Global Warming anyone? Toronto hit with a heat wave and most polluted in the world for a few days - bringing you up to date

      My city is cooking up a storm.    Air conditioning was something of a luxury in the past but not anymore.   I consider myself fortunate.   We also have fires in the wooded areas and why not?  That is what happens.  I do sit outside in the early morning and sometimes late afternoon, but yesterday I felt I was walking into a sauna and came right back in.   It is not keeping me from socializing but of course everything is being moved indoors, but that is ok.  We had a rough winter and summer has just started.  We should be cooling off this weekend with storms in the forecast.

     So, let's forget the weather for a bit.   I have been doing a lot of thinking and very little work.  Am I becoming lazy?  Am I adjusting to retirement and a new career?  Am I procrastinating?  Who knows and who cares?  This is where I am at.  I am still watching the real estate.  Apparently prices went down 2% in my city from last year.  Detached houses are becoming more attractive now (once again) than attached.  This of course keeps changing or at least the information does.  I still get annoying calls from agents I don't want to deal with and just block them.  One I threatened to go to the realestate board and he hasn't bothered me since.  With 10,000 agents looking for work, you can imagine.   I am going to be more careful this time around since two pieces of my art work disappeared last year.  I want someone who is honest and experienced and am in no rush.  Honesty can be difficult.  I have heard of pushy agents and that is certainly not for me.  So that is where I am at in real estate.  

     I have new neighbours I haven't  met  but I have so many good neighbours that I feel I am on a roll.  

     During one of the writing lectures a fellow Toronto writer shared that she uses Substack and it looks like I may be going in that direction for some income in my writing.  If I am going to transition from hobby to professional seriously, than I should make some changes.  I have many of you who read what I write.  Theology notes has decreased in interest.  Psychology notes is popular; my thoughts and travels are most popular at the moment.   I want you to think about if you would be willing to pay $10.00 a month to join me in Substack.  I would keep theology notes here and will have to still decide what I can offer you that you would pay $10.00 a month.   I have put my latest book in pause again because of all the transitions and because I want to have fun.  This book is about the Protagonist, a psyhotherapist, getting involved in murders without realizing it.   I throw in some sessions with people and I kill a few people.   There is a love interest for the therapist but she doesn't realize it yet.   Her assistant is a gay man that has generated interest in how I portray him.   I have decided to just do my thing.  I cannot please everyone but do need to please myself.  Everyone has an opinion, but I am writing this book and I shall decide.  Normally when I write, I throw myself into it but this time,  I am reading a lot for pleasure that I am neglecting my own writing of my next book.  As you can see, I am taking my time with everything.   But, there is a method to my madness.  I want to do everything right for me and there are so many options.  Because of the endless options,  I am exploring,

     So, for now, think about joining me at Substack.  I think I can ease myself into it after I figure out what I will provide there for you and eliminate here.  I have been here forever and think I received a 15.00 cheque once.  They advertise a lot and well I am beginning to feel used.  You ever think that?  With Substack they get 10% of whatever I may or may not make.  Since I love writing to you I think it is about time that I stop letting others make all the money and share a bit of it.  This is transition........What do you think?  Please feel free to share your thoughts.

Weekend full of Bullets in our City - Salsa Festival mourns

      I have probably been to every festival in Toronto except the Danforth.   I am not talking about the burbs but just in Toronto.  I used to frequent the Danforth and enjoyed dining there so I didn't feel compelled to go to the festival swarming with crowds.  I grew up in Toronto and it was the best and it was relatively safe.  The Toronto I grew up in and the Toronto now is completely different.  We didn't have all this violence and guns and gangs.  Oh we had the biker gangs but they didn't normally bother the public in general.  What we have now is children and I mean children, not teens harassing grown ups.  I don't know how many complaints I have heard of a grown up looking at a group of children and being told where to go with a look of hatred on them that scares the adult.  A few more years later, they join bigger gangs and shoot each other without any regard of the public around them.  The justice system has become a revolving door with no consequences to meet the seriousness of the offence.  Saturday night there was a targeted shooting and two people lost their lives.  Innocent bystanders were shot.  There was a stampede of  people trying to escape.  This is what my city has become.  It is in my opinion dangerous.   Many people raised in Toronto have left the city to live elsewhere.  I intend to as well but the economy has prevented me from doing so.  It doesn't really cause a dent, because people want to live here.  It is a beautiful city and I shall always love it, because it is my home town.  I can get whatever I want here.   Toronto used to be safe, but it isn't anymore, regardless of what people say.   We do need changes to corresspond with the current atmosphere.  We can't have laws that have outdated the goodness Canada used to have.   If there are no serious consequences to match the crimes committed than we are fuelling an atmosphere for corruption to grow like weeds out of control.    I usually go to festivals by noon when the bad boys are in bed and leave by supper time.  The Salsa Festival I have been to only once because when I went the music was much too loud for me and I don't really love Salsa music or dance to it.   Anyhow,  I do feel bad for all those who have been tramatized and injured.  You take care of yourselves where ever you live.  What do you think?  

Theology notes continues

 The wilderness becomes the land of the exile.  The Torah is mentioned in Deuteronomy.   Torah means to instruct.  In Deuteronomy, the Torah becomes the law.

