It's about time...

I just finished 'cleaning' up my personal Facebook account.

Was a long time coming.

This has nothing to do with the (now) useless and irrelevant Timeline algorithm, I just didn't see the point in sharing personal photo's and such with those I'd never knew/met/spoken to/had a drink with/shared a d00b with/exchanged emails or even texted. I just don't see the point.

Please take no offence, but with the lack of privacy in today's world... well, you see what I mean.

This does not mean the NSA can't (and doesn't) continue to read my personal page. :p

Everyone else... you can follow along here, or my Facebook Page, or even Twitter.

Please and thanks.

Here... have some bacon.

Read More...

Up North Part II

The French River

With a lifelong friend over the past few days up in Noelville, On.

The Hylands are a good bunch of people who willingly choose to have in their home someone who goes out of their way to sabotage their day.

Me.

:l

I give you a slideshow of our goings on, and of the beautiful French and Pickerel Rivers.

Read More...

What was that again?

Having been physically active over my days (more than what is generally considered 'average'), I am intimately aware of the pain and training discomfort.

I'd certainly done stretching and ab-work over a period of decades.

In what became my daily (well... for the most part daily... k!) regiment, I had been using a coupla (defined as two, or three) yoga poses for years now.

Both focused on my lower back.

My first yoga mat!

It just so happens that I'd been looking into a beginners class with the idea of learning something new that I could incorporate/borrow for my dailies.

It also happened to be the day after I'd had a bbq with Ali and Stirling (henceforth known as u2... or in this case, A&S), and Ali just happened to have a yoga mat that she was in the process of throwing out.

I know right?

I brought it home and decided to become familiar with this strange thing.
Though I've comfortably 'done' 25 crunches/situps/leg lifts through-out my days, 25 is, when you think about it, nothing special. I considered my abs/core my weak spot.

Weak spot independent of any injury related area.

You know... a rip/tear/break/disjointed/grinding/tense/or generally bloody and damaged area of what is now my bodies 51st plus year.

Of late *cough* I've been made aware of this on a daily basis.

Nothing you can do about that at this point.

And with that I made a conscious choice to focus more on my 'core.'

That is... my abs.

As the acknowledged weak area, I decided to investigate yoga a little further.

So much so that over the past few days I'd begun to put together what is known as a 'sequence.' I wasn't so interested in a dance (though I can... dance that is), but I certainly accepted the importance of creating a flow.

So online I went and quickly found an array of helpful sites.

Seriously, there are tons, easily found with a simple google search.

Using images and text, I got at it.

Though not completed (some fine tuning... perhaps over time even), today... was Day One.

With my stretching included... a good 1/2hr was spent on my core (abs not counting as they are done upon wakening.)

Talk about sweat?
It was quickly pouring off me.

I've a new appreciation for those dedicated to yoga.

And they are legion... aren't they?

Should I now include myself in that group?
Tell you this, I can't imagine every not doing this again.

It has had a profound effect on my over-all well being today.
Not to mention how my core feels now.
I cannot say enough on how different my body feels today.

I look forward to tomorrow... and the next day. Read More...

4:03am...

Gene Wilder Wisdom

After deciding that I was no longer going to waste my time attempting to fall asleep and pull my ass out of bed... I took a 3-block hike on Queen to the local 24/7 Convenience Store. Sam's maybe? At any rate... a walk along Queen at 04:00 always leads to some new observation. Characters abound Queen and Roncy at this hour.

I greeted each with a hearty "'morning."

And in return I got a strong "Good Morning" (on the way to the store) and a slurred Top o' the day to ya (on the way back.)

As on my way ba-ack... I saw, there in the distance... the Golden Arch's of Mickey Dee's.

How could I not? Even after having breakfaster/dinner the call of the Sausage McMuffin (no egg) (x2) and hash-browns (x2) with a medium 2x milk / 3x sugar, stirred please... was one I could not ignore.

And so in I strode (at the above time) and was greeted again with the night-life that is Queen and Roncy.

It is, after-all, the first time I've lived anywhere East of the Humber.
So almost each day there is a sense of new-ness about the area for me.
Well duh...
My Mickey Dee breakfast is just that, my preferred choice of morning intake.

I am though, generally... left alone.

More so at this hour, but, ya... it's comforting (finally) to be at peace with who I am.

I am Me... after-all.
So no, I did not bring my newest staff (perfectly balanced though it is.

Finish my 1st breakfast of the day, walk home (carry delicious coffee), get home, finish off d00b from earlier, have smoke (gaaaa) and finish delicious coffee.

Nap time?

Ya... ri-ight... Read More...

