Precious Blood Catholic Church in Scarborough

It has been a while since I wrote about my visiting churches. Sometimes the sermons are difficult to listen to, so it was refreshing to visit Precious Blood at 1737 Lawrence East. The mass began with us being asked to greet each other. I turned to my left and a man provided me with a sincere warm smile. I looked around and the smiles continued. I thought this was a wonderful start. We got to actually see who we were sitting with. The sermon was also inspiring. The Pastor spoke of poverty, how it will increase (don’t I know it), and provided a talk about a region in South America which has so much poverty. The Bishop (correct me if I am wrong) helped the poor which the politicians liked, however when he held them responsible for the poverty, they did not like that (my words; not his). His sermon made me think about how clergy has been killed not only in South America but other parts of the world when trying to help their poor and repressed. My heart went to the people of Hong Kong and my thoughts went to China telling us we should mind our own business. I think not. What I liked about the sermon was that it stimulated thought. We were not told about what to do or what to think. We were left in thoughtful poise. I looked up at a photo of Fr Pio at the front right side of the church, who loved the poor. He bore the stigmata. I watched a documentary about him and a film and recommend it. After mass there was coffee and treats, which I love. I noticed the Pastor speaking to everyone. What I also noticed for the first time in my case that there was no request for money for the treats. I can’t remember that. Nor, is coffee and treats available at all churches which is a shame because it brings the community together. Often those who cannot afford treats may be left behind. I thought they had a wonderful selection and I noticed one woman with about four children and was pleased that regardless if the woman could afford it or not, she and her children could enjoy their treats. I left the parish feeling refreshed and wishing there were more of this substance. It is a lovely big church with lots of parking. I also learned something at treat time. One of the Italian women I met, told me that Victoria Park separates East York from Scarborough. The Church is on the South side, just East of Victoria Park. If you are wanting to become a Catholic, they have studies there for that and I would definitely recommend that church. What do you think? (Theology is a definite interest for me. People who go for therapy range from a variety of religions, spirituality and cultures. I am so fortunate to be exposed to so many interesting people and ideas).

Thoughts and update

I cannot believe that summer is coming to an end, especially since with humidity it will be in the thirties and my air conditioner will be running. I was reading one of my retirement associations periodicals and they were requesting information regarding personal experiences regarding the flu shot. I was rather disappointed because they have access to so much updated information by going directly to the sources who teach this. I thought back to my courses and remember studying this. I thought it would be in my blogs and so I read my titles and realized that I am not there yet. I also noticed that about five years ago I thanked my readers especially those from the States (my highest readers) for their dedication, etc…..and that I was stopping to blog. Obviously I didn’t. I got to see the titles of what I was writing about and it was rather a refresher. I have written so much for people to get info. They are merely tid bits but always useful information. I am rather very structured and to find all the technical information of how the flu shot works is not my mandate. I don’t know what the hysteria is all about. You are shot with dead viruses which the little armies in bodies respond to, and fight it. It is dead so it does not harm us, however, our armies will recognize it when it faces the real thing and then slam bang….It saves lives. Of course we don’t always know what new strains will be coming around so we will get sick by that. I am still writing about the new missal (RC theology) and my psych notes. I paused on both to write about the Guelph Conferences because I found it so interesting. In my first year of university, we were forced to take about four courses which I would not have taken because it had nothing to do with psychology. I thought it was a waste of time. It was not. I had to take a natural science, a social science and two others which I chose as (critical )writing with reason and critical thinking. The social science topic I selected was “man and masculinity” (the easiest course I have ever taken and rather fun. My humour would get me into trouble with the prof who didn’t share my sense of humour. He was an ex minister and divorced three times. I found that in itself amusing. My chuckling and laughter is what got me into trouble. However, I did like him and I think he did not mind me either, though I did anger him at times. The natural science was about health. All these subjects have only enhanced me as a therapist and a human being. Whenever I was exhausted about psychology, I would take a break and take an English course because that was my favourite subject. Hence, my love of reading and writing. It is my hobby because I certainly am not making money with that and if you are not making money, I am told it is a hobby. What can I say? I am not going to write back to the person who is asking hundreds of people I believe about the flu shot. I think that is too easy when you have all the resources you can go to. I would like to say go interview an expert and report what they say. However, that would sound condescending. So, I shall refrain from the obvious. Now back to us. Years later I am still blogging and getting all my notes in here and shedding them afterwards. The entire conference may not have anything to do with my profession, however, what I am learning effects people. And what effects people is something for me to take note. I have still to write update info regarding farmers and about coaching. I was going to skip that because I am counting my education hours and have to prepare for my submission to my college. I have to supply records of my education hours, topics and times, dates, people seen, what I call essays but they don’t etc……….It is not difficult but it is very tedious and time consuming. Do I wish I could avoid it? Of course. But the college is there to protect the public and the public does need to be protected. Now, hopefully slowly because nothing is rushed nowadays (that is what the politicians are saying about our daily shootings in Toronto area - it takes time, which is a start from the annoying “we are safer than………..) Enough about that. So I will continue with the last sessions of the conference and then move on to the next seminar, I attended which was about self care. I practise that with a passion. I have to also watch my web stuff which I find boring. I might as well live in Timbuktu (which is a real place, you know?) I prefer live with lots of interaction because I thrive among people. So enough about all this, I am just bringing you to date with the thoughts I have this morning. Don’t hesitate to ask me questions regarding psychotherapy. Thanks again for reading my blogs. What do you think?