Genesis, Exodus 

     What are they doing?  What is their proposal? - in light of past covenants.  Notice what they do in Genesis 1, Exodus and Noah's covenant.  The Deuteronians are not naive.  There is a continual renewal of covenant.  You are provoked, whether in the land or not.  Choose life - by remembering the past, look into the future.  Both time lines are provoking for a decision.

God's Irresistable love   -----------------------------------future crises

                                                   Moment of Decision

Israel's Incomprehensible

faithlessness

                                                     Future blessings

                           

Narrative History                                                                          Covenant

Interplay of remembering and not forgetting

 to be continued.

A Day in Elora for R&R

I know I have been to Elora before, but I can't recall if it was with family or friends.   That is how long it has been.  We began with a tour by a retired Geography teacher  who reminded me of how painful high school could be.  I had guessed he had been a teacher and he eyed me like some of my high school teachers used to.   I loved University but never usually cared for the high school teachers (my bad).   After about an hour and a half my brain went into overload.  Anyhow,  he was a very nice man and full of knowledge because he has lived there since the 60's and saw what has grown fairly big since his arrival to a population of  2000.    Elora and Fergus connected as did the politicians and now there is some division with regards to politicians.  One of my courses in undergrad was Psychology of Education.  It emphasized the importance of working as a team.   Perhaps every politician should take that course and learn how to work together for the sake of better results for all.  There are quite a few Churches in both towns which I don't think I have noticed so much in other places or it may be because  I don't usually tour each one with a teacher.     Unfortunately,  my telephone battery expired, colpa mia for not charging it before I left.   I did manage to get a few photos of the Gorge for you.   We also toured the residential streets with a bit of history there for us, which I won't over burden you with.  I learned that the politicians wanted to make money with parking and so they got that all sorted, however,  what happened when someone paid for parking, they would get pornographic photos.  Yup, the money never went to the towns.  They apparently are not getting paid yet.  He also spoke of coming during the week because there is hardly  sufficient parking during the weekend.  He also went on about visiting tourists bringing their dogs who don't like the town dogs and vice versa.  See what I mean?  There was a lot more but I'll stop now, before I faint.

My highlight aside from the Gorge where you can rent a tube for the day to explore the rabids.  (I am not going to bore you with the details) I will tell you that you have to be able to walk a mile and a half both ways to and from the park to qualify).  If you are interested you my contact the Elora Conservation Park.  Everything was broken down for us. 

      I usually like to visit the bakeries when I visit towns, so I went into the Elora Bakery and bought some scones at $4.50 each.  I also bought  sour dough, their speciality.  However the sour bread wasn't cut and this morning, I gave up after half way and just tore off chunks and threw it all in the freezer.   I also had difficulty cutting some other bread so that won't happen again.   I'll stick to scones.  Apparently they don't have a slicer.  I just assumed.  You know the saying.   I had a scone for lunch and that was right up there with the best scones I've had here in Toronto.    

     We ate at the Country Kitchen next door to MacDonald's.   I ordered vegetarian stir fry which reminded me of the Thai I ate on the cruise (I know,  I still owe you more on that).   I am not into sweet main foods prefering hot and spicy, however,  every one I was with, loved the food.  

     What impressed me the most and I would recommend, aside from the Gorge is a visit to Elora Distilling Co.   We had a tour of the premises which is quite small but very effective.  This is where I felt the town atmosphere in their way of bartering with the farmers and their efficient small scale distillery.  I support small businesses and this is a place to go and buy.  They are located at 102-4 Metcalfe Street,  Elora.  NOB 1SO.  Their web site is  www.eloradistillingcompany.com

Have a nice weekend.  

  

AAMFT Conference - Notes……Continue - Adult Attachment: Developing Secure Attachments.

 Dismissing Attachment

Unresolved

Deep fear of relationships.    Sees relationships as dangerous where ever they can be (distant parents.  He didn't even know the names of his three children).   Angry parent, detachment, abusive. 

Intimate relationships can be dangerous for them as they see it.  Difficulty sleeping, concentrating, difficulty in sex relationships.  In more extreme cases dissociate and may not recall events or their whereabouts.

FOCUS OF THERAPY

     1.  Creating a secure base in therapy. 

     2.  Memories of early childhood are recalled and explored.

     3.   Exploration of current relationships.

     4.   The therapeutic relationship.

     5.  Mourning loss.

     6.  Loss of self.

     7.  Mindful acceptance of the limits of one's attachment.  Externalizing change.

     8.  Risking change in every day life.

     9.  Termination.

Goal of Therapy

     Gain awareness of and express feelings and needs.

     Develop greater capacity for intimacy.

Preoccupied Clients:

- to develop autonomy.

-to develop affect regulation with the capacity to express needs, wants and feeling in a regulated manner.

Theology continues - notes - In the Shadow of your wings

 

     What we see in Samuel is the forming of Israel.  The Sinai Covenant is where we have tribes and their God - stamp of God.  It is God who brings in this new order.  We have the constant voice of about trust.  The rise and fall of Saul -  the first Adam.  The Adam in Genesis. 