My dear friends...

And I say dear friends in all sincerity.

Sadly though... neither measure up to my original. Found on the shore of Lake Ontario in 1985 while at CFB Kingston, it was a thing of beauty..

I know I have a pic of it somewhere... it's just a matter of time that I come across it (right Ali?)
Sanded and shined over... it was with me every move from the age of 22... my marriage/divorce... raising Brad and Ali... camping, you name it, it was with me.

Unfortunately... it is no longer with me.

Oh it's somewhere out there, a find piece of wood is a rare thing to hold.

With that said... the larger 'staff' on the left (measuring no less than 6'6") was with me on my trip out East. Yup... from Trenton, ON to Pubnico, NS... every step of the way.
Hitch-hiking from Ontario out East, me and my tats, the hair... and this 6'6" piece of wood was something to see. I wondered whether I would actually get picked up (turns out... wasn't an issue.)

:l
When I left for Alberta, I left it in the care of Brad.
Take care of it my Son.
*sniff*

:l

The smaller one on the right (measuring a 'mere' 70") was found, again on the shores of Lake Ontario, post Caribana Parade.

It has yet to receive any TLC... but it will.

Because as I said... a fine piece of wood is a rare thing to hold. Read More...

Smoking... (Part 364)

The Evil Tobacco

For a change... I bought coffee instead of tea.

Instant coffee mind you... but coffee nonetheless.

As a life long drinker of Red Rose Orange Pekoe, for me buying coffee was not an easy decision.
Tea needs to be in a porcelain or glass mug, and not a styrofoam or paper cup. This won't happen when you're out of the house. So I have coffee... Mickey Dee's over Timmy's... Timothy's over Mickey Dee's. Fortunately... all three are within walking distance of home.

Sooo... I'm sitting here, having finished a bagel (with sliced cheese), having my coffee, and smoking what is my one of my last cigarettes.
My 'plan' is to take to The Boardwalk this afternoon, burn this 1/2 d00b, and enjoy what I want to be my LAST cigarette.

Should the rain hold off, of course.

Having spent nearly a year in the wilds of Northern Alberta I can say that I was absolutely looking forward to a Toronto summer.

Hasn't happened yet.
One can 'hope', right?

Since the age of 13, smoking has always held a challenge for me. See, I differentiate between the act of smoking and 'smoking' itself. I can enjoy a cigarette, but I do not like smoking.

That's right, there is a difference.

You see it now, don't you?
You're welcome.

Over the years I have successfully quit. Though I'd started again... I have to admit that I wasn't entirely 'successful'... While I've always viewed stopping/quitting smoking as a relatively simple endeavour (notice I said simple... not easy), the challenge has been in not starting again.

There are just so many occasions where a cigarette compliments an event.
A good dinner...
Fine glass if wine...

Bacon.

A fine woman.
...
*cough*
:l

A great d00b and a double Wisers.

You get the idea.

And that is where I'm 'at' today.
...
The longest I've gone without a cigarette is a little over two years.
I was in my early 30's at the time.
It was shortly after my divorce.
I'd also stopped for 14 months in my mid-40's.
Course, I also decided I wasn't going to exercise, but that I'd eat my way to health instead.

That didn't exactly work out all too well.

:l

I said I'd wanted to finally eradicate this menace once and for all by the time I hit the age of 50.
I'm now a little past 51.

That too hasn't exactly worked out either.

BUT THIS TIME!!!

This time will be different.
Be gone with you evil tobacco!

Be gone with you!

Leave the d00bs though eh.

And the bacon... and the Wisers... well, you get the idea here too.

I want to succeed.

Finally.

All I can ask is that you wish me well.

As I wish you. Read More...

Well, well, well...

Yes, it's been a while.

With the arrival of spring, I found myself in my new home. But a two minute walk from Sunnyside Beach/Boardwalk... and I've been taking advantage of that on a daily basis.

Sunnyside looking West

Sunnyside looking East

Though the pain is still there each minute of every day... there is 'hope' (there's that word) on the horizon. I've been seeing a doc at a local pain clinic... it's simply a matter of getting the right mix of pain meds. That'll get me through the first few months of exercise, and I can start putting my body back together again.

Stretch... stretch and more stretching!!!

I also have some incredible family news, but... cannot 'share' it as yet.

Stay tuned!

I'll leave you with a little ditty I know...



Enjoy the rest of summer. Read More...

The end of an era...

I awoke this morning to news that The Owl's Nest had burned to the ground.

Apparently overnight, and it is suspected that faulty wiring is the cause.