Can we use bugs as drugs (conclusion)? by Professor Emma Allen-Vercoe, Dept of Molecular and Cellular Biology Continues notes. Guelph Conference

Can we add beneficial microbes back? Probiotics from the drug/health store? Generally it is very safe and defined. Industry is poorly regulated. Effects are modest at best. There is much hype but little scientific proof. Faecal transplants? Have shown great promise in treating gut infections. There are many unknowns. It is difficult to figure out the therapeutic effects. It is rather disgusting. A hybrid study? Instead of stool, why not use pure microbes, isolated from the gut of a healthy person? Major barriers to cultivation are low abundance and fastidiousness. Someone needs to take the first step. There is a new framework being developed in what Prof Emma Allen-Vercoe considers in research the stability, diversity, functionality, and strain interactivity - The needs of the interactivity of the ecosystem. It needs to be commercialized; Needs of the patient: oral preferred. Coming soon - Met - 2 is a new first class biologic drug - lyophilized, standardized, ecosystem for oral delivery; Clinical c. difficile. Faecal transplant is already a thing and Canada Health is concerned about it. Regarding advertisement: Yoghurt probiotics - no. www.probiotic chart.ca has a list of all evidence that are legitimate. 99% sold is all rubbish. Read the small print.

Sunday at Indigo was successful. Long day ................busy times

I love book events and if you would like to invite me for a reading, or signing please don't hesitate. I consider this fun and meeting new people has always been interesting. Selling my books at Indigo, Yorkdale was fun as per usual but also very interesting, because it was a rather quiet venue. Probably the most quiet. I am usually where large groups gather such as the university or Word on the Street. This was rather a warm atmosphere. I was near a rack of towels which I noticed was a hit. I got to see some habits people have when choosing towels. People seemed very relaxed as it should be in a book store. I also noticed that each person who bought my book was equally male/female, and each represented a different culture, religion or spirituality. This is what I love about my city. We learn so much about each other in special moments. I often speak of leaving Toronto which I cannot right now due to commitments. Niagara Falls is my objective which is becoming more achievable. People there also flock from all over the world to view the magnificent falls. As a relative told me, Niagara has a small town atmosphere with a lot to do. Having a daily walk and viewing the falls while stopping at Tim’s for coffee is a retirement dream. However, after being on my third career, will I really ever retire? Probably not. Why? Because I actually love what I am doing. However, if I ever do retire from providing therapy, I will only have more time to write and so again retirement may work for some, but not for me. I have been more busy than usual this summer which is quickly coming to a close. The Toronto exhibition is coming to town and that marks the end of summer which kept me too much indoors. Global warming challenges me. I seem to not tolerate extreme weather. I am fortunate that I have air conditioning and realize that I need to be constantly aware of how the poor suffer. I am seeing more of it as well as an increase in crime. After the book selling and feel free to order one if you wish or download an e book (for a fee of course at www.silvaredigonda.com) I went to see a movie with a friend, “Once upon a Time in Holywood” It was not my movie choice but I believe in taking turns. I don’t like violence and found some portions a bit disturbing though the crowd cheered. I also didn’t know enough about the cinema past, to distinguish fact from fiction. The audience was an older crowd as well. We later went to Diary Queen and at midnight I was still there. I marvelled that I felt very safe out that late in the open, enjoying the lovely evening. With all the shootings in this city which is only getting worse, you just need to be in the wrong place that could be anywhere. Of course within the same place where I thought was very safe there were bullets flying within the same week. That is another reason for wanting to leave my beautiful city. It is not the same place where I grew up in. Today the Mayor and Premier will be talking about the violence and so I hope that something will actually be done. I have tired hearing from the Mayor and Chief of Police how we are the safest city among so many others. Accepting the new normal only prevents change, to get back to the real normal. Is Niagara better? Not according to people wanting me to stay here. However, we do have everything here and I am spoiled. I know it. I love it. So, that was one busy day of a busy week. My days are busy and my dreams are busy. I thought it would be nice to dream about sleeping. Now, it is time to slow down and to get back to balance. I actually love my life and where I am at in this time of it. So, if you are interested in my three books, I am an email or call away. Or, if you are interested in buying any, check out my web site. www.silvaredigonda.com www.redigondapsychotherapy.com How was your week? What do you think?

