Open Arms

We were talking this morning about how much we love Opa's new girlfriend. We really enjoy her company and we think she is an amazing woman. She is very differant from Oma. No one can ever replace Oma, and she doesnt even try to. She is who she is and she makes no bones about it. She doesnt appear to take any crap and she is also very beautiful. Sue, Deb and I were smiling and laughing and counting the ways in which she makes us happy. Most of all, we think she is a blessing for Opa. They are a blessing to each other. Losing ones life companion must be a VERY difficult thing. Finding new love is like Daybreak. Its like fresh air. I am sure it gives Opa new meaning in life and a purpose to get up in the morning. So we welcome Ingrid into our family with open arms.

Updates...

- We went out for dinner celebration to the Concordia Club in Kitchener with my best friend and his ma, Sues dad and his friend, and of course, Sue and I. We all had Shnitzel. I LOVE German food. Good thing, I might add. We then retired to Opa's place, where we watched a DVD of their Concordia Choir trip to South Germany and Austria. Breathtaking!

- I am heading up North to the camp this weekend to put bug screening on the bus and to get eaten alive by the flies. I think I shall go for a dip in the lake.

- Debbie sent away her first payment for Lakehead University over in ThunderBay. 17 hour drive! We will have to arrange flights somehow. She is planning at least one year there. Thunderbay is a very beautiful place.

- Dylan cut the big fallen Maple tree up into firewood, removed the rabbit and chicken barn from the back of the green shed. He will continue by dismantelling our pool. He wants me to order in top soil.

- We are definately planing on selling out and moving up north. We have a lot of work to do to "spruce" things up.

Fun With Wheelbarrows

I made the comment on my blog about my anniversary wheel barrow being big enough for my wife to pick me up at a party and I received this correspondence. It appears from this response that the wheel barrow is a popular mode of transportation! If the government catches on, they will be wanting us to use wheel barrow license plates! Oh and operating a wheel barrow under the influence will be punishable by removal of one’s wheel barrow privileges....oh oh

Speaking of wheel barrows, I needed air in the tire of my wheel barrow AND I needed a safety certification on my Pickup truck. So I drove both to the mechanic. I unloaded the wheel barrow and pushed it into his shop. He was sitting there on break with a few guys. With wheel barrow in hand I said “ Do you do Safety Certifications ?" They all looked at me and started to laugh. Through tears of laughter the guy says…..”You don’t actually need certifications for wheel barrows”. I laughed too as I realized how funny I must have looked!

Thanks to my friends for sending this to me.

Anniversary Present from Across the Pond

This present was sent to us by email all the way from cousins in Germany. We are all flower lovers and share interest in gardens and photography. I asked permission to share this beauty with the whole world..or at least the 10 people who read my blog.......

Oh yes, the picture of the rose you may show all people all over the world :))
I love roses, they are so beautiful and they smell so wonderful, I like to give all my friends roses, on pictures and from my hands.
The rose on the picture was a present from friends last summer for our garden.
And now it is a present for you and Susi, the rose plant was given heartfelt to us
and so we give this picture of the rose to you from heart :)

Incidentally, the name of those rose is "Mary Rose" (David Austin Fragrant English Roses).

Thank you for the wonderful present! ppsstt..not sure if you know this, but you can put some of those fragrant pettals in a Salad. Many roses are delicious! Not sure if the rose wanted to hear that. Of course we also make teas and jams from certain roses. They truly are a beautiful flower. We used to give Oma, Cecilia a rose every year for mothers day. When I see roses...I think of her. She was beautiful and fragrant like a rose. I will never forget.

Anniversary Present

Dont laugh. Dont call me a tool. I know it sounds crazy, but yes, This is Sues 25th wedding anniversary present.......and she loves it!

For our first anniversary I bought her a wheelbarrow. It was a nice wheelbarrow and she loved it. In fact she praised me over and over about how great I was. Wow, I must admit I was a little concerned about how she might react. As it turned out, I was a hero. Whodathunk?

Well 24 years passed and the old wheelbarrow was on its last legs. I decided that for our 25th anniversary I would by her a new wheelbarrow. I knew that this one had to be better than the last. I bought her this deluxe two wheel version. Its called the Big 8 and its big enough to fit me. We were laughing that she could use it to pick me up from a party...heehee..just joking.

Some people renew their vows and some people renew their wheel barrows.

25 Years!

Sue and I are celbrating our 25th wedding anniversary. I always figured I would throw a big party, but when we really talked about it, we decided just to quietly enjoy this milestone together...alone. Well then the phone rang from old freinds saying "where the heck you been all this time?" I said..."we are about to celebrate our 25th anniversary". So he said, "come on over and we can celebrate together!" So we went to their place and partied....like old times. It sure was great to see them, and timely too! This is a picture of us. Notice Sue proudly wearing the "Canadian Dinner Jacket"

These two pictures prove that yes, we can dress up...maybe once a year. These pictures are of me and my bride at a "Ball". Imagine me at a "ball" Sue was the prettiest of them all.

Isnt she beautiful. She is the most beautiful person I know. She is radiant. I cant stop thinking about her even after 25 years. My love for her just keeps increasing over time, like a very fine wine. What a treasure she is. I am the luckiest person on earth.

happiness

RainbowMaker

This is a rainbowmaker. It is made from glass, foil and solder. You fill it full of water and hang it in the window. The sunlight reflects and refracts causing brilliant rainbows to be cast on the walls. This particular rainbowmaker is a Patti Rainbow rainbowmaker.

