Category: Inspiration

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee

Queen Elizabeth II

Many years ago, I was outspoken in my absolute disregard for the British Monarchy.  As it goes with many things, years later,  I found myself being rather happily corrected in my assumptions.

We seem to dismiss and disrespect that which we don’t understand.  Living in a “non-monarchy,” it’s very easy to scorn a system that’s seemingly challenging on the taxpayer. Yet, the Brits seem to welcome this challenge with a smile and some form of inebriation!

My outlook completely changed in the spring of 2001, in the charming and quaint town of Windsor, U.K.. My aunt had taken me to the high road, running just along Windsor Castle because a procession was about to take place.  His highness, the King of Jordan, King Abdullah and his wife, Queen Rania were in town and were to be feted and driven through the streets in the Royal carriages.  As a lover of history and international relations, I could not pass up the opportunity to see this Middle Eastern power couple! 

70 years strong


What took my breath away was the number of people who turned out, in the middle of the week, to see the procession! I remember I was wearing new arch supports in my trainers and my feet were not happy at all.  But that frustration quickly turned to awe and reverence when Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth suddenly popped into view and smiled at her cheering subjects.  I melted then and there, and in an instant, regretted every “royal” snub or jeer I had ever uttered!  To this day, I remember that smile more than I remember King Abdullah or Queen Rania or the people on the street or the gold-laced carriage or the horses. I remember thinking she smiled right at me but I suppose this must be wishful thinking.  That smile, in one instant, undid the ridicule and judgement of the previous years.  And in that instant, a new royal fan was born. 

I must let you know that prior to this unravelling, I had met Prince Charles and Princess Diana in person and was even granted a gold level Duke of Edinburgh award from the Duke of Edinburgh himself, the late Honorable Prince Philip.  I was not undone by any of them.  There was a bit of star-struck awe at the sight of Princess Diana up close – she was quite beautiful!

That day, in 2001 in Windsor, I began to understand what an absolute treasure the Queen is; not only to her U.K. subjects, but to her subjects of the Commonwealth.  Her 70 years of service is not matched by many.  In fact, the Queen is the only living monarch to achieve this landmark milestone.  I was fortunate enough to be in London for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations and I was stunned- the fanfare, the pomp, the circumstance, the flyovers and the party- What a party!! It’s a celebration I will never forget and it was a very quick education in the appreciation of tradition.  My only regret is that I cannot be in London today for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, so I will say only this:


Thank you your Majesty and Congratulations!  You Go old Girl!!

Hope….

Is a powerful, motivational “thing.”

We have all been through so much in the last year; we have seen a virus ravage our way of life, we have seen governments fall and rise and genocides, explosions, weird weather events and more.  Yet, we have also seen the very best of humanity and nature - so many of you stepped up to help others facing food insecurity and shortages.  Others made masks and accessories.  Some of you gave of your time in ways no news media outlet will ever report.  Thank you for reminding us that there is always something we can do.

Hope is around the corner.  We cannot slide into complicity - our health and safety must come first because without that, our economies will not matter.  Once we are out of the proverbial woods, there is much reconciliation needed. Not just in the way in which we see people but in terms of how we live our lives.  Stay strong, stay blessed, stay safe and stay within Hope.  Remember that hope takes root where it is planted, watered and nurtured.  

Keep taking care of each other.  We are indeed each other's keepers, as Covid has shown us. God bless, be kind, and please go plant some trees.

Kindess is as Kindness does…

One of my favourite images from this week:








This is a wonderful example about how the content of character overrides the colour of skin – people helping people.  This is what it’s all about!





Bravo to Patrick Hutchinson!  And to whomever took that photo!





We have one planet people, we are ONE race.  We are indubitably in this together…



















 

	


	


			
				


			

			
Lessons from Drake (@champagnepappi)
		
	
	

		
Thank you Drake, for sharing this beautiful message!!


Beautiful People, once again, I’m not using my own words.  Sometimes, it takes the words of others to voice exactly what we are feeling.  Shout out to @champagnepappi for posting something so exquisitely on point right now:


“What is most important for you right now is to connect to your own inner light.  This will create the biggest opening of all. Trust that you have all of the power within, to make this happen, and in order to do that, connect to the people and things that bring you a lot of joy.  When the mind starts to move into overthinking and fear, shift your attention right away to something bright. It doesn’t matter what has happened in the past, or what is happening around us now, you can always make the choice to break free of the wheel of suffering and panic and open up to your own light. We are powerful manifestors, so once you make the choice in the moment to shift your awareness to something good, it will show you in your reality. Be conscious, especially right now of fears coming in from others and recognize that not everything should be held by you. Laughter is your best medicine but tears can also be a powerful release.  Let go of any judgement you may have around that.  Remember that you are never alone, and if you need to be reminded of that, ask for support and it will show up. Everything comes down to intention, and even though there are conflicting energies circling around us you must KNOW…it will rebuild. But in order for that to happen, you have to do exactly that.  Trust. You have the biggest heart and that is your greatest gift. It’s impossible to always control your surroundings, but when you shift the focus to how you feel, everything will conspire to assist you. I love and miss my beautiful family and I can’t wait for the joyful day when we are all able to reunite. Until then, please keep your lights on. ♥”


 


Thank you Drake!

And thank you to all the front line workers, whomever you are, wherever you be, you are loved and appreciated!


 


 

	


	


			
				


			

			
Happy Women’s Day!
		
	
	

		
Happy Day to all you strong, intelligent, beautiful women!


To all of you who make a difference in the lives of others, whether through education, care-giving, home-making, professional activities, entrepreneurship, and all others, Thank You!


Every woman has an impact.  Every woman makes an impact – whether it’s holding a door open for someone else in one minute or teaching a class or checking a pulse, or styling someone’s hair or planting trees – every time you act, you make an impact.


So I am saying “Thank You” because the world will often forget how important you are. So lean on women who know.


Happy International Women’s Day beautiful people!




 


 


 

	


	


			
				

			
				


		
	

		
According to Diana Beresford-Kroeger, Author of “The Global Forest,” and other books and documentaries,


“If every person on the planet planted one tree every year, (a native species tree, in its native environment) for six years, we could reverse climate change.”


Something to think about….


 


 

	


	


			
				


			

			
Thank you ….
		
	
	

		
Last week, whilst grocery shopping, I clumsily dropped my phone in a very busy,  crowded parking lot. I didn’t hear it drop – I didn’t even feel it leaving my hand.  But it did…


A very kind stranger found my phone and gave it to the supermarket’s lost and found.  After which, an even kinder clerk called my “I.C.E.” (in case of emergency) number and let me know where my phone was.


This may seem like a very small act about which to write, however, this was a weekend, in an incredibly hectic environment, in a popular shopping area.


I wanted to reach out through cyber space and social media to that very kind stranger and say thank you.  Thank you for reminding me there are people ‘out there‘ who live and practice ethical honesty.  Thank you for returning my phone, without which I would truly feel at a loss.


I don’t know if you’ll ever read this; I don’t know if this will ever reach you. I just needed to “put this out there.”  Thank you. Merci. Asante Sana. Gracias.  God Bless.