#Market Place

I cannot believe it is mid January already. I am afraid I got a very bad cold or was it more, which is improving but I did have to go out and shovel in a blizzard yesterday just to clear the steps to the front sidewalk. Thankfully, my next door American neighbour did my sidewalk which I am very thankful for. I have always had a soft spot for my American neighbours. Today I recommend that People watch Market Place which you can find on utube because it talks alot about the scams going on and other serious concerns. The most recent one was by a guy named Alex I believe, who is supposed to be registered telling a producer that he is registered and her water tank needs to be replaced within the next six days on his authority. However, this water tank which was supposed to be dangerous was examined by a College Professor prior and it was found to be in good order. It was functioning properly. The Company that Alex works for has a government type name beginning with Ontario which victims have thought was actually government. Then hold and behold they did another examination of people being scammed for thousands of dollars and signing contracts for something which would cost about 250.00 to buy plus installation and they find they have a lien on their house again for thousands of dollars when they try to sell their homes. Market Place shows how easy this is to do and there is no follow-up with the homeowner. What was most disappointing was that they informed what was happening to the government who refused to see them. Really? Do we need to inform the government that they are elected officials voted in who can be voted out? When they refuse to speak to the media professionals working in our interests, they are acting like dictators. We need to be careful about that especially during these days. A previous show demonstrated how toxins in clothing is being allowed into the country from where else? China? This includes toxins in items for children. This is controlled in the States but not in Canada. Why? Because businesses police themselves here. Why am I interested in all this? Because it causes undo stress for people who have enough stress in this pandemic. NOt only do they feel betrayed by registered companies but also abandoned by their own government who they believe should be protecting them. It is disappointing for me to see people suffer needlessly because people are not doing their jobs. If people are registered and breach ethics, then they should be penalized and lose their license. We have a lot of work to do to help out our people and the first thing is to hold people accountable for scams and our government to start listening and do their jobs. Next week I shall continue to talk about ethics from my notes in grad school. Have a good week. Keep safe. What do you think?

The Internet Murders continues https:www.silvaredigonda.ca

“As Francis drove towards the church he was disturbed by all the police cars parked at the front of the main entrance. No one had called him. What had happened? He approached one of the uniformed policemen who was standing just inside the yellow tape barrier. “I am Fr. Francis. This is my church. What has happened?” Fr. Francis was directed to the plain clothes officer. Sandfield saw the good-looking young priest approaching him. He was tall, and looked more like a model sporting a priestly collar than a priest. “I am Detective Constable Sandfield. I am sorry to inform you that an elderly priest was killed here overnight. He has already been transported to the coroner’s office.” Fr. Francis felt his legs weaken and was suddenly unsteady on his feet. He felt as if he was on a roller coaster that was going too fast and wouldn’t stop. “How …,” he barely managed. “It appears, by the markings around his neck, that he was strangled. There will be an autopsy. We talked to a Mrs. Delany who said you were expected this morning. She tried to call you but …. Francis couldn’t make out any more of what the detective was saying. He had talked about a phone call. There was no phone at the cottage and his cell phone … where was his cell phone? His mentor and old friend was dead. It was his fault. He had asked him to stay at the church so he could go away for a few days to relax. His friend encouraged it. He was relaxing while his friend was being killed. How could this be happening? The words of the detective slowly became audible, “Mrs. Delany called the Archdiocese. They are making arrangements. We’ve already swept the church. You can have your church back by the end of the day. We’re working hard trying to get this done.” Francis stopped hearing the words again. He was in a fugue state. “Father, I know this must be a shock to you. Why don’t you go to your house and we’ll talk to you a bit later. Ok?” Excerpt From: Silva Redigonda. “The Internet Murders.”

