The Feminists that informed my world, didnt need to burn their Bras

I think back to the early women in my life. Though life may not have always treated them fairly or equally, it didnt matter, they rose above that and took life on its terms and made it wonderful for all of their loved ones(which included friends and neighbours). The 3 women I am going to pay Homage to all had a profound impact on my life, here are a few words about each one of them.

1. Granny: this is how we all remember her. A woman who lived through the depression, 2 world wars and countless other challenges in life. She usually brought love and strength to the people in her life. When her husband was away at war she ran the house, as well as working in the factory to insure a good income for her family. She was a strong woman who let you know where the line was and not to cross it. Though we all respected her, none of us feared her, because along with her strength came an incredible amount of Love. I never heard her complain, even as the arthritis ravaged her body. She always had a place for her children and grandchildren and she was as loyal as they come. Her life sure wasnt perfect but in no way did she think it was unfair to her. She is the first of the feminists I have known.

2. Auntie Joyce: Ever wish you had a second mother? Well I was fortunate enough to have one. She is another incredibly strong woman, mind you its no wonder considering who her mother was. When we were young boys we had chance to watch a woman physically work along side her husband and build a cottage for her family. She would wrestle with us and kick our butts. No chance that we would beat this "girl", she was just too tough. At 60yrs old she joked with me that she could still take me out. I looked in her eyes and remembered thinking, maybe she could, lol. On top of keeping us in check, Auntie Joyce gave us incredible amounts of Love and Nuturing. We are blessed.

3. My Mommy: This is how my brother and sister referred to her. I remember in Highschool my brother and I calling her mommy and some friends went to tease us, after the look they got from my brother they quickly stopped. Life definately wasnt fair to my Mom, though she married and had 3 healthy children, life then showed how unequal it can sometimes be. At 30 her husband died, leaving her alone to raise 3 young children. Over the years we have watched the ultimate feminist. She went back to school obtaining a Masters Degree all the while raising her family and working. She was caregiver, income provider, educator, peacemaker, but mostly she was Mommy. The challenges my mother has had were always met with resolve and dignity. She is a shining example of how one can respond to the inequities of life. The people in her life have been blessed by her presence. This poem is for you Mom.

"All the endless days and nights, you watched me grow
Trying to show me and have me say no
It seemed I learned nothing or not quite enough
But the greatest gift you gave me
You taught me how to love
And for that I thank you."

Who would have imagined? A secular man enjoying a Scriptural world.

A friend of mine was curious how someone who grew up in a secular world could be so interested in discussing Religion and Scripture. I never really gave it much thought, I just assumed everyone would be interested. LOL, boy was I wrong. I grew up without any religious views on the world. As a family we never went to church or synagogue or mosque. There were never discussions on God, nor were there any on what may have started the universe as we know it. But looking back I see that my family has an inate sense of Spirituality. I think I have always known in my heart that there is a creative driving force. I just dont buy into any one belief. What draws me to reading and discussing scripture is that its essence is more about how to live life. The people who have penned these wonderful writings are just like you and I. They have experienced what we are experiencing in our lives, and in many instances they have excellent ideas on how to deal with them. Even the times when they didnt deal well with their situations, we can learn from that also. The Poetic nature of these writings has also been a pull for me. It speaks of the Humaness of us all that we try to find practical and creative ways to deal with our "not knowing". We all seem to have a rhythm that our hearts beat to, what your "choice" of music is depends on your spirit, just remember though, its all of us that are playing the instruments.

"Truth is one, the Sages speak of it by many names"

When pain knocks at the door, is it a welcome guest?

Do you ever notice how most of us try to avoid painful stuff without necessarily taking a look at whats happening and what purpose it may serve. I have been having several discussions lately and the common theme is how to avoid pain. Isnt the focus of most of our spiritual and Ideological beliefs based on this idea. Christianity and other religions enforce the idea if you have the right belief you will avoid eternal pain. Communism tends to be based on the belief that we can avoid the pain of being taken advantage of if we all work together equally. Life has this Dual element to it(Pain and Pleasure). I think back to my youth, I was a small kid, I grew up in a violent enviroment. One aspect that came out of those painful times is that I became physically stronger. I developed the strength to not only protect myself but I now have the ability to protect my Loved ones. Had I not had those early experiences this would not be the case. Many of our artists creations are born of despair. Poetry, music, Art and countless other ideas came from pain, without it they would not have materialized. A blogging friend(Yael) has pointed out on several occasions that part of who we are includes our painful parts. Without them we would not be who we are. Now I am not saying to enjoy the pain(unless youre a masochist lol), but the point is dont try to avoid it, learn from it. So with that said, when my crusty old friend comes knocking I think I will invite him in and ask "What do you have to teach me today"

Just Wondering?

