In My World

In the Village of Eugenia, Ontario, an unincorporated municipality in Artemesia Township, beside the Beaver River at the top of Eugenia Falls in the Eugenia Falls Conservation Area, sits a lone stone arch seemingly serving no purpose. This stone arch was once the entrance to a long-vanished tunnel intended to be used in conjunction with a long abandoned hydro-electric power project. Built by the Georgian Bay Power Company between 1906 and 1907, the tunnel was dug through the hill beside the top of the falls to the valley floor below. The plan was to divert the river through the tunnel in an attempt to maximize the drop, thus increasing the generation capacity of Eugenia Falls. This was the second attempt at hydro generation at Eugenia Falls, the first being built in 1893 by local businessman William Hogg, the namesake of “Hogg’s Hollow north of Toronto. Unfortunately Hogg’s paddlewheel generator was only able to generate 70 kW, barely enough electricity to power Eugenia and nearby ...

What are the three words that describe how you feel right now?

Using 10 words, describe yourself. introverted curious resourceful creative friendly empathetic happy tolerant anxious humorous Okay, now its your turn?

You know I don't like scary movies but I have to say I thought The Matrix was pretty cool.  Of course I like the stars of this movie -- Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, and Carrie-Anne Moss.  Humanity is being used as energy to keep machines alive.  They think they are having a real life but their minds are actually locked into an artificial reality known as the matrix.  Neo (Reeves) finds Morpheus (or did Morpheus find Neo?) and learns about the matrix.  Now the Machines are after them as they foment a rebellion.  There is lots of great CGI and larger than life cinematography. Academy Awards, USA  2000 Won Oscar Best Film Editing Zach Staenberg   Best Sound John T. Reitz Gregg Rudloff David E. Campbell David Lee   Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing Dane A. Davis   Best Effects, Visual Effects John Gaeta Janek Sirrs Steve Courtley Jon Thum  

Where is the most perfect place in the world? In my world, it is my studio/office . . . where I can relax, create, chat  . . . whatever I want to do . . .

List your four favourite desserts. There is nothing I don't love about dessert.  Dessert is happiness in a dish. My four favourite desserts are 1.  cheesecake . . . any kind 2.  pie . . . especially blueberry and cherry 3.  yogurt with fresh fruit and granola 4.  cookies . . . any kind Wow, that was easy.

I seem to be reading a lot of nonfiction and biographies lately.  When I was offered the chance to review George Washington Carver I was curious to find out about the person whose name I'd heard many times.  I didn't really know much about him except that he was educated. John Perry did a masterful job of presenting Dr. Carver in a realistic way.  He didn't hide the man's many quirks, especially his need of constant approbation.  The writing is easy to read and contains a great deal of interesting information about the times and Carver's place in it. Carver was born a slave.  After slavery was abolished George and his brother were raised by the couple who had owned them.  George received a basic education from his guardians and was encouraged to continue his education.  The author describes in detail how an African-American man had to struggle to achieve a decent education.  Carver managed to graduate from college and became a professo...

The “sweetest music this side of Heaven.” That’s how the Chicago Tribune, back in 1928, characterized the music made by Guy Lombardo and his orchestra, the Royal Canadians. A native of London, Ontario, Lombardo was responsible for making “Auld Lang Syne” the definitive New Year’s Eve song and entertained countless listeners in a career that lasted more than 50 years. The son of Italian immigrants, Lombardo was born June 19, 1902. Guy (violin) and his younger brothers Carmen (saxophone, vocals) and Lebert (trumpet) grew up in a musical family, establishing their first “orchestra” in grammar school. Together with Freddie Kreitzer (pianist), they played their first professional gig in Grand Bend, Ontario, in 1919. Engagements in London and Port Stanley, Ontario followed, and the group, now expanded to include a brass section, guitarist and drummer drove down to Ohio to pursue fame and fortune. In 1924 Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians took up a two-year residency at the Cleveland night...

Write about your very first job. My very first job, that wasn't babysitting or the one horrible day in a cucumber field, was at 13 when I spent the summer working for the Falkins at the Wendie Leigh Motel on Talbot Street in St. Thomas.  I remember that certain things had to be done exactly so . . . especially bed making . . . and that leaving a hair in the sink was a capital offence.  I don't remember what I was paid.