Happy New Year - Out with the old and new beginnings

It is my first day back and I am on my way to recovery from a cold (hopefully). I started to feel better yesterday and I am easing my way back into work. This morning while listening to the news I heard President Biden talk about the one year anniversary of the attack on Captital hill. I remember that day and forgot it was on the Epiphany which is my last day of having my Christmas displays out. This weekend I am hoping to get everything down, at least most of it. Hearing the President reminded me of that horrid day when I became concerned regarding democracy in the States. I believe in the democratic system and in freedom. The President said that one policeman said he was more afraid that day than he was as a soldier in Iraq. That was the most powerful statement I felt because I understood it. You expect that from battle, but not on your home turf. I hope that after a full investigation that all parties will have their justice due. He never named the previous President and I am glad, because I prefer to never hear that name again either. Deomocracy should never be taken for granted. That is out with the old. New Years Eve I spent with Ryan Seacrest in my living room. Actually I was watching him on the screen. It was different this year. I didn't recognize too many faces but it was nice to see who performed before. Aside from him I didn't recognize the other hosts except for Puerto Rico. I didn't realize that two of my favourite actors were married to each other. The Rookie and Paradise Island united. The performance there was also my favourite. I also watched our own show and that was more than a tad boring. I did a lot of fast forwarding. I was disappointed to hear that Ryan Seacrest was being bashed by a CNN host with his sidekick laughing beside him. It may be time to exchange my CNN channel. I have it because it reports the news 24/7 and if there is a disaster they usually cover it. However, I also expect professionalism and what I saw on a clip bashing Seacrest was not. Out with the old and new channel coming. I got sick Jan 1, full force and it had nothing to do with the small champagne bottle of Moet I have every New Years. I was shamefully in bed by 11:30 New Years Eve and now I know why. Yesterday I started feeling better and it is a good thing. I am self isolating once again and ordering my food. I don't want anyone else to catch my cold. I also found a New Hair salon who takes the pandemic seriously, so it is out with the old and in with the new. If I could make a New Years Resolution for the world I would suggest making this one, a year of self care. Our Nurses and Doctors are being asked to work more, not take holidays and return to work before they are healthy to do so. My recommendation - do not. Take care of yourselves first. Our government has been reducing costs for the health care and other departments of health or police services and now they expect everyone to step up. I suggest the government steps up instead. This was all predicted but as usual unless a threat is staring you in the face, it is ignored. This has been a difficult time for everyone but it has also been an awakening. If you are not well, take that sick time. If you are due your holiday, take it. The politicians are not there to see your struggles as you become overwhelmed. Take the time - heal. For a short time many can work around the clock. Been there done that. However, in the long term it cannot be sustained. Don't feel guilty because the guilt is not yours to take. On the news one reporter said a psychologist told him that people are suffering from learned helplessness. I disagree and don't think we are there yet because unlike Pavlov's dogs who had no choice but to sustain such cruelty. We do. This is not permanent. You have choices. The last two years has been a wake up call for people who are in unhealthy relationships. You have a choice. You can continue being miserable or you can do something about it. Society now has everyone in a household working and children are left at school. It worked fine. There has been more money but things changed didn't they. Things cost a heck of a lot more, and choices minimized. I agree that it is important for children to be socialized and school is a wonderful place for it. However, the health of the child is paramount. Last night our city suffered the loss of a child less than four years old to COVID. What a devestating nightmare for a parent. I have always liked Moslow's hierarchy of Needs because it made so much sense to me. Please get vaccinated this year or seriously consider it. Protect yourselves as much as possible. I am still waiting for my booster shot and I am on a calling list. I can't go if I am sick but as soon as I am healed I shall bug pharmacies once again. This year I will be able to catch up with everything and re-examine what I want in my next chapter. I will shortly return to my own writing which I paused completely during the holidays. I did have fun though. I find that people are afraid to say no to visitors. This is a good time to practise saying no. "Do you want to work over time?" Response. "No. I am sorry." "We need you back." Answer: "No, I cannot. I don't want to burn out and I need to take care of myself so I can be the best when I return." That is just a suggestion. The pandemic is not disappearing any time soon, but you can adapt until it does. What are you willing to change? What do you have control of? Are you doing what you want to do? Are you with who supports you and loves you? Are you a healthy positive family? You have choices. You are not helpless. So, I sincerely wish you a positive movement to self care this new promising year. Happy New Year world.

