Book sale at Show Case, York University

     My book sale at York University was fun as usual.  I re-connected with people I know.   I saw quite a few pictures of new babies. I also met some new interesting people. The woman who sat next to me this year was selling her art. I loved her bright cheerful colours. The islands influenced her work. Her husband is also an author and he is just as interesting. He is a retired professor and is also writing his second book. He however donates all his proceeds to a Lepercy foundation. I cannot afford to do this even though 10 percent would be my objective, if it was affordable. It costs so little to cure so many young people and prevent such a devestating desease from damaging and crippling so many people. Yet it is not being done. It is rather sad.  In some countries it is hidden from the world.  Our country could do more to pressure these countries.  What is that called?  Politics?   I did not know it was a problem in India as well.  He was not selling his book this year, but I shall buy it next year when he brings copies. My book is nothing so serious. I wrote it for fun in two months. My second book is more serious and it is most unfortunate that I always have to put it aside. Soon I will be sending off the final documentations for two Associations that I belong to. Then I will prepare for the new college. If I could have two weeks just to myself in the middle of nowhere land,  I could finish this book. Life gets in the way. However, I love all that I do and am constantly re-organizing my schedule and time. I go to York University once a year to sell my book, but more importantly I get re-energized by the people I meet. York is a fun place, full of interesting people. I love talking to the students, professors and staff equally. It is days like that I feel tempted to return to academia but I want to stay firm.  I was also asked how I am enjoying retirement. I reply that it is busy. To the University of Toronto, I return twice a year unless it is for a conference. I volunteer once a year as my way of giving back at my college book sale. I enjoy greeting the people into our building and hearing their stories. There are so many interesting people who enter and the topic is books, what they are studying or teaching and what brings them to the college. I also attend their culture night held in January. The artistic songs, playing of instruments, comedy and dance from both the students and professors always leaves me in awe. I am so fortunate to be an ulumni from both universities. I have learned so much from both. At Guelph University I took only one course that I needed and it too was nice. I really enjoyed the food in their cafeteria. It would be nice to check out each university and take one course just to compare. Now I must begin my day. Thank you for reading my blogs. What do you do? Are you happy doing it? What can you change to find something you like to do? What do you think?

Disaster in the Philippines

I notice that one of my readers today is from the Philippines. The news is full of reports and updates. It is sad to hear people beg for help, but help is coming. A woman recently asked me why God permits this? I spoke about global warming and free choice. But, in reality disasters have always occurred. What I marvel when I see the news is how countries bound to help. I also notice which countries are not helping. I dream of a world where everyone unites to help those who need it. Our country is matching donation dollars. I just want to say to my Philippine reader that I am thinking of your country and am watching and praying for you as many others are. I believe that prayer is very powerful and there have been a few studies to demonstrate that. From the sadness, there is a glimpse of humanity, as people gather to put aside their quarrels and unite for a greater purpose. This is what I call hope.

Continue from The Developing Brain : Forms of Mercury (Hg) Psychology notes

There are three forms of Mercury: - metallic (silver stuff in thermometer) - Inorganic compounds - Organic compounds (eg. Methyl mercury) (all exists in the environment) Biotransformation Metallic and inorganic mercury | Algae >> organic mercury compounds | fish | humans certain fish concentrate mercury - some fish: swordfish; tuna are high mercury concentrates Hunter - Russell Syndrome ME Hg poisoning in adults: - peripheral sensory loss (start to experience numbness and tingling in limbs and can result in loss of sensation - Ataxia (movements - cerebellum) - Dysarthria - problem forming speech - tunnel vision - people lose peripheral vision Large - Scale Me Hg Poisoning episodes . Minimata Japan (1956 -65) Industrial Plant dumped some form of mercury in the Bay. Fish became contaminated. There was a major fish diet among the people in the area. They therefore had higher mercury. It is different with alcohol which diffuses mother to fetus. It goes back and forth and does not get caught in the tissue. It's in the body for a short time. In the case of heavy metal, once in the body tissue, it does not go away in a few hours. Many cases are overt in adults and children - Children are born with problems. IRAQ (1972) - There was a large shipment of grain seed sent there and it was treated with pesticides. It was milled to make bread and not planted. It effected perhaps 6000 people among them who died. There is a considerable amount of studies. Japan was gradual. Iraq, acute in about a month. Certain females were pregnant therefore infants and fetuses were effected. Minamata Disease became a concern. There is delayed milestones of motor development (mom may not be sick and the fetus may not be apparent abnormal - after a few months there was slow development - similar to cerebral palsy) - abnormal reflexes, muscle tone and movements - difficulties feeding - severe language and cognitive delays It lodges in hair and teeth. Hair has mercury in it. It can be determined how long the person was exposed. Effects of Me Hg on the developing brain 1. Toxic effects - diffuse cell loss throughout neocortex (Adult damage limited. The brain of children exposed after birth is more widespread in fetal brain (killing cells toxic) 2. Teratogenic Effects - - abnormal neuronal migration - abnormalities in cortical layers - cerebellum cortex abnormalities - micr cephally (reduced brain size) to be continued............with Lead (PB) exposure