***Please see below for an update***

July 15, 2011

The loss to the community of Pubnico cannot be quantified. I myself had the 'pleasure' of visiting... uh... on a number of occasions. My first night in Nova Scotia was my introduction to what is known as Richard Owl's. I was introduced to and embraced Hold 'Em. It was my first real bootleggers. It was where I made some life-long friends.

It is a place that I will visit again (not simply because my son is a commercial fisherman there, and has a family of his own now), but because it is a place where I felt like it was home. I was adopted as an infant, my origins are Acadian, and my 2yr stay in 2011-2013 was my first real exposure to the French culture. (I don't/won't include my Army experience in Cornwallis... for obvious reasons.)

Pubnico is located in what was called, before the Expulsion, CAPE SABLE, which, even at the beginning, around 1614, had as its center what is now Port La Tour, called then Port Lomeron, David Lomeron having here a trading post, dealing with fur and fish. Charles de Biencourt, who was at the head of the small group of Frenchmen of what was then Acadia, comprising the south-western part of the peninsula, died around 1624. In 1631. Louis XIII named as Governor of Acadia Charles de La Tour, who had been a faithful companion of Charles de Biencourt. It is then that the name of Port Lomeron was changed to the name of Port La Tour. He was named Governor of Acadia again in 1651, while in France, from where he came back, bringing with him Philippe Mius d'Entremont, who was to be his Major. It is Philippe Mius d'Entremont who was to be the founder of Pubnico.

Pubnico comprises three different sections. There are West Pubnico, whose people are almost all French speaking, Pubnico proper, better known as Pubnico Head, whose people are mostly all English speaking, and East Pubnico, the part where is believed to have been located the barony, being occupied by English speaking people, and the rest, up to the Shelburne county line, which is occupied mostly by French speaking people.

The first Acadians who came from the surrounding communities to settle in Pubnico were the Surettes. They were followed by the LeBlancs. Today, the surnames in Pubnico are very numerous, comprising a certain number of anglophones. But it is still the d'Entremont family which is the most numerous, followed by the Amirault and d'Eon families.

According to the census of 1981, there were in West Pubnico 1877 people; in Pubnico (Head) 173 people, and in East Pubnico 140 people in the anglophone section and 423 people in the francophone section.
I will miss the place.

I will miss most those friends that I made there.

Never would've thought to find these two on Google.

Some of those from Owl's

It's hard for me to imagine Pubnico without Richard Owl's. It is such a small community and his Nest has been around so long. It's more than a simple bootlegger. It's a hub for the community. 'Church' occurs there Sunday mornings (you have to be there to believe it), poker happens most nights, music, laughter and general silliness occur on a nightly basis.

1877 people... and I'm sure I met most of them. Either walking along HWY 335, or working at the Shipyard, at the library or at T-Paul's (the local Petro-Can, owned by a descendant of one of the founders of Pubnico.)

Trying to 'explain' The Head to the uninitiated is near impossible. I often refer to Owen & Gerry singing If I Caught a Million Lobster, or Rock & Roll Pubnico (in the thickest of French accents.)

I tell people that there are three things that happen in Pubnico... fishing, fighting and f**king.

And they do all three well.

Richard and I

Irish Richard

It is uniquely Canadian, and I will never find another place like it.

Nor will I ever come across someone as unique as Richard 'Owl'. He is a one of a kind man.

Richard 'Owl' LeBlanc
But this... this is what has come of The Nest.

2014-04-13

2014-04-13

2014-04-13

2014-04-13

As I said to my kids today, Pubnico will never be the same, their world has changed forever.

Here though, here are some pics of The Nest in full swing...

The Gangs...

all here.

Some have spoken/posted about rebuilding.

Thought the sentiment is nice, I simply don't see it happening. It's 2014. You can't simply throw a couple of boards together anymore. There is a building code, a fire code... not the least of which is good luck getting a building permit.

No, the county and the police have let this slide for too long, and see this as an opportunity to reign in the 'silliness'.

And that, people, is a shame.

No more poker, no more late night 'drop buys', no more pool/darts and pissing on the porch... no more walking in with a dead rabbit that has been trapped, dead deers on the hood of your truck, fires in the field (right Joey?), and sadly... no more Nest.

I'd like to be proven wrong... but I don't think I will.

The cantankerous, curmudgeonly Big Man will carry on. Of that I am sure. But I am just as sure that he too, is suffering today.

I leave you with this bit of nonsense from the Big Man himself...

Richard Owl
Thanks for the memories...

UPDATE Please visit here, a gofundme.com page set up to help Richard. Read More...