The Internet Murders - Continues https://www.silvaredigonda.ca

“Tomasso was leaving the Church with Philip. The Investigation team had taken over and they were no longer required. “Who would kill a priest? Why? He was old – and strangled like that! He didn’t have a chance!” Philip listened to Tomasso. He knew Tomasso was Catholic and that this was his church. They weren’t meant to take the call, but said they were in the area because Tomasso wanted to attend. His childhood friend was a pastor here and on occasion Tomasso would go tell him whatever secrets he was holding onto. Philip didn’t think that Tomasso could have any secrets, because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut for more than five minutes. He actually timed him. Philip respected Tomasso’s beliefs but he couldn’t share them. Where was God when his father died? Where was God when his sister was taken and killed? He could feel tears forming again. “Hey Philip, you crying cause they killed a priest? Stop being a baby. You can’t be crying in uniform. What are people going to think if they see a big guy like you crying? You can’t cry in uniform. Nobody ever tell you that? Philip, get rid of that tear. Wipe yourself. Man-up!” Philip smiled at his friend. No matter how sad he could be, Tomasso always made him feel better by just being himself. “My mom is making gnocchi tonight, home-made with that sauce you like. If I tell her you’ll be coming, she will probably make tiramisu for you too. What do ya say?” Philip smiled consent. ” Excerpt From: Silva Redigonda. “The Internet Murders.”

Stuck at home during the holidays - Omicron

I had lots planned today but last night while watching the news an epidemiologist asked that if we didn't need to go anywhere, not to do so for the next three weeks because Omicron is highly contagious. Another said that walking by someone and breathing the same air can do it. So, this morning I had breakfast at home and after getting dressed decided that my health and life is too important for me to not heed the advice of experts. I love life and have plenty left so I can halt for another while. I can still enjoy my vacation. My pets are happy to have me all to themselves. This Christmas as well as last I have limited myself to the extreme in seeing people. After I was double vaccinated with pfizer I was flying. I felt safer than ever knowing that if not 100% safe, it was close enough to still maintain safety regulations but socialize more and eat out once again. I was concerned when three different MacDonald locations did not ask for proof of vaccine. I was concerned when I got my hair done and the mask I was wearing was loosened over my face. However, now that I know that my vaccines may not protect me against Omicron like I thought it may, it is time for battle once again. I am on a waiting list with Shoppers Drug Mart for the Pfizer booster. The government is saying that we are running out of Pfizer and will be provided with Moderna shortly until we get more. There are line ups for the hope of getting vaccinated which I don't do. People wait from early hours in the cold and I feel for them. I know that I don't have to go anywhere to work because I work from home. I have closed down my office after replacing furniture which was clean friendly with what I needed to disinfect. I was surprised to see a hairdresser clear her client's seat with air disinfect. During this pandemic it has been a wake up call to see in practise how people react to a pandemic. There are still those who protest against sanctions feeling their rights are being infringed. However, the health care is quickly becoming overwhelmed. They now want health care persons to work if tested positive but not suffering symptoms. Our nurses and doctors are overwhelmed and yet they are still pushing them to collapse. What then? I remember physicians being pushed beyond imagination when I was an Intern. They are not super robots. Now more then ever they are being tested to the extreme. This is not sustainable in the long run. As our medical experts warn politicians such as it is not a good idea to allow a game for 10,000 people to attend, this is ignored by those trying to maintain a balance. I know that after the holidays Omicron will surge more than ever. I have concern for those who are not vaccinated. They are more worried about a needle, than dying from COVID. At least the majority of us are offered some protection where hospital stay may be prevented as well as death. Of course, once they get sick they realize their error with regret. However, I believe that in many ways we have failed them by their lack of education and awareness in medicine. Some feel that there is no way we could have devolped a vaccine in such a short time. They are unaware of how medicine has progressed and how when we unite as a world what can be accomplished. I see that in other avenues such as PTSD. Progress is consistent when minds seek. If only one person reads my blog and thinks about getting vaccinated than I shall have accomplished hope which is my goal in helping others. I did venture out before Omicron became disturbing. I went to Pioneer village, one of my favourite spots. I also bought more in their gift shop than I needed because I could. I social distanced with Santa Clause. I went out for high tea which is a favourite treat. But, now for the rest of my vacation, I shall stay put and wait to be called for my booster. Then, once again I shall venture out. I shall work less and play more offering my clients the best of me. I have been enjoying my vacation watching Christmas movies but I must admit that there was a tiresome amount of the same theme. Girl must decide between two men ..........one is the one she is stuck with and then viola she meets her prince - literally. I did enjoy watching Anny, Tom Kinkade (I love his art), unfortunately he died too young, and a few other true stories and classics. I am reading Vatican 11. I have read Sports and Psychology and my routine magazines. I am reading a book from a British writer which is somewhat interesting but disturbing so I won't name her. I have done some crosswords which are more difficult than I wanted. I have enjoyed Christmas and am looking forward to New Years. I have done nothing resembling any work except for this blog and checking emails in case someone orders a book from me. I have another week of blissful nothing to do if I don't want to do it and I like it. Next year is another year of hope and adventure. I was almost thinking of taking an overnight trip before Omicron came along. I am thankful that we still have vaccines that can protect us because one day as per my studies, we will have a super bug that we won't have a vaccine, but that time is not now. I do hope that the world can work a bit better together and ensure that deseases to not initiate because of disregarding the importance of caring for our animal life and our planet. We have lots of work to do but we can do it. I want to wish you the best and for those who are feeling isolated and sad here are a few things to do. Go for walks and greet people. Nod your head, smile and say hello. I am surprised at how often men greeted me with my mask on. I thought I knew them. It is ok. Start a new hobby. Consider something you have not tried before or perhaps renew something. Taking pictures with your camera or phone is a consideration, take a cooking class, learn to paint - you may just have a talent waiting to be discovered. Listen to music, pray, practice your religion or spirituality. Help others in some way. Connect with others safely. Focus on self care. Consider forgiving those you are not at peace with. As the year ends reflect, but do not forget any positives. Even though we are restricted, we have options. Write.....how you feel, what you are doing....write your story...write a story.....laugh and dance and find joy in pets, family and children. There are great neighbours out there as well and perhaps let them know in some gesture. I wish you a happy new year. Talk soon. https://www.redigondapsychotherapy.com

