Journal Prompt ~ Truth

Today's Prompt: Truth

If there's one undeniable truth you have learned in life . . . ?

There is no such thing as free.  Anything that says it is free generally has a cost attached to it.  Look at the silly toys and promotions to encourage children to eat junk food and parents to purchase that kiddie meal.  The cost is included in the meal.  Getting a discount on your cable means someone else has to pay more.  Eating samples in a store generally ends up with you buying the product.  Maybe not at that moment, but there is a good chance you will.  Receiving a used washer and dryer generally means the donor needs to get rid of it, doesn't want to pay to get rid of it and makes themselves feel better by giving it to someone.  Chances are that a matter of weeks after it is installed it will break down and cost a lot of money to be repaired or removed.  I could go on and on but that would be depressing.

Let's just say I never trust that something is actually free . . . 

Movie Review ~ One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

This is one of my favourite scenes from the movie.  I had seen One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest many many many years ago so I decided to give it another go.  I think even more of it now than I originally did.  



Jack Nicholson plays McMurphy, who wrangled a trip from the prison farm to a mental institution for an assesment.  McMurphy was sure he would have an easier time finishing out his sentence at the hospital.  I'm not going to state that McMurphy was or was not mentally ill when he arrived but, because of his rebellious behaviour, he was treated as ill.  The end of the movie was so sad and yet so powerful.  It does not surprise me that this movie won so many awards.

Academy Awards, USA 1976

Won Oscar	Best Picture Saul Zaentz Michael Douglas 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' became the first film in 41 years to sweep the major categories ... More
	Best Actor in a Leading Role Jack Nicholson
	Best Actress in a Leading Role Louise Fletcher
	Best Director Milos Forman
	Best Writing, Screenplay Adapted From Other Material Lawrence Hauben Bo Goldman
Nominated Oscar	Best Actor in a Supporting Role Brad Dourif
	Best Cinematography Haskell Wexler Bill Butler
	Best Film Editing Richard Chew Lynzee Klingman Sheldon Kahn
	Best Music, Original Dramatic Score Jack Nitzsche

Journal Prompt ~ Tanka

 

What's on for supper

I don't know what do you want

I just can't decide

the fridges freezers pantry . . . 

nothing but ingredients.

June 2023 Newsletter ~ In My World with Pam Hedden

                                             In My World with Pam Hedden

inmyworld@live.ca

226-504-6660

June 2023

Thu., June 1 @ 10am - 1pm Ladies’ Day Out Online online & Pam’s

Join us online or in person in my studio to chat and create . . . every Thursday morning. 

Fri., June 2-4@ 10 am-6 pm Let’s Party! online

I'm having a party. A mixture of FB Live, Messenger room and in person. There will be fun and games, introducing new products, make n takes, mini classes . . . all sorts of fun and prizes.

Tue., June 6 @ 1 pm For Beginners and Beyond online & Pam’s

Tue., June 6 @ 7 pm For Beginners and Beyond

Join in a discussion about the art of Scrapbooking while enjoying a delicious snack and beverage. Afterwards, we will be creating a two-page layout using the ideas we’ve discussed. Cost $15. You can join the class online but you would need to pick up your class kit in advance. Please e-transfer to inmyworld@live.ca

Wed., June 7 @ 12 pm Ladies’ Day Out Lunch          1881 Steakhouse

Join us for lunch at 1881 Steakhouse in St. Thomas. Please RSVP as soon as possible so we can arrange seating. Making a reservation is the only way to be sure we’ll get in.

Thu., June 8 @ 10 am Ladies’ Day Out Online         online & Pam’s

Join us online or in person to chat and create . . . every Thursday morning.

Sat., June 10 @ 10am–4pm Kit Day online & Pam’s

If you have purchased any of my kits and you want help to put them together . . . OR . . . you bought a class kit when you weren’t able to join the class . . . This is the day. Join me in a Messenger room or drop into my studio between 10 am - 4 pm and I’ll be happy to help out.

Sun., June 11 @ 2 pm Watkins’ Sample Pack     online & Pam’s

Please join me in person or online  for an afternoon of sniffing and tasting many of Watkins' delicious organic extracts, spices and seasonings. In person guests will receive their sample packs during the event. If you will be participating online, please make arrangements to pick up your sample pack in advance of the event.

Tue., June 13 @ 1 pm Your Art Journal     online & Pam’s

Tue., June 13 @ 7 pm Your Art Journal

Join us to learn how to make your own multi-media journal. If you already have made or purchased your journal you can start playing and creating your first pages. Wear old clothes or bring an apron. I will be supplying the materials for this class. $20. A messenger room can be opened for ONLINE participants but you will have to provide your own materials. $5. Let me know in advance of the class if you wish to work online. Please e-transfer to fee to inmyworld@live.ca

Thu., June 15 @ 10 am Ladies’ Day Out Online online & Pam’s

Join us online or in person to chat and create . . . every Thursday morning.