Bacon at the AGO

Yesterday was the members preview at the AGO for the BaconMoore exhibit.

It also happened to be the day that Ali and I decided to go to the AGO.

Yes indeed, the day we go to the AGO is the day that bacon is prevalent. How fitting is that?

"Although they were neither friends nor collaborators, painter Francis Bacon (1909-1992) and sculptor Henry Moore (1898-1986) were contemporaries who shared an obsession with expressing themes of suffering, struggle and survival in relation to the human body. Both artists survived the Second World War and were subsequently haunted by the conflict, which they represented through manifestations of the body in various states of contortion. Drawing on the artists’ own personal experiences during the London Blitz, the exhibition examines how confinement and angst fostered their extraordinary creativity and unique visions."

Francis Bacon

Francis Bacon (28 October 1909 – 28 April 1992) was an Irish-born British figurative painter known for his bold, graphic and emotionally raw imagery. His painterly but abstracted figures typically appear isolated in glass or steel geometrical cages set against flat, nondescript backgrounds. Bacon began painting during his early 20s and worked only sporadically until his mid-30s. Unsure of his ability as a painter, he drifted and earned his living as an interior decorator and designer of furniture and rugs. Later, he admitted that his career was delayed because he had spent too long looking for a subject that would sustain his interest. His breakthrough came with the 1944 triptych Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion which sealed his reputation as a uniquely bleak chronicler of the human condition.

He often said in interviews that he saw images "in series", and his artistic output typically focused on a single subject or format for sustained periods. His output can be crudely drawn as consisting of sequences or variations on a single motif; beginning with the 1940s male heads isolated in rooms, the early 1950s screaming popes, and mid to late 1950s animals and lone figures suspended in geometric structures. These were followed by his early 1960s modern variations of the crucifixion in the triptych format. From the mid-1960s to early 1970s, Bacon mainly produced strikingly compassionate portraits of friends, either as single or triptych panels. Following the 1971 suicide of his lover George Dyer, his art became more personal, inward looking and preoccupied with themes and motifs of death. The climax of this period came with his 1982 "Study for Self-Portrait", and his late masterpiece Study for a Self Portrait -Triptych, 1985-86. Despite his bleak existentialist outlook, solidified in the public mind through his articulate and vivid set of interviews with David Sylvester, Bacon in person was a bon vivant and notably and unapologetically gay. A prolific artist, he nonetheless spent many of the evenings of his middle age eating, drinking and gambling in London's Soho with friends such as Lucian Freud, John Deakin, Muriel Belcher, Henrietta Moraes, Daniel Farson and Jeffrey Bernard. After Dyer's suicide he largely distanced himself from this circle, and while his social life was still active and his passion for gambling continued, he settled into a platonic relationship with his eventual heir, John Edwards.

Head I

Crucifixion (1933)

Head VI

During his lifetime, Bacon was equally reviled and acclaimed. Margaret Thatcher described him as "that man who paints those dreadful pictures", and he was the subject of two Tate retrospectives and a major showing in 1971 at the Grand Palais in Paris. Since his death, his reputation and market value has steadily grown. In the late 1990s a number of major works previously assumed to have been destroyed, including popes from the early 1950s and portraits from the 1960s, surfaced on the art market and set record prices at auction. On 12 November 2013 his painting Three Studies of Lucian Freud set the record as the most expensive piece of art ever auctioned, selling for $142,405,000.

Henry Moore

Henry Spencer Moore OM CH FBA RBS (30 July 1898 – 31 August 1986) was an English sculptor and artist. He was best known for his semi-abstract monumental bronze sculptures which are located around the world as public works of art.

His forms are usually abstractions of the human figure, typically depicting mother-and-child or reclining figures. Moore's works are usually suggestive of the female body, apart from a phase in the 1950s when he sculpted family groups. His forms are generally pierced or contain hollow spaces. Many interpreters liken the undulating form of his reclining figures to the landscape and hills of his birthplace, Yorkshire.

Moore was born in Castleford, the son of a coal miner. He became well-known through his carved marble and larger-scale abstract cast bronze sculptures, and was instrumental in introducing a particular form of modernism to the United Kingdom. His ability in later life to fulfill large-scale commissions made him exceptionally wealthy. Yet he lived frugally and most of the money he earned went towards endowing the Henry Moore Foundation, which continues to support education and promotion of the arts.

Reclining Connected Forms

And yes, the above sculpture should look familiar to you as there is another sitting in front of our City Hall.