Did you ever run away from home? When we were really young a neighbourhood friend wanted to run away from home because her family weren't going to give her a birthday party and she was heartbroken.  So we made our plans and at the crack of dawn the next day (I believe it was a Sunday) my sister and I filled a garbage bag with clothes and books and food and sneaked out the back door.  When we arrived at our friend's home she informed us she didn't have to run away after all because she did get her birthday party after all.  Well, I suppose we could have returned home but since we were packed we decided to continue running away.  We ran away to a nearby gully (ravine?) with a huge old tree that provided excellent cover.  It was about 4 blocks from home, 1 block from our grandparents and right across the road from family friends.  But we were quite sure we were well hidden and would never be found.  I don't think we had given any thought to what we would...

I have been struggling to find information about the Corduroy Trails in Awenda Provincial Park. I'm sure it exists because I can find photos of it. But which trail is known as the Corduroy Trail. Perhaps its a nickname? A photographer named Snuffy has posted photos on flickr. You can use this or the link that follows to see his photos of the Bluff Trail which he identifies as part of the area where the Corduroy Trails existed. https://www.flickr.com/photos/snuffy/263345038/in/photostream/ Logs were laid side by side on some of these trails during the pioneer time to allow horses and wagons to travel. Over time, the logs rotted and disappeared. For more information . . . https://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail/bluff-trail

I would like a survey of the type of people who rate IMDB's top movies. I watched Inception.  While I enjoyed the acting and the special effects, the story itself was unnecessarily complex and odd.  My son must have thought that my cool reception to this movie might be because I didn't understand it so he tried to explain it . . . LOL.  I got it, I just wasn't crazy about it. Having said all that, I would watch it again if I had to . . . it just wouldn't be my first choice. It seems the Academy agreed with me . . .  Academy Awards, USA  2011 Won Oscar Best Achievement in Cinematography Wally Pfister   Best Achievement in Sound Mixing Lora Hirschberg Gary Rizzo Ed Novick   Best Achievement in Sound Editing Richard King   Best Achievement in Visual Effects Chris Corbould Andrew Lockley Pete Bebb Paul J. Franklin   Nominated Oscar Best Motion Picture of the Year Christopher Nolan Emma Thomas   Best Writing, Original Scr...

How do you entertain your family without spending any money?  I'd love to hear your ideas. Boxing Day 2013 When we have the family over we generally play board games or card games.   For snacks we usually make pots of tea or hot chocolate and munch on big bowls of popcorn.  Sometimes we watch favourite movies such as Oscar .

What are your 3 favourite TV shows.

I loved reading Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother  by Amy Chua.  It is definitely a controversial book, but it is written in an honest and humorous fashion that is appealing and easy to read. Amy Chua is determined to raise her two daughters in what she considers the stereotypical Chinese style.  She points out that you don't have to be Chinese to parent this way.  Chinese style parenting is about discipline and focus, preparing your children for the future, instilling excellent work habits and confidence and self-esteem resulting from accomplishment.  The Chinese parent stresses accomplishment in academics and extra-curricular activities.  This is extreme parenting. Chua compares her style to Western parenting in which parents nurture their childrens' individuality, allowing them to find their own passions and creating a soft, entitled, untalented child unprepared for life.  Western parents believe self-esteem comes first and then accomplishmen...

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Guthries were a Canadian country rock band based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They released two albums in the early 2000s. The Guthries formed in 1998 in Halifax. Originally formed by vocalist Ruth Minnikin and Dale Murray, the band included their respective siblings Gabe Minnikin and Brian Murray, as well as high school friends Serge Samson and Matt Mays. Early line-ups included Nick Bevan-John and Tim-Jim Baker. The band's first album was Off Windmill, released in 2000. Mays subsequently left the band in 2002, just prior to the release of the band's second release, the self-titled The Guthries. The band toured extensively throughout Canada and the UK. Following that album, however, the band members each began pursuing solo projects, and have not released another Guthries album.