Back to the Medicine Wheel

I havnt really finished exploring the medicine wheel and I got sidetracked by learning about Sikhism which by the way I'm not finished with either. And I'm still reading this really interesting book called "Judahs Scepter and Josephs Birthright: An Analysis of the Prophecies of Scripture in Regard to the Royal Family of Judah and the Many Nations of Israel" .... I get a kick out of that book title. I have to reread many times and because I'm slow I end up reading entire chapters twice and three times and I'v finally made it half way. Jeepers. I need to just buckle down and finish it. I have so many unfinished projects. But anyways, all that will have to wait because right now I'm back on the wheel.

The Medicine wheel is fascinating. The medicine wheel is so deep. It has so many teachings. I sure would love to have an Ojibway elder teach me more. I beleive the medicine wheel is a lot like my bible. It is a pictoral representation of many divine spiritual truths. This one simple wheel can be used to illustrate so many wisdom stories. A true story teller could point to the wheel and begin to teach endlessly. It is a circle that goes around and around revealing pregressive revelations.

I have read much on the net, but it just doesnt cut it. I need to find myself a real live native elder who would take some time with me. Or perhaps there is a venue where I could sit in with other students. I sure would love that. I wonder if there will be a shaman or teaching elder at the changes of the seasons ceremony this year? It would be cool if Larry McLeod was there again. I have so much more background knowledge now, I think I could really absorb more this time.

peace

Canoe Purist Fighting the Fight

I met this fellow Bob on my blogspot. As it turns out, we kinda know each other in a round about way. We both attended the Changing of the Seasons Ceremony last September up on Lake Obabika. While my attendance was an accidental blessing, I imagine his was planned. He is a canoe purist and this is one of the most beautiful places on earth to canoe.

Well Bob made a comment on my blog so I followed the link to his blogspot http://neverfeltbetter.blogspot.com/ . There I learned that Bob is fighting and winning a battle with cancer. I have read now about his bravery and his strength and his courage.

I also found that he is participating in "The Ride To Conquer Cancer". On the site, Bob explains "The RCC is a 200 km, 3000 person cycling fundraiser from Toronto to Niagara Falls. Funds raised support ground-breaking research at the Princess Margaret Hospital. Without a doubt, I am alive today because of research like this."

My father died of cancer 20 some odd years ago. I am told that with todays knowledge, my father would still be alive. I am aware of the Princess Margaret Hospital as being a very important research and treatment facility. I visited my dad there on many occassions.

Bob is riding in this fundraiser and he has a financial goal...a target. It sure would be nice for him to acheive that goal. So I followed the link to the donation page and made a donation. Here is the link. Perhaps if you stop and consider how cancer has affected your life, you could join in and help to make a differance. It doesnt have to be a large donation. ..... every little bit helps. There is strength in numbers. PLease go here to join the fight http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Events/Toronto2009?px=1502877&pg=personal&fr_id=1261

If nothing else, go to the site and read. It is a fascinating story of hope. Then if you wouldnt mind, pray for Bob. Pray for our doctors and researchers. Give thanks for the wonderful blessings we have despite trials and adversities.

love

Smile Pics

Here are two shots of my buddy Mike with Alex.

Talk about joy! Alex really made his day.

I havnt seen Mike smile like that since he fell over trying to slip the rainsuit off over his workboots....of course I did help him a little with a nudge. Hey, what are friends for? Any way...smiles are priceless!



Hey did anyone see Medicine Man? We had fun with this walking stick. It is one of Alex's prize possessions. It was a gift to him from a certain aquaintance. We were joking about what happens if you take the Chiefs walking stick. I was half expecting Alex to jump me and wack me with it. Alex had to step aside to releive himself and rather than take the stick with him, he left it for me to keep safe. As soon as he stepped aside I said..."Quick..get a picture of me with the stick" We all laughed and no, I didnt get wacked.

Shore Lunch

Shore Lunch…..a beer and a sandwich and a breathtaking view! And yes, we brought our garbage out with us as well as some other people trash.

My buddy and I were talking about the fact that we are bandits according to the canoe purists. They say we have no business out there riding our ATV’s on the logging roads. If they had their way, we would be strung up and hog tied.

My buddy and I leave no garbage, in fact, because we are on wheels, we pick up garbage. We like to admire the remote beauty of our land. We go for overnighters and day trips to see spectacular scenery. We try to "go where no man has gone before". We are not alone either. We have met many other ATV naturalists. We are armed only with our cameras, lunch bags, and sometimes fishing rods.

My buddy is really upset with the “treehuggers”. I told him I was a treeehugger. He said that because I use an ATV, I am shunned and despised by this group of people. I would like to say for the record, that while I agree with the purist agenda to save the forest, I believe it is best done in mass numbers. I would like to have the responsible ATV’ers added to the list of concerned people. I have met many of them.

The more people that show this forest value the better. The greed in our society only looks at value as it relates to money or political power. The more people that use, enjoy and want to protect the better. I may be an ATV bandit, but I would drive my bike to anywhere, anytime to help save this resource.

My buddy and I laughed as we heard about the canoe naturalist who got dropped off by airplane to Obabika, only to slam people like me. This fellow used more gas for one trip than I did the entire year. His carbon footprint was disgusting. It probably took a week of intense solitude canoeing to overcome the shame of all the pollution he created just to get there.

I read about many of these people who have jobs in " the big city". They carry on their lives in this hotbed of greed and waste, and then march to the great North to find peace and solitude. Its easy to be a weekend naturalist I suppose when your SUV is waiting in the parking lot.

