For Love of Country : Military Policewoman continues https://www.silvaredigonda.ca

...sends his regards and adds that sight of your retirement message brought such a flood of memories of CFB Baden that it would require a publisher to do justice to the anecdotes. Silva is gifted with a supreme self-confidence which, when coupled with her incomparable hauteur… Tom, I thought to myself, you have improved your vocabulary. I’m impressed. Four letter words and antieducation – puff – gone! … has led her down the road to embarrassment many times. Silva, I remember window shopping in Karlsruhe… Oh, yes the prostitutes. I recalled my embarrassment. … diesel fuel in the benzene vehicle, vehicles in the bush, bush in the vehicles, vehicles on dikes, not to mention June bugs in your cup, or the time I had to search your apartment for your notebook and the resulting pseudo-sexual misunderstanding. Nothing was done with anyone’s underwear… I could not remember that one. Just as well, I suppose. Above all, however, I recall the phone call you received from the Commanding Officer of… who wished to complain about someone playing a stereo on the lawn at 0300 hrs. After giving his rank, name, and address the Colonel balked at giving his social insurance number and other particulars as he wanted to go to bed. The last thing he heard before the dial tone was your voice saying, “Sorry, Sir, but we don’t take anonymous phone calls.” You’re exaggerating a bit, Kaufman. He refused to identify himself, and we didn’t know who he was until he complained.

Excerpt From: Silva Redigonda. For love of country : military policewoman

Single Parents - Is it enough? essay continues from a grade 13 student - Me (at the time of course)

A child hounded by a well meaning parent for whatever reason may compound it by a diverse reaction. An ally is required for the child but does not have to be a parent. It can be another adult, a child or even his dog, “I looked out the kitchen window and watched the two of them fetch and throw…..I was grateful to this black dog that made John so happy, that simply delighted in him, that never asked him about homework or wondered what in the world was going to become of him. I was grateful to Jesse for being to John what his mother could not”2 (Carol Lynn, Pearson. The Ups and Downs of a Single-Parent Family. New York: Random House Inc, 1988. Page 10. Further refs will be indicated by author and page number. John’s dreaminess had started long before Gerald [her husband] had left, long before John was three, in fact (Pearson, 11). Pearson has the intellect to separate the cause and effects from being a single parent to other possibilities. This open-mindedness reduces the stress that she would have if she blamed her predicament at being sole parent. Beal (from previous blog) reflects that, “Intact families have an average income that is twice as high as single-parent families (p257).” This is probably true in a sense but what does it reveal? Pearson reflects on such an occasion. The outcome was rewarding. A neighbourhood boy had stolen the Christmas bulbs which had encircled the house, “It made me angry too. The lights had been a luxury. Every other house in the neighbourhood had long strings of coloured lights that blinked their good cheer from mid December on. (p 73)” This particular resourceful family retrieved their bulbs from the found culprit and bought him a gift to “…return good for evil…”p 75. Years later the culprit gave them a gift in return. Poverty can also make one appreciate what is really important - love. to be continued next week.

Ignatian contemplation through photography

For Love of Country - Military Policewoman continues https://www.silvaredigonda.ca

“The Base Security Officer, senior non-commissioned members, and non-commissioned members and staff of CFB Shilo Military Police Section wish to extend best wishes to MCpl Silva Redigonda on the occasion of her retirement after twenty years of loyal and dedicated service in the Canadian Forces and the Security Branch. We wish Silva health and happiness in all her future endeavours. Silva, Baden Soellingen was a more interesting place to work due to your presence and patience with the numerous pranks played on you by us juvenile, but fun-seeking chauvinists. All the best in your new career. Tom Kaufman! I thought. He tormented me in Europe. My mother nudged me timidly. The section had requested the presence of a family member and my mother had volunteered. It seemed appropriate. “Do we have to stay much longer?” she mumbled, trying not to open her mouth. She had bitten hard into a piece of chicken earlier during the meal, only to have her dentures break. I found it amusing, but to her it was a nightmare. She had quickly disappeared into the bathroom to remove the damaged goods. “Yes mother, it’s my retirement party. I have to stay. No one will care if you have teeth or not.” Sgt Tom Kaufman sends… So it wasn’t Kaufman! Who’s in Shilo, I wondered?" Excerpt From: Silva Redigonda. “For love of country : military policewoman. Come to Word On the Street to see me at Queens Park, Toronto, 11 and 12 Jun (Sat&Sun) 22

#Vladamere Putin - Russia’s Satan 11 - a relative?

