Race Against the Tide

Race Against the Tide

BBC - Human Planet

Art as Medicine - Loon Lit

"Loon Lit" Copyright don wright 2010

I gave this medicine painting to a person who has been shut in for 20 years. Imagine, 20 years in the confinement of ones home. I wanted her to experience the outdoors from the comfort of her home. I wanted her to have this medicine, in hopes that it would brighten her day and lift her spirits. The call of the loon, the promise of the rainbow and the creators provisions are all gifts that are best shared. I hope this brings some peace and joy to Susan as she battles with confinement. May Peace, Joy and Contentment beyond circumstance, be forever yours.

The Gift

You are a Gift to Us

Angry Turtles

angry turtles,

angry bears

angry birds

emaciated faces

with dumbfounded looks

and 

netherworld themes.

insecure,

empty

and

void

Some will understand

and

Some will not

and some will choose to be blind

Thank You!

Thank you for the support and dialogue. I count you as friends.

Contentment of a Cat

Nin Minigos is an expert at sleeping. We have found him in a number of different places. He sleeps in garbage cans, boxes, pillows, night stands...you name it....and he sleeps a LOT. When he is not sleeping, he is playing full bore....flat out. He and Geddy begin the day around 5am charging up and down the hall, sliding on the floor and banging doors. Pete says it sounds like a stampede every morning. We bought new cat food which has little treats in it...wrong!!! They knock the food dish all over the bathroom floor and then hoover up all the treats. Bad kitty....but smart. Nin Minigos takes great joy in running faster than his speed, causing him to do burnouts and slides around corners. When the 2 of them get going there is no telling what will happen.

In the meantime, all my tests proved negative or should I say positive...I dont know. According to all tests I am healthy. My vision is blurred yet I scored 20/20 on the test. My ears are plugged and ringing and they are as clean as a whistle. My blood tests show that I am healthy with no bad markers. All response tests are fine. So then the doc says...it must be stress or reaction to the Codeine. The doc gave me some pills and a drink that is supposed to clear my system a bit better and quicker. Today I can concentrate better. That is welcome!

My condition was first diagnosed when I was around 14. At that time they thought it was scoliosis. Then with more tests, I was found to have spondylo lethesis. Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a bone (vertebra) in the lower part of the spine slips out of the proper position onto the bone below it. I have two locations, which are now found to be arthritic. I lose the feelings in my hands often and that makes it hard to play guitar! I have never been able to find a med that agrees with me because I have a number of allergies. Muscle relaxants, anti inflammatorys, pain killers, mood enhancers...nothing has worked. I have learned instead to just deal with pain. I am not looking for sympathy! I ask for prayer and understanding instead. 

I have been to a number of healing ceremonies, which have never helped anything physical, and I still go when opportunities arise. Last time the Pastor said..."what if you are not healed. How do you suppose you will feel about God." I decided at that moment that regardless of circumstance, Lord God was with me and in me. I just simply surrendered it all. I said Lord, you can have all that I am. This has not stopped my constant pain. It has however soothed my soul and given me joy beyond circumstance.

We read that Paul had a Thorn, but I am not sure what. I do know he lived with pain. I also know that in the face of death, Paul had joy beyond circumstance. I also read in prophesy that this pain that we all experience in one way or another, will be healed and every tear will be wiped from our eyes. I decided that although that may be true in the future, I could claim that today.

Lord God

there is so much suffering in this world.

As I look around me I see suffering much beyond my own.

I see broken lives and loss of hope.

I see trials and tribulations and a loss of faith.

I see pain grinding down our beings into shells of broken people.

I see addictions everywhere, all an attempt to hide or remove the pain.

Lord my pain is just physical and again I offer it all to you.

I pray Lord that you would spiritually heal all those suffering.

I pray for people of abuse and circumstance beyond their control.

I pray for all lost, hurt and lonely people.