In the meantime, buddy and I are going to join and outdoor preservation group and the local ATV chapter, so that we can be more visible and so that our voices can be heard and not just drowned out by special interest groups. I love them, dont get me wrong...they are necessary. Its just that I think this fight is better faught from all fronts to preserve a heritage that can be enjoyed by all Canadians.

Oh Oh...check this picture out. This little spot is possibly the cooolest tubing spot I have seen. One could jump in at the top and ride it for 60 feet to a great four foot waterfall. There is too much water there right now..it would be dangerous. However late August and this little spot is going to be the site of the first annual Temagami Tube Terror. Well...we'll see if we make it to year two.

Also, I am told by a few locals, that dropping a leech in the pool below the falls will net fish. I know what I said about live bait before but who could feel sorry for a leech? Teehee, I'm too much of a wimp to even put a leech on my hook.

And the Point is???

This mud hole was a little deeper than I expected. It took the winch to get me out. My buddy says…”what were you thinking…there is a reason that everyone was avoiding that hole.” I laughed because that was the very thing that attracted me to the mud hole in the first place. I hooked the winch to the tree and pulled myself out. What a laugh! Hey and I didn’t even get my feet wet!

Visit to Obabika

We went for a visit to see Alex Mathias up on Lake Obabika. He is an Ojibway elder from the Temagami tribe and he still lives at his family homestead up at the Old Growth Forest at the top of Obabika. Alex is a legend to many including myself. I know it sounds crazy, but it was a dream come true for me to spend some time with him. I respect this man and his position on saving the Old Growth. To be welcomed at his home is truly a great honor for me. He is such a neat person. We were sitting around and he said “ OK…who has a camera…its photo time” We took a ton of pictures. He was such a good sport. He even let me wear the “feathers” You have no idea what that meant to me. Now this may seem weird to some of you but then he said to me “Would you like a trout?...I can give you one” I realize that this is a gift and the last thing I want to do is offend someone. You see Trout is a food staple and in many circles, the trout is considered sacred. A gift of a trout is a real gift indeed. It means more than just a dead fish. It is a friendship offering. Well I was a fool and didn’t take the trout as I don’t like the taste of fish. So I was a deadbeat and refused the gift. I hope I didn’t offend him. He didn’t seam offended, but next time I visit I will apologize anyway.

Another Visit to the Sikh Temple

I went back to the Sikh temple with the intent to "bury the hatchet" I had a lot of pent up shame for how I have viewed some of my brothers and sisters. I also truly beleive that Waheguru, Magnificent Teacher, is in fact Lord God. I felt it was important for me to return and express these feelings at the temple. I left my tears on the temple floor and shared a meal with my new brothers and sisters.

I am not seeking another salvation. I am not seeking another God. I am seeking the way of peace, love and universal brotherhood and seeking a new expression for the love I have inside me. I am seeking to better understand the love God has for all His creation. I am seeking to be a part of that reconcilliation.

While I was there, I got a Sikh prayer bandana just like this one. It is made of orange cheese cloth. I keep it in the glove compartment of my car just in case I find myself in the neighborhood.
When one enters the Sikh temple, one must respect and honor the culture and practice of the people. It does not conflict with my understanding or my feelings about God, so I wear the prayer cap with pride. I am accepted and loved by the Sikh people I have met and I am an expression of their desire for all peoples of the earth to unite in love and universal brotherhood under one almighty creator.

All Aboard!

"friendship turtles" © copyright 2009 Patti Rainbow

Wonderful dinner at my rainbow sisters house. She made us some more turtles oh and wonderful mexican enchildas. These little friendship turtles are making their way into the homes of people across this small planet. Their mission is to spread joy, peace, love and unity. Each one is made individually with love and creativity. Each one is slightly differant and all have their own colors. They too are an expression of the rainbow. Notice mother and baby. Patti attached them so they ride together and have become as one. This one tickled the fancy of my buddy Ron and he smiled as he took it home with him. Smiles are wonderful things.

If you would like one of these little treasures, leave me a comment or drop me an email and I'll ship one to you. They are free to my friends and acquaintances as a sign of peace and friendship.

joy

I am a Rainbow

I am a rainbow.

I am a promise.

I am peace.

I am unity.

I am love.

I am a rainbow.

Shift in Thought - Part 2

My friend Ron and I have been meeting regularly over a number of years debating, trying to understand, working through issues of our faith. Its not that we meet with this intention, we meet because we are freinds who enjoy each others company. We are friends and pals. We mentor each other. Its just that often our thoughts turn towards our faith. We share the joy and the sadness and work through these things, constantly writing and re writing our christian thought.

We both attend church with the intent not to be differant or upset the way of things, but simply to enjoy the experience and one ness with God and to fellowship with each other. We both attend church becasue we want to, not because we have to or because of some mandate.

Increasingly we have been finding errors in our Christian thought that is further dividing us from our christian brothers and sisters. I try to discuss some of these points with them and they turn their heads in disinterest and fear. I mentioned this to a buddy at work and he said. OH OH Don...prepare for excommunication. My wife says...have you discussed this with your mom? My buddy says, have you discussed this with your pastor?

My thought change has been gradual and I am trying to complete the theology of it all and I still need to test what we beleive with the Holy Bible that I trust. I still am weighing it all with the Holy Spirit and measure it with my knowledge of God.

So I havnt really said anything yet in this post other than I have things to say. I feel in my heart that I must say these things. If I am rejected by my peers, fellow christians, family then I will wear it as a badge of honor. I have learned some things that I wont keep quiet and I wont keep secret. If I am asked to leave, I will leave quietly without anger or fanfair, but I wont remain silent. Looks like I might be a problem.

