and he discovered it.  Copernicus fostered the vision of a multiplicity of worlds and a wider universe, and he revealed it. Buddha beheld the vision of a spiritual world of stainless beauty and perfect peace, and he entered into it.

Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals. Cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts. For out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environment; of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built.

To desire is to obtain; to aspire is to achieve. Shall man's basest desires receive the fullest measure of gratification, and his purest aspirations starve for lack of sustenance? Such is not the Law. Such a condition can never obtain, "Ask and receive."

Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.

The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream. The oak sleeps in the acorn; the bird waits in the egg. And in the highest vision of a soul a waking angel stirs. Dreams are the seedlings of realities.

~ By James Allen (excerpt from As a Man Thinketh)

$86,400 Credited in Your Bank Account! How Does That Sound???

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I do not know the origin of this short writing (below), but I absolutely love it.  I was first introduced to it almost a year ago and continue to draw inspiration from it every time I read it.  It really encapsulates the value of what it means to make the most of the time we have now… Life is beautiful, amazing and there for our taking.  And in the words of Anne Shirley (from Anne of Green Gables) “Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it!” 

Here’s to wishing your credit in life is well spent!  Have a great Friday & Weekend!

Nicole


Credited Bank Account

What would you do… if you had a bank that credited your account each morning with $86, 400, that carried over no balance from day to day, and allowed you to keep no cash in your account, and every evening canceled the amount you had failed to use during the day?  What would you do?  Draw every cent of course!

WELL YOU HAVE SUCH A BANK, AND ITS NAME IS “TIME.”

Every morning it credits you with 86,400 seconds

Every night it rules off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest for a good purpose it carries over no balances.  It allows no overdrafts.

Each day it pens a new account with you.

Each night it burns the records of the day.

If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours.

There is no drawing against “tomorrow.”  You must live in the present – on today’s deposits.  Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success.  The clock is running.  Make the most of today.

~Unknown

TO RISK

In this age where social media promotes extreme narcissism, a quest for fame and a means to create a false hyperbole version of ourselves, I wonder are we losing our identity?  Being authentic  involves taking a risk.  We are exposing ourselves to the judgement and assessment of others.  There is no mask to hide behind.  But, in taking this "risk" comes growth, satisfaction, liberation and real happiness.  And living.... In the words of May Sarton "We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be."

TO RISK
To laugh is to risk appearing a fool,

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach out to another is to risk involvement,

To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.

To place your ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss.

To love is to risk not being loved in return,

To live is to risk dying,

To hope is to risk despair,

To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing,
            does nothing,
                    has nothing,
                          is nothing.

They may avoid suffering and sorrow,
                    but he cannot learn,
                              feel, change,
                                      grow or live.

Chained by his servitude he is a slave who has forfeited all freedom.

Only a person who risks is free.

The pessimist complains about the wind;

The optimist expects it to change;

And the realist adjusts the sails.

~by William Arthur Ward

OH, CANADA! Eh! - Happy Canada Day

There are many reasons to be proud of being Canadian.  We have a historical lineage of inventors and creators that have shaped the lives of everyone world-wide.  Yes, it was a Canadian, Alexander Graham Bell, which created the telephone and another Canadian, Alfred J. Gross that invented the Walkie-Talkie.  Through the work of Banting and Best, insulin was discovered as a means of treating Diabetes.  And, while, everyone knows ice hockey was a Canadian born sport, it was also a Canadian James Naismith that invented the game of Basketball.  Likewise, we are known for our great beer, ice wines and poutine.  And the list goes on!

We are a friendly accepting nation, and boast a very diverse population.  In fact, it is through immigrants that our population grows the most.  We have been a leader in being progressive and standing up for what is right.  Just look at gay marriages. Canada was among the first countries to make gay marriages legal. Indeed, we are a young country.  Just 144 years old, and yet we’ve done so much in such a short time. 