I know Lord, that each and every person is a gift...

a sacred being and Lord I pray in solidarity.

I thank you Lord for how I am magnificently blessed

and how I can dwell in your presence

here, now and forever.

I am pleased to be your broken vessel.

I dont like the pain, but I sure love You.

I look forward to your symbolic birth celebration,

not for what I get

but for who You are

and why You came.

I celebrate another year of your presence

Lord God....and  

if you could turn my pain into something wonderful

I would appreciate it...oh wait

..You already did!

PRAISE GOD FOREVER!

amen

Please Pray for Me

A month ago my back went into spasm. After a couple weeks I couldnt stand the pain any more so I went to the Hospital. I was prescribed Tylenol3 with codeine. The pain went away, but I was left feeling nauseous. The spasm returned and I couldnt stand the pain so I took it again. Now the muscles is out of spasm, but I still feel sick. My eyesight is messed up and I am dizzy. I can only look at my computer screen for an hour and then I have to lie down. It has been very difficult to conduct business and I have been sleeping a lot. I noticed that my eyeglass prescription is now way out of whack and my ears are plugged. I will go back to the hospital today and try to get them to drain my ears. Perhaps that is what is causing me this imbalance. I feel sea sick and dizzy. Its been 10 years since I last took a pain killer. I am trying to figure out whats worse...the infliction or the cure? I am told my only "cure" is spinal fusion and that is no cure at all. I have decided that I MUST lose weight. I have dropped about 10 pounds now and hope to lose more. I cant help but imagine carrying around a 30 pound sack of butter on my back. It stands to reason that this extra weight is not helping me.

Wall of Fame - Family Photos and Art

Wall of Fame

Many years ago we ran out of room in our old school house. We put all our pictures away for safe keeping. Debbie hung these for us. It is great to see the memories again. 

My Office

I am connected to my office 5.5 hours south of me. When my phone rings in Mississauga, it rings on my desk. When I connect to the office with my PC, it is as if I was there. People are amazed and so am I.

My Office

My prints and paintings are important to me. I move them around the house a lot. I have a lot of wall space and I make good use of it.

In Honour and Respect of the Great Nishnaabe

Elder Alex left some ceremonial items with me for safe keeping. I jokingly said "I'll be taking pictures of myself the second you leave". Alex laughed and I wasnt kidding. A week has passed and I looked at that box every day. I debate and joke with myself. Finally today, I couldnt stand the temptation any more, so Niijii and I had a photo shoot. 

The Eagle Feather is sacred to the Nishnaabe. In practice, Alex will pass the Eagle Feather, giving the beholder the absolute right and authority to speak. When someone speaks, we all must listen and respect. In a court of law, the Great Nishnaabe will swear on the Eagle Feather. The Holy Bible represents my belief in truth, just as the Nishnaabe reveres the Eagle Feather. To speak untruth with the Eagle Feather would be unspeakable. It is illegal for me to have an eagle feather, unless it is associated with religious practice. I also believe it would have to be a gift. In my travels, I am always on the lookout for an eagle feather. Perhaps some day, in the fullness of time, I will acquire one.

A Brand New Day

What a difference a day makes

when day breaks

and the valley is behind

soaring heights

on broken wings

catching a lift

towards the heavens

with thanksgiving

on my lips

and a song in my heart

Pain

Pain

excruciating pain

all consuming

pain

ex·cru·ci·at·ing  (k-skrsh-tng) adj. 1. Intensely painful; agonizing. 2. Very intense or extreme: wrote with excruciating precision. ex·cruci·ating·ly adv.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

---

excruciating [ɪkˈskruːʃɪˌeɪtɪŋ]

adj

1. unbearably painful; agonizing

2. intense; extreme he took excruciating pains to do it well

3. Informal irritating; trying

excruciatingly  adv

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 

Pain

excruciating pain

all consuming

pain

Pain is an unpleasant sensation often caused by intense or damaging stimuli 

It motivates withdrawal from damaging or potentially damaging situations, protection of a damaged body part while it heals, and avoidance of similar experiences in the future.^[2] Most pain resolves promptly once the painful stimulus is removed and the body has healed, but sometimes pain persists despite removal of the stimulus and apparent healing of the body; and sometimes pain arises in the absence of any detectable stimulus, damage or disease.^[3]

Pain is the most common reason for physician consultation in the United States.^[4] It is a major symptom in many medical conditions, and can significantly interfere with a person's quality of life and general functioning.