Can we use bugs as drugs? by Professor Emma Allen-Vercoe, Dept of Molecular and Cellular Biology Continues notes. Guelph Conference

continues......... How can lifestyle impact? During birth along the vaginal canal - breast milk carries a lot of microbes. Also sugar, proteins are very important for the baby - certain sugar is also food for the microbes. After the age of three, micro is set. What we do that interferes. Caesarean delivery - microbes different. We chemically preserve our food. Not all these things are bad. C section can save a life. Germs terrify people. We quickly get to work on exterminating our microbes. Hygiene hypothesis - we are preventing colonization by being too clean. Missing microbiota hypothesis - We are disturbing proper colonization across generations through eg. antibiotic use. Antibiotic use (especially in early childhood may be problematic. Many studies have shown: gut microbiota changes significantly with antibiotic use. Which is unfortunate because it saves lives and are one of the miracles of modern medicine. but we have failed to understand the full consequences of their use. The additional impact of the Western diet which is rick in refined food (take out all the fibre) low in fermented food, complex carbohydrate; fibre. Refined foods are easily broken down - starving them. Worry about - artificial sweeteners and colour have the potential to do much harm to the micro to actually contribute to obesity instead of what is was thought. Why do some drugs work miracles in some patients and do nothing for others? Answer - We have been focusing on the wrong genome. It is hard to predict how the microbiota will respond to perturbations. eg. of diseases associated with altered microbiota diversity. Inflammatory bowel disease, infant colic, eczema, autism, colorectal cancer, allergic asthma, celiac disease, obesity etc… What have we done? How do we fix it? Can we add beneficial microbes back? to be continued next week..........

and More Scam Alerts for you.......(we really need to do something to catch these people because they cause harm)

"I am in the military unit here in Afghanistan, we have some amount of funds worth $16.500.000.00 USD with Gold that we want to move out ofthe country. My partners and I need a good partner we can trust. It is risk free and legal. Also send your whatsapp number" My response: prizac@iess.gob.ec" has been added to your blacklist.

SCAM, SCAM, SCAM (tiresome) For Professionals and other services providers

The below is an email scam I received which is not uncommon. I know that therapists from other countries read my blog. This is something which first came to my attention about seven years ago. Someone contacts you. They claim to be a professional of some type, needing therapy because where they live it is a problem to find someone. They provide you with a bunch of dates and then they insist that they want to send you funds for that. Years ago they sent me a money order which I had informed them not to, since I do not take payment in advance. They actually sent funds exceeding the amount for the entire sessions. I found this all suspicious, brought it to the bank and they thought it was legitimate. I insisted it was suspicious and the person called a bank out West and guess what? They had this big ring of fraud. I was informed that if I had cashed the money order they would have had all my banking information. I guess these guys are not used to honest people. I wonder why? So, if you get something like this, please remember this blog. It is so unfortunate that fraud is becoming so common. I am all for policing the sites and protecting the public. Note below: "Greeting! I sincerely apologize for the delayed response, I have been very busy. Thank you for your response. I would have called you, but I will need to get a international calling card to do so, which is hard to find. I will make sure I explain what i need in details in this message. My name is xxxxxxxx, I am years old, i'm a Canadian living and working in Mexico. I have been working and living with my family in Mexico since 2012, I'm a xxxxxx, i won xxxxxxx contract in in Mexico in 2012. I always spend 3 months at home in Canada every year for our vacation, We will arrive in Canada on the 15 of September to 15th of December 2019. I would have loved to do the counseling here in Mexico, but language barrier is the problem. The 15 of September to 15th of December 2019 in Canada will give me opportunity to seek for the help i needed, I have been battling with xxxxxxxx for aboutxxxxxyears, I think it's the right time to seek for a professional help. I need 10 appointment sessions. Like i said above that, i will be in Canada between 15 of September to 15th of December, that will be 13 weeks, i will suggest the following schedule for 10 appointment sessions with you; Week 1: 2 sessions (Please select 2 days and time you like for this week) Week 2: 2 sessions (Please select 2 days and time you like for this week) Week 3: 2 sessions (Please select 2 days and time you like for this week) Week 4: 2 sessions (Please select 2 days and time you like for this week) Week 5: 2 sessions (Please select 2 days and time you like for this week) Two session per week is fine with me, but we can do one session per week if that's what you prefer/recommend. This is just my suggested schedule, you can choose other weeks out of the 13 weeks to complete my 10 sessions, if you can't complete my 10 sessions within the first 5 weeks. You can start my appointments at any week you prefer within the 13 weeks, just go ahead and spread the appointments as your schedule permits within the 13 weeks and let me know. My schedule will be totally flexible when we arrive in Canada, so any time of the day or evening you choose will be comfortable for me. I just looked up your location, your location is about 6 miles away from our residence, so coming for my appointment on time will be very convenient for me. Please, it is Very Important for me to know the total cost of 10 appointment sessions Including any other extra fee that may be included. Send me the schedule you prefer and the Total cost for 10 appointment? Thank you very much."