     The rise of David.   He brought the arch of the desert into the city.  There is a tension between God and the City.   How is God asking us to act and to organize ourselves?  One way of looking at this is that one view is there is only one God the desert and trust is needed.  Desire for kingship.   Enter into civilization where you have stability.  The Lord will rule over you.  

     With the fall of Saul and the rise of David we notice stories where Saul falls from God in his trust issues.  Moving historically from Egypt is one.   How does Israel use Convenant language?  Presents Israel as new David.  What do they do with the new covenants?  Johnathon is enlisting into his field of activity.  First Johnathon  for David and then Johnathon recognizes David as a superior and asks David to support his family.

Deut 6:4   SHEMA ISRZEL ADONAI ELOHEMU SDONAI EHAD

     Moses presents before the people their sins.  Reflect on God's love.  Chapters  1-11 historical prologue we have a series of benefits of what is done for the people.  It's a reflection of their history which helps them make a decision.  

     The genius of this book is the history of love and also the blindness (so not all is good {not realistic} and not all is evil {depressing}).

     Crossing of the Jordan River -  now is the moment when you have no land, no King; no temple.  This is the time in the desert.  This is the Amen and with this Amen there is hope.

to  continue

 

These people came to my property at 1145 pm, 2 Jul 26 and stole my planter - so annoying and with a wheel chair really - Return

    If you want to see the video, you are going to have to see it either in X, facebook or next door.  I could not seem to link it here.

    I cannot believe how fast time flies.  Our city has been busy with FIFA and I only kept track of scores.  Everyone seemed glued to the games.  I am glad everyone enjoyed my city so much.  Yup,  I still want to leave to the beautiful falls and it appears the housing market may change so wish me luck.  Neither Trump nor Musk seemed interested in buying my house.  The weather has been a scorcher and it is incredible that there are those who do not believe that our planet is dangerously warming up globally.

     I am glad that I live in a country that offers air conditioning.   I want to wish the Americans a Happy Jul 4th.   I will be taping the Disney celebrations because as you should know by now,  I love Disney World and could easily live on the grounds in bliss.  So have a good weekend world and be safe.  I will try to get back to normal next week.

Happy Canada Day - I am going to love it!!!!!!!! BBQ waiting for me!

 

Navigating AI's Complicated Role in Systemic Therapy (AI is in my next book)

 

Writer's Corner

I attended a Sisters of Crime webinar 9 Apr 26 and God know's which one.  The speaker stated that 56% of all books are romance.  The speaker herself wrote two dozen books herself and was unsuccessful up to that point.  What does she wish she had done?  Started to do a newsletter.  I still don't have a newsletter but I have a blog which I post on Face book, linkedin and twitter.   The blog is consistent and I consider what I copy elsewhere.  At times I do post on Face book and not anywhere else.  I am still exploring an actual newsletter but will keep the blog and charge for the newsletter.  How does that sound?  I will have to put something more on the newsletter, to make it worthwhile.   I haven't decided that yet.  I want to take my time, explore my options, and look at what is real and what isn't.  That is the tough part.  She continued to say she wished she had put up a reader magnet.  Give a taste of my writing.  I think you already have more than a taste of that.  You have read me when I am busy, when I am relaxed, when I am playful and when I'm not.  She explained it has to have personal stories connected to books.  Well with Military Policewoman, For Love of Country it is about my own career.  My focus is on the social aspects of the time.  There is a lot I did not say because I have to be mindful of security, so it wasn't about telling anything that I should not, but that was ok.  I think that women considering joining a police force or military might benefit from it, though it is mostly military men and Jewish men who buy it.   Third on the list are Middle Eastern women.   I have men contact me who have served and disappeared but connected with my book and wanted me to know.  Then they would disappear again.  When others can connect to my book, it does warm the heart.

Her final wish was to put her books on delivery.   I do that.  You can order my books on line, but again I am exploring my options since I do not even break even due to the cost of delivery.  She said we should use AI for pictures.   I do not.   On redigondapsychotherapy.com.   I took all the photos and am seriously thinking of keeping it and changing the handle.  She said we should be consistent with newsletters.  We should write once a week and when we have a book coming out.  

That is all for now.   Have a good weekend.   Balance your time with play and work.  What do you think?

to be continued.

 

AAMFT Conference - Notes……Continue - Adult Attachment: Developing Secure Attachments.

How this affects Couples and Families

Same function as in Childhood.  Need a secure base; someone to support them, protect them, offer them security and nurturance, particularly during stress and invulnerability.   We are seeing more insecure adults now than 20 years ago.

Pre-occupied attachments -  need close relationship; seek approval from other and fear being detached.  Overly dependent on intimate others and cling to partners; are hypersensitive to unavailability or abandonments.  

Extremely jealous etc…  Have great difficulty making independent decisions.   Rely on others but needs many opinions.

 

To be continued.

Tid bits - Loneliness again, some stats etc.