Tue., June 20 @ 10am–4pm Kit Day online & Pam’s

If you have purchased any of my kits and you want help to put them together . . . OR . . . you bought a class kit when you weren’t able to join the class . . . This is the day. Join me in a Messenger room or drop into my studio between 10 am - 4 pm and I’ll be happy to help out.

Thu., June 22 @ 10 am Ladies’ Day Out Online online & Pam’s

Join us online or in person to chat and create . . . every Thursday morning.

Sat., June 24 @ 1 pm Free CTMH Make n Take online & Pam’s

Please join me for a FREE make n take using the CTMH products we all love. One- and Two-page kits to match the make n take will be available for sale. Beverages and snacks will be served. You are also welcome to join us online. Just message me in advance to arrange pick up of your make n take kit.

Mon., June 26 @ 6 pm Sketch Club online & Pam’s

It's rather nice to have a chance to use your own stash to create some great layouts, isn't it? I will provide 4 fabulous two-page sketches to get your creativity flowing. Cost is $5.00 per person and refreshments will be provided. A supply list will be posted in advance. Can’t make it to the studio? Provide your email address and e-transfer and I will email you the sketches so you can play along online. Please e-transfer to reserve your seat in person or to receive your sketches by email to inmyworld@live.ca

Thu., June 29 @ 10 am Ladies’ Day Out Online online & Pam’s

Join us online or in person to chat and create . . . every Thursday morning.

CTMH catalogue https://inmyworld.closetomyheart.ca/ctmh/products/online-catalog.aspx

Watkins catalogue  http://www.respectedhomeproducts.com/1213995

If you do not wish to receive a calendar of events from me once per month please let me know and I will delete you from the mailing list. ~ Pam Hedden

Journal Prompt ~ Camping

Today's Prompt: Camping

Did you ever camp out in the backyard as a kid?

I wish I had some photos to share but . . . yes . . . we definitely camped a lot when I was a kid.  I don't remember camping in the back yard though.  We camped in parks and at least two summers I remember camping at my aunt and uncle's farm near Port Stanley.  When the kids were small, Hal and I took them camping a few times.  We took our grandsons and niece on a road trip in a borrowed motor home one summer.  That was fun.  A few years ago, Hal and I took the seats out of the van, put in an air mattress, stove and cooler, and spent a long weekend letterboxing.  Now-a-days my idea of camping involves a king size bed and a mini bar and shower.  

Canadian Music ~ The Flummies

Flummies (flum`-meez`) n. - traditional Labrador trappers' bread using a mixture of flour, salt and baking powder

The Flummies are a four piece music group which are home-based in the Central Labrador community of Happy Valley - Goose Bay. The band plays traditional accordion music, their own hits, plus a lively mixture of country/rock. The Flummies are prominently known for recording and preserving the historical, cultural and traditional songs of Labrador. The indigenous influences of the Innu, Inuit and Metis people have been intertwined over the last century, to produce songs known as "Labrador music". Songs which tell stories of the people who have survived hard times, and those whom have seen all the beauty the Labrador landscape has to offer.

Since their 1988 release of their second album, "Songs of Labrador", The Flummies have many, many albums and frequently perform around the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, across Nunavik. Included in their touring was a five show performance in Germany in 1989 and twenty-eight shows at the base of the CN Tower in June of 1999. In more recent years the band has been spreading their unique brand of music across Canada's northern territories.

The Flummies have been performing since 1977 and consist of aboriginal musicians of Inuit and Metis decent. Original group member Richard Dyson (accordion and percussion) has been joined by Tunker Campbell (acoustic and electric lead guitars, vocals), Leander Baikie (acoustic guitar and vocals) and Sim Asivak (bass).

The Flummies pledge to continue to please audiences with their homegrown style and blend of good heartwarming, toe-tapping music.

https://www.theflummies.com/home/bio.htm

Canadian Films ~ Falls Around Her

Tantoo Cardinal shines as a world-famous Anishinaabe musician who returns to the reserve to rest and recharge . . . only to discover that fame and the outside world are not easily left behind. Anchored by Cardinal’s captivating performance, Falls Around Her is an empowering story of a woman reclaiming control of her life and land.

The movie moves at a gentle pace for the most part which helps you feel the peace "Mary Birchbark" is trying to attain. The stormier moments make you realize that finding peace is not as easy as you might think.