I love Jesus Christ with all my heart and I worship and revere the One True God. His Holy Spirit resides in me and I am both saved and free.

By the way RR, thanks for the Amos "snipit" It has helped to guide my understanding. We need to look to the term "know". Lord God hand picked the Israellites for a more intimate "Husband/Wife" relationship. The word "know" has deeper meaning than simply to be aware, otherwise the statement would be incorrect. God knows (aware) of everyone, but to what point of intimacy? The Israellites were chosen and through this revellation and action to this specific people, the entire world is offerred salvation. the ENTIRE world would be blessed through them.

This does not mean that God does not know the Anisshinaabe, the Siekhs, the Muslims. This also does not mean that they are not allowed to know Him. Our Lord God has made himself known to all of creation and each and every people group are responding to that knowledge. Their culture, their forced doctrines, their unseen forced doctrines all force or corral then into beleiving that their knowledge of God is the only knwoledge of God. It corrals them, loving good people, to accept things that might not be right. In the meantime, these wonderful God fearing poeple carry a Love, admiration, devotion, respect to God. Would he reject them or offer them a way?

Jesus said we would know them by their fruit and the fruit does not fall far from the tree. When I look to the Sikh people I see love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, selfcontrol, faithfuilness. In fact, I see them in greater abundance than within my own christian circles. So where does that come from? That comes from a deep love for the creators spirit.

I have come to beleive that this life is merely a preparation of ones heart in order that when Lord God returns, we will either know Him or not know Him. Jesus Christ will return and those who recognize and embrace Him will be saved. His beautiful hands of love will reach out and some will reject and some will accept. It is probable that if you spent your whole life denying, then you would not know or care to know Him when he returns. It also stands to reason, that if you devoted your life to seeking God, in whatever form it takes, that your heart and spirit would be more apt to recognize and accept.

I've said more than I wanted at this time so I will stop and bid you all....
peace, love and universal brotherhood

Temegami Weekend

We are planning to go to the camp this weekend. I want to sit in the Deck Chairs and watch. Just watch, look, enjoy. I am going to bring my new "plastic" guitar as it has yet to meet a campfire. Perhaps I will read a book. Perhaps get eaten alive by blackflies. Perhaps go scurry back to the bus to seek refuge. That reminds me...I need to bring a big roll of screening and bug proof the bus!

peace

Good Morning God

Good morning Waheguru. Today I rise and devote myself to You. Why do you love me so much Gitchi Manido? Lord God, what have I done to merit Your favor? I have learned that that You love me because You love me. It is You who created me and that is good enough. My heart leaps with thanksgiving. Precious Jesus, stay in my heart that I might praise You in all your wonderful glory. Come Great Spirit and give me strength and wisdom that I may glorify Your Holy Names.

Learning About Sikhism

I found this information about Sikhism at the webpage http://www.sikhs.org/.

The following are some quotes that I found..................................

The Sikh religion today has a following of over 20 million people worldwide and is ranked as the worlds 5th largest religion. Sikhism preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, equality of mankind and denounces superstitions and blind rituals. Sikhism is open to all through the teachings of its 10 Gurus enshrined in the Sikh Holy Book and Living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

.....

I observe neither Hindu fasting nor the ritual of the Muslim Ramadan month; Him I serve who at the last shall save. The Lord of universe of the Hindus, Gosain and Allah to me are one; From Hindus and Muslims have I broken free. I perform neither Kaaba pilgrimage nor at bathing spots worship; One sole Lord I serve, and no other. I perform neither the Hindu worship nor the Muslim prayer; To the Sole Formless Lord in my heart I bow. We neither are Hindus nor Muslims; Our body and life belong to the One Supreme Being who alone is both Ram and Allah for us." (Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Granth Sahib, Raga Bhairon pg. 1136)

.....

There is only One God. He is the same God for all people of all religions.

.....

Sikhism preaches that people of different races, religions, or sex are all equal in the eyes of God. It teaches the full equality of men and women. Women can participate in any religious function or perform any Sikh ceremony or lead the congregation in prayer.

.....

Sikhism does not have priests, which were abolished by Guru Gobind Singh. The Guru felt that they had become corrupt and full of ego. Sikhs only have custodians of the Guru Granth Sahib (granthi), and any Sikh is free to read the Guru Granth Sahib in the Gurdwara (a Sikh temple) or in their home. All people of all religions are welcome to the Gurdwara. A free community kitchen can be found at every Gurdwara which serves meals to all people of all faiths. Guru Nanak first started this institution which outline the basic Sikh principles of service, humility and equality.

.....

Waheguru is Gitchi Manido is Lord God

Waheguru

is a term most often used in Sikhism to refer to God,


the Supreme Being or the creator of all.


It means "The Wonderful Teacher" in the Punjabi language.


"Wah" translates to "wonder" and "Guru" , is a term denoting "teacher".


Waheguru is the distinctive representation of God's name in the Sikh dispensation.





Waheguru is Gitchi Manido is Lord God.
The power and might,
the majesty and the glory of our God
never ceases to amaze me.
Lord God, you are everywhere.
Your majesty extends to the Four corners of this world,
as you hold entire creation in your hand.
Father God, thank you for leading me to this place.
Thankyou Lord God for introducing me to more
and more of Your children.
Lord God open my eyes and my heart
that I might be a little piece of Your glory.
You are bigger and bigger every time I loook upon You.

All praise honor and glory to you alone Waheguru Gitchi Manido God.

To The Sikh Temple With a Friend

I have a friend who is Sikh. I really like this man and especially his wife and his wonderful kids. They are beautiful and peaceful people. They are kind and giving and I have found his freindship to be faithful and true.