A Christmas Tale - Published

I found myself standing alone, as the snow fell gently, Creating a pure white blanket on the asphalt, I was standing on. Looking at the Christmas scene outside St Charles Church, I felt sad that I did not have enough money for Christmas to shop; that I still had to prepare for a four hour exam. As I looked at the empty cradle of Jesus, my sadness increased. “Oh Lord, we have made such a mess of things. Here it is Christmas approaching, and our planet is suffering from global warming, we still fight and kill, in the name of God. The middle class is disappearing and corporations are merging and becoming powerful. The rich are getting richer while our poor are getting poorer. Our governments are deserting us Lord. Please do not give up on us. Please forgive us.” “I am hungry miss?” I turned and found a beggar beside me. I wondered why I had not heard him approaching. He was big framed, with dirty long hair, a fat and heavily pimpled face and a foul smell that not even the cool air could dissipate. His face was so dirty that I could not determine his skin color. His mittens were black and he wore a long woolen brown coat that looked frayed but thankfully warm and he wore heavy worn boots that had seen too many winters. “I am hungry miss.” He repeated with patience. I was holding my submarine sandwich which I had just bought. I had decided to give myself a treat. After all, Christmas was approaching and I deserved something. I had just stopped to admire the Nativity scene. I looked into those sorrowful big brown eyes and saw more sorrow than I could ever bare being reflected back to me. I handed him my submarine and whispered “Merry Christmas.” I didn’t know if wishing him a Merry Christmas was politically correct, but I did not care this evening. I wanted to be free, in my seemingly democratic country to say “Merry Christmas.” What has happened to my city, to my country, to my world? I thought with sadness. I had lowered my head and looked up to see my hobo gone. He had taken my sandwich and I wished him well. I walked back to my old, rusted car in the Church parking lot and unlocked it. There was my submarine sandwich waiting for me. I looked back towards the nativity set and saw the boot prints on the snow from the Nativity area, I had just come from. There was only one set of boot prints this late night that marred the soft blanket of snow.

