Katie's Kitchen Party

A “Kitchen Party” is a traditional Atlantic Canadian social gathering. There is always food and music shared with neighbours and friends. Our family got to share in Katie’s Kitchen Party the other night. Here’s a little slice for you.

Chris and Jon are in the mix. There must have been a dozen kid fiddlers, 3 guitarists, pipers and drummers galore. Such an excellent time.

6 Word Memoir

Sarah tagged me with the 6 word memoir virus. I believe that all of my friends have done this and therefore I won’t spread it any further. The buck stops here. Feel the power? And, being the party pooper that I am I will not bother with articles 3, 4 and 5. I figure that my last post sort of covers item number 2. Just the same, here is the challenge:

1) Write a six word memoir
2) Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you want
3) Link to the person that tagged you in your post, and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere
4) Tag at least five more blogs with links
5) Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

My Memoir: Live With All of My Heart

I have been working this out for a couple of weeks. I can’t tell you how many times a phrase would come to mind and I would be seen counting my fingers. Anyhow, for those of you who have tried this you know what I’m getting at. It is tough. It was fun.

36,000 Words

Less "i"

Back in late 70’s there were just 3 guys in Miss Laventure’s high school typing class. I cut my teeth on an old Underwood Touch-Master 5. I don’t think any amount of time will erase the clack-clacking of keys, the ding of the bell and the throwing of the carriage. I could punch out 60 words-per-minute. Back in the day, in order to fix typos, one had to use a type-eraser or white-out. There was no backspace key and no spell check. Times were tough.

I can no longer see the letters “e”, “a” and “s” on my computer keyboard at work. Not only is the text or “letters” missing, the plastic keys appear to be washed smooth like pebbles refined by a constant wash of ocean waves. It’s weird. I must drag my left hand across those keys in peculiar fashion. Over-pronating?

I am going to start pawing a little harder on the “i” key. Scratching out more “i” and focusing more on “u”. I am very grateful these days for my wife and family and my growing circle of friends.

The Richest Blessing Of All

Tonight I will visit my friend David. I can’t wait for him to unpack the details of the trip to NYC. Despite the fact that I could not go along I really feel a warm part of the group of guys I call ‘my brothers’. There have been several exciting group emails that have circulated today. My friends are on fire.

These are normal guys and these are extraordinary guys who chose to sacrifice their own personal time, comfort level and safety to help the hopeless and homeless – regular patrons at the Bowery Mission. Sounds risky eh? And, that’s precisely what is missing today for so many of us – guys especially. We dismiss the element of risk and live a life of ‘risk management’ and self-preservation.

Ultimately, for me, every time I step forward to help I end up receiving the richest blessing of all. Next year...I'm going!

Bumps In The Road

I do not dare reveal too much detail. I should be leaving for New York City this afternoon but I am not. Truth is, I’m just too important at work to be afforded the time. I may sound bitter but I’m not so much anymore. I am through the initial stage of anger and disappointment – my pot having quietly boiled over. I have some peace.

The worst part is that I feel I have let my buddies down. I’m sure I have. Thankfully, David can step in and cover for me. I’ll miss you boys. You know I’d rather be with you. Every thing happens for a reason. I'll work it out during a long run.