"Henry Moore has always been an important artist for the city of Toronto. In 1958, Finnish architect Viljo Revell won an international competition to design Toronto's City Hall. Revell admired the work of Moore and recommended that the city purchase one of his bronze sculptures for the new building. A controversy over cost erupted, and the sculpture, The Archer, became the most talked about work of art in the history of the city."
I know that Ali would agree with me when I say that the exhibit will not be forgotten. It was meant to disturb, and that it did.
I am glad that I had the opportunity to experience it with my daughter. Read More...

and in the end...

As 2013 draws to a close, I can't help think of the year gone by. It was quite an adventure. After four total days of travel from Nova Scotia and 5300km I found myself in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

And after 20 consecutive days in the -30s I think it time to leave for Ontario... home.

When you factor in the cost of living and the weather (OMG), in the end, for me... it is simply not worth it.

It is simply a young mans town.

And so this Thursday... 53hrs from now, I am off.

Will I return? I dunno... We'll see what the New Year brings.

With that, I wish everyone a Happy 2014.

All the best to you and yours!

Greg Read More...

In camp.

No, not like this.

An oil sands 'camp' may be defined as (OPM) - In the last few years, some of Canada's biggest energy companies have spent tens of millions of dollars to build camps that are, by any reasonable definition, no longer camps. They are, instead, lodges - the best of which now fall somewhere between Club Med and a down-town condo - save, of course, for the industrial surroundings and petroleum-scented air.

What this means in part, is free room and board.

I have to say that so far, I am impressed.

I've my own 3pc washroom, desk and comfy chair, TV (meh) and teh 'net!
It's a queen size bed and deux pillows!!!
Laundry (free) facilities are 3 doors down from my room.
Had an awesome dinner (pasta, salad and SKIM MILK!!!)
Even got to make a lunch for tomorrow!

My walkabout allowed me to find the gym (open 24/7), cardio room and yoga studio.

Work is at 0700, and I'm up at 0415.
This allows me to get back in to my a.m. routine.

Am excited and looking forward to getting at it.
What can I say?

All in all, not too bad a setup. ;l Read More...

A full week early

It's been said that good things come to those who wait.
Well, this Sunday I begin my camp job.
A FULL week early!

I...am so pumped!

/me bows humbly ;l Read More...

About damn time...

After nearly two years, hours upon hours of troubleshooting... I finally managed to get my pics off my old phone to my computer, then online.

Here is the link to the album entitled Journey of Me.

It's a series of pics of my hitch-hike from Toronto, On to Pubnico Head, NS in the summer of 2011.

More pics to come...

Enjoy.

Read More...

No jet plane here...

As I am readying for Tuesday I can't help but think back upon my time here in Pubnico.
Hitch-hiking halfway across Canada to see my first born.
Recalling the day I arrived...
Those first three weeks made it clear to me though, that I needed to stay.
And now I need to go.
In the morning, 21 months later to the day, I leave for Halifax.
Quite different than the last time I'd left.

Fresh off Cornwallis in the spring of 85.
And now... 28yrs later, considering heading out 'West.'
Again.
I leave here thinking of those who's lives have impacted mine.
Those I was able to say my goodbyes to... and those I could not.
I thank each and every one of you for being you.
I also can't help but think of the NICKNAME.
Though I understand the reason for them... each and every one of you have 'earned' yours... in one way or another.
The first night Brad took me to Richard Owls.
And from that night on... I began to 'earn' my nickname.
Johnny started it off with Dirty Hippy (tks buddy.)
From that... it became just Hippy.
Though it's not 'just' Hippy anymore... is it.
You've come to realize it isn't about The Hair.
I know now that in your eyes, I have earned my nickname.
I thank you for such an honour.
/me flashes a peace sign
:l
As I type this I have to say my time here has been life altering.
And really, that was the point to begin with.
...
The other day a friend said to me "you can take the man out of Pubnico but you can't take Pubnico out of the man."
I understand that now.
At some point I will 'drop by' again.
Perhaps I'll even have a Dirty Hippy... now being served at a Yarmouth Tea house.
If you think of me... remember, not all who wander are lost.
And though I leave here with an uncertainty on where and when I am 'going'... I know is that it is the journey itself that is the story.
And that it is I, who is the writer...

Read More...

On getting old...

John Lennon

There is no denying when your age begins with a 5... you are old.

And so, acutely aware there are more days behind me than ahead, I post here some ramblings and mutterings on the eve of my turning 50.