I told him that I was watching a travel show and found that the sikh temples in Punjab provide free meals. The temple I was watching served 200,000 people a day! It was run entirely through donations of time, food and money. He told me that it was the same here and told me I would be welcome to go. I told him I was chicken because I am so baletently and obviously white. He told me we were the same before God and that I would be welcome in his temple 24 hours a day without question or judgement. So I asked him to take me.

We decided to meet at the Temple on Saturday at 1:30PM, just after a morning wedding. We arrived and the place was packed and there were 100's of very beautiful ladies in traditional dress. What was striking was the colours. Not one dress was the same and all were beautiful in their own way. Brilliant yellows, Orange, Red and light colours. Every color of the rainbow.

My buddy couldnt make it so his wife and daughter were our guides. My friend Ron came along with Sue and I for the experience. Raj and Jasmine were stunningly beautiful in their swarray (very bad spelling!!!)

When we arrived in the temple we took our shoes off. We then put on a head covering. There was a basket of coloured kercheifs at the door. Jasmine helped us tie them to our heads.

Raj took us then to the main prayer hall. She slipped 5 dollars in my hand to give to the musicians. My buddy had asked that I would do that because that is one of his "jobs" in the faith. I was proud and honoured to be able to do that. Raj told me the musicians in the temple do not recieve payment and small gifts like this are received with thanksgiving.

Raj slipped a toonie in each of our hands and asked that we deposit them in the basket up front which represents offerring to be used for the good of all. We entered the hall and there were 4 singing musicians and one reader of the word. There were speakers and chanters who "preached" praises all entirely in "high" Punjab.

We sat on the floor. Raj went to the front and got us a significant "sweet" which is kind like a communion activity. She shared it with us. It was rich in flavour like sweet bread. People came and went. Some stayed a while and some stayed longer. It was continuos and every changing, like a circle. Raj told us that the temple prayers and praises continue 24 hours a day. There is no fixed time to go. There is no fixed time that one stays. It was organic and flowing. I did not bow or fall prostate in the temple although I knew I would have to think about it all later.

From the temple, we went downstairs to the food hall. When we arrived we could look into the kitchen. We saw them prepairing the food and the nan bread. Raj instucted us to wash our hands at the wash station before enetering and then we went and sat on the floor with the others. We had big metal plates that had divisions like a TV dinner plate. Servers went around with various foods. Dhali, Channa, rice pudding, yogurt, panner, nan bread. The food was endless and each server was pleased to serve. After Jasmine had finished, she too went to the kitchen to serve. It appears as the the act of serving is highly valued and a bigger part of the experience. Raj instructed us to receive the nan bread with both hands as a sign of thankfullness.

Raj told us that the reason they eat on the floor is that all are equel before God. She related a story of when the king went to the guru for healing. The guru told the king to return to his people and eat on the ground with them, He told the king that until he returned with this humility, then he would not be seen by the guru. When we eat on the floor together, there are no distinctions.

After our meal, we took a tour of the temple. She took us to prayer hall after prayer hall. Big, small, cavernous, intimate, public and private. Each individual temple hall had its own copy of their holy book. Each private hall could be used by the people as required for praise, or prayer, or teaching and instruction, study, mediatation, social religious gathering etc. One thing I found fascinating is that once the holy book was opened to be read, they would read it in its entirety. It takes about three days of nonestop reading. They take turns and switch readers every three hours and continue until it is all read. We saw a dozen of these active readings, each one at a differant spot in the holy book. It was truly unbrelievable.

There were big screen TV's around the place which acted like a holy word billboard as scripture references scrolled across the screen. The references spoke of a One God creation full of majesty and grace. They spoke of universal love of the creator. Many of the scriptures look like they could have come out of my own bible.

When we left, Raj told us this. Now you know your way around the temple. You must know that you are friends and you are always welcome here. Our temple is open 24 hours a day and the people here will welcome you as brothers and sisters.

We thanked Raj and Jasmine for the great orientation. I intend to return to the temple for weekday lunch so that I might share a meal and fellowship with some truly great and kind people.

I am also going to ponder what all this means to me.

About Sikhism

About Sikhism

From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism

The origins of Sikhism lie in the teachings of Guru Nanak and his successors. Nanak disapproved of many religious beliefs and practices of his time. The essence of Sikh teaching is summed up by Nanak in these words: "Realisation of Truth is higher than all else. Higher still is truthful living".[5] Sikhism believes in equality of all humans and rejects discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, and sex. Sikhism also does not attach any importance to asceticism as a means to attain salvation, but stresses on the need of leading life as a householder.

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion.[6][7] (One God) In Sikhism, God—termed Vāhigurū—is shapeless, timeless, and sightless: niraṅkār, akāl, and alakh. The beginning of the first composition of Sikh scripture is the figure "1"—signifying the universality of God. It states that God is omnipresent and infinite, and is signified by the term ēk ōaṅkār.[8] Sikhs believe that before creation, all that existed was God and his hukam (will or order).[9] When God willed, the entire cosmos was created. From these beginnings, God nurtured "enticement and attachment" to māyā, or the human perception of reality.[10]

While a full understanding of God is beyond human beings,[8] Nanak described God as not wholly unknowable. God is omnipresent (sarav viāpak) in all creation and visible everywhere to the spiritually awakened. Nanak stressed that God must be seen from "the inward eye", or the "heart", of a human being: devotees must meditate to progress towards enlightenment. Guru Nanak Dev emphasized the revelation through meditation, as its rigorous application permits the existence of communication between God and human beings.[8] God has no sex in Sikhism, though translations may incorrectly present a male God. In addition, Nanak wrote that there are many worlds on which God has created life.[11]

peace

Canadian Hero's - Teme Augama Anishnabai

I post this page in honor of the Teme Augama Anishnabai. In November 1989 they had the courage and honour of standing for the land. Clearcutting threatened the Old Growth Forest and the Teme Augama decided it was time to take a stand. Taking a stand ultimately ended in the arrest of a couple hundred peaceful demonstrators. I tip my hat to these Canadian Heros and I stand in solidarity with their cause.

