Because it Could Have Been Anyone of Us...

If you want to do something radical, something that will change the world and leave your mark on history, be a Canadian. If you want to be a hero, be a Canadian. You don't have to go to outer space, although Canadians have done that. You don't have to cure diseases, although Canadians have done that. You don't have to invent cutting edge technology that improves the lives of millions, although Canadians have done that. You don't have to go to war to defend our freedoms, although Canadians have done that. You don't have do anything other than what you were called to do in ordinary life; but do it well and make us proud. Hold a door open, say thank you, and say sorry when you've done something wrong; give up a seat for an elderly person on the bus and congratulate children when they give it their all to master some new skill they are learning. Tolerate diversity and be proud of your own unique contribution the fabric of our society. The most radical response to the world's problems is to keep doing those little things that make us who we are and who we will become.

When we stand on guard for our country and the freedoms others have purchased for us, we are armed with the knowledge that we are a great country because we are united as neighbours. We are Muslim, and Jewish; we are Catholic and Protestant; We are Atheists and we are Buddhists. We are Conservative and Liberal, NDP, Green and Independent. We are Aboriginal and we are immigrants. We speak our mind and allow others the chance to speak theirs. We do so in French, English, and many, many languages besides. That we can be so different and yet united is a sign of contradiction to the world. No civilization has ever been such a radical symbol of hope in the face of challenge. We are a nation founded by those who willingly died that we may live. They did not only die in war; they died in service to their neighbour throughout our history. Love of neighbour is one of the radical tenets on which our nation is founded.

Today I was especially touched by an image of Retired Corporal David Ward who, like other retired veterans across the nation, stood on guard at the local cenotaph to remember Corporal Nathan Cirillo. I was also touched by Chris Boudreau who today reminded Canadians that families of the radicalized need help to prevent further tragedies; she lost her own Canadian son in Syria. Today she had the courage to speak out for others who might yet be saved. If our vigilance levels are to be raised in the wake of the tragedies in Ottawa and St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, let us be more vigilant for the opportunities to look out for our neighbours, to do the little things which keep our society safe and strong.

While we are rightfully proud of Kevin Vickers for his bravery, skill, and swift action on October 22, we ought also to be proud that this day was the first time in his career that he discharged his weapon on duty;  most days Vickers showed us that normally problems in Canada can be solved without violence or force. Vickers' return to work today was also a heroic act. It speaks of his resilience and reminds us of our obligation to carry on too. It's good to have neighbours like Vickers, not just because he occasionally carries a gun, but also because he normally carries the mace, that symbol of our democracy. 

It could have been anyone of us who lost a loved one in the line of duty, or who lost a loved one to the clutches of a radical sect. Because it could have been anyone, it means that the person you help today may be the hero you will be praising tomorrow. The person you help today may likewise be the person who would otherwise feel dejected and tempted to join some misguided group in an attempt to bring meaning to their life. If you feel your life is without purpose, look to your left then look to your right; your purpose is to help those people right where you are, no matter where they came from or where they are headed. They are your neighbour, and you are theirs. You may be the person who makes the difference in their lives today; you may never know what that difference will be, but let us all be grateful for small chances to do our part. To every Canadian who acted heroically yesterday thank you. To every Canadian who loved their neighbour today, thank you too. Love has always been the most radical response to hatred, and the only one that has ever changed a damn thing.

Purchase New Release!

Alabama Boy is now ready for purchase, Thanks to Robert Adam Plant and Sarah Warren for their hard work on bringing this project together.

Thanks also to everyone for purchasing this song and for sharing the link with others who may enjoy it too. We're hoping everyone will help pull together to get the word out about this song. Anything you can do to share the link via social media is greatly appreciated!

Listen to Alabama Boy here!

Shipment to the Mountain #5...on it's way

The next installment of the Shipment to the Mountain will resume next week. Please check back then for updates. In the meantime please enjoy re-reading and reviewing the material found in the previous editions.

Shipment to the Mountain #4

This post is part of a series of posts on developing creativity and sharing your art with the world; in other words its about creating and shipping, no matter what. You can read previous Shipments to the Mountain here, or come back to them at some later time. If you'd like to see particular issues relating to creativity covered, or if you have a specific question you would like answered, please drop me a note at katrinaboguski (at) hotmail.ca. I enjoy receiving e-mails from readers and will do my best to reply with 2-3 days. If you do not get an answer by then, please resend your message as spam filters sometimes prevent messages from reaching me.

Contents:

1. Musical Notes
2. A list of song lyrics
3. Hot off the Espresso
4. A quote of the week
5. Artful challenge
6. Word of the week
7. Frugal Recipe
8. Listening Suggestions

Musical Notes:

The musical high point of the week was receiving a link to the newly released version of Alabama boy. This project came together thanks to the creativity and hard work of Robert Adam Plant. It was a real treat to work with him and to listen to my lyrics sung by Sarah Warren to the music Robert wrote. The tune will be available for purchase shortly, but you can get a sneak  preview here.

This Week's Lyrics: 

Please listen to and share the newly released version of Alabama Boy. It will be available for purchase soon, but you can have a sneak preview here.

Hot off the Espresso:
Does Your Creativity Make You Happy?
How To Start An Open Mic Night

Quote of the Week:

"Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn't really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That's because they were able to connect experiences they've had and synthesize new things."
Steve Jobs

Artful challenge for the week:

A Picture is Worth a Thousand words Challenge 

This week draw something. Don't bother saying you can't draw, just do it. You don't need to show the drawing to anyone (unless you want to). You don't need to get any special equipment, just grab a pen or pencil and draw something on any paper. Use the back of an envelope, a cocktail napkin or anything you have available.

If you can't think of anything to draw from your imagination, try looking at a simple item like a tea cup or a flower. Draw it quickly; focus on one part of the object; draw it "accurately" or draw an abstract version of it...just draw. If you still can't do it, just put a bunch of dots on a page and start connecting them; a picture will emerge sooner or later.

Avoid drawing on the side buildings unless you are the property's owner. 

Word of the week:

"Persistence"

Much or creativity is about this word. Creativity is about the practice, the starting over, the trying again, the continuing without a map and the waiting; through all of this, persistence is essential. Look up the word and use it. If you come to  stumbling block, a bump in the road or an obstacle you can't get seem to get through, ask yourself the hurdle is really the problem or if it is your lack of persistence. Most people don't need more talent, they need more persistence. The good news is you can develop it, you guessed it, through persistence.

Frugal Recipe: Celery and Red Cabbage Salad

Wash several stalks of celery and about half as much red cabbage.
Cut the celery into bite-sized pieces
Chop the red cabbage into very, very fine slices; you can also shred it.
Add a handful or raisins.
Add salt, pepper, and chopped garlic to taste.
Pour equal parts oil and vinegar over top, just enough to coat the vegetables but not too much; you can use olive oil or other types of salad oil. Cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar will add additional flavor, or use white vinegar if that is all you have.
Refrigerate the mixture for several hours or over night; this will help the flavors mix  in.  If you don't let it sit, the cabbage flavor may be overpowering.
Just before serving, top with your favorite protein sources such as canned tuna, tofu, nuts and seeds or cooked chicken.

This recipe is healthy and delicious. You can make a large bowl of it and have leftovers for a few days.

Listening Suggestions:

1. Along Came Mary The Association
2. You've Got a Friend James Taylor
3. The Times They Are A changing Bob Dylan
4. City of  New Orleans Arlo Guthrie

Next "Shipment to the Mountain" ships on Thursday for anyone who wants it. Please share this post with others who may enjoy the read.

Thanks,

Katrina