- there is family and then there is everyone else
- my son and my daughter are THE most important people in my world
- ...if only they could accept that
- gone almost three years now, I miss My Mom
- having morals and ethics does not mean others do as well
- the world is not fair
- staying true to oneself can be exhausting at times
- religion is a delusion
- people are strange, interesting but strange
- most are liars
- women say they want a man but in reality they can only deal with boys
- self deception is a killer
- I will always love a good cup of tea and a cigarette in the morning
- sleep rules
- as does bacon :l
- many confuse volume with toughness
- most are cowards
- ABBA's Dancing Queen is still a good song
- your body really is affected by age
- women are beautiful creatures
- it's a shame most women aren't comfortable with that
- confronting something without being confrontational is possible
- you can have all the money you want, all the toys... but if you're not happy, nothing matters
- hand held devices were supposed to bring us closer together, instead they have simply widened the gap
- I have loved two women in my life... that is twice more than most
- neither of them can deal with that :l
- if you have one true friend consider yourself fortunate
- they can argue all they want, but in the end... women are just as horny as men
- and are just as devious for a piece of tail
- music and the written word make the world go 'round
- some people really don't deserve to live
- there are beautiful random moments in time every single day... you just have to notice them
- bringing laughter to a child's eyes is priceless
- your woman can be a thing of beauty, but if she's not a good person...
- when a man truly loves a woman, it is forever
- other women aren't happy with that
- people define themselves through their misery and suffering
- we should celebrate our similarities instead of pointing out our differences... in the end, we are all worm food
- a woman in knee-high boots will always get my blood pumping
- our world will not improve until we rid it of money and religion
- every man should have at least one hot-towel shave with a straight razor
- it is ok to say no
- preventing a hangover is simple
- curing one is easy. Eat bacon :l
- there's nothing like rough sex in the morning, bad breath and all :l
- the only person capable of understanding oneself is... you.
- it does not matter what others say/feel about you
- it still hurts though
- a harsh truth is preferable to a comfortable lie
- homophobes are uncomfortable with their own sexuality
- Chardonnay over Red
- Wisers over Crown
- Wendys over McDonalds
- Mr Sub over Subway
- Timothys over Timmys
- Swiss Chalet sucks
- Long Live Heavy Metal
- my favourite musicians are my son and daughter
- pot will become legal as soon as gov'ts figure out how to effectively tax it
- there is one thing worse than being hurt... and that is hurting another
- I'm sorry are two of the hardest words for most
- the more intelligent you are the less happy you are
- some of the finest people I know are considered rednecks
- the Leafs... what can I say?
- ignorance is not bliss
- there is evil in this world
- hockey rules
- people are afraid of getting what they want and will do almost anything to destroy their dreams
- sleeping under the stars is awesome
- The 'Head has the best pot around :l
- I will more than likely spend the remainder of my days alone
- the above sucks
- as does smoking
- shoulda gone to the dentist more often
- most people are good people... even if they forget sometimes
- I've known some beautiful women in my day... where has it gotten me?
- once you realize you need nothing, you will have everything
- I miss You more
- the more I'm aware of the less I know
- ...

Read More...

Ticking away...

My disappointment in how Bridgewater turned out has led me to confront that which has been on my mind of late...
That I accept it is simply time to move on.
I've learned all I can here...
Take that next step, so to speak.
Originally I'd decided to stay because of the peace that Pubnico offered.
See, what drives those from here are the very things that draw us 'city folk' to an area such as this.
Solitude...
What I found though, was something quite different.
In a place where 'everyone knows your name', you can't help but know them too.
It's clear to me that as much as I've left an imprint upon you, that you... have left an imprint on me.
What can I say... I'm gonna miss you guys.
:l
I am reminded of what Phil is fond of saying...
"The hippies frighten easily, but they'll be back in greater numbers."
And so it shall be.
One day...

Read More...

and so it is...

And when it's time for leavin',
I hope you'll understand,
That I was born a ramblin' man... Read More...

A hippy catches a ride with Owen & Gerry

This is a story of confidence.

A tale of a man who'd been alone so long and whether or not he could remain true to himself when confronted with that which his heart desires.

See, I'd always been one to get 'caught up' in something/someone new. Get lost in them...

So it was with a sense of anticipation that I ventured out in to the 'real world' on my first solo flight since my arrival here in The 'Head in July of 2011. Since I'd been given back something that was taken from me oh so long ago. Since I'd left Toronto and let go of what I needed to. I'd already been tested by the one who first took what was (and is) rightfully mine. I was true to myself then, and knew 'everything' would eventually be ok.

My heart was pounding.

My excitement level was high.

So much so that I awoke at 0333hrs and realized that was all the sleep I was going to get. A cuppa tea, d00b and my last smoke and I wasn't moving anywhere for the next few hours. Lying there, alone... stretched out on the couch, I saw all my hopes and dreams right before me.