Someday I too may end up being taken away like this...

What would I be charged with if I chained myself to a tree or gate?

Public mischief?

Tresspassing?

Obstructing justice?

It wont hurt and I will wear it as a badge of honour.....record and all.

read more here.........

http://www.ottertooth.com/Temagami/Native/temagamifirstnation-blockade89.htm

Whats in a Name - Clan McIntyre

I have often pondered about my ancestory. For the most part, my family came to this country many generations ago. Many generations on my moms side and many generations on my dads side. We traced the "Wright" roots to a ship from Scotland in the late 1700's. The ship sailed with many Scots looking for a "new scotland" Nova Scotia.

I did a little reasearch and found that the Wright family name is a sub clan of the McIntyre Clan. The Scottish people organized their families in Clans. I am from Clan McIntyre. I contacted a McIntyre family keeper of the tradition and he called me cousin. Imagine that! I felt a very strong attachment to the clan at that moment. He told me that many McIntyre's left as McIntyre's but arrived arrived to their new homes as "Wrights" He said that many left Scotland and became "Wrights" when they went to England. HHHHMMM. I wonder why?

I have often had dreams where I smell the ocean. Where I smell the Heather and Where I smell the peat. I envision myself with a wool turtle neck sweater, by the way, I hate wool turtle neck sweaters, but I'm wearing one in my dream. I have long white hair and a big white beard. I can smell the sea and the earth that sustains me. Its vivid.

I am proud of my Scottish roots

The Circle

Random Quotes About The Circle

"First Nations people believe in a creation-based form of spirituality which has at its centre, the symbol of the sacred circle. The circle represents an harmonious relationship with nature and with all living things who are our relatives and that all things are connected and equal because in a circle there is no beginning and no end. Mother Earth is often referred to as a Medicine Wheel or Sacred Hoop because she is circular and she also turns in a circle. "
Shannon Thunderbird http://www.shannonthunderbird.com/medicine_wheel_teachings.htm

"He has inscribed a circle on the surface of the waters At the boundary of light and darkness." Job 26:10

"Birds make their nests in circles; we dance in circles, the circle stands for the Sun and Moon and all round things in the natural world. The circle is an endless creation, with endless connections to the present, all that went before and all that will come in the future."
Black Elk

"When He established the heavens, I was there, When He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,
Proverbs 8:27

Regarding Healing Circles, an important consideration is that - "What happens in a circle stays in the circle!" The safety and confidence with which people speak their truth is sacred and must never be spoken of outside the circle. Only those who were in the circle have the privilege of hearing that truth. "The circle is as sacred to Native People as the Confessional is to Catholics."
Shannon Thunderbird

Rainbow Warriors

The following information about "Rainbow Warriors" was taken directly from the website: http://www.manataka.org/page235.html by the MANATAKA AMERICAN INDIAN COUNCIL. It helps to explain Rainbow and Rainbow Warrior. There are also some very interesting and informative stories there.....

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"The Rainbow held special significance among the people of the land. Prophesies and stories of many nations, from the Hopi and Zuni in the Southwest to the Cherokee in the Southeast, from the Cree in the far north, the great Sioux nations of the plains, to the Mayan people of the far south, the Rainbow was a focal point of spiritual belief.

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The rainbow was a sign of the omnipotent grace of the Great Mystery (Gitchi Manido, God). It was by grace, freely given, unmerited favor and love of the Creator that allowed our people to walk this earth in respect for thousands of years barely leaving a footprint.

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The following prophesies and stories will help you to understand the importance of the Rainbows of Manataka and the meaning of the term, Rainbow Warrior.

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HOPI PROPHESY
"When the earth is dying there shall arise a new tribe of all colours and all creeds. This tribe shall be called The Warriors of the Rainbow and it will put its faith in actions not words."

- Prophecy of the Native American Hopi people -

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SIOUX PROPHESY
"There will come a time when the earth is sick and the animals and plants begin to die. Then the Indians will regain their spirit and gather people of all nations, colors and beliefs to join together in the fight to save the Earth: The Rainbow Warriors."

- Ancient Native American prophecy -

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AMERICAN INDIAN ANCIENT PROPHESY
A day will come when the animals, winged ones and those who swim will begin to disappear. The eagle, bear, wolf and buffalo will be scarce because people will become greedy and will not love each other. The sky will become black and the trees and plants will die. The beautiful rainbow will disappear because people will not remember to keep the Mother Earth sacred and will destroy its beauty. Children of the Rainbow Warriors will come before all destroyed and they will love the trees and the animals. They will love and respect each other and they will help people to live in peace with all creation. The rainbow in the sky will return as a sign of the Creator's grace.

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CREE PROPHECY - Warriors of the Rainbow
Last century an old wise woman of the Cree Indian nation, named "Eyes of Fire", had a vision of the future. She prophesied that one day, because of the white mans' or Yo-ne-gis' greed, there would come a time, when the earth being ravaged and polluted, the forests being destroyed, the birds would fall from the air, the waters would be blackened, the fish being poisoned in the streams, and the trees would no longer be, mankind as we would know it would all but cease to exist.