Pain

excruciating pain

all consuming

pain

Take this yoke from me

protect my friends and loved ones from its effects

I would bear it alone if I could

Healing

Heal

Healer

be one with me

lift this yoke

remove this burdon

I have much to do

Premier Dalton McGuinty

Re: Wolf Lake EBR Registry Number: 010-7775

Dear Premier McGuinty,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposal to remove the forest reserve status from parts of the Wolf Lake Forest Reserve. Forest reserve status is intended to make the area a park-in-waiting, with existing mining claims and leases being automatically designated as parks as soon as they lapse.

Wolf Lake, located along the Chiniguchi waterway in the southwestern region of Temagami, is home to the largest old-growth red pine forest in the world. Wolf Lake contains the core of 1,600 hectares of red pine with trees over 260 years old. This diverse ecosystem has thrived for centuries providing important habitat for wildlife and has now become a haven for hikers and canoeists. The towering pines found at Wolf Lake are part of an endangered ecosystem that is estimated to persist on only 1.2% of its former extent.

Removing the forest reserve status from part of the Wolf Lake region to encourage mining investment is a dangerous step to take in the "management" of this irreplaceable ecological gem. Under the proposed "general use" designation the old-growth forest would no longer be managed with protection of natural heritage and special landscapes as the priority, but rather with resource extraction as the primary goal.

The proposal would continue to allow damaging mining exploration activities, which could result in an operational mine, in the heart of this old-growth forest. Even commercial logging may be considered in Wolf Lake's old growth when it is required for advanced mineral exploration activities. Also, logging and mining exploration will be allowed in the southern Matagamasi Lake portion of the forest reserve.

The proposal takes this unique area further away from regulation as a permanently protected area - a designation that is long overdue. In doing so it leaves irreplaceable ecosystems and prime canoe routes in peril from industry and badly managed recreation.

The Wolf Lake old-growth forest, including substantial buffer zones on all sides, should be fully and permanently protected - under no circumstances should industrial activities be allowed to proceed in Canada’s largest old-growth red pine forest. Breaking up this landscape in a patchwork of land-use designations threatens to degrade its ecological and recreational value. This area should be permanently protected as part of a continuous corridor that includes the entire Wolf Lake Forest Reserve, all of Chiniguchi Lake, and the associated red and white pine forests. I will be watching this issue closely and plan to take further action if this misguided proposal proceeds as is. I hope to count on the Ministry of Natural Resources to do the right thing.

Sincerely,
don wright and all future generations

The Weakness in Me - - Love and Affection

...two of my favourite songs.....

Wolf Lake Petition - Save the Forest!

Protect The Old Growth Forest Reserve at Wolf Lake - Temagami Petition | GoPetition

I would invite, ask, and encourage each and every reader to sign this petition. As you may or may not be aware, the provincial government has decided to abandon protection of this significant forest. My personal opinion is that all remaining old growth should be saved and protected. Look at the stats...there is so little left. We need to be good stewards of the land and protect this. Generations are counting on us.