There for the taking.

All I had to do was reach for them.

I've been sittin here
Tryin to find myself
I get behind myself
I need to rewind myself
Lookin for the payback
Listen for the playback
They say that every man bleeds just like me
And I feel like number one
Yet I'm last in line
I watch my youngest son
And it helps to pass the time
I take too many pills it helps to ease the pain
I made a couple of dollar bills, but still I feel the same
Everybody knows my name
They say it way out loud
A lot of folks fuck with me
It's hard to hang out in crowds
I guess that's the price you pay
To be the man that I am
Out stretched hands and one night stands
Still I can't find love

(thanks to Kid Rock for the majority of the above)

Getting some of my things together... jumping in the shower, shaving and such.
I'm dressed and it's now... 0600hrs!
Now what?
I've 2 hours to kill and I'm ready to go!
What am I to do?

I revert to that which I do best... sit, ponder and think. Thinking of what it took for me to get to this point in time. Knowing where I wanted to be and exactly how to get there. Hoping... fucking HOPING my time alone was finally at an end.

The shuttle was meeting me at what is referred to as T-Pauls.
Little Pauls really.
It's a PETRO Canada gas station.
I grab my things and begin what I hoped would be the next phase of my 'journey'.
And... it's raining.
It's slushy.
And I got slushed.
Oh well... fitting, really.

I hit T-Pauls at 0800 and I await the shuttles arrival for 0815.
It's 0820 and now I begin to wonder.
With the weather and the poor driving conditions would the shuttle actually arrive?
OMG!
0830 and now I'm freaking!

At 0833hrs the shuttle pulls up and out jumps Bernie.

I settle in and make the phone call I'd so been looking forward to making... that I was on my way.
And... NO ANSWER!!!

Awesome.

With 3 travellers in the shuttle and one stop to make, I decided to pass the time by simply being me.
I was simply going to be true to myself in every single instance... every single person I meet and I would be that which I could only be... Me.
Laughter and good conversation filled my ride.

After our pickup in Barrington, we had only one other stop to make, that being in Liverpool. For a coffee and washroom break. OMG there's a McDonald's... coffee and sausage mcmuffins were it for me. Coffee and sandwiches (ok, I had 2) gone, and then I was there!

I knew I'd be meeting someone at my absolute worst. A mess of hair, ill-fitting clothes and having not been to a dentist in a decade... could I pull it off? Show myself at my worst and yet still have the confidence to be true to myself?

So I thought it only 'fair' that I see you at your worst as well.
If you REALLY want to get to know someone in a short period of time simply have a drink with them and deprive them of sleep. Their true nature will reveal itself in no time. And they won't even know it's happening. All you have to do is sit back, watch and listen.

And that's what I did.

I sat and listened and I heard.

/edit
I'd originally posted two paragraphs with the intent to inform and to give an understanding of what I saw.
Despite there being no hostility, nor was I rude in any way... in the end it could be seen as my being bitter.

That said... I will simply say without communication there is nothing.
/end edit

And so I spent that night on the couch and made plans to leave.

Awakening the next morning I find myself famished.
I hadn't eaten supper the night previous and needed something in my tummy.
I said that I'd like to have one of the leftover slices of pizza from the other night.
As I walked to the kitchen a small voice said to me 'there is bacon'.
I couldn't help but burst out laughing.
OMG... how could you!
To tease me with something so dear as bacon!
Still, I turned it down and had my slice along with a cuppa tea.
Getting my things together I couldn't help but feel cheated.
And yet I also knew, just fucking KNEW... that I was back.
That I knew with absolute certainty what has healthy... and what was not healthy for me.

Saying goodbye and leaving, I was greeted by a kilometre hike... UPHILL!!!

I wanted a pack of smokes. Hadn't had one in a few days.

I'm trudging uphill and am greeted by a young man and his woman carrying ubiquitous plastic shopping bags with a Giant Tiger symbol. And... he was wearing a Leaf hat! A sign! I gave him props for the hat and asked where someone might buy a pack of smokes. He replied Giant Tiger. Having never been in one I thought to myself what the heck kind of store would this be?

I entered and knew I had to buy my smokes and get out in hurry. There was SO MUCH to see I couldn't stay! After getting in line and seeing all those eyes upon me (really, not too many like me in that town before I'm sure), so, again... I was simply me.

Exiting I was hit by a bright light!
Shining down on me like a star in the sky.
...
Not really, but it sounds nice.
No, though it WAS a sign... it was simply a sign indicating food and drink.
I trudged across the street with my 2 bags and entered.