Journal Prompt ~ Oldies

Today's Prompt: Oldies

What songs can you still remember from when you were young?

I can't tell you the title of the song I just listened to on the radio but I know all or most of the words to just about anything by the Monkees, Beach Boys, Mamas and the Papas, many of the girl groups of the 60s, American Pie and The House of the Rising Sun.

Yes, I am the same person who can't find my glasses or the power cord for my gps . . . but I know the words to Ticket to Ride by the Beatles . . . LOL.

160 Unusual Things to See in Ontario ~ Holleford Crater

Although the crater itself is buried, its location (arrows) is marked by a subtle surface depression.

Coordinates 44.4578°N 76.6333°W, Ontario, Canada

The Holleford Crater is a meteorite crater near the community of Holleford, part of South Frontenac, Ontario, Canada. It is 2.35 kilometres (1.5 mi) in diameter and the age is estimated to be 550 ± 100 million years (Ediacaran or Cambrian). Although there is a surface depression over the area, the crater itself is not exposed at the surface.

Holleford Crater is located on the Babcook Family Homestead Farm properties (including the original Babcook Homestead Farm, established 1803, owned by the family of the late Frederick and Jean Babcook, at Hartington, Ontario (about 1/2 hour north of Kingston Ontario). (It was the birthplace of the last surviving veteran of the Canadian army in World War One, Jack Babcock, who died on February 18, 2010 at the age of 109.) Starting in the 1960s, the site has been visited frequently by geology students from Queen's University, at Kingston. In the 1970s, as a result of efforts by the late Frederick Babcook, an official commemorative plaque was erected along the road beside the Babcook Homestead Farm by the Province of Ontario. Queen's University's Miller Hall Museum of Geology maintains a display dedicated to the Holleford Meteorite Crater.

The plaque at the crater site states:

Holleford Crater was discovered in the 1950s during analysis of aerial photographs under the direction of Carlyle S. Beals of the Dominion Observatory in Ottawa. In the late 1950s, the Geological Survey of Canada conducted a series of four geophysical studies: magnetic observations, seismic studies, gravity studies, and a diamond drilling program. The seismic and gravity studies and the drilling all produced data consistent with the impact theory. The drill core revealed breccia and similar materials at predicted depths. The studies concluded that an ancient meteorite impact crater is present in the Precambrian bedrock below the surface. The meteorite was estimated to be approximately 100 metres (330 ft) in diameter and to have impacted at approximately 55,000 kilometres per hour (34,000 mph).

At first the depression filled with water, becoming a circular lake. Later Palaeozoic seas swept in sediments, filling the crater to its present depth of about 30 metres. The explosive impact of the meteorite is still evident in the hundreds of feet of shattered rock that drilling has detected beneath the original crater floor.

https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/plaques/holleford-crater

https://kids.kiddle.co/Holleford_crater

Canadian Book Review: The Wife's Tale by Lori Lansens

The Wife's Tale by Lori Lansens is definitely a good read.  My hand isn't working well yet this morning so I'll just leave you with this published review . . . 

Library Journal Review

Mary Gooch is beyond shock when her husband leaves the night before their silver anniversary party. Jimmy Gooch has always loved her, but with each new trauma-two early miscarriages, her father's death, even the loss of her feral cat-Mary has felt less worthy of his affection and more hungry. Now weighing 302 pounds, Mary can't seem to move past her malaise. Finding $25,000 in their bank account, Mary flies, for the first time, from their small Canadian town to her mother-in-law's home in Southern California, determined to wait for her prodigal spouse. While there, she loses her appetite but discovers a measure of self-worth through the "kindness of strangers." VERDICT Lansens's (The Girls) portrait of a woman who hides behind the Kenmore as protection from life's heartache is earthy and primal in its pain. Yet Lansens doesn't resort to an overnight makeover to save Mary. Instead, our heroine uncovers a hidden strength she had all along.

Journal Prompt ~ What is Art?

Today's Prompt: What is Art?

How do you define "art?"

Thomas Merton in No Man Is An Island:
Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.

When I am stressed or sad or bored or just being . . . I can count on art to bring me joy and share my feelings.  Art is how I keep happy . . . how I express myself.   

Movie Review ~ Forrest Gump (1994)

Who doesn't love Tom Hanks?




In fact, some days I'd like to be Forrest Gump. 

Forrest Gump, is considered slow-witted, but thanks to his Mother he was never left out of anything.  In fact, he had many adventures including being a college football star, a soldier in Vietnam, the captain of a fishing boat, and a ping pong champion, These adventures have allowed him to be part of many historic moments.  It is an awesome story.