 Watching the news during the weekend, there was another cry about education cuts, and  to have high school students learn on line more.   Then I was reading some articles from magazines, one from a fellow student at Uof T who went on to study at Oxford.  I always liked him so was interested that his focus is on loneliness.  FR Gerald Ryan "wants you to know that you are not alone."  He states, "My vocation calls me to be witness to inclusivity, to belonging, and to the inherent dignity of every person.  He wants to "loosen the grip of shame and silence that so often surrounds this experience and open pathways towards hope."(Canadian Jesuits, 2026 pp 18-19).   The article continues with a stat.  Loneliness has reached epidemic levels in recent years.  A 2021 report from Statistics Canada found that 1 in 10 people aged 15 or older always or often felt lonely.  Fr Ryan indicates that loneliness is not just a feeling but "an urgent pastoral and ethical call."   I agree.  So it is ironic that in our society, our leaders fail to recognize the importance of having youths socialize, learn to play and work together more and this gets a failing grade in online learning.  We need to gather people more together and look at the benefits.  Look at FIFA how it has brought people together with sports.  Yes, it has also brought problems to light as well such as many Canadians not being able to see a game due to lack of affordability.   We see a rise in greed and exploitation with leadership failing to protect the average person and aiding the rich to be more powerful, so they can gain.  We are huring in Ontario.   Nearly 300,000 Ontarians left emergency rooms without treatment last year.  There are four new hate crime laws being introduced.   Where is our money going to if not for our benefit?  Youths have been targeted from foreign entities to commit crimes including that of hate.  We need to unite our young people and respect them as individuals offering them the optimum support to be the best that they can be.  We have a lot of work to do, to reverse the greed and we need to be able to recognize it when we still have the ability to vote.   Do it wisely or live with the consequence.

Zellers disappoints, but thank you for the popsicle.

There has been quite a controversy about Zellers returning.   Today was the opening day at Orfus Road which contains an entire road of whole sale buildings.   People were wondering, why Orfus?  Well, because me thinks it is another warehouse.   The Press said it had a restaurant of the past.  Nope, it has a food truck and if there were some benches and chairs set up, I may have had a grilled cheese.  The Press promised us surprise treats and when I was at the lineup for a cashier I was told no.  I asked about the promised restaurant.  I was informed that the food truck is a restaurant.  I informed her that I would note that.  All the freebies I was informed happened earlier.  It was about 11:30.   There was lots of Press busy with their cameras and there were balloons and lots of Zellers souvenirs.  I parked next to City Pulse news and on my way out I was informed by a member of the press that my popsicle looked good.   It actually was good, so I got my treat.   If we bought anything there was a sign indicating we can get a strawberry or blueberry popsicle or water.  I chose the strawberry - so the girl directing us to the cashiers lied to me.  I got my treat - so there.  They didn't really have much that impressed me.  Their prices were jacked up and it was made to appear that we were paying half price.  I did buy two Italian microwaveable small dishes for the same price that I would pay at Homesense.   They had overpriced bath face cloths which I would have bought, but didn't.   I needed bed sheets for the summer and didn't see any.   They had the same capri's which I already have an abundance of and bought years ago, dresses, all casual and I did buy a night gown which had pretty flowers and comparable with something from Walmart.  I had to get a helper to take it down from the wall.  All in all, there was nothing to inspire me to return and I wasn't over joyed.  I was asked if I wanted to buy a zellers bag to put my items in for a dollar something and I declined.   I didn't bring a bag from the car because I thought they would give that for free.  No way hosay.  At least I got my popsicle and it was good.  I nodded when the Press man mentioned it looked good and wish I had continued to say something because a woman approached him right after and told him how familiar he looked and she wouldn't stop talking to him.  I actually felt bad for him.   It was amazing that she never seemed to stop, to take a breath, not even as I drove away and I thought he was going to cry.  Anyhow,  I went to Home Depot right after because I needed some oil for a chain saw I bought to cut my bushes and tree branches

and I hope I don't cut off my skin.  I told the saleswoman helping me to find the oil about Zellers opening today.  She insisted that Zellers had closed years ago.  Another woman stepped in, said she had just arrived from Zellers and told us not to go.  She continued that she would give them six months before they would close.

You know that is too bad.  Zellers is an icon.   What were they thinking?  A commentator was stating that they are seeking a younger crowd.  Not going to happen, me thinks.  They did have one happy senior with purple hair at the front of the store singing and dancing to a 70 or 80 song.  Bye Bye Zellers.

(If I am all over the place - sorry.  I am exhausted but promised you a blog)  I missed a meeting with Sisters of Crime to go to Zellers.  I think I shall watch a movie.  I listen to my body when it states rest!

What have I been up to?

 A lot!  I cannot imagine how time just flies.   I have my heels on the floor to slow down but it doesn't seem to work.  I haven't forgotten you and I know I am falling behind.  This weather that has changed from snow has me going out and making fun a priority.  I am still watching the market and it hasn't gone up so I sit patiently as I crave pets and vacations away.   I have attended more writing webinars from my two associations and the American Guild.  Recently I watched a talk about agents but after listening to their introductions, I left since they seemed more interested in minority groups.  I am always lucking out there since the beginning of time.   Others didn't fit my genre.  So, I left the room.  I am always learning of more scams targeting authors.  There is more that could be done about these annoying small time criminals.  Every time I insult the midgets something happens, but it is so annoying.  Anyhow I did go see Steven Spielberg 's Disclosure.   I will watch anything that Steven touches.   A tv show based on a true story named "Soul on Fire"  is based on a true story about John O'Leary who received burns covering 100% of his body.  There is a book out, "On Fire".   This is well worth watching.   I also found a new restaurant I really like and will write a review for you with some photos because it is worth a visit.   I know I still have to continue to tell my story about my holiday and I still have lots of notes to provide for you.  It shall come.  I am also thinking of writing a blog elsewhere because I was swarmed here with ads that did not belong to google.  Quite frankly with all the the years I have been here I have received about $20.00 and nothing recently.  Considering I have up to 4000 readers monthy I have to wake up and smell the coffee and try to make some money.  I am still in the learning and thinking stages, but it shall come.   I will probably drop shopify and though it is a Canadian company I am charged in American dollars.  I will probably transfer to Go Daddy which is an American company which charges me in Canadian dollars.  Shopify doesn't seem to help Canadians so I will probably say bye bye.   Please be patient with me while I sail into transition.  Good talk.  See you tomorrow.