The 'restaurant' was occupied by older couples.
Not a good sign.
Ahha!
There was the bar!
The lights were out and no one was tending bar.
Another bad sign.
The wait staff informed me that the manager at the hotel counter could/would serve me.
So I asked for a double Wisers and was greeted with the question whether I wanted a Budweiser.
Um... no... a whiskey please.
No Wisers, Crown or even CC... I was left with Black Velvet (?)
A double BV it was then... and a Keiths to chase it down.
Grabbing a menu I ordered (tada) bacon... a club and fries... and waited.
OMG... there is free wifi!
Online now and logging in I wondered what was happening in the world in my 'absence'.

The food was served in a timely manner and the staff professional and courteous.
Despite not having my whiskey, they DID have bacon. :l
PROPS to the staff at the hotel at the top of Dominion and High St.

Three and a half hours later (and a couple of refills...) and the shuttle still hadn't arrived.
This was yet another bad sign.

I called and was informed they were but minutes away.
woot woot!

The shuttle finally arrives and it is full.
I'm leaving with a somewhat heavy heart.
Heavy because I am still alone.
Yet I am finally, and completely comfortable with that feeling.

How would the passengers 'deal' with me?
Again, by simply being me all seven passengers joined in what became a lively conversation.
And then... then there was Owen & Gerry.

At first I thought it was the Barenaked Ladies and wasn't all that impressed to be hearing them.
Not a fan really.

But then Owen & Gerry began singing their If I Caught a Million Lobsters...
And I was floored!
Hearing them sing along to the rhythm of the Ladies in a Pubnico drawl totally cracked me up!
As it did everyone else.

The conversation really picked up then.
Where was I from... what was I doing here, etc.

And then... seemingly out of nowhere the driver (Peter) said that he too was raised in Toronto.
Me: Burnhamthorpe and Renforth.
He: Kipling and Dixon.
And it was like OMGIWENTTOSTGREGSOMGIWENTTONATIVITY!!!

What a small, beautiful fucking world we live in.

You ever need a ride around the south shore, call Peter at cloud9 shuttle.

TOLL FREE 1-888-805-3335 or 902-742-3992 CALL NOW!

:l

To the man who was returning home... the quiet lady sitting shotgun... Peter, the mother and her daughter returning from hospital... the grandmother returning home to see her family... and the woman fresh out of rehab returning to her family for the fist time in a year... I thank you.

After pulling up to T-Pauls and disembarking... I said my goodbyes and was greeted with a 'nice to meet you' and a few 'take cares'. To the woman out of rehab, I reached out, put my hand on her arm... looked her right in the eye... and said that she'd be just fine.

Perhaps that was the purpose of my trip afterall?
That someone in their time of darkness... needed a reminder that it would be ok... if they simply believed in themselves.

After grabbing bread and milk I was left with a short walk 'home'.
I thought again of my time there...

Yeah, it's over now
But I can breathe somehow
When it's all worn out
I'd rather go without

My initial instincts were correct.
Aren't they always?
You just have to believe in yourself.

Every day truly is a winding road.
I am back.
Back, bigger and badder than ever before.
You better be ready for Me because I am here, and I am ready.
Bring it on...



If only... Read More...

A Day in the Life.

Finally.

Since May of this year I have waited to post the pictures and tell the story of my day aboard the Prouty Boys I.

Now that technical issues have been overcome... I offer them here.

At some point I will port the slideshow over in some fashion, until then, here is a public Facebook link to the album.

Click the image and enjoy!


Aboard the Prouty Boys I





Read More...

Boom!

Nice natural colours!

I have felt a house shake because of a tornado...

I have felt a building shake because of an earthquake (k, the quake was FAR away... Montreal actually... and I was in T.O. at the time... *cough*)...

I have felt the bed shake when I * [removed because of PG-13 related restrictions... pervert!]* ...

But the other day when thunder, which seemingly came at the same time as a bolt as big as any I've ever seen, shook the 2-story home I share... well, THAT is a moment I shall never forget. Let's just say the F/F urge was in FULL flow.

:l

Just an EPIC week all 'round and a major reminder of just why I set out on foot last summer to begin with.

In related news...

Here is an image I made (and yes, I MADE this photo... I didn't take a picture with a digital camera and later edit it... I used my Minolta Manual SLR and sat patiently waiting), in which I took during an electrical storm in front of my house in Toronto... date, oh, sometime in the early 90's I'd say.

Unfortunately there was no way of getting this on my pc unless scanned. Excuse the lack of clarity... doesn't do the image justice.

I not only got a bolt... I did it twice! Read More...