Another conference - More to think about

Yesterday I was at another conference with another association that I belong to - the Spiritual one. The speaker who has written quite a few books did not impact me as much as my previous conference. I found this one too basic; too 101. I did not buy a book this time. I still have much to read. At my table, were students and some old classmates who I like very much and who I missed seeing. In the next table was my mentor and more previous classmates who are now working towards being instructors/supervisors. I enjoyed the food but did notice that one person left to buy a sandwich and that tells me that the menu needs to be revised. No one should feel that they need to eat elsewhere when food is provided. I have no desire to be a supervisor or instructor. I have been an instructor in another field. I networked and talked to my network of friends about starting a peer review. It was decided that getting together once a month is a good idea to discuss our work, etc....This is something I have been working on for some time. This is my last year getting any student rates. My hours are over. My internship is over. My mentorship is coming to an end. As I looked around me at my previous instructors, new bushy tail students, my peers etc....I saw a group of people coming together for the same purpose - that of helping others with their hardships, their struggles, their sufferings and their preparation for dying. I thought of my own internship at working at a hospital with people living and dying. I worked with cancer and HIV patients. I worked with HIV. It was not my interest. I wanted to work on a floor where I would be exposed to a variety of illnesses. However, when as an intern we were being brought to the different areas, one head nurse said something that no one else said. He said we were needed. So, because no one in my small group wanted to work with this group for their own reasons - I decided to work with the Cancer and HIV patients. It was the most difficult work I did as an intern. Patients not only suffered because of their illness but some also suffered from the stigma of having such a disease. As my days of being mentored are coming to an end, I am grateful to my mentor and some of my supervisors from my growth in this stream. The speaker spoke of the integration of different streams or school of thought. I have always integrated all I have learned. When I was studying psychology, a PHD student whom I had hired to tutor me for stats told me that I am psychology. I had told him that I was not interested in doing research. I wanted to help people with a variety of issues. That is what I have been doing. However the money is-in research. What the States has eventually comes here good and bad (Toronto the good is obviously no longer considered Toronto the good). Adler's School of Psychology is now in Toronto and they are accredited. When I was considering my Masters, I called many schools and did not opt for them because the focus was too much research, specialization, or that it was not accredited. I think research is extremely important. I just don't want that to be my focus or work. As I look back at what I have accomplished and my journey towards helping others, I am aware that my entire life has been helping others. I chose careers where I would always be doing that in one form or another. What I have learned is that people have their own specific reasons for choosing their specific work. In my undergrad I heard that some professors were not supportive of students. In grad studies I did not find this but I did not care for one professor who thought it was his way of thinking or the highway. I suppose what I learned yesterday was nothing new from the speaker, but I looked around at the audience and realized that there were many students. I have been so fortunate to have had such wonderful people around me supporting me and that is what I would advise students to do. Surround yourself with people who have a heart. There are studies that reveal that what is even more important for a client who is seeking help is their connection with someone providing counselling, therapy etc....than the knowledge the person has who they are seeing. I don't have the stats at the moment but there it is. I think that having knowledge is extremely important but I normally ask if a client who is seeing me is comfortable with me. For anyone seeking this type of work I urge them to find a mentor they can learn from and feel safe with. Hang in there. I will be a student for life. Knowledge is very important to me because I realize how much there is too learn. I once told one of my Advance level supervisors that I know nothing. She understood me and my comment. There is just so much information out there. I learn in academia, I learn from workshops, I learn from conferences and I learn from my own clients. They are a gift to me. So for students out there, find someone with a heart to mentor you. For clients I urge you also to find someone who you feel comfortable with. I realize that people read this blog from all over the world and I feel honoured. If you are considering seeing someone, do not stop at the first, if you are not comfortable with that person. Check also what their qualifications are. In Ontario soon people without the proper qualifications will no longer be able to provide psychotherapy. This is long overdue in my opinion. What do you think?

