However, this could simply be a case of power and control

You decide!

In preparation for an event at Niagara Falls, the organizer requested that the falls be turned off so that the mist would not interfere with the show

Taking into consideration that the roaring falls of Niagara on both sides of the border could be North American contenders to the seven wonders of the world, it mystifies me that anyone would not realize the reality of their forceful presence.

Harnessing their power for hydro-electricity is not the same as shutting off the falls faucet!

Obviously, the request could not be fulfilled.

The show would go on mist and all, to the event planner’s dismay, as Niagara Falls remained the main attraction!

Although it is anyone’s guess, I suppose, what month that will actually happen, as the world’s weather seems to be more unreliable than ever!

Since I attended an annual ritual March 21st on one of the Toronto Islands to usher in spring, I have to wonder if perhaps the islanders’ bonfire of the Christmas trees is such a good idea!

Or maybe the residents will limit spectators such as myself in future years to ensure the spring gods will answer their smokey request.

Although to exclude mainlanders from such a fun-loving celebration would be unfortunate indeed, as we all know that prohibition ended several decades ago.

Perhaps if we brought more spirits with us as we join in the ring of fire, increasingly favourable results would follow, as we would then all be dancing to the same drummer.

'Bonfire of the Christmas trees'

2012 will definitely be one of change.

Some karmic astrologers would predict a cosmos in flux, jeopardizing relationships.

A clean slate is how it will begin.  What will be written is unknown.

The only certainty is that life, although mysterious, will unfold as it is intended.

Once faith rather than fear becomes the norm, the rest will follow naturally.

Embrace the moment each and every day . . .

The week leading up to the day Christians celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, is filled with anticipation.

It is very easy to be distracted from the true meaning of this time of year by all of the glitter and glamour.

Party-goers, shoppers, merchants; all vie for attention.

When many have little while few have much, it only seems appropriate for each person to generously share whatever special talents one has with others.

For some it could take the form of a smile, laughter or time.  For others it might be of monetary value.

Giving exemplifies the true spirit of this season no matter what the gift.

One day set aside each year to count our blessings doesn’t seem nearly enough in these democratic societies.

We, who are blessed to live in North America, have much to be thankful for.

Every day is a gift.

To embrace life with all of its ups and downs, knowing that each of us can choose the attitude we bring to the day, whatever our respective limitations, is indeed a very great blessing . . .

Their dictator is dead!

From this day forward the hope is that Libya will find peace and democracy to replace bloodshed and autocracy.

NATO was instrumental in this successful unseating of power.

Our Canadian forces with their allies took the lead role in conducting as peaceful a mission as possible in the midst of genocide being perpetrated by Mommar Gadhafi on his Libyan citizens.

Freedom is not free. 

If one asks the Libyan benefactors if the price of freedom is worth the cost, I believe their unified answer would be a resounding yes!

Yesterday in rain and cool temperatures, I hiked the Bruce Trail in a favourite area of mine with a very small (two car) group.

We negotiated slippery rocks on the escarpment while thoroughly muddying our boots and pants.

The canopy of trees on most trails provided some relief from raindrops overhead, yet finding a dry spot to enjoy our lunch was no small feat and in fact became an impossible task!

Any leaves which had changed showed muted colours on such a grey day.

With windy conditions the day before some had fallen before their time, making it more difficult for the women hikers to find privacy on the trail.

Despite all of these deterrents, hiking in nature provided me with the oxygen, exercise, endorphins and companionship (both during the trek and afterward in a coffee shop) that I craved yesterday.

Similarly, I enjoyed my adventure the Sunday prior, although a very different experience ensued.

One week ago gave me a brilliant, sunny, summer-like day on a variety of trails, again in one of my most well-liked areas.

Sunshine showcased magnificent crimson leaves on Sumac bushes, and vivid purple and canary grasses in meadow-lands.

A variety of deciduous trees on escarpment trails offered glimpses of colourful change occurring among vibrant green leaves.

Birds chirped as butterflies circled and followed me on the paths I took.

Several hikers travelled together on this day, in a yellow school-bus, in order to get to the area we desired.

City dwellers without vehicles have limited options when escaping into nature!

We finished our enjoyable, fast-paced outing in a lovely, rolling village where we hikers met some bikers who apparently enjoy frequenting this locale as well.

Now, when I say bikers I do not mean cyclists!

Motorbikes of every make and engine noise, carrying leather-clad gents of varied description roared into town as we walked the hilly countryside.

As some of us searched for the local pub, and determined that there is only one inn that offers alcoholic beverages, the black-jacketed bikers sat outside the ice cream shop and coffee store, relishing cones or imbibing coffee!

Not one of them was to be found where we congregated before our journey back to the city.

Perhaps that is one benefit of having a designated bus driver as opposed to manoeuvring a motorcycle in the great outdoors

Leaves change to brilliant shades of crimson, scarlet, canary, and tangerine before they fall from branches bearing buds which hibernate until the following renewal of spring.

This month also elicits bittersweet emotions for me personally.

As I am in the autumn of my life, and literally born under the sign of Libra, I am conscious of how quickly time can slip away.

I have experienced sudden losses of life throughout my own, which raises my awareness of the precious gift each day with loved ones brings.

My journey has had numerous twists and turns, a wide variety of adventures; some of the most significant being inward.

Introspection is a blessing and a curse.

Living in the present moment is most fulfilling for me as a conscious choice, being aware of consequential actions.

I remind myself to ‘be still and smile’, as the mystery of my future unfolds before me while my past falls away . .  .