Each time I put on the Canadian uniform I do so with great joy.  And to stand on a podium and hear the Canadian anthem played… well, is there anything more sweeter to the ears?  Oh, how I do love Canada.  I’ve been to many places in the world and you are second to none.  Oh, CANADA!  Happy Canada Day! 

Loving Canada,

Nicole

Sometimes You Forget...

It’s always easier to sit back and point out the flaws and errors in another person’s way... As Dale Carnegie pointed out, often this may take the form of condemning, complaining or criticizing.

But, doing that doesn’t make the other person feel good or want to listen to what you have to say… So why do we do it. 

Certainly, if you are trying to get more out of someone this is not the way. While it might momentarily make us feel good because we’ve released our steam, we’ve now passed our negativity onto someone else. 

Trying to get someone to hear you out and make amendments to their behaviour or heed your advice comes down to how you make them feel… perhaps take time to evaluate how you interact with people.

“Father Forgets” tells a story of a man who reflects on his interaction with his son and how he forgets the importance to not criticize, condemn or complain.  I believe it is a lesson we can all learn from.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Nicole

Father Forgets by W. Livingston Larned

Listen, son:

I am saying this, as you lie asleep,

one little paw crumpled under your cheek and

the blond curls stickily wet on your damp forehead.

I have stolen into your room alone.

Just a few minutes ago,

as I sat reading my paper in the library,

a stifling wave of remorse swept over me.

Guiltily I came to your bedside.

There are the things I was thinking,

son: I had been cross to you.

I scolded you as you were dressing for school

because you gave your face merely a dab with a towel.

I took you to task for not cleaning your shoes.

I called out angrily

when you threw some of your things on the floor.

At breakfast I found fault, too.

You spilled things.

You gulped down your food.

You put your elbows on the table.

You spread butter too thick on your bread.

And as you started off to play

and I made for my train,

you turned and waved a hand

and called, 'Goodbye, Daddy!'

and I frowned, and said in reply,

'Hold your shoulders back!'

Then it began all over again in the late afternoon.

As I came up the road I spied you,

down on your knees, playing marbles.

There were holes in your stockings.

I humiliated you before your boyfriends

by marching you ahead of me to the house.

Stockings were expensive -

and if you had to buy them you would be more careful!

Imagine that, son, from a father!

Do you remember,

later, when I was reading in the library,

how you came in timidly,

with a sort of hurt look in your eyes?

When I glanced up over my paper,

impatient at the interruption,

you hesitated at the door.

'What is it you want?' I snapped.

You said nothing,

but ran across in one tempestuous plunge,

and threw your arms around my neck

and kissed me,

and your small arms tightened

with an affection that God had set blooming in your heart

and which even neglect could not wither.

And then you were gone,

pattering up the stairs.

Well, son,

it was shortly afterwards

that my paper slipped from my hands

and a terrible sickening fear came over me.

What has habit been doing to me?

The habit of finding fault, of reprimanding

- this was my reward to you for being a boy.

It was not that I did not love you;

it was that I expected too much of youth.

I was measuring you

by the yardstick of my own years.

And there was so much that was good and fine

and true in your character.

The little heart of you

was as big as the dawn itself

over the wide hills.

This was shown by your spontaneous impulse

to rush in and kiss me good night.

Nothing else matters tonight, son.

I have come to your bedside in the darkness,

and I have knelt there, ashamed!

It is a feeble atonement;

I know you would not understand these things

if I told them to you during your waking hours.

But tomorrow

I will be a real daddy!

I will chum with you,

and suffer when you suffer,

and laugh when you laugh.

I will bite my tongue

when impatient words come.

I will keep saying as if it were a ritual:

'He is nothing but a boy - a little boy!'

I am afraid I have visualized you as a man.

Yet as I see you now, son,

crumpled and weary in your cot,

I see that you are still a baby.

Yesterday you were in your mother's arms,

your head on her shoulder.

I have asked too much, too much.

Let's Make Sports Affordable For All Kids...

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times... Sports matters!  One in three families cannot afford the cost of having their kids in sports. Sport offers a multitude of benefits, and I emphatically believe no child should be denied this opportunity. Providing the opportunity to participate in sports we are positively changing the future and culture of Canada!

