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Saturday, January 28, 2012

Top Of The Food Chain..excerpt from 'Thoughts From The Talons'


Top of the food chain

Into the shadows of darkness he returns
Regenerated by warm life-source drained from another
Pristine droplets fall from crimson stained lips
Glimmer of evil shines brilliantly from ebony eyes

Residue of a former life fading into obscurity
Transformation into the immortal undead complete
Satiated by the thirst of human flesh
The hunger grows in intensity with each passing night

Gone are celebrations of a glorious sunrise
The moon’s radiance now welcomed ally
Lurking through the mists of twilight
Searching for the next ‘repartage de vie’

Destined to walk the earth for eternity
Savoring every victim like the first
Absorbing the sweet smell of freshly punctured jugulars
The aroma seduces like a powerful drug

In the end I’m just a vampire
Roaming the ages acquiring comrades
The taste of bloodlust a common bond
Top of the food chain forever indestructible

Sher Boudreau 03-04-2004 (c)


Friday, January 27, 2012

The Stomping Grounds Coffee House


Pitt Meadows is 'Stomping' for Coffee


Nestled nicely amongst the 'Tudor' style homes in the newly developed Osprey Village, is the Stomping Grounds Coffee House.

The Stomping Grounds Coffee House opened it's doors on April 4th 2011 and hasn't looked back. Owners Dylan and Anahi English took their vision of a 'community' based coffee shop and turned it into what you see today.

The Coffee House is perfectly situated alongside a pedestrian path and dog friendly park on Barnston View Road in Pitt Meadows.

Stomping Grounds is proud to serve the 'fair trade' Salt Spring Island Coffee brand. They also serve up several different local food merchants to tempt your palate. The large bay doors give it a bright and airy look and they even have a 'little stompers' area for children to play in.

The Stomping Grounds Coffee House also has catering available for any party needs whether large or small.

Open 7 days a week, starting at 730am Monday to Friday and 9am on the weekends (closing at 530pm all week). There is plenty of parking available and even more bike lock up areas.

While enjoying a steamy cup of 'java',  why not stroll across the street and check out the new South Bonson Community Centre or grab a blanket and sit and watch the sunset.


You can find them on Facebook as well as their own website and be sure to check out their event page for weekly entertainment at the Coffee House.


#101-10931 Barnston View Road, Pitt Meadows 

National Chocolate Cake Day

THE RIDGE MEADOWS DISH
issue 7

January 27th, an ordinary day by most standards but for chocoholics, it's a joyous day of celebration and decadence.

National Chocolate Cake Day! 

A day to celebrate the creation that is chocolaty goodness. Who wouldn't want to raise their forks to the symphony of melted chocolate, flour, sugar and eggs? Bake to perfection and served up with ice cream or alone, chocolate cake melts even the hardest of hearts. 

Millions of chocoholics around the world are rejoicing in the hoisting of this luscious dessert into the heavenly arms of 'notable holidays'. From Red Velvet to German Chocolate and from Milk Chocolate to Dark, cakes are being baked, sliced and served up. 

So here's to the greatest discovery of edible delights! Dig in!!!




Thursday, January 26, 2012

Czech press survey - January 27 - ČeskéNoviny.cz

Czech press survey - January 27 - ČeskéNoviny.cz

UNDERWORLD..AWAKENING

UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING
starring:

Kate Beckinsale, Kris Holden-Reid, Stephen Rea, Theo James, India Eisley and Michael Ealy

This gripping action packed 4th movie in the series recalls the turbulent past of Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and the battle between the Vampire and Lycan clans. 

We find Selene frozen in a "cryostasis" labelled 'Subject 1' along side her are 2 other 'coffins' with Subject 0 and Subject 2.  It's been 12 years since her epic battle with the Lycans and the world is now fighting united against the 'non humans'. 

Selene is faced with a world she doesn't know and missing Michael. Her only link is a hybrid child. 

Theo James is stellar as the Vampire David, struggling to get from under his father's passive nature and fight for the Vampire nation. Stephen Rea, Michael Ealy and India Eisley deliver outstanding performances in their supportive roles. 

The breakout of Kris Holden-Reid (Lost Girl fame) onto the big screen as the Lycan Quint (a Lycan that has been genetically altered with the hybrid's blood) is brilliant. His raw talent and superb portrayal as a mutated werewolf in battle with Selene over 'Eve' aka (subject 2) will propel him to stardom in a hurry. 

Kate Beckinsale is exquisite once again as Selene and she is the anchor to the series's success and future. Her exotic looks combined with brilliant acting make her a catch for any director.

This movie leaves the movie goer anxious to find Michael and see the reuniting of the family as a whole. There is a definite draw for another film in this remarkable series.


Ravenbran Ratings 5 out of 5 claws!!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Robbie Burns Day

If you have Scottish blood you know today is Robbie Burns Day! 