Yesterday I was watching Putin’s new missile and it appears he calls it Satan 2. So who is Satan 1? Is Putin naming new adopted relatives, such as Junior or Senior? Is Putin number 1, 11, or 111? As Putin parades his toy of massive destruction he reminds me of the clown he is. I don’t like comparing him to a clown because I was a clown during one Christmas Parade and it was quite fun. I felt so much love from the little innocent children, enjoying their freedom. It is no surprise that this guy, Puta, oops, spelling mistake, was obviously ignored at some functions from the West. Now Putin has a new General who apparently is known for his cruelty. How much more can this unfair war against Ukraine last? Actually, it is a desecration against Ukraine, continuing to kill civilians, children, women as well as their pets and of course men. With Russians shooting civilians in the back of their heads, raping women and children, it is no surprise that Putin names his toy Satan. They are well acquainted or related - whatever. You know, I always wondered how Hitler managed to take over Germany and cause such massive torture and killings. I wondered how they failed to kill him, though people did try. I wonder how people with limited intelligence cause so much harm. The trauma that this Putin is causing is endless. Children should feel safe. Children should be safe. Democracy needs to be protected. As much as Putin’s war has disgusted me, Volodymyr Zelensky has uplifted my admiration for a leader, a comedian, an actor displaying dignity, and bravery for love of country and his people. I was watching a comedy series he is in about a teacher who becomes president after his rant about politics goes viral. I had to stop watching, because as I watched the beauty of Ukraine, its people, city and way of life - a democracy - it was too painful after Satan Jr or Senior or whatever identity Putin is owning, invaded to destroy. There is a place for you Putin and I do hope that you stop this war. It is disgraceful that one person and I use the word loosely can hold that much negative power, but I think it is clear what we need to do sooner rather than later to stop this threat against humanity.

Singles Parent Families - Is it enough?

As I go through all my paperwork which I shred after reading, I came across an old essay I wrote in OAC which is equivalent to grade 13, which has been eliminated with now grade 12 being the standard. I will share what I believe is still relevantI. I was a late bloomer getting a computer and didn’t until I went to university, where it was impossible to survive without. So here goes: Being a single parent now is more popular and acceptable in this country than ever before. Society asks is it enough? Yes. Interview Commentary: The young attractive woman had a mysterious aura. Her long dark fashionable coat enhanced her appearance. It had been donated. The young mother, a ward of the country had an aura of sophistication. Her flawless dark skin, perfect teeth, combined with natural grace made it difficult to imagine her at Canada’s mercy. The questionnaire was responded to without self pity nor arrogance. The young Refugee, pregnant and with a child, was being given every opportunity to become a Canadian. The young woman seemingly helpless does not represent all single parents, a substantial amount are financially independent, well educated and socially active. Single parenting is an alternative or option to placing the child for adoption, abortion, or duel parenting (especially where parents living together are fighting or unhappy). Single parents may foster children indicating positivity. —-Single Parent Families: Being a single parent may be difficult for both the parent or child. The Ups and Downs for a Single-Parent Family by Carol Lynn Pearson and Divorce, and Single parent Families by E.W. Beal helps to understand the stress involved for families and the support from others to overcome it, “There are currently over 11.3 million children [living in single-parent homes in the USA] (Beal, p 256). As of October 2021 according to Statista Research Department there were 208.4 million single family units in the USA. Pew Research reports (Dec 12, 2019) that for decades the share of U.S. children living with a single parent has been rising accompanied by a decline in marriage rates and rise in births outside marriage. In Canada according to Statista There were about 1.83 million single parent families living in Canada, compared to 1.56 million in 2010. (Now keep in mind that the US has about 10x more of a population than Canadians). Beal indicates that, “Dysfunctional-child relationships can no longer be compensated for by a sympathetic other parent.” (Beal, 257) To be continued: I have added some recent stats for you. I will continue to provide you with video from the Ignatian two day seminar spoken in English (hopefully) which may be of interest to some of you. After that is completed I shall continue to provide you with the theological ethic notes, continue with the single parenting essay which I am modifying for you and of course add some of my own stories I have published for fun only at this time. I am trying to provide you with three entries a week. Reminder that during 11 and 12 of June I shall be at Word on The Street. Come and say hello.