The Canadian Tires Jumpstart program is dedicated to affording the opportunity to participate in sports for all youths.  This is truly a remarkable program in place!  Please be a part of this change!!!

Tomorrow across Canada is Jumpstart Day.  Stop by your nearest Canadian Tires (or partner store) and for every dollar you donate it will be matched with $2.  Personally this video does a phenomenal job of demonstrating the significance of Jumpstart. 

 "On Saturday, May 28 come join the Jumpstart team at your local Canadian Tire Store. Select stores in your area will be featuring Jumpstart Day activities including balloon pops, fun games, BBQ's, great in-store deals and other fun surprises. We're asking everyone across Canada to donate $1 on Jumpstart Day and in return Canadian Tire will make it $3. Our goal is to help get 30,000 kids involved in sport and recreation this summer."

Nicole Forrester,

Canadian Tires Jumpstart Athlete Ambassador

May 2nd 2011 VOTE!!!! ... If You Don't You Lose Your Right To Complain (ACHTUNG SERIES!)

ACHTUNG THIS!  Yes, I've dared to talk about politics...

This coming Monday, May 2, 2011 is Election Day in Canada.  Anyone who knows me, knows (for better or worse) I’m pretty passionate about politics.  While I may have my preference for which party I’d like to see elected, I think it is important that ALL Canadians with the ability to vote DO so!  In the last election (2008) we had the lowest turnout ever.  Only 58.8% of Canadians voted!!!

If you are unsure of what each Party’s platform is you can go to Elections Canada.   Also, when voting do not forget to consider what issues the candidates in your riding are concerned with.  This could impact your decision even more. 

It’s no secret I’m NOT a fan of us having an election again!  But, I still will be voting on Monday. (For my non-Canadian readers, our election schedule isn’t a formatted 4 year plan, it can occur before that point with a vote of non-confidence or can be has long as 5 years). 

The sad thing is whatever government that is elected on Monday will likely be a minority government and we could end up with another election in a year’s time!  COME ON!  There are better ways to spend our tax dollars than an election.  To me it seems like a case of power struggles and ego.  Sit in at a question period in Parliament to get a taste of what I’m talking about.  I’ve sat in numerous times, and it is both comical and disturbing at times.

  Politics along with religion and money are often considered taboo topics.  Considering it’s been an ACHTUNG Week of blogs, I clearly have no problem discussing politics today.  Interestingly, people may publicly acknowledge their position on religion or money (i.e. I am a Christian/Muslim/Buddhist/Atheist or whatever one’s faith is); however, when it comes to politics people are more likely to be cloaked… They secretly support their party but are not eager to share their position to others.

Perhaps, it’s because of the way we vote (secret ballets) that promote this need to be secretive in one’s party support.  I’m not secretive. I might not shout it from a roof top, but if someone asks me who I am in support of I will answer The Conservative Party of Canada… Yes, I’m a Tory!

Ironically, I actually do find the other parties platform's curious… They are very alluring and attractive (versus the tell it as is Conservative platform) but wonder WHO and HOW things will be paid for that are offered… Well, actually I know how – More taxes…. Yep, defiantly not interested… I just wish party’s told the WHOLE truth when they are running for election.  Not just the attractive side of things.  Politics seems like the only job you can be hired for, fail to do what you promise AND still keep your job.  

No matter your position at the end of the day please turn up and VOTE on Monday.  The last US election had historically the most voters, let’s try and do the same Canada!

PS:  Dear Non-Elected Parties.  Please try to work with the government elected on Monday, so we can avoid another premature election, and put our tax dollars to better use…. PLEASE!!!

Voting on Monday,

Nicole

Now is Not the Time

It seems throughout the course of a day, I get to experience utter and complete randomness. Thank goodness I have a sense of humour which allows me to laugh at some of the most unbelievable experiences I'll have. I'm not sure if it is because I am 6'3 1/2 or because I am sociable, or because I have something stamped across my forehead. Whatever it is, I thought I'd reflect this passing week of events and share with you a typical week of randomness in my life. Specifically, comments and questions made to me at really inappropriate times... Now is not the time for such questions!