Vacation https://www.silvaredigonda.ca

I don’t normally take vacation especially at Christmas, but this Christmas I decided to take a rest and now I am recharging for the following year. Because I was selling my second book/ebook after placing it on facebook groups I belonged to, I decided to read it myself from a fresh pair of eyes. I pondered at my views at the time, my experiences, some written and others came to mind. I marvelled at what I had accomplished, my travels, my work, my energy. I have worked with some great guys. Yes, there were those who I didn’t care for but it also taught me tolerance. Up until I joined the military I only associated with those who I wanted to. My mother was right, that it would be difficult but I am grateful for the opportunity because I am a better person for it. At one point I write that if I had remained in Toronto with my family and friends I would have been happy, but I would not have grown. When I retired I was offered amazing opportunities but I needed to be home and I am glad that I made that decision, because it was not the right time to move again away from my family and home. I am at a comfortable place in my life. I have slowed down and I am ok with it, but boy did it take awhile. A few years back I read my elementary school journal a teacher encouraged us to write. I continued for quite a few years after high school. I marvelled at how much energy I had, dancing, swimming, skating going to school, parties and working part time since I was thirteen years old. Boy, what a life, full of discovery, errors, building resilience and having a genuine love for life. My life has also always been a service to others including my country. Would I do it all over again. Nope. I would want to try new things, explore more places, have different arenas of study. It would be out with the old and in with the new. One of the themes I read was that I need to grow and learn and to be free. I am still on that path of helping others and realized the importance of psychotherapy during my time in the Middle East where I became a trusted ear for those who seeked me out. I have never shared what I heard and never shall. Though I wasn’t a therapist, I realized the need that people have to feel free to talk and release the burden they held onto for many years. I am always looking forward to the next phase of my life. Will it be another career, another place of travel? Right now I have the responsibility of taking care of my elderly pets who seem to need more attention from me than ever. I oblige but sometimes it is rather smothering having them all over me, but I oblige out of love. I cannot imagine not having four legged creatures in my life but realize the responsibility of life long commitments. My last pet was 19 years old when I had to put him down and it was after a small fortune of trying to save him. That little guy saw me while retiring from one career, diving into another and retiring once again and then seeing me in my first years of grad studies. What a precious gift. My book is a legacy of sorts of my life. I sometimes encourage my clients to write their stories because it is quite therapeutic. However, since I deal with a lot of trauma, I encourage them to stop if they are overwhelmed and bring it into the therapy room to work on. Some do not want to journal and that is ok. People know what works for them and what does not and what they need or can work during the stage that they are in. Some have been so overwhelmed from their early years and once they write they can remember good times as well and good people who were in their lives, and they are amazed by that. The bad, at times can overpower any positivity so that has always been refreshing for my clients. I am in a good place because I can do what I want. Yes, I have some obstacles because of the rules and regulations I need to abide in. I had really wanted to live in the States and here and thought I could since I brought my work on line, but there are obstacles there. I always play by the rules so I refrain from being naughty (hear that Santa?). I can’t work in the States for more than a year (our rules). I can’t make money by taking work away from Americans if I decided to work in the States in the winter (their rules, I believe) etc….I am sure that with the times, the rules will change. People are providing therapy throughout the world right now which we can’t from Ontario. Our college is quite severe here in Ontario. Out West they have no regulations and people with an undergrad degree are providing services and going through insurance. So many standards and not, in the entire country. However, what I am seeing is therapists consulting world wide. I can consider that but not right now and I would definitely charge a lot more like my peers for that, but then there is the question of taxes. Since Revenue Canada made my life a nightmare last year, I have decided to do my own taxes this year. I took two mini courses. I can claim 50% of my laptop I bought and so will be doing that. It is kind of sad when you have to do your own taxes because your accountant made a royal…………….Revenue Canada cannot recommend accountants so I am just going to do my own as I used to. Of course I asked some questions like can I claim pro bono that I was not provided an answer to. I paid my fees for my college and Associations for another year. My pets are still thriving though elderly and so I am still grounded. The pandemic has really restricted me but that is ok. I am double vaccinated with pfizer and am waiting for the opportunity to get my booster. I am not willing to line up for six hours. For you who have read me for awhile, know that I am a Disney nut and the only time I have ever lined up for was Mickey Mouse for his autograph which I claimed was for my nieces. I don’t recall if I kept it or gave it to them. Anyhow, Toronto has already had about a half million people getting their third shot. The Premiere has had anti vaccinator dissidents protesting outside