Academy Awards, USA 1995 Won

Best Picture
Wendy Finerman
Steve Starkey
Steve Tisch

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Tom Hanks

Best Director
Robert Zemeckis

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Eric Roth

Best Film Editing
Arthur Schmidt

Best Effects, Visual Effects
Ken Ralston
George Murphy
Stephen Rosenbaum
Allen Hall

Nominated

Oscar Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Gary Sinise

Best Cinematography
Don Burgess

Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
Rick Carter
Nancy Haigh

Best Sound
Randy Thom
Tom Johnson
Dennis S. Sands
William B. Kaplan

Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing
Gloria S. Borders
Randy Thom

Best Makeup
Daniel C. Striepeke
Hallie D'Amore
Judith A. Cory

Best Music, Original Score
Alan Silvestri

Let's go to the movies . . . The Godfather

I love movies.  Favourites are watched over and over again.  The Godfather movies are among my favourites.

The Godfather is on the Top 100 Greatest Movies of All Time (The Ultimate List) by IMDb in first place.  The Top 100 Movies of All Time (Best of Rotten Tomatoes) lists The Godfather in 7th place . . . still near the top.

I love this movie.  Maybe it is just that I love so many of the actors in this movie -- Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Abe Vigoda and so many more.  I've always had a soft spot for Abe Vigoda from his days on the TV show, Barney Miller.

But really it has everything -- family, love, drama, life, death.  What more could you ask for?

The Godfather was nominated for 11 Oscars and won in three categories -- Best Leading Actor, Best Writing, and Best Picture.

If you are looking for something to binge watch some rainy summer day why not The Godfather I, II and III.  And if you are really into the Godfather, I hear there is even a video game.

Journal Prompt ~ Food Obsessions

Today's Prompt: Food Obsessions

You know how many people are obsessed with bacon?  What foods are like that for you? As in, what do you eat an abnormal amount of or add to lots of meals that many people don't add it to?

I love sushi.  I love any restaurant that serves sushi . . . although Plaza Sushi and Asuka Japanese in St. Thomas, ON remain my favourites.  I will even eat the sushi from grocery stores if I am desperate.  Sushi is my food obsession.  It's not my only obsession . . . but it is #1.

Tanka ~ Magic

our lives are full of

magical moments that bring

us great joy when we

recognize appreciate

them don't miss the magic joy

Journal Prompt ~ Seeing It

Today's Prompt: Seeing It

What's something or someplace you'd really like to see someday?

I have a long list but here are the top three places I'd like to see someday:

1.  All across Canada
2.  Ireland and England and Scotland
3.  New Zealand and Australia

4. Iceland

Book Review ~ A Gift of Grace

I'm turning into a book reading machine . . . LOL . . .

Rebecca Kauffman's tranquil Old Order Amish life is transformed when she suddenly has custody of her two teenage nieces after her 'English' sister and brother-in-law are killed in an automobile accident. Instant motherhood, after years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive a child of her own, is both a joy and a heartache. Rebecca struggles to give the teenage girls the guidance they need as well as fulfill her duties to Daniel as an Amish wife. Rebellious Jessica is resistant to Amish ways and constantly in trouble with the community. Younger sister Lindsay is caught in the middle, and the strain between Rebecca and Daniel mounts as Jessica's rebellion escalates. Instead of the beautiful family life she dreamed of creating for her nieces, Rebecca feels as if her world is being torn apart by two different cultures, leaving her to question her place in the Amish community, her marriage, and her faith in God.

I am finding JOY In My World . . .

I generally talk about people, places, and things on this blog but . . . 

This post is about ME.  

I have spent my entire life trying, mostly unsuccessfully, to please everyone in my life.  So many times that behaviour has backfired on me in bad relationships and bad decisions.  I knew I had to make some changes but had no idea how.

And then a friend suggested we form a group to discuss The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  The first attempt sputtered out quickly but one year later we were able to put together a group of women who were also searching for change.  Every month we read a chapter, discussed what we'd read, and made goals to reach for.  We were committed to holding each other up and small changes began to happen in our worlds.  So much so that we determined to repeat the project for a second year.  Some of us derived more or less than others depending on the timing of our lives.  What I learned was that Rubin's book was a great start but I needed more.

I read several other books including The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking.  More changes and yet still wanting more.  My health has been a huge issue for many years and I knew I could improve my health just by being more focused and reducing stress.  These were not easy goals.