Robert Burns, the pride of Scotland born in 1759 and wrote some of the most beautiful poetry the world has ever seen.


No New Year's Eve would be complete without the singing of Robbie's classic work 'Auld Lang Syne'. Written in celebration of the Pagan holiday of Hogmanay (now known as New Year's Eve). The song recalls the joys of loved ones both near and far.


Robbie's poems ring out of love and adoration for both Scotland and of the world around him. 


Each year, Scots around the world gather on January 25th to celebrate the life of Scotland's most famous son. From dining on roast beef with the works, haggis (a delicacy of sheep innards and oats stuffed into a sheep's stomach and boiled) to oat cakes and of course drinking lots of Scotch!  Men and women wear their clan tartans, listen to the sweet melodic sounds of bagpipes and songstresses with voices that come from the angels. 


The night starts with the piping in of the haggis and a blessing before it is cut open. The 'Kirking' is done in Gaelic and is quite humorous to listen to. Nowadays, more are doing the blessing in English, as the elders whom could speak Gaelic are now in the heavens. 


The evening rolls forward with libations, good food and lots of frolicking. Lively reels and jigs are played and dancing can go to the wee hours. 



A red, red rose
O, my luve's like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June.
O, my luve's like the melodie,
That's sweetly play'd in tune.
As fair art thou, my bonie lass,
So deep in luve am I,
And I will luve thee still, my Dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry.
Till a' the seas gang dry, my Dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun!
O I will luve thee still, my Dear,
While the sands o' life shall run.
And fare thee weel, my only Luve,
And fare thee weel a while!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho' it were ten thousand mile!

So in honor of the Bard, I raise my glass and wish ye all a "cup of kindness yet" and ye will not be forgotten!

MIND CHAT.....MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS

January 25 2012,


I suffer from Mental Illness. Whew, I said it. The most difficult admission I'll ever have to do. Gone are the days of hiding behind closed doors and not admitting that I am a 'victim' of Mental Illness. I can remember growing up and visiting a 'Sanitarium' that was filled with people suffering from different mental diseases. Being frightened beyond measure and not wanting to ever grow up to be 'like that'. 


Surprise, surprise! Here I am almost 45 and have been dealing with Depression for most of my life. I can remember the first time I tried to take my own life. I was 14, almost through my first year of high school and had everything in front of me. Still, deep inside my soul there was a fear that I would never be 'good enough'. That I could never 'stand up' to the dreams people had put in place for me. 


I never had a lot of friends. Partly, because I would never let anyone get close enough to me and partly because I suffered from such paranoia and anxiety that I could never believe anyone truly wanted to be my friend.


I stared down a bottle of vodka, then a second and chased that down with 20 'Tylenol' tablets. I thought that my death would end my troubles and that no one would ever miss me. Needless to say, that attempt failed.


Through my teenage years, suicide attempts were as frequent as the seasons. From pills, to knives to alcohol. I tried it all. Never succeeding to take my own life. Something always barred my attempts. All the while, no one really knew what inner turmoil was inside me. A few feeble attempts at Psychotherapy, but I was unwilling to admit I had a problem. 


By the time I hit 20, my suicide attempts had totalled 12 and I was deep into a manic state. I would have days and weeks of euphoria and the energy of 100. Those would quickly be followed up by months of endless tears, fits of rage and disgust and falling deep into an abyss of ignorance and avoidance.


My depression was likely the catalyst to two failed marriages, endless relationships and a habit of 'gypsy' like moving from one place to another. I moved to flee the problems that my depression was presenting. I thought that if I left, everything would be great. No one would know my past and my history of depression and I could be like everyone else in the world. Wow! Was I wrong.


At almost 45, I've finally come to terms with my Mental Illness. I accept that I have manic periods of euphoria and depression. I accept that I have a temperament that isn't always conducive to friendships and relationships. I understand that I shouldn't be ashamed to admit I am one of millions who suffer daily from depression. 


I still struggle day-to-day with wanting to be part of the 'outside' world. There are days that I wish I was alone in my own little universe with no one around. I have to look in the mirror every day and reassure myself that I'm 'normal' and that I can make a difference in my community.


Yes, I still periodically have moments of wanting to 'die'. Especially when my Fibromyalgia is flaring. The pain I suffer from every day, doesn't make coping with my depression any better. Those days are the worst for me. I will sit and cry for hours, wishing for death to come. Wanting nothing more than to escape the world of pain and anguish that I am in.


Medications have improved greatly over the years and I think I've tried a large portion of them over the last 31 years. I am and likely always will be on medication to help control my Mental Illness.  I also know that talking things out with a Therapist is of great benefit to me and my family.