‎​1. Interrupting my practice to proclaim you are the Messiah Coach of Track & Field.

2. Asking me how tall I am as I am hobbling into the Emergency Room.

‎​3. Asking me about my body, while I'm lathering up in a communal shower.

4. You are a complete stranger, walking up to me and asking for a hug because you think I am tall & elegant.

5. Stopping in the middle of traffic to ask me for my phone number.

6. Proclaiming the word of God, standing on my doorstep, while asking me if I play basketball. That is not the way to convert me to a Jehova Witness!

7. Asking me if I'd like your left over spaghetti as I wait for a friend.

Life is too funny! You have to love it!,
Nicole

When It Comes To Competition Shouldn't We Train The Mind Like We Train The Body?

Each week on Facebook I post a "Random Question of the Day".  I have no idea where these questions come from… (My mind feels like it is going a mile a second and I guess from these idle thoughts pops a random question.. who knows?) 

Anywho, I’ve recently posted a couple of questions with regards to what makes a great athlete phenomenal….  (Incidentally, this is the premise of my dissertation.)  Not surprisingly, mental attributes such as confidence, focus, passion, resiliency and mental toughness were the responses mainly  provided.  Obviously, I’m in agreement with that, and there is strong literature support. 

However, if many people value the mental attributes of athletes why isn’t this area worked on in training as much as the physical elements are?  It seems asinine to expect psychological excellence to just exist without refinement.  Doesn’t it stand to reason that even the most advanced mentally tough athlete would benefit from working on this area in addition to the physical elements?

Often, the athletes that seek sports psychology consultation are those when their performances have gotten unbarably bad.  I’ve worked with athletes’ weeks before a major championship.  At this point, they are desperate and the balance of their season is dependent on this one day looming ahead.

I believe psychological skills training is something which should be incorporated through the course of one’s training.  In the coming weeks I’ll blog more on the various factors – such as improving one’s self-confidence, goal-setting and distraction control.  Perhaps, at the very least it may encourage people to consider a proactive approach to psychological excellence.

Supporter of Psychological Skills Training,

Nicole

 

WINNING, BI-WINNING and the SHEEN FACTOR - ACHTUNG SERIES

At first it was funny.  I have to admit I had some chuckles in the beginning along with some “shaking of my head” in disbelief.  But, at this point all I have is pity.  Charlie Sheen has been making headlines ever since his initial phone call into the Dan Patrick Sports Talk Show, which has now catapulted into a whirl wind of ABC interviews, custody battles and the “winning” and “bi-winning” comments.

Clearly, something is going on with Charlie Sheen.  We’ve got supposed experts and former celebrity addicts all weighing in to give their 2 cents and diagnosing him as bipolar.  But, the truth is unless you are a licensed therapists working privately with the man, you don’t know what’s going on. 

But, my real problem is society’s love and interest in watching a sinking ship or a train wreck.  People love watching others fail possibly more than they love seeing an underdog triumphant.  Something is wrong with that picture. Now, if Charlie Sheen’s antics are much like Joaquin Phoenix’s fake hoax than that’s a different story.  But, somehow I doubt it.

Charlie Sheen is appearing at the Fox Theatre in Detroit to apparently speak on who knows what, and tickets were sold out in just 15 minutes.  REALLY??? Is he Mahatma Gandhi???? REALLY???

People want to see him because he is a reality train wreck show.  That’s sad.  This kind of public support cannot help his welfare, if indeed he has some psychological or drug abuse issues… It can only fan the flames of a bigger decline.