Post Hallowe'en and conference

I do not normally do anything resembling work on Sundays but today I shall make an exception because I shall be attending two more conferences this month and want to keep you up to date. But- first Hallowe'en. I have no more excuses not to go out for Hallowe'en since I had so many adults who came to my house for treats. The eldest must have been in her seventies. I called her mama, as I put a chocolate in her bag. They were all dressed up too. I did not expect too many people because it was raining but I had more than previous years. I stopped counting at 150. The costumes were amazing and I finally got to see Dracula. "I have been waiting for you all night!" I exclaimed to the boy. His mother looked at her child and said, "I told you, he is so yesterday!" "No" I responded not wanting to make Dracula feel all alone. I also could not help noticing a mother telling her child not to do that or this before the little kid had a chance to get the candy. This was accompanied by a light slap each time. "Stop that" I repeated each time. "Don't do that." I am sure that she did not realize that she was doing it since it was so automatic. no = slight slap. I really think that all parents should have a solid week of training before having a child. You need a test for driving, a test for passing any subject but for the most important job, a parent will ever have is experimental learning. I loved the conference. I loved meeting old classmates and reconnecting with instructors and other people in my field old and new. It was hard for me to leave after the first day because so many were staying overnight at the hotel. They even had a pool and the price was lowered for our association. However, this time, I left every one behind and drove home until the next morning bright and early. The food was wonderful and I came out of there with new ideas and tools to implement in my own practice. The speaker was Michele Weiner-Davis, an American living in New York City. She is very personable and I can see why she is so successful. She also has years of working with couples at the brink of divorce and is very capable of bringing them back to a place of partnership. One of the things she provides is two day therapy for clients. Though that would be very expensive for clients, I think that it is well worth providing and will implement that into my own practise. I have been in the mindset that more than one session is too much and that people need to process. But what I have come to learn in my own practise from those on the brink of ending their relationship is that perhaps if they commit to two full days, they may leave with a different perspective than one session and perhaps never returning because they do not think it is worth working on. Most of the information, I already know and notes were therefore kept to a minimum, but there were handouts I can use as tools and there was some information I could use in future. As I have said in earlier blogs I incorporate everything I have learned and use it when I think I should. I work with all people. And so when I listen to someone with vast amount of experience working with only one type of what I will call issue, than I listen. I am forever growing and learning. I bought one book which she recommended and I will be looking forward to reading it after what I am presently reading. I will be providing you with some statistics that she gave us. One thing she did say is that if one couple has more than one therapist, it is one to many. That is something I will also review. I have a lot to think about. How I work is what is best for my client from their perspective. "Know thyself" Are you in a relationship that you are not happy with? What have you done about it to make it workable? What do you think?

Hallowe'en, conferences and balancing life

Give me a reason to celebrate and I shall. I really like Hallowe'en. I used to get all dressed up myself with different type of costumes, I found in my own wardrobe. When I bought a "scream mask" I thought it was really cool, until one Hallowe'en night when I opened the door, I sent a young woman screaming and running away as fast as she could run. I thought she would have been prepared and not as terrified as she was, so I placed the mask on an outside pole, knowing someone would steal it. I also hung a stuffed fake man on my tree until I realized that was too scary as well. So I decided to just wear some fake blood on my face and that was not too bad, until I saw how visibly shaken a neighbour was when she thought I had been injured. So no more blood, no more gore, no more scary, scary, house. Now I just use my own face and if it scares anyone, it cannot be helped. Last year I had over one hundred kids and teens drop by and a few adults. I even gave out a treat to a doggy who was all dressed up. I don't give out apples, or anything else that is not wrapped. I remember my own mom cutting and peeling the apples I brought home when I was younger, checking for razar blades. There are always those on Hallowe'en who are more scary and cruel and mean, than any mask or fake anything else, that superficially frightens. For those, I wish that for one night they behave and leave the children and animals alone. Get some real help or lock yourself up. Why not go to the police station and talk to them about what you are up to? How nice if it could be that easy. Anyhow, back to the good stuff. I was raised in Toronto and Hallowe'en has always been part of the culture. I look at it as just clean fun. So I make sure that I bought plenty of stuff that I could give out, to ensure that I would not run out. I always buy what I like as well so that if I have anything left over, I eat it. I can no longer go out to trick or treat and if it was acceptable for adults, I would be out there. That is why I always give out treats, to anyone of any age. You don't want to know how old I was when I finally stopped going out with friends trick or treating. Now my home is kid friendly. I also keep the pumpkin intact so I can recycle it to the neighour who uses it to make pumpkin pie, something I could never get into no matter how much whip cream is on top. I bought more chocolate because I was dipping into the Hallowe'en kids stock. I have a two day seminar to attend which I am looking forward to. I shall miss the wine and cheese afterwards because I have to drive and I am not staying overnight as others are. I also have to deliver papers etc... for my own step process. In there, I shall take time for fun, even though I consider it all fun. That is the beauty of doing what you love. Have a wonderful Hallowe'en!!!!! Keep safe!!!!