University of Toronto Magazine - Spring 2026 edition, p33

 Caitlin Maikawa an assistant professor at U of T's Insititute of Biomedical Engineering, co - develped PRIM, a swallowable pill that releases harmless blue dye when there is inflammation in the intestines and the toilot water will turn blue when inflammed.  The pill will cost less than 50 cents (let's keep it from being exploited).  Seven million people live world wide with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).  Earlier detection can now result in adjusting treatments faster, potentially preventing serious harm and improving quality of life.

Remember when I tried to sell my house last year? Well people still want it but are waiting (for me to decrease price) Not going to happen people.

 Quaint Toronto house is a rare find for under $1 million but still needs work http://www.blogto.com/real-estate-toronto/2025/04/510-northcliffe-boulevard-toronto/

Had fun at Motive event

     The first photo you see here is our poster boy.  Actually, he is an author who was keeping our tent from flying away.  Nice guy.  You also see three young intelligent women enjoying the event and I thank them for buying two of my books.   I hope they enjoy.  I am sure I shall be notified.  Then there is me holding one of my Christmas gifts -  a writer's coffee cup from my baby sister.   I always enjoy the university environment full of inquisitive brains.  I had a nice weekend and the fun hasn't stopped.   You'll learn more about that tomorrow.
 

Hope to see you tomorrow or Sunday at Motive - I shall be signing and selling my books

     I am all ready for tomorrow or almost.  I just have to load books in my brand new plastic containers bought at Walmart.  I usually keep my books in their original boxes but it shall rain and perhaps thunderstorms to boot so I am trying to be as prepared as possible.  The good thing is that we will be under tents this year and that is a bonus.   I don't have my lovely poster this year because it went missing last year at the same event.  I do have a cartoonish image of me and that will do for this year since other places don't want bulky signs.  I haven't made up new book markers because I am still not sure which web site I want to continue with.  However, I do have my new business cards made up which came in the mail yesterday.  So, today will be somewhat of a relaxing day, just tying up loose ends.  

     I do hope you come and visit me.  You don't have to buy a book, but do come and tell me that you read my blogs and if you follow me on facebook. 

So, again,   I shall be at table nine sharing a table with fellow Crime Writers of Canada Authors each day,  Sat Jun 6, 26 and Sunday, Jun 7, 26,  from 1100 hrs - 1700 hrs (5pm).  I am usually early because I give myself plenty of time to find parking close to the event.

It is at 73 Queens Park Crescent,  University of Victoria, in the University of Toronto.  It would be off St Charles, East side.

See you tomorrow!!!!!!!Bring an unbrella.  Sunday may not rain.  Eitherway I shall be there!

Good talk!!!!!!!!

  

Loneliness (AAMFT Conference 2023) USA

 

22% of Adults report feeling lonely and isolated most if not all the time.  47% of people report having no meaningful relationship in their lives.

Challenges and Barriers

Money -  17 % of adults declared bankruptcy or lost their home as a result of heath care costs.

33 % stopped therapy soley because of cost.  38% of adults or family member did not seek health care because of cost.  Insurance pays 14% less while making billions.  350 individuals looking for therapy for every one mental health clinician.  Where do we go from here?  How Marriage and Family Therapists shape the future.  The kids are not ok and neither are the adults.  Mental health disorders have been on the rise since 2020.  

Mood Disorders -  21% of adults have a mental health condition.  Second leading cause of deaths for children 10-14 years of age is suicide.  31% are adults between 18-25.  One of eight emergency room visits are mental health related.  Loneliness is a global health crises.  

Loneliness, loss of connections and its impact on Mental Health -  39% more are getting some type of MH  in 2022 vs. 2019.  Innovative new way to take therapy to the people.  Relationships matter.   Intergenerational trauma and the impact of parental/family of origin has made its way to mainstream.  Harvard “happiness” study makes another resurgence to the popular media.  Tuning inward, tending to the healers.  Prioritizing our wellness as a model of sustainable care.  52% of therapists reported feeling burnout this year.  Self care is not enough.  Cultivating self - compassion - mindful awareness, self kindness, common humanity.  Shortage of professionals - financial challenges with payers- a challenge and often inequitable road and licensure.

-inadequate support systems for clinicians and students (for professors).  Systemic oppression and bio permeates all our professional layers.  Health disparities show up in every aspect of treatment.   How do you cover for something that never ends?  Representation doesn’t exist for most.  Things are changing.  Therapy speech is everywhere.  Mental Health disorders and relationships are being openly discussed by celebrities and the general public; social media.  