What are your favourite three outfits to wear? This is an easy question for me. 1.  pyjama pants or leggings and tank tops (but only at home) 2.  flip flops (I hate socks) 3.  earrings (I feel naked without them)

Ruins: The Corran, the Hermitage, Osler Castle The Corran Ruins Spirit Rock Conservation Area 92 HIGHWAY 6, WIARTON ON, Spirit Rock & McNeil Estate is a popular site in Bruce County where you can take in an impressive view of Colpoy's Bay and hike over 5 km of trails. A must-see feature on this property is the spiral staircase that winds down the escarpment to the shoreline. The Corran ruins of the McNeill Estate offer a glimpse into the past and are a highlight for history-lovers! The ruins of the McNeill Estate provide a glimpse into some of the history of Bruce County and its settlers. In 1881, this site became home for Alexander McNeill who developed the land into beautiful garden, manicured lawns and productive orchards. The heart of the estate was the Corran, a 17-room mansion lavished with carvings, ancient weapons, tapestries and book-lined walls. The Gaelic meaning for Corran is ‘point of land running into the sea’. McNeill’s mansion was modeled and named after his chi...

What's something you were afraid of as a child? When I was a kid I don't remember being afraid of much of anything.  If I was, I probably wouldn't have done as many crazy things as I did.  I was quiet and very shy around new people though.  My sister was generally the instigator of any crazy we did. As an adult I have a disturbing list of things I'm afraid of.  I'm assuming it is because I have an understanding now of pain and mortality and consequences.  It could have a lot to do with the fact that anxiety seems to be a family trait.  Who knows?

I probably would not have watched this movie and the sequels if not for the Top Movies of All Time list.  Otherworldly fantasies with scary stuff and violence are not generally my cup of tea.  And it would have been my loss.  The story is wonderful and vivid and exciting . . .  Starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, and many more, this is the story of a very dangerous ring found by a Hobbit named Frodo and the epic journey to destroy the ring and save Middle Earth.  He is aided by a powerful wizard, his best friends, and joined by others on his journey. This movie is filmed in New Zealand and is worth watching just for all the lush exotic scenery. Excellent edge of your seat entertainment.  Just be careful.  If you watch one you will want to watch all the others in the series . . . and you might even want to read the books by J.R.R. Tolkien.  They are on my reading list. Academy Awards, USA  2002 Won Oscar Bes...

What is your favourite colour?  How does it make you feel? My favourite colour is actually a palette of colours . . . autumnal . . . greens, reds, oranges, browns.  They are so pretty and remind me of fall which is my favourite time of year and they are also very soothing. The beautiful young woman in this photo is my daughter-in-law enjoying Waterworks Park.

What kind of writer are you?   If you use journaling prompts, you're a writer (perhaps a journalist?)  Are you a poet, a novelist, a copywriter? I am a journal writer. I blog. I write tankas. I write books about scrapbooking.  My books are how I pay for my crafting habit.  If you are interested in seeing my books, click on this link . . . http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/afreshstart .

snowdrops are often  the first flowers to bloom in  Canada's gardens they bud and bloom even when there is still snow on the ground

Happy publication to Canadian poet Kate Rogers, whose collection, The Meaning of Leaving has been released by AOS Publishing! The poems in The Meaning of Leaving explore the broad theme of departure—from an abusive marriage, a homeland, and an adopted home. The themes of the nature of home, homelessness, and belonging run through the poems as the speaker reflects on returning from Hong Kong to her Canadian birthplace. With unflinching tenderness and insight, Rogers reflects on our hardest edges and most vulnerable soft spots, bringing the painful and unspoken parts of ourselves to brilliant, shattering light. The effect is transfixing, unsettlingly, and explosive.  @aos.publishing @river_street_writes @kate_rogers_writer #poetsofig #canlit #endthesilence #canadianbooks #bookstagram #bookstagramcanada #canadianpoet #booksforchange #poetry #socialchange #poetsforchange #canadianpoetry #canadianpoet #hongkong #booklover #bookishcanadians #nature #departure #movingon #relationships...

If you enjoy reading very poorly written soft porn, than this is the book for you.  I'm not a prude.  I love "sex in long skirts books" (you know the ones I mean) where it takes pages and pages of delicious prose to describe a passionate encounter by the naive but secretly wealthy girl and her arch-enemy turned lover.   In Velvet Whispers the delicious pages of prose have been replaced with two pages that basically say we came, he went in a very juvenile way.  The writing is the worst sort of corny porn imaginable.  The story is totally unbelievable.  I couldn't finish the book.  In fact I didn't even make it half-way and it is only 200 pages long.  I don't know anyone I dislike enough to give this book to so the book is now in the garbage because that is where it belongs.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Guess Who was a Canadian rock band formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1965. The band found their greatest success in the late 1960s and early 1970s, under the leadership of singer/keyboardist Burton Cummings and guitarist Randy Bachman, with hit songs including "American Woman", "These Eyes", and "No Time". During their most successful period, The Guess Who released eleven studio albums, all of which reached the charts in Canada and the United States. Their 1970 album American Woman reached no. 1 in Canada and no. 9 in the United States, while five other albums reached the top ten in Canada. The Guess Who charted fourteen Top 40 singles in the United States and more than thirty in Canada. The Guess Who officially broke up in 1975, although a nostalgia-oriented lineup organized by former bassist Jim Kale has toured and recorded under The Guess Who name since 1978, often performing as a ghost band without any original b...