Making good decisions individually and in groups

The Internet Murders continues https://www.silvaredigonda.ca (Happy Easter weekend) Til next week.

Her eyes were not too good these days, and Father hired her a helper to do the books, he said. Sonja came in twice a week for the cleaning. There wasn’t as much money now as in the past, but Fr. Francis was blessed by God because there was always some money coming in when the Church most needed it. Fr. Santinelli wanted her replaced with a younger version of herself, who could work faster and who didn’t need as many breaks as she now needed, now that she was old. She thought of the differences between the two priests. How can two men of God be so different? Fr. Francis needed her now, and she would see to it that he was well taken care of. She sat down on the comfortable green sofa. Fr. Francis hated the colour of the sofa, but would not replace it because that would cost money and he was always mindful of cost. She, however, loved the sofa. It was big and comfortable. She sat back, resting her eyes. She didn’t realize that she fell asleep. Mrs. Delany woke up, surprised that she had slept almost an hour. “My, my …” she muttered. Excerpt From: Silva Redigonda. “The Internet Murders.”

#Fraud Alert - Veterans pay attention.

Last month I received a call from Ms Brennan indicating she was from EKOS research conducting work shops on behalf of Veteran Affairs. I thought it was legitimate since she called me on a private line. I agreed to participate in a video zoom. This all seemed legitimate. She said that 100. would be sent as a stipend which again is not unusual. She said that groups would be selected across Canada which is why I am posting this as an alert. The theme of the workshop was if veterans and families knew what Veteran Affairs offers and if we used the resources. It lasted about an hour and a half on Saturday 19 Mar 25. Again I have attended many zoom meetings and nothing seemed out of sort. Not long afterwards there was an etransfer of 100.00. However, this is where alarm bells were triggered. The site brought me to a list of banks which then brought me to the bank's site where I would have to provide a password etc.....I emailed brennan telling her my concerns and asked her to send a cheque which had been an option. There was no response to the email. Another email was received providing me with a deadline to accept the e transfer. I called Veteran Affairs (Canada) who believed it was a scam and informed me not to proceed. I was told someone would call me back (no one did). So today, I received another email and this time I called my bank after again replying to the person below. The bank informed me that this is a scam and to block them. So, Veterans please pay attention. If you participated in this workshop please be aware. I thank you all for your service. It is unfortunate but I have to believe this is a scam. Please share. All that is required for deposits is your email. Shame on you for targeting veterans. Silva To: EKOS RESEARCH ASSOCIATES INC Subject: Re: INTERAC e-Transfer: Remember to deposit your money from EKOS RESEARCH ASSOCIATES INC by April 23, 2022. No money was received. I am contacting the bank now. I had asked to send it snail mail. You are receiving the emails but not responding which is concerning Ms Brennan. Silva From: EKOS RESEARCH ASSOCIATES INC Sent: April 14, 2022 5:08 AM To: Silva Redigonda Subject: INTERAC e-Transfer: Remember to deposit your money from EKOS RESEARCH ASSOCIATES INC by April 23, 2022. You don't often get email from catch@payments.interac.ca. Learn why this is important INTERAC View in browser | Français ? Hi Silva Redigonda, EKOS RESEARCH ASSOCIATES INC sent you $100.00 (CAD) on March 25, 2022.