We need more professionals.  There will be graduating MFT’s but will not practice because they are already burnt out.

     When I decided to retire in December 2025 it was after asking the College Regulator questions and having different people answering differently.  Needless to say I was frustrated.  The college decided to provide tests, to all every five years on top of all the required extra education.  With all the intensive education we have had,  I began to lose respect for the College (Moral Injury).  Even though I believe that the public needs to be protected, that alone should be their job.  They imposed more work upon themselves therefore requiring more people thus some not really knowing what they were doing from my perspective.  They were also insulting and condescending inspecting files and when handwritten calling it chicken writing or something to that effect and letting us all know that.  I found that disrespectful to the therapists out there.  Days before I retired I was informed at a group event that the college stated no one retires from psychotherapy.  So, when I decided to retire, I was informed that retirement is not acknowledged and won’t be in the future or words to that effect and that my title would be that I resigned.  Really?  My advice from mentors in the past was to stay under the radar and why which I won’t share.  Now I have the time to study the Toronto Housing Market to make the right decision of when to sell without worrying about accommodating clients or the high cost of Registration, Insurance and courses.  That is all for now.  I shall continue to provide my notes to you until I am all done and then just focus on Writing Corner.  This weekend I will be selling my books at Motive in Toronto and will provide you with at least one more blog about that event.  I do hope that if you are in Toronto you will visit me.  Take care fo now.  Always feel free to ask a question.

Time is flying - thoughts of the week

 I just want to wish you a great weekend and be careful if you fly.  I don't and should be safe on our railroads.  Of course now that there has been an investigation at the airport perhaps those in power will listen to experts in the field - Police.   This is the same place where the gold went missing.  What are the hiring practices and why when they are flagged are they allowed to be employed?  Who hires these criminals and what are their connections/qualifications?   I also have seen absurd results from people not qualified trying to ascertain if people are guilty or not enough to bring to trial.  Well, that is why we have a democtratic society where we can vote people in and out.  If some feel they are too imprtant to explain themselves, there may be an adjustment period to find someone more responsible.  I am curious if people who have been victimized and are innocent are going to sue.  Money talks.

     I am amazed at how quickly time flies.  I am still slowly updating and de-cluttering and upgrading.  Well not really upgrading.  I am getting there.  What I don't need, is going to the front of my lawn for others to take.   I am thinking about erecting a sign on my lawn about my books.   I can but there are so many rules about that and again there are security concerns.  I have ordered business cards for my books which if I get in time will be handing out at Motive.  I love summer and during the writer's conference, I mentioned to someone that maybe I should consider going South for the winters.  I mentioned I love Disney World.  The writer gasped, "They're all replublicans in Florida."  My response was that I didn't really care about the politics,  I just wanted sun and Disney.  She replied that they had crocodiles.  Now that I am concerned about.  Well, for now I shall stay put.  There is a lot of excitement in my city.  My neighbourhood has become a tad more quiet with the construction.   I have debated placing the house back on the market but I am losing the debate.  It is still a poor market for sellers.   Buyers if you don't buy now you will miss that chance.  People want a house but don't want to pay high prices.  Sellers sell when they have to.  Do I have to?  Nada, but I would like to.  Bring me an offer or disappear is what I kindly tell the vultures.  So,  I want to plant some flowers, trim some trees, go to the gym.  Oh yes the gym.  I was there the other day and an older man approached me when I was on the bicycle.   His wife (I think she is) told me not to be afraid, that he was sick.  I noticed he had a heavy weight in one hand hanging firmly.  Don't be afraid?  I have to admit I kept a close eye on him, especially when he went behind me.  I could just see it.  "Toronto woman died after being attacked by forceful blunt injury to her head with a gym training weight.  The woman was cycling and trying to read the Centurians when another gym member cautiously approached her and raised the weight, slamming and forcing her head open.  There was no one else in the city gym at the time aside from his devoted wife.  Silva Redigonda was known for her charm in the community and enjoyed writing books for fun.  She shall be missed.  The assailant has not been charged due to mental related health issues.  His wife is devestated."

That's all for now world.  Good talk.  We shall start with psychology notes next week.  June is a busy month, but I always have time for you.

     

Corruption or Incompetence at Transport Canada - You choose

 

Writer's Corner

 

     I am on my backyard deck listening to the sounds of my city.  There is the roar of construction by the City and by contractors rebuilding houses to fit multiple units.  I think back to my cruise and the peacefulness of nature.  It is no wonder that it has been difficult to concentrate with writing.  I hear the warning sounds of vehicles moving backwards and nature has been blocked out.  I hear no birds.  Last night I had the same agent as last year try to come to my backyard but my beautiful friend began barking and off he went.   This time he left two cards with the same message.   I have important news from him.   I sent him an email this morning and spoke of trespassing and unethical behaviour the real estate board may be interested in and he has backed off.  It’s unfortunate that at times we have to threaten the law and regulators to keep what used to be a profession honest.  I still mourn the loss of my two paintings which disappeared with the staging.  