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There would come a time when the "keepers of the legend, stories, culture rituals, and myths, and all the Ancient Tribal Customs" would be needed to restore us to health, making the earth green again. They would be mankind's key to survival, they were the "Warriors of the Rainbow". -

There would come a day of awakening when all the peoples of all the tribes would form a New World of Justice, Peace, Freedom and recognition of the Great Spirit.

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The "Warriors of the Rainbow" would spread these messages and teach all peoples of the Earth or "Elohi". They would teach them how to live the "Way of the Great Spirit". They would tell them of how the world today has turned away from the Great Spirit and that is why our Earth is "Sick".

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The "Warriors of the Rainbow" would show the peoples that this "Ancient Being" (the Great Spirit), is full of love and understanding, and teach them how to make the "Earth or Elohi" beautiful again. These Warriors would give the people principles or rules to follow to make their path light with the world. These principles would be those of the Ancient Tribes. The Warriors of the Rainbow would teach the people of the ancient practices of Unity, Love and Understanding. They would teach of Harmony among people in all four corners of the Earth.

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Like the Ancient Tribes, they would teach the peoples how to pray to the Great Spirit with love that flows like the beautiful mountain stream, and flows along the path to the ocean of life. Once again, they would be able to feel joy in solitude and in councils. They would be free of petty jealousies and love all mankind as their brothers, regardless of color, race or religion. They would feel happiness enter their hearts, and become as one with the entire human race. Their hearts would be pure and radiate warmth, understanding and respect for all mankind, Nature and the Great Spirit.They would once again fill their minds, hearts, souls, and deeds with the purest of thoughts. They would seek the beauty of the Master of Life - the Great Spirit! They would find strength and beauty in prayer and the solitude of life.Their children would once again be able to run free and enjoy the treasures of Nature and Mother Earth. Free from the fears of toxins and destruction, wrought by the Yo-ne-gi and his practices of greed. The rivers would again run clear, the forests be abundant and beautiful, the animals and birds would be replenished. The powers of the plants and animals would again be respected and conservation of all that is beautiful would become a way of life. The poor, sick and needy would be cared for by their brothers and sisters of the Earth. These practices would again become a part of their daily lives.
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The leaders of the people would be chosen in the old way - not by their political party, or who could speak the loudest, boast the most, or by name calling or mud slinging, but by those whose actions spoke the loudest. Those who demonstrated their love, wisdom and courage and those who showed that they could and did work for the good of all, would be chosen as the leaders or Chiefs. They would be chosen by their "quality" and not the amount of money they had obtained. Like the thoughtful and devoted "Ancient Chiefs", they would understand the people with love, and see that their young were educated with the love and wisdom of their surroundings. They would show them that miracles can be accomplished to heal this world of its ills, and restore it to health and beauty.

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The tasks of these "Warriors of the Rainbow" are many and great. There will be terrifying mountains of ignorance to conquer and they shall find prejudice and hatred. They must be dedicated, unwavering in their strength, and strong of heart.

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They will find willing hearts and minds that will follow them on this road of returning "Mother Earth" to beauty and plenty - once more. The day will come, it is not far away. The day that we shall see how we owe our very existence to the people of all tribes that have maintained their culture and heritage. Those that have kept the rituals, stories, legends and myths alive.

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It will be with this knowledge, the knowledge that they have preserved, that we shall once again return to "harmony" with Nature, Mother Earth and mankind. It will be with this knowledge that we shall find our "Key to our Survival"."

http://www.manataka.org/page235.html

MANATAKA AMERICAN INDIAN COUNCIL

Exploring the Rainbow - Genesis

12 And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come:

13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds,

15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.

16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."

.........

This is what the Holy Bible says about the rainbow. This part of the passage is from Genesis and the rainbow happened after the great flood.

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Amazingly, many many cultures have stories of the great flood.

I grew up understanding Noah and the Ark and my Anishinaabe brothers and sister grew up with the Creation of Turtle Island story. There indeed was a great flood and it is said to have been a mighty purging of evil. Yet through such destruction came life and God made a promise to us, or rather, made a covenant with all creation forever.

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The promise is signified by the rainbow. The rainbow is a sign. The rainbow is a great symbol of peace. It is a great symbol of hope. It is a great symbol of Gods love for me, you and "ALL LIVING CREATURES OF EVERY KIND ON EARTH"

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The rainbow is not exclusive to a particular time for it is for all generations to come. It is not exclusive to a particular people group for it is for all living creatures.

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So much to be said about RAINBOW

Universal Medicine Wheel Teaching

This is a

Universal Medicine Wheel Teaching

and is meant to show that there is

ONLY ONE CREATOR GOD

and

ONE FAMILY OF GOD!

We were placed on the Earth in Four Original Tribes and All People were originally Native to the Earth.

We were originally given the same teachings, with different perspectives.

We all need to share our knowledge with one and other, so that we All might Grow Greater in Spirit. The Creator does not hold one Nation above another and sent messengers to All Nations.

Everyone was given Medicine Wheels, Mandalas, Sacred Circle Teachings, to learn about their relationship to All Life

http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Andes/1029/medicinewheel5.html

Lightning Woman

Universal Medicine Wheel Teaching

I found this quote and teaching while researching Medicine Wheel teachings. Very intersting indeed. I thought, " I never received medicine wheel teaching in my Judeo Christian upbringing.....

or did I?
Suddenly I remembered that Ezekiel had a "wheel" dream. So I quickly pulled up my "esword" Bible program and looked it up. Here is what Ezekiel saw in his vision.