McLauglin Library, Guelph University

This will be the last article regarding Guelph University. This will also be the end of one notebook. I had a good time at Guelph. My first time in Guelph was during a retreat when I was in high school at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre founded in 1913 with current buildings dating back from 1934. Being from the city I was always interested to check out the country. Once I was old enough to drive and get my own car I would venture out of Toronto for a relaxing drive. I continued this practise with my mom and by myself or friends until this car said enough is enough. So I am listening to my car. I like to keep things until they can no longer move. When I went to the Jesuit place the last time it was to visit my old friend and Pastoral Counsellor who was such a mentor to me. He is buried at the site. It is ironic that during the service I was with my professor and we spent the day at the beaches and lunched in memory of our mutual friend. I lost him as well to COVID and he too is now buried at the site. So I have some connection to Guelph. I went to Guelph University one summer during grad studies to study a research course of family systems. It was held in the library where I would grab a quick coffee during break time. I liked Guelph. The food there is amazing and beats out any other university I have been to. Kathryn Harvey provided us during the seminar with a talk about her library which she clearly loved. During the 1960’s the library received a huge fund. She stated that 1.5 million visit annually. They have seating from 1,900 in 2006 to 4000 with plans to include more. Catherine Harvie provided us with some insight. She states that what distinguishes one library from others is primarily their collections. They have seven. The Agricultural history and Rural Heritage Collections was held at Milton’s Museum and transferred to Guelph when the museum closed down (that must be a good story. Why close down a museum?). They have Culinary Collections (no surprise there). They also have Landscaping Architecture Collections. Also is Lucy Maud Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables). Theatre Collections; Regional and Early Campus History; Scottish Collections - the largest outside the UK. Acquired through donations and open to the general public. The pride is evident in their collection and I love libraries so I wished to share this with you. We also had a talk from the head coach there. “Be the best you can be” seems to be his motto, with 80 National titles. This was all started with zero resources. His mother raised three boys on her own. He is the coach of Olympians (Lalonde). It should be fun. He stated, “most of us don’t ever go as great as we can go.” (I agree with that. It’s amazing what our bodies can do). This coach will share with other coaches information which he states is contrary from the norm. Some go to Guelph and learns from him and then tries to beat him. He expects one who learns something new to return and share. One third do. He showed us one particular slide which stood out. It is about a group of 16 or 17 year olds with middle aged old men (with beer belly - if memory serves me well) coaching them. He points to a young female athlete who will replace him. Seven of his group were placed in the olympics. He did a movement plan with a bunch of kids and got them running and watched them grow. They came from a background of problems, abuse…..First enjoying the share of community. He has done what he wants to do. In brackets while listening to him I circled huge heart in my notes. So, if you are in Guelph take a walk around the campus. They have a renowned veterinarian school. For a small city, they have big stuff going on. What do you think? Who knows maybe something will bring me back in the future, but not if my car has anything to say about it. 

Learning to trust my spiritual life: Accompanying LGBTQ+ persons in the ...

Sexuality and Aging - have removed www. site indicated on previous blog due to watching "Veracity: Fighting Traffick

I have been watching a documentary called Veracity: Fighting Traffick, in my spare time and in segments because I find it quite horrid. As I was watching it, they listed a site which they stated are the subject of several law suits due to video's uploaded on their site involving child sexual abuse as young as three years of age. They also show other things that are quite sad. It saddens me that there is such a large audience for this violence. I had no idea when I attended the lecture at Guelph that the site was such involved. So, I have x'd it out in the mentioned blog. Watching this documentary which is set in London, Ontario makes me wonder again what kind of society are we when we don't take enough action to stop this from happening. One survivor reports that professionals such as lawyers, police and physicians were her worse clients. What do I think? I understand that there are professions which can cause an enormous amount of stress. However, taking advantage of women who do not want to be used this way needs to stop. Again, there are many wonderful police, physicians and I am sure lawyers but this is unethical and it can start by losing their careers. When there are arrests men clients should always be charged and if their photos were posted, this would lead to a great decline. Just a thought. I attended a full day seminar of trafficking during my Masters. I also wrote about a lecture in my undergrad. It is important for me to be versed in anything that hurts people so I can understand the situation people may be in when they seek out help. Veracity: Fighting Traffic is about "a group of women who operate outside the system to end one of the most profitable criminal industries worldwide in one of Canada's biggest hotspots: London, Ontario. What can I say? Well enought about this. Tomorrow there is a meetig with one of my associations. I am going to skip the part of how to grow your practise and I am not going to the meet and greet downtown. There is still a pandemic with 100,000 to 110,000 daily cases of COVID each day in Ontario. I did go to the Cheese Factory and left when my server was not wearing her mask after asking for that a second time. I did run into the manager and told him why I was leaving. The place was packed so I don't think he was too concerned. I did go to Holt's for high tea and all was good. However, meeting up with people I really want to meet up with during a pandemic is not what I think is good for me. I have already socialized though I limit it and since the masking restrictions have been lifted, I have had to say no to dancing and move away from people breathing into my face. "Do you smell garlic?" I was asked. "No, it's just that there is a pandemic." I responded. I really didn't smell garlic but my head was as back as my head would allow. Have fun, keep safe, practice self care and talk to you next week. Remember any errors I always claim as my own responsibility and no one else's.

The Internet Murder continues.......