      Even though I haven’t done much writing, I renewed my gym registration where I pedal and read at the same time.  I debated joining another club to swim, but I don’t want to deal with parking.

     I have been doing a lot of thinking about the book I am writing at leisure and all I have to do.  You know what?  I don’t have to do anything on a schedule.   I can think all I want.  Since the conference and listening to everyone and attending webinars etc…..I have an image of half man and half computer spitting out volumes of books.  There are so many tips on how to write, but I know how to write.   I don’t know business except for all the cons out there and there are many.  I had one person claiming to be a policeman reach out on facebook saying he wanted to be friends.   Normally unless I meet the person, I reject them as friends.  Most are people I have worked with around the world.  But, this particular person claimed to be a police officer and writer and I suspect he is neither.  I told him I would check him out first.  He asked how I would do that and so strike, he is not police.   He sent me a chapter of his book which he was selling on Amazon and there is no way this person could write what he sent me.  He was selling a book, I am sure  completely generated by IA.  He never reached out to me again because he knew that I knew exactly what he is.  There are too many books out there now being sold and it is not by the person claiming to be an author.  At the conference a lot was about selling your books and maximizing your profits.   I am not good at that because I have always been in the service of others.  I am slow in that department because my focus is on writing stories.  There are about 6000 new books published each day and some are just awful.  I was thinking about my own writing and found myself telling someone that when I write it is like someone cooking who has done so for years.   I know the basics as I have been writing since I was a child.  You know what I mean all that stuff about nouns, verbs, structure, plot etc…..My passion for literature was a hobby an escape from the seriousness of other courses.  I loved creating stories and creative writing.  So,  I explained myself as similar to a home cook who knows what ingredients to use and sprinkle without the use of a cook book, one who uses a dash of this and an experimental test of that and manages a delicious dish.  This is what I do.  I use all of me to create a story which I may alter at any point or go into another direction or add a new character and there, I have my own master dish.   How do I get it out there?  I’ll let you know.

Theology Notes continues

 The Davidic Covenant (Interculteration of Sinai Desert > City

1. Rise and Fall of Saul (Islam 8-15)  
2. Rise of David (Johnathon) (16-23)
3. Jerusalem and David Covenant (Johnathon 25, 6-7) 

     Incalteration -  God of Moses and God of Sinai Covenant - semi nomadic life.  Covenant is one that is moveable.  It is on the move.  You cannot pin this down on God.  Whole institution of food gathering.  Is the God of the desert, who can intervene in history?  Is this God also the God of creation, this God who lead us out of Egypt, who helped us survive the desert, also the God of civilization.  Our God is also one who brings us into tension.  My last week’s question:  How can God demand life of sin?  To appreciate it, see how it can be used in other text- Principal.  Never read a text simply on its own.  Read other texts.  We can look at the text in the political view but it can be read in another.

to be continued with  In the Shadow of your Wings.

    

My Vacation - Trying to get there

 Well, I finally took my long necessary holiday.  So, this too shall be part of my blog.  It was expensive for a four night cruise including train fair (business) at $4000.00 from Toronto, or was it?  I thought that the taxi to and from the cruise was included but no it wasn’t and that was infuriating.  In Toronto people really try to please you and that did not happen, not even under the threat that I would not recommend the trip, nor take it ever again.  So here goes - my relaxing trip.

I had ordered the taxi from Beck (Beck is a long standing taxi company in Toronto and they are managed well by a woman married to a fire fighter.  That is all I take in Toronto and I recommend them).  The trip from my home to the station cost about $25.00 and I added a tip.  Once I boarded the train, I was on my own with the suitcase which I may refer as my brief case.  It is a Walmart, Air Canada special which usually suits me fine when I go anywhere by car.  However,  when I packed,  I had to be careful since it filled up fairly fast.  I only had room for one jacket, one set of spring clothes and the rest of the trip for hot weather.  My carry on cotton gym bag which I bought in Kenya, carried a thick Stephen King book which I never opened.  I left Toronto as it was going to warm up and entered Kingston knowing there would be a cool down.  My suitcase was too small to keep it where I usually do - in the luggage compartment.  I was informed by the female worker, that I had to keep it in the overhead compartment which for some reason, I couldn’t lift that high.  The female worker informed the passengers that they could not place the suitcases overhead for us because imagine their backs at the end of the day.  Well, my solution would be to make more baggage compartments - this is first class?  However, when I asked the male Via worker, there was no hesitation.  Thank you.  

     I don’t drink because of the sugar in it and my pharmacist taking a hissy fit if I do.  All I had was about three spoon full of wine at Christmas and that was enough to have him take a flip.  All free on the train and at meal times on the cruise, so they are making a deal on me.  The food was fine on the train.  I had a delightful elderly man from Montreal sitting beside me.  His mission to Toronto is top secret but I did find out that it was three times a year.  He was well dressed and looked like a professor, but in my experience professors love to talk.  He did not.  I focused on my coffee and the scenery and before I knew it, I was in Kingston (my shortest trip ever by VIA rail).  Now I had a new problem.  The elderly man’s tray had not been cleared and I was trying to leave the train.  He was taking his time, while I remarked that I did not want to end up in Montreal.  People were now boarding the train and when I finally manoeuvred around him (I had the window seat and I also had my seat changed for some reason) - no big deal.  I asked a tall handsome man if he could take my suitcase down for fear of dropping it on the elderly man’s head.  He provided a wonderful smile which lit up his face as well as mine, and gallantly performed the task for me.  At this point there were many people coming through and they suggested I go the other direction.  Since I had no choice, I did so to find out that there was no way out.  I returned when it cleared and looked at the VIA workers.  When I saw panic in their eyes,  I felt doomed.  I was going to Montreal and would miss my cruise.  They began talking on the walkie talkie while the female employee told me how sorry she was.  The male on the walkie talkie explained to her that I had been blocked from exiting.   To be continued.....