Ezekiel Chapter One

Ezekiel 1:1-21
(1) Now it came about in the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was by the river Chebar among the exiles, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.
(2) (On the fifth of the month in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's exile,
(3) the word of the LORD came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and there the hand of the LORD came upon him.)
(4) As I looked, behold, a storm wind was coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing forth continually and a bright light around it, and in its midst something like glowing metal in the midst of the fire.
(5) Within it there were figures resembling four living beings. And this was their appearance: they had human form.
(6) Each of them had four faces and four wings.
(7) Their legs were straight and their feet were like a calf's hoof, and they gleamed like burnished bronze.
(8) Under their wings on their four sides were human hands. As for the faces and wings of the four of them,
(9) their wings touched one another; their faces did not turn when they moved, each went straight forward.
(10) As for the form of their faces, each had the face of a man; all four had the face of a lion on the right and the face of a bull on the left, and all four had the face of an eagle.
(11) Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out above; each had two touching another being, and two covering their bodies.
(12) And each went straight forward; wherever the spirit was about to go, they would go, without turning as they went.
(13) In the midst of the living beings there was something that looked like burning coals of fire, like torches darting back and forth among the living beings. The fire was bright, and lightning was flashing from the fire.
(14) And the living beings ran to and fro like bolts of lightning.
(15) Now as I looked at the living beings, behold, there was one wheel on the earth beside the living beings, for each of the four of them.
(16) The appearance of the wheels and their workmanship was like sparkling beryl, and all four of them had the same form, their appearance and workmanship being as if one wheel were within another.
(17) Whenever they moved, they moved in any of their four directions without turning as they moved.
(18) As for their rims they were lofty and awesome, and the rims of all four of them were full of eyes round about.
(19) Whenever the living beings moved, the wheels moved with them. And whenever the living beings rose from the earth, the wheels rose also.
(20) Wherever the spirit was about to go, they would go in that direction. And the wheels rose close beside them; for the spirit of the living beings was in the wheels.
(21) Whenever those went, these went; and whenever those stood still, these stood still. And whenever those rose from the earth, the wheels rose close beside them; for the spirit of the living beings was in the wheels.

.

.....Put that in your peace pipe and smoke it!

Learning About Medicine Wheel

I am beginning to learn about Medicine Wheel.

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The pictoral representation of Medicine Wheel can be seen above.

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Many of you have probably seen pins, or posters or literature bearing this symbol. A young fellow that I jam with was wearing one on a button on his jacket. I asked him what it meant and he told me "Unity" of peoples. Certainly it means that but it means much more.

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I think that I need to study the medicine wheel to better understand Anishinaabe culture and ways. I also need to study medicine wheel to better understand myself and the love that God has for his many people. I think that this symbol is as important to Anishinaabe as the cross is the christians. The meaning within the symbol is a holy concept that has been passed down through thousands of generations. I see its foundation in the Gitchi Manido creation of the world. To put it bluntly, God, Gitchi Manido gave it to them and it carries with it great spiritual truth.

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Here is a small breakdown of some of the medicine wheel elements. As you look at the elements there is an emerging pattern. In case you cant see the picture clearly, below is a list. I will use this list to help me study the medicine wheel.

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North

White, Elders, Bear, Cedar, Winter, Wind

South

Black, Youth, Wolf, Sweetgrass, Summer, Earth

East

Yellow, Children, Eagle, Tobacco, Spring, Fire

West

Red, Parents, Buffalo, Sage, Fall, Water

Lord God, Gitchi Manido, you are above all. You breathed your life into us, your people, and poured out to us so much knowledge. Lord God, Gitchi Manido, I pray that you might make this knowledge real and understandable to me, that I might share what I learn with others and use it to better myself. Lord God, Gitchi Manido, open your great mystery to me, share with me Your intentions, that I might continue to honor and praise You in truth. Speak to my heart, loving creator, that I may be a vessal of your loving creativity. Teach me oh God and help me to understand. Walk with me Oh Lord and keep me pure of heart. Gitchi Manido, would you teach me the way of Anishinaabe, that we may live in perfect unity.

More About Trumpeter Swans

It appears that Trumpeter swans were very near extinction. Trumpeter Swans had been native to North America until their near demise. Traditionally, trumpeter swans would migrate from Southern US up to the Arctic.

Biologists began to try to restore the species. There was one female in particular that lived in the marsh near Burlington. She took flight out to Hamilton Harbour and spent winter there. This began a "mini migration" for this female and her resulting offspring which continues today. Evidently she herself became the Nokomis not only of her 70 some odd offspring, but perhaps to the whole restoration process.

Scientist have found that re-introducing to the US with the expectation of full migration returning has had very poor success. They decided to concentrate on realing in Canada and the today the numbers in Ontario are around 1000. 200 of those 1000 maintain the "mini migration". A certain number of these birds have returned to the Arctic migration pattern and yet many others remain un accounted for. The scientist are trying to find some of these "secret" brooding locations.

Scientists and biologists have been marking these birds with a large yellow tags. The tag of the bird that landed in Emerald Lake Temagami said 907. While I was researching I saw a video clip of biologists tagging these birds. One of the birds on the video had a tag 914. I would be willing to bet that this Trumpeter Swan winters over in Hamilton Harbour, where the video was taken.

These are truly magnificent birds and they have a wing span of almost 8 feet!

If you have any stories about swans, share them with me.

Here is an article about the Arctic Tundra Swan, which is another slightly smaller, yet still magnificent bird. http://www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/350032

cheers