Brian Marion - Thunderbird

Thunderbird - Copyright Brian Marion

1960-2011

Original acrylics painting on paper

Approx. 56 cm x 76 cm (22" x 30").

peace

joy will find a way - bruce cockburn

The Angels Cried

-

Tickety Boo

Bad then Good
Two weeks ago when I returned from Mississauga, My back went into spasm. I did what I usually do. I wait it out and sleep a bit more. Well last night was brutal and I was going crazy with the pain. I decided to go to emerg first thing. Pete dropped me off at 8am and by 9am I was out with a prescription for Tylenol 3. I took a few and wow..they work. I feel so great! Not because I'm buzzed, but because I feel like a veil of gloom has been lifted. Pain can make you slave.

Bad then Good
Sue was told the sad news last week that her work term was not 6 weeks as hoped, but cut short to 2 weeks. That was bad. This week, they asked if she would like to work full time. This is Good! Sue wanted to be part of a team and she found a great place to work and love children. This is Sues calling. This is good.

Just as the sun sets and darkness arrives,

so does the sun rise and darkness set.

a sleepless night......a blessed day

and another example of a magnificent way

to feel renewal, to feel the sun on ones face,

to look to the sky, with redeeming grace

and look within, to this sacred place.

the place where gratefulness and blessings meet

-

Go Down Easy - Dan Fogelberg

Go Down Easy - Dan Fogelberg

-

Fascist Architecture - Bruce Cockburn

Fascist Architecture - Bruce Cockburn

The Devils Face on Manitou

Alex showed me an illustration of "Devils Face" by Hap Wilson

and explained where I could find the subject.

On the way home, I located and I took pictures.

Image Copyright Hap Wilson

Manitou (Devil's) Lake: 

was so named for the naturally carved face on a cliff 

located about a third of the way up the lake on the east side

(across from the government campsite)

http://www.ottertooth.com/Temagami/Wilson/Route1/gull.htm

Here is the rock face as seen from the crown campsite on Lake Manitou.

A little zoom and the image appears.

It actually reminds me of a dog...a boxer to be specific.

Devils Face

Hap Wilson is a guide, canoe expert, artist, writer and photographer. 

He is very respected in the Temagami region and beyond.

http://www.ottertooth.com/Temagami/Wilson/hap-wilson.htm

http://www.ottertooth.com/Temagami/Wilson/books.htm

It Was A Rainy Day And............

We made Meat Pies! We put 15 in the freezer and...

ate two..........yum! 

We had some left over dough so we made a cherry/cranberry pie.

..Life is good

Almighty God

The Almighty said there was only one God. We needed a name. The Almighty could not be contained in a name, nor would any name suffice. For a long time, the Name was so holy, feared and revered that it could not be spoken. No name could do justice. As man does, a name can become a symbol or an idol and quite possibly a replacement for the real thing. Yet man needed to have a name, just as we required an earthly king.  

Moses broke the ice and got up enough courage to ask the un askable....What is Your name? Moses was told, I AM that I AM.....I AM who I AM....I IS what I IS. Was that a "never mind"? or was that a clue. 

So man proceeded to try to find a name for the un-nameable.

The name list is big. It contains so many adjectives, nouns, pronouns, verbs....all are used to try to capture the essence of God. As I ponder my personal name of God, I realize its not a name, its an all powerful feeling. My name for God within can not be spoken, for not one name is worthy....YET I lovingly, respectfully, joyfully and faithfully honor and speak all these names. 

I am told that there is no other name by which I am saved, and that name is Jesus. I read that Jesus is God. I would suggest that it is not the name that saves, but the Almighty. Jesus, the Christ made it possible for me to experience the living God, here today, yesterday and tomorrow. I guess I am a bit like Thomas and just needed to see the the holes in his hands; holes through which I can experience the creator and God within.

Here is a partial list of names used in Hebrew literature....and this is the tip of the ice berg!!!!