The Violence Project - notes continues

The reason  shooters leak information is because they want an intervention.

Insiders -  Physical security alone is not enough.

*****In crises - know the signs; crises intervention.  Suicidal:  Suicidal prevention, not punishment.  Leakage :  Reporting systems, relationships.  People get fired and come back to shoot as well as school suspensions.

Off ramp -  Resources of promoting on how to promote safety with one another.

FIRE ARMS:  The elephant in the room.  Second Constitution.  80% of shooters were getting them from family, home, friends and gifts.   If security/storage of firearms, then the shootings could have been prevented.  In the USA, there are 50,000 deaths a year.  A small portion are the shooters.

Violence is scripted in our (US) culture.  Mass shooters, study other mass shooters.  They get radicalized on line.  There is opportunity.

One who was bullied said, “I was almost a school shooter.  When you literally have nothing to lose, you can do anything and that thought is absolutely terrifying.”  One school mate invited him to his house and gave him pie.  No longer did he want to kill his classmates.

 

Question:  Why more prevalent in USA than other countries?  Longing for connection (Depths of despair), suicidal, alcohol/drugs.  The major contributor is able to get fire arms, but not only.

25% of shooters have a hallucination or delusion.  People with no power, wanting power.  There was a recent study of the military (US) 1/4 of mass shooters, 50 out of 200 have a military background and about 15 out of 50 had proficiency in marksman.  Must not stigmatize.  Transition of military to civilian life is a very difficulty transition.  In many cases, one is discharged from service because of mental illness or other problems.  There is a lack of resources for mental health care and not enough beds.  They need someone to check on them.  In one case, a caretaker who connected with a student prevented a shooting.  Even though they have a duty to report - key is what is going on afterwards.  Concluded.

     When we here in Toronto had a massive summer shooting downtown, I remember at a later conference that this particular shooter had problems with women, since they were not attracted to him.  The hospital here in Toronto received notes from the USA hospital where they had many patients who had died or were injured.  This meant so much for us in Toronto.  It is important that we recognize how this impacts everyone and how everyone involved needs support.  We need to support each other as neighbours during these tragedies.   

The Violence Project (notes)

When attending this conference there was a tragic shooting in Maine.  There was 16 seconds of silence for 16 killed.

     The speaker was from the Faculty of Michigan University.  The school is still traumatized.  The shooter had no connection to the university.  It was a random act of violence.  Today he also had an email from a student at the time.  He is still having PTSD.

     How to stop a Mass Shooting Epidemic,  A book cronicles -    The Violence Project.  How to stop a Mass Shooting Epidemic by Jillian Peterson, PH.D. and James Densley, PhD

theviolenceproject.org

     Jillian used to work on death row.  They wrote to prisoners and some wrote back, wanting to know their life before the shootings.   Also interviewed were people who knew the shooters, first responders etc... Mass shootings today are more violent and frequent than any other time in history, nearly six times every year.  

     Who are the Mass shooters?  Average age is mid thirties.  Clusters in age in 20's and 40's are transitional points in life.  Crisis point is pivital.  Certain locations tend to age.

Race and Ethnicity 

     White men are majority.  White men are under representative,  black over representative.  Work shooters - usually people of colour.  Latin communities - very close to families, which is why not as many shooters.

1.  Shooters are insiders - 30% work shooters.  

     Insiders - make it easier to prevent.  We can identify the warning signs.

2.  Shooters are in crisis - Total 80%  (oopsie)

Families of Shooters:

1.  abusive, neglectful - a lot of childhood trauma.  Often parents have their own MI issues.

2.  Parents knew something was wrong but didn't know how to help or connect son to resources.  Shame-afterwards.

3.  Parents know something is wrong and son is in crisis and then actually buy a gun as a gift.  Thus a court case of having responsibility.

Shooters are actively suicidal.  31% prior to attack,  40% during attack; 59% died at scene.

To reporter, "I hate MOndays."  To commissioner - wanted to be shot dead by police - tried suicide attempt but failed.

One sister reported that her brother went from what's wrong with me to blaming others.

School -  pick someone from school.

blame religion.

*****Key Point of intervention - 50% leaked their plans ahead of time.  25% studied others, left legacy token.  Usually a criminal charge and usually a felony.  Usually charged, even children.

     I am going to continue this next week.  I want to finish this before moving to another topic.  I am also going to take some R+R by spending time in the sun which just came back slowly and reading a Stephen King book.  I shall talk more next week.  In the meantime, balance your life with work and fun etc....Try a new hobby, spend time in nature, sing and dance and try something new.  Good talk.