If you know someone who suffers from Mental Illness pass this on. Who knows maybe my story will help someone else get the help they need.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

P.C.A.H.A MIDGET SCHOLARSHIP TOURNAMENT

I had the extreme honor and privilege in being part of the 35th Annual P.C.A.H.A. Midget Scholarship Tournament held this past week.  


Having previous experience in organizing tournaments was definitely a bonus in this heavy undertaking. Alot of back ground paperwork, emails, phone calls and faxes that at times seemed overwhelming.  I spent endless hours discussing hockey with my hubby and talking with my mentor on learning different aspects of tournament organizing.


The experience allowed me to travel around the lower mainland from arena to arena and meet people from every walk of life who share a passion for hockey. The boys who participated in the tournament were the 'best of the best' in minor hockey and who exemplified what 'sportsmanship' and 'fair play' are. 


I want to congratulate the boys of the Greater Vancouver Avalanche on winning the Championship (this past Sunday in Port Coquitlam) and to the following boys for winning the $500 bursaries.


Tanner Gattinger
Jonathan Philley
Chris Nakamura
Robin Batchelor





Carpe Diem.....

CARPE DIEM

A Latin phrase that translates to: Seize the day. 

Life often serves up opportunities on a 'silver' platter but they end up in the waste basket of 'what ifs' because they weren't seized with both hands. "Reach thine arms up to the heavens and receive in great abundance that which you so richly deserve." (MJ Turcotte)

What does that all mean? Simply put. Your life is what you make of it. Among the challenges, obstacles and hardships, there are rewards, acclamations and triumphs.  Taking each opportunity as it is presented enables the spirit to soar and relish in the delights. Uncertainty will always be part of life as will disappointments, but it is how we react that defines us as resilient and determined.

Opportunity may not always 'knock' on the door. Great strides and passionate endeavors may be required to achieve the desired result. Luck begets luck and sorrow begets sorrow. Smiling in the face of adversity is not an easy thing to do for anyone, especially if the adversity is overwhelming. Maintaining your inner strength, keeping the glow within your soul keeps you from falling into an eternal abyss of misery and pain. 

Seize each day with reverence, endurance and faith. Having faith in someone or something is far better than not. It is not a faith of religion but a faith of conscience and a faith in humanity that prepares us. 

Many attribute their 'opportunities' to their relationship with their 'respective' God(s). The simple blind faith in a higher being can release the anguish inside the heart. Seizing an opportunity based on faith alone can propel someone to untold greatness.  

No guarantees, no refunds, no exchanges. Life is life. We are who we are until the day we are no longer. Seize the day with joy and optimism. 

If that isn't enough...Carpe Noctum! 

Adrenal fatigue – the effects of stress and high cortisol

Adrenal fatigue – the effects of stress and high cortisol

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Waiting for the pain to subside

A familiar discussion *chronic illness sufferers have with other people*

What are you doing?
I'm waiting for the pain to go away. 
Does it ever subside?  
No, it just changes in intensity.
What about swimming, there is no pressure on the joints?
It's great in the pool, but an hour later I'm screaming in agony wondering why I did it in the first place.
How many medications are you currently on?
On a good day 20, on a bad day, MORE.
How many specialists do you have alongside your primary care?
Fibro Specialist, Meniere's Disease Specialist x 2, Internist, Soul Intuitive Chiropractor (brand new to me not the field), Mental Health Specialist, Vision Specialist, Arthroscopic Surgeon, Rheumatologist, Gastroenterologist (still waiting on that appointment) Assorted other clinic Physicians, Specialists during emergency hospital visits.
Is there a correlation between PTSD *Post Traumatic Shock Disorder* and Fibromyalgia conditions? 
 There have several papers documenting the correlation between developing Fibro after suffering a traumatic experience and there have been several Soldiers that have been diagnosed with both alongside GWS *Gulf War Syndrome*
Are there any cures?  
Sadly, drug therapy is available, physio and psychotherapies but no known cures.
Will you ever get better?
Again, sadly no. There are days that are better than others, but over the long haul, the progression of each disease runs at different rates so it's impossible to know what 10 years from now will look like.
Wow, what do you want for the future then? Or better still, what do you expect to see yourself doing in the future?
I see myself in a wheelchair, with little to no hearing. I see a visit from the Grim Reaper much sooner than most. Oddly, enough that part really doesn't phase me. The wheelchair is much more troubling to me then dying. 
Why, do you think death is less troubling for you?
Death is the only constant in life. You cannot escape it's clutches. You might be able to hide for awhile, but sooner or later Death ALWAYS comes for who he wants. It is the completion of the life cycle and the beginning of a whole new chapter of afterlife experiences. I fully believe, there will be another consciousness inside the realm of death and it will be one huge party! 
What piece of advice would you give other Chronic Illness Sufferers out there?
Well. Do what you can, when you can. Don't try to be the hero and complete everything in one day. Housework will always be there, take your time and spread chores out more during the week instead of doing it all on one specific day.