Mrs. Delany made him a fresh pot of coffee. She didn’t think coffee was good and certainly not better than a nice cup of tea, especially now with all that had happened. She didn’t realize that she was muttering aloud. She heated him some scones, which she knew he could not resist. She found the Devon cream and put the tray before him once she had completed preparing everything just so, then quietly left the kitchen. She would not be able to do any work today. She was upset that Fr. Brown was dead, but more so for Fr. Francis. He had been at the church for five years now and always treated her with the utmost respect. He never called her by her first name. He did not make her retire, though Fr. Santinelli had wanted her to. If he hadn’t been transferred out, she knew she would not still be at the church. What would she have done then? All she knew was the church, which she had served since she was a young girl. She thought of the other churches where she had served, but here, it was her home, though she did not sleep here because she didn’t think it was proper. Fr. Francis was always kind to her, even when she forgot things sometimes. He even suggested that she sleep over when she felt tired. She loved him as if he was her biological son. He had never really needed her. She needed him and the Church. It had been her life for so many years. “Thank you God for finally giving me a son,” she whispered. She and Mr. Delany never could have children. I was not blessed, she had thought. She felt bad, when people asked her why they didn’t have children. She loved children so much, they would say, waiting for a reply. But she couldn’t reply, because she knew that if she did, she would cry, and she didn’t want them to see that. She would just change the subject and sometimes that would silence the curiosity of others. Sometimes it did not, and she suffered in silence. Well now, God had a special son for her: Fr. Francis.” Excerpt From: Silva Redigonda. “The Internet Murders.” https://www.silvaredigonda.ca

Word On The Street 11&12 June 22 at Queens Park

I am very excited to be back at Word on The Street this summer. The three changes are the dates (11&12 June) which I am happy with because it will be warm or should be; that it has moved from the Water front to Queens Park. I have to admit I prefer the waterfront, but I am sure they have their reasons. This year will be a two day event and I am sure that will drain me, but it is outside and we need to be back with people who love books. This is a headsup and I hope you will share the information. I have finished writing my next book and am patiently waiting for results. I want to make sure it is published for next years Word On the Street. Please drop by and visit me and if you are so inclined I take my coffee black. I also like boston cream donuts but it is too messy at book fairs. Stay well and keep safe.

How do I know it is God? Listening to God's voice

Weekend was tiring - War in Ukraine continues to be horrific

I attended a spiritual Ignatius weekend which started at 11:00 and ended at 7:30 Sat and Sunday. I took notes for what I want to share with you but I asked if I could share the video's and info and was informed yes, that it was public. So, I will select what to share when I receive the material. It was tiring but well worth my attendance. It provides me with some pause and a refresher on spirituality. As for Russia, Zelensky continues to show great strength and bravery while Putin's army depict they are not soldiers but executioners of helpless civilians. Our leaders need to make this stop, regardless of Russia's threats. Putin is playing with the West, toying with our intellect and emotions. I cannot believe that this one barely human person can create so much suffering and for what? The world has united in watching and providing some deterrants but we need to do so much more of whatever it takes to remove this man. Yes, to remove. Give the Ukraines whatever they need to stop these horrors. I cannot help but think how this could have been so different from the beginning of attack if we had been more involved. Russia's threats of nuclear war will not cease. It will hang in the air while he is in power. As for the Russian people and his manipulation of them, the young can see through him as can the intellect. He may have a following of older people who want to believe him. That will not sustain him. Russians are leaving and we need to help them as well. We cannot hold one entire country responsible for one poor excuse of a man and his greedy cronies. We must never allow these people to hold their stolen previous status. If this is not a wake up call watching civilians found gagged and shot in the back of the head, than we need to face our own responsiblity in allowing this to happen.

Holy Terror made in heaven

For Love of Country: Military Policewoman continues https://www.silvaredigonda.ca

The Base Security Officer and all Military Police at CFB Chilliwack take this opportunity to thank MCpl Redigonda for her loyal service and wish her well on her future endeavours. From Sally – I have fond memories of our talks about “little boys” at the CFSIS canteen. Have a great retirement. From June French – Thanks again for your help when I was in Toronto in May 92. Best wishes for the future. A pleasant buzz stirred in the room. “Little boys?” Everyone chuckled. “What does that mean?” Bill asked, looking slightly perplexed. He was standing near enough to the head table that everything he said could be heard by most in the room. I smiled, remembering. I looked around and saw most of the Military Police men and women from my detachment. There was also a good representation from the SIU. I felt separate, as most eyes were on me. Excerpt From: Silva Redigonda. “For love of country : military policewoman"