Come on people we can do better.  There are a lot more pressing issues going on in the world… I don’t know… like the crisis hitting Japan for example.

smh,

Nicole

Once Again, We Are Here For Your Pee

It’s 6:30am and once again I am awoken by not my alarm, but by the drug testers… And believe it or not I was happy to see them.  You see, I’m “randomly” drug tested often and it had been WAY too long since my last “random” drug test… 2 months to be exact.   For example, last year, they came to drug test me on 3 different days within one week, so a 2 month gap had me worried that I had missed their attempt to drug test me.  Three missed tests are an automatic 2 year ban from Track & Field.

I am actually required to guarantee 1 hour of each day a location I will be at, where I can be randomly tested.  If they come to drug test me during this hour and I am not there it is considered a missed test.  Additionally, random testing means just that!  They literally show up without any previous warning, wherever I may be (i.e. St. Kitts, Kansas or Timbaktu) and drug test me.  And once they have notified me that I am being drug tested I cannot leave their sight.  At all times a drug tester must be with me until I provide a urine or blood sample… And yes, they watch you pee… Actually they must be able to see the steady stream of urine flow into the cup.

These drug testing procedures are different than that of the NFL, NHL and MLB, but, are in line with most other Olympic sports.  And while they may appear quite stringent, I am grateful for them.  I just wish the procedure of reporting your whereabouts was a lot easier, especially since it can change at a moments notice…. (I think I see a future Achtung blog on this topic… stay tuned!)

Supporting a drug free sport,

Nicole

Helping to Raise Money for the Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness, as a Bachelorette

 PRESS RELEASE -- 

 Nicole Forrester, High Jump (Athletics) Olympian, 2010 Commonwealth Gold Medalist and 7-Time Canadian Champion will be up for auction as a bachelorette in support for the Canadian Center for Abuse Awareness.  The inaugural Eligible Inc. Bachelor & Bachelorette Charity Auction takes places on February 3rd, 2011at the Capitol Event Theatre in Toronto, Ontario.

Twenty-one famous bachelors and bachelorettes will be auctioned. The event will be hosted by four-time Olympian Brian Stemmle.  Dream date packages may include dinner, entertainment, great life experiences, exceptional destinations and many other desirable gifts.

Forrester’s dream date package includes the opportunity to train with her for the day, Commonwealth Games paraphernalia, autographed flag by Canadian national team athletes, exclusive tickets to the Toronto International Film Festival (provided by VISA), a pair of Oakley sunglasses (provided by Oakley) as well as, a fitness training package provided by Striation 6...and possibly more!

This event of the season will also feature guest appearances and autographs by Jessie S and Craig M from the hit reality Television series on ABC “The Bachelor:.

For more information
To find out more about the Bachelor & Bachelorette Charity Auction, please visit http://www.eligiblebachelorauction.ca/
http://www.ccfaa.com/ or over the phone at 905-967-0687.

About the Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness
The Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness is a national charitable organization that has served Canadians since 1993.  The Centre's madate is to significantly reduce the incidence and impact of abuse through education and public awareness.  CCAA operates solely on private donations with no sustaining funds from any government body.  Proceeds raised fromt he event will be donated to the charity.  To learn more, please visit http://www.ccfaa.com/.

The Audacity to have a Dream! - Martin Luther King

Monday's Music Lyrics - I have a dream! by Dr. Martin Luther King

For as long as I can remember, this speech by Martin Luther King on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963, has always been music to my ears.  They represent the world as my parents have raised me to see it -- "to not judge others by the color of their skin but by the content of their character," and hopefully for the world to do the same to me.  Thank you Dr. Martin Luther King for showing the world that one person can make a difference.... Having the audacity to dream!  On this day, we remember and honour you!

I Have A Dream, by Martin Luther King

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating "For Whites Only". We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Season's Greetings -- MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

As I've said before, Christmas is certainly my most favourite time of the year. Yes, because of my own personal faith... but also because it is the season of giving; a time for family to come together and a time to share love. As we are on the brink of a new year and the eve of the true spirit of giving, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and for your interest in my idle thoughts. :)

But, mostly I want to wish you a truly amazing and wonderful CHRISTMAS!!! May you be enshrouded by love, family and goodness!