Happy Monday! What's your plan? For the week, for the month, for the year, for life...? What do you have planned? This week is going to be very quiet, I hope.  My plan is to attack My Dreaded To Do List, get my feet prettyfied, a couple of classes and an online crop, chatting with friends, a mammogram (sigh) and find my creativity wherever I can. What are your plans for this week?

What's an important lesson you've learned from an adult in your life? I could probably write an essay on this topic . . . but the purpose is to say something in one minute.  I like to surround myself with intelligent women who all have something to teach me.  From my grandmother I have learned how to behave like a lady and how to knit, crochet and sew.  My mother taught me grace under fire and how to be a giving person.   

  The Grotto Waits for You to Discover Its Wonder https://explorethebruce.com/the-grotto/ The Grotto is Bruce County’s most popular attraction, a bustling hot spot visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year. It’s one of Ontario’s most scenic destinations. Its turquoise pool of water and intricate cave structures are mesmerizing!  First things first, reserve your parking with Parks Canada before you visit. The Grotto at Bruce Peninsula National Park in Tobermory, Ontario is Bruce County’s most popular attraction. Hidden away along the rugged shores of the Bruce Peninsula, the Grotto is a geological marvel. Picture crystal-clear waters, dramatic caves and limestone cliffs overlooking Georgian Bay. The Grotto is one of our premier destinations and visitors travel from all over the world to hike out on the Bruce Trail to see this iconic feature. The Grotto is located at the Cyprus Lake Road entrance to the Park.  Prepare for your trip so you can have the best adven...

I can't really have a serious opinion on this movie . . . because it looks to be very very very scary.  I don't do very very very scary.  Seriously, I've never watched it and probably never will. Would you like to write a review for this movie?    Academy Awards, USA 1961 Nominated Best Actress in a Supporting Role Janet Leigh Best Director Alfred Hitchcock Best Cinematography, Black-and-White John L. Russell Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Black-and-White Joseph Hurley Robert Clatworthy George Milo

Today's Journal Prompt:  Six Words Describe your day or current situation in just six words. Going to Not Windswept this week.

You look outside. Ah, it's snowing! But look closer. Those aren't snowflakes falling from the sky! What's it snowing at your house?

Tanka is a form of poetry similar to haiku. It's short, and the lines don't need to rhyme. The just must have a set number of syllables: 5/7/5/7/7. Today's tanka prompt is: food.   I love food good food  not fast food not boring food  happy food prepared  with care food exciting food seasoned food and different food

  It’s National Child Day—a day to recognize, amplify, and honour the rights and dreams of children. Who can tell them they’re not beautiful?   Poem by Canadian poet Lynn Tait:  @lynn.tait.355     #NationalChildDay #WorldChildrensDay #Poetry 

In contrast to yesterday's prompt, is there anything in your life that you just can't wait to get rid of? Diabetes is one of the things I would love to get rid of.  I have to constantly be vigilant about diet and medication.  It gets frustrating and I fall off the wagon which makes me feel awful and I have to jump right back on the diet and medication train.  Yep, I could definitely do without diabetes.

  Claire Elise Boucher, born March 17, 1988, known professionally as Grimes, is a Canadian musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Her early work has been described as extending from "lo-fi R&B" to futuristic dance-pop, and has incorporated influences from electronic music, hip hop, and rock. Her lyrics often touch on science fiction themes. She has released five studio albums. Born and raised in Vancouver, Grimes began releasing music independently after moving to Montreal in 2006. She then released two albums, Geidi Primes and Halfaxa, in 2010 on Arbutus Records and subsequently signed with 4AD and rose to prominence with the release of her 2012 studio album, Visions. Visions includes the singles "Genesis" and "Oblivion" and received the Canadian music industry Juno Award for Electronic Album of the Year. Following this, her fourth studio album, Art Angels, was released in 2015 and several publications named it the best album of the year. ...