A tribute to Carlo

My cousin died yesterday at 0100 am. He was one of my favourites. When I was in Europe, and I went to visit my family, they always welcomed me warmly. When they came to visit Canada, my cousin would remind me cheerfully, that it was he who was my blood relative and not his wife, who is now alone in grief. If there was an ideal marriage, aside from my own parents, it was them. They had romantic love which is very difficult to maintain, they had mutual respect and they had a bond that fastened each other. I love them both equally. "He has gone to heaven, she wrote." Just a few nights ago, I was watching a program, that I had taped. Scholars from various universities were reporting God as fiction and wishful thinking. I thought it was interesting because normally more than one perspective is provided. The more I live life, the more I learn, the more I realize how little I do know. There is just so much to know and learn and that is why I consider myself a life long student. I can never cease to learn. There is so much contradiction out there, that it is difficult to know what is truth. What is true one day is disproved on another. Even experiments, cannot prove but only disprove. What is fact? What is fiction? What is fantasy? What is wishful thinking? We used to believe that the world is flat? We used to deny evolution? We are constantly evolving, though repeating mistakes. There are definitely good people out there and there are those who commit such horrible crimes, that one must question why? There is always a truth. But, how does one find it? When I look out at nature in my backyard. When I see the birds and squirrels feeling safe in the nature I cultivate for them, I am quite aware that others are ridding themselves of anything natural. When I look up at the stars and moon, I am aware that I cannot see what is really there. I am aware that my planet is moving along in a galaxy, that my human eyes cannot see. I do not feel myself moving. I do not see. I sometimes imagine what it must be like to watch our planet from space. We know that there are many planets, moons, stars, galaxies etc....We know because we are a curious people who thrive for truth. We have science and we have technology. Is there a God? Is there an afterlife? Am I delusional because I believe there is something more? I was watching a Nova series, one was about utilizing nature to improve our industry. They were duplicating the movements of specific animals to enhance what is available today. They were also altering DNA of a specific part of a fish to have it function as a battery. We as a people are always growing, tampering and experimenting. Yet when it comes to believing in God, it is wishful thinking. Why is it that some people believe in a God and others don't? One scholar in another session I was watching, said that he believes it is in our DNA. Has anything ever happened to you that you do not understand? Have you ever felt someone near and no one was there? Have you felt someone close to you when that person has died? Is it all psychological? Is there the possibility of something more? Is it only faith? And who are the fraudsters and fortune tellers explaining all this and taking money from those suffering? There is always an opportunist. I have had a great and interesting life. I have people in my life that I would not trade for all the money in the world. I have been provided with one gift after another. I was sad and and stunned to hear about the non-expectant death of my cousin. I was more sad for his wife, who will grieve a life time. I know that my cousin is not suffering anymore, nor scared anymore. I appreciate every moment, I have on this earth. There is a phrase that says only taxes and death is a sure thing. I don't know about taxes, as I understand there is an island or two where that is not a problem, but I know that we cannot escape death, as we know it. I remember being horrified when I realized that people die. I am not horrified anymore. It is a process. I think of death as a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. We all have a belief system and part of that is a selection of what to believe. I had one professor in a psychology class who said you can prove there is a God. He suddenly began a class saying that the solar system is not as perfect as we think. He said if you threw something in its' path, it would cause chaos. I wondered at the time, why he would introduce that in class? What was he thinking about, that made him say that in a motivational psychology class? I think that we all have different lives. Some of us are fortunate to have a lot of love in our lives which began in infancy, others naught. Some of us were raised in a particular religious background that was nurturing or was the opposite for others. Some of us had the opportunity to grow intellectually, spiritually etc....Some of us were stunted by life. Some of us reached out and felt a hand pulling us out of an abys. Why not take the time this weekend to write down what you believe in. Then write down below each belief why you believe? Is it rational? Is it spiritual? Is it right in your opinion? Is it wrong in your opinion? How do you search for truth? How do you search for the possibility of a God? Is your God terrifying and cruel? Is your God loving and warm. This is a challenging year. Someone very close to me said that she cannot wait til the year is over, because there has been so much loss. But, I do not share that view because I think of years as merely strings that ultimately comes to an end at any time. I enjoy each day and breathe in the air that allows me to live. I enjoy each morsel of food that I eat. I enjoy each flower I can inhale. What is it that you enjoy. What do you think? Bye Carlo. You gave so much love to others. You had such a beautiful and infectious laugh. You were a beautiful charmer with so much to give and you gave it. You had such a sense of humour. I am sorry that in these past three months you had to suffer so. Now, please watch over us, as the angel that you are.