I was thinking. In the midst of a really good orgasm, do you think an Atheist yells, "Oh my God, Dont stop, Im coming"

What does it take?............Effort.

We all wonder what makes a great relationship. The common belief is that if we just find the "right" person, our "soul mate" everything will work out fine. The truth is that all our relationships require effort. It is an effort to communicate, compromise and on the really challenging days just plain getting along is tough. I love the feeling of being in "Love", I like the high, just as Im sure most of us do. But is that what a real relationship is about? I think the feeling is more about nature making sure that we procreate. The real relationship begins when that "high" becomes more moderate. It is in that frame that we need some Effort. This post is for all those people who Love, and in their Love they hopefully show it with their Effort. Somedays I need that reminder too.

The two of us are one of a kind

A combination aint easy to find

Why do I get a feeling from you

Things aint right?

Do you need something new?

Knowing how both of us live

Leaves us so little to give

If I could grow wingsI would do anything

Just to keep you with me

Cant you see?

If I could fly high

I would give you the sky

Dont you make that mistake

What does it take?

It's not like I've been mean to you

Its not like I've got something better to do

The life I live you'll never understand

If you fly with me we'd never have to land

Its easy to live hard and fast

But inside we know it wont last

Oh yeahhhhhhh

Knowing how both of us live

Leaves us so lilttle to giveYeahhhhhh

What does it take?

What does it take?

What does it take?

What does it take?

Who's playing....Who cares?......Why extreme atheism and religion dont sound right!

Do you ever notice how the extremes of atheism and religion seem to be so rooted in structure. Its like they are both filled by people who crave rules, regulations and verifiable outcomes. It reminds me so much of people who, while listening to music, miss the rhythm because their so focused on how it was made.

Me: Hey guys want to hear an awesome song?

Religionist: Isnt it amazing the blessing God has bestowed on his Musicians, we should be thankful.

Atheist: Ah cut the crap,We should be thankful that these people are disciplined and hardworking to take the time to learn the notes and how to play the instruments.

Me: I find it incredible how sometimes music can be so comforting and soothing.

Atheist: Thats because when the sound hits your eardrum it creates a physiological response in your brain that in turn causes a release of Serotonin and Endorphins that calm your central nervous system.

Religionist: Oh here we go again. How can you not see that it is actually the spirit of God entering your body and helping to create the peace on earth that believers are born to have.

Me: What about when the music is a little more raucous and it makes me more lively and full of energy.

Religionist: Oh you may want to be careful, depending on the music, that could be the work of the Devil. You know how he uses that rock stuff to gain entry.

Atheist: Is it just me or is he nuts? Actually the response caused by that type of music is usually just a release of adrenalin or in the case of young guys probably Testosterone lol.

Religionist: Stop trying to deny the presence of the Lord.

Atheist: Stop smoking those funny cigarettes.

Me: Whooooa Boys. Why dont you guys just put a cork in it. You do realize that most of us just like to,

LISTEN TO THE MUSIC.

Heres a Vid I hope you all Love. Watch Jeff go, some people dont need to be able to read it, they just get it. Oh and for all the Purists out there, sometimes the remake is better than the original.

I look at you all see the love there that's sleeping

While my guitar gently weeps

I look at the floor and I see it need sweeping

Still my guitar gently weeps

I don't know why nobody told you how to unfold your love

I don't know how someone controlled you

they bought and sold you

I look at the world and I notice it's turning

While my guitar gently weeps

With every mistake we must surely be learning

Still my guitar gently weeps

I don't know how you were diverted

you were perverted too

I don't know how you were inverted

no one alerted you

I look at you all see the love there that's sleeping

While my guitar gently weeps,

I look at you all

Still my guitar gently weeps