At the same time as I was doing all this research and trying to make changes to my life I gradually noticed that I was isolating myself.  The difference from previous times I'd done this was that my walls weren't made of "bricks" but rather more of a nest -- a safe place where I could think, read, nurture myself , and be creative.  The great thing about a nest is that I could come out when I wished and people could come in if they wished.  Some people didn't wish to come in and that told me a lot about them.  The best people gave me the space I have needed but kept tabs on me and even dragged me out of my nest once in a while.  

A serious health problem a few months ago made it clear I still had a lot of work to do. 

I have joined a couple of real life organizations that are supportive of some of my interests.  

I have learned to say No more often while still saying Yes when I can.

I have become more vigilant about my diet and medical care.  

I have started going to a chiropractor to help with my physical pain.

I have started reading The Artists Way by Julia Cameron with a couple of friends.  It has been slow going but we haven't given up.  Chapter 3 has rather kicked my butt.  I am working through the challenges and goals to be able to move on to the next chapter.

My health is improving every day.  I am feeling better everyday.  I am more motivated everyday. I know I have to be vigilant in my self-care so that I can continue to grow and so that I can be available as a whole person to others.  

I am finding JOY In My World . . . and I never want to go back to the person who was always running on empty.  

I am looking forward to continuing my journey of self-care and I thank those special people in my life who have allowed me to take this journey and been supportive along the way.

Pam

Originally posted 31 Aug 2019

Canadian Music ~ Finger Eleven

 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Finger Eleven is a Canadian rock band from Burlington, Ontario, formed in 1990. They have released seven studio albums (six as Finger Eleven and one as Rainbow Butt Monkeys), with their album The Greyest of Blue Skies bringing them into the mainstream. Their 2003 self-titled album achieved Gold status in the United States and Platinum in Canada, largely from the success of the single "One Thing", which marked the band's first placing on the US Hot 100 Chart at number 16. Their 2007 album, Them vs. You vs. Me launched the single "Paralyzer", which went on to top the Canadian Hot 100 and both US rock charts, as well as reaching No. 6 on the US Hot 100 and No. 12 on the Australian Singles Chart. They won the Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year in 2008. The same album was later certified gold in the US and multi-platinum in Canada. They released their sixth studio album, Life Turns Electric, on October 5, 2010; it was nominated as Best Rock Album of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2011. Five Crooked Lines, their 7th studio album, was released in 2015. Between 1995 and 2016, Finger Eleven was among the top 75 best-selling Canadian artists in Canada and among the top 25 best-selling Canadian bands in Canada.

Canadian Films ~ In the Land of the Head Hunters

The following plot synopsis was published in conjunction with a 1915 showing of the film at Carnegie Hall:

"To gain power from the spirit forces, Motana, a great chief's son, goes on a vigil-journey. But though the tribal law forbids the thought of woman during the fasting, his dreams are ever of Naida; her face appearing in the coilng smoke of the prayer-fire he builds high upon a mountain peak. To forfend the anger of the spirits he must pass a stronger ordeal. He sleeps upon the Island of the Dead, then hunts and kills the whale; and raids the clustered sea-lion rookeries, a whole day's paddle out to sea.

Naida is wooed and won by Motana, and splendid is the wooing. But Naida, with her dowry, is coveted by the Sorcerer. He is evil, old and ugly. Waket, Naida's father fears the baleful "medicine" of the Sorcerer, and also stands in dread of the Sorcerer's brother, who is Yaklus, "the short life bringer," and the head-hunting scourge of all the coast. Waket promises Naida to the Sorcerer. So ensues war between the two factions.

Motana and his father, Kenada, and their clan resolve to rid the region of the head hunters. In their great canoes they attack the village of the Sorcerer and Yaklus. The Sorcerer's head they bring to prove his death to those who believed him "deathless." But Yaklus escapes. After the wedding of Motana and Naida, with pomp of primitive pageantry, and dancing and feasting, in which the throngs of two great totem villages take part, Yaklus attacks and burns Motana's village. Motana is left for dead. Naida is carried away into captivity. Wild is the reveling that follows at the village of Yaklus. The beauty of Naida's dancing saves her life. Naida's slave boy, a fellow captive, escapes. His message brings Motana, who rescues Naida by stealth. The raging Yaklus pursues. Motana, hard pressed, dares the waters of the surging gorge of Hyal. His canoe flies through, but Yaklus is overwhelmed and drowned."

This is an important film for many reasons including that the actors are all Native North Americans and that it is the oldest Canadian feature film that still exists.

 

Journal Prompt ~ What Do You See?

Today's Writing Prompt: What Do You See?

What do you see, right now, as you're reading this prompt?

The room where I spend most of my time and it is kinda messy right now.  I often leave out projects I am working on.  I love that I can see out my window when I'm working.  My rose of sharon bush attracts birds and I can watch their antics.