Merry Christmas!
Nicole

Church, Religion and Shaking Hands? (Revisited)

With the temperature changing it seems that the cold and flu season is once more upon us. I try to exercise extreme caution especially during this season. That means frequent hand washing, along with a healthy dose of Purel throughout the day. Today in mass amongst the smiling faces I found sniffling and coughing close at hand and was reminded of an older blog I had once posted. Having experienced similar sentiments today, I thought I would repost this blog:

I am by faith a Roman Catholic. Yes, I have engaged in the first three fundamental steps of Catholicism – baptism, communion and confirmation. From, the youngest of age God and Church have been a primary teaching in my life. In fact, at one point I contemplated becoming a nun. (Geeze, how I envied Mother Teresea and the Sound of Music Sister Maria.)

However, as I got older I began to explore deeper, provoking, questions – oftentimes too scared to utter to others. For example ‘How do we know the Bible is really the Word of God?’ ‘Who wrote the Bible?’ ‘How did the New Testament come to be?’ Eventually, my questions and thirst for answers led me to travel as far as Israel, for answers. Indeed I got some answers, and today I see myself as more spiritual than religious. Moreover, I certainly don’t discount other people’s faith or lack of faith, for who am I to be the wiser?

So, while I consider myself more spiritual than religious, I still enjoy attending my Catholic church. It is my place of worship and meditation. For those who have never been, attending a Catholic Church entails many traditional practices. For example there is standing, kneeling, sitting, shaking hands with your neighbours and saying “peace be with you,” accepting bread and wine (representing the body and blood of Christ), holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer and singing various songs (a.k.a hymns) – to name a few. However, I actually enjoy these practices. It is familiar to me and feels like home – I just wish we didn’t shake hands!

Now, I am a germ freak and with winter closely upon us, I’m not so keen on shaking hands and then accepting the body of Christ in that hand that I just shook hands with or held during a prayer.

I can remember during the SARS epidemic shaking hands in church was not allowed and wine was provided in paper cups. Now, we’re back to normal where we shake hands, instead of nod to our good neighbours, and wine serving an entire congregation, is offered from the same challis. Needless to say, I take the blood of Christ at home.

In the end, this exposure to germs (which may leave me with a cold lasting weeks) is worth it! I still get excited and sing very loudly when a favorite song is chosen for the day like “On Eagles Wind”, “Be not Afraid” or “Sing to the Mountains”. And I leave feeling elevated when the Priest ends with “The Mass has ended now go in Peace. Peace be with you.” It’s like I’ve received my blessing for the week.

Peace be with you,
Nicole

A SPECIAL THANK YOU ON THIS REMEMBERANCE DAY -- NOVEMBER 11

Novemember 11... Rememberance Day... Thank you to all those who have served for our country. Your efforts have not and will not be forgotten. For because of you, we've been able to know the Canada we know today and continue to know. Thank you to our troops... words can't say enough!!!

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.



We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Courtesy of Bee MacGuire
Obtained From TheMcCrae Museum of The Guelph Museum

Reflecting on Breast Cancer Awareness

It’s been just over a year now, since I found a lump in my breast, and had it removed… That period of my life, was certainly one of my scariest moments. With October and Breast Cancer Awareness at hand, I thought I would take a moment and re-post a blog I had written weeks after discovering my lump. Ironically, when I wrote the blog, I had thought I was in the clear, but upon further examinations including a biopsy my lump actually was ambiguous. I eventually had to have it removed, to be sure that it was in fact benign. I consider myself fortunate and blessed, however, that experience will forever be tattooed in my mind!

I love the month of October, because it unites everyone in educating and supporting the battle against breast cancer. The progress that the Susan G. Komen Organization has made since its inception in 1982 has been incredible. If memory serves correctly, I believe the survival of breast cancer since 1980 has moved from 30% to 70%... perhaps in another decade it will be 100%. Let’s not wait for it to affect someone we know before getting involved and supporting the cause.

BLOG: A Lump in the Breast - Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Getting Involved,
Niocle