I AM

YHVH

Jehovah

Yahweh

Hashem - The Name

Elohim

God

Elohei

El

Eloah

Elah

Yah

Adonai

Hakkadosh

Savior

Redeemer

Messiah

Spirit of God

Consuming Fire

Creator

Father

Fortress

Judge

King

The Light

Wonderful Counselor

Shiloh

Shepard

Rock

Just One

Alpha

Omega

Abba

Spirit

Mashiach

Yeshua

Lord

The Power

The Sovereign One

The Son

The Holy Spirit

jAll in All

Cornerstone

Christ

Door

The Last Adam

Holy One

Horn of Salvation

Immanuel

Kohen Gadol

The Way

and the list goes on.........

The Outlaw

The Outlaw - Dan Fogelberg

Among the possesions of an outlaw of a low class kind
Is this little bottle of French perfume
Taken as a last thought from a drug store in suburbia
He said, "Lady, look what I've got for you."
She said, "Jesse, I don't hardly even know you anymore.
And judging from your grin, you'd think you held up Henry Ford.
And I don't believe I want you a comin' 'round here anymore. Ooh."

Jesse, he was hurt, boy, and he left there, and he slammed the door.
And he wandered through the alleyways.
Thinkin' all the while that she'd be proud of what he stole for her,
And he tried to think of better ways.
Dreamin' of a movie that he'd seen one afternoon,
He drew out all his savings and he went and bought a gun.
And he ran right home and stood before his mirror
Acting like a thug, ooh.

He waited for a dark night; he was frightened, boy, the fog rolled in,
As a rich man, he came walkin' by,
"Hold your hands up high," he cried,
"I've come to make your fortune mine."
But his eyes, they gave him right away,
Jesse dropped the gun and they both stared at to where it lay.
And Jesse asked the man if he'd please leave him in his pain.
And the man tried to forgive him, but there's not much he could say. Ooh.

Among the possessions of an outlaw of a low class kind
Is this little bottle of French perfume
Taken as a last thought from a drugstore in suburbia.
He said, "Lady, look what I've got for you."
"Ah, take it, ah, please take it; I'm tired and I'm poor.
And this crappy French perfume is nothin' less than my own soul.
I was feelin' half a man; I wanted to feel whole, ooh."
Oooh...ooh,ooh.

Wandering Shepherd

"Wandering Shepherd" Copyright Dan Fogelberg High Country Snows

Wandering shepherd, wander no more
Wandering shepherd, wander no more
Wandering shepherd, wander no more
Lay down your troubles, your worries and woes.

Traveling pilgrim, rest for the night
Traveling pilgrim, rest for the night
Traveling pilgrim, rest for the night
Sup with the Savior and drink of his Light.

Homeless believer, find here a home
Homeless believer, find here a home
Homeless believer, find here a home
You may be lonely but never alone.

Wandering shepherd, wander no more
Wandering shepherd, wander no more
Wandering shepherd, wander no more
Lay down your troubles, your worries and woes

Ruach

Spirit

Missing in Temagami Since Nov 3 2011

Don and Maureen Trask are trying to locate their son. If you have any leads, sitings, thoughts, suggestions, prayers or otherwise, you would be welcome to leave that info here by clicking on "thoughts".

Your "thought" can remain unpublished if you wish.

Email HighJack

I was sent a link from a friend. Like a fool, I followed it and I have paid the consequences. Immediately every one of my contacts was sent an email with the same link. I have had to contact all my contacts and warn them, I have had to delete my email address patienceandselfcontrol@hotmail.com and I have had to change all my passwords on all my sites. I feel like I have been raped. This email address, though rarely used, has great sentimental value. By the way, patience and self control are attributes that I have been trying to work on. I identified these fruits were lacking in my life and I have been trying to re-train or re-identify these gifts in their proper form. The email addy was a reminder to me that I didnt completely have my shit together. Anyway, I guess it was time to let that go. I am momentarily sad, yet life begins a new, the sun rises and its a brand new day.

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED A LINK FROM ME, PLEASE DONT OPEN IT. JUST DELETE IT. IT IS FOR A FREE IPAD. IF YOU FOLLOW THE LINK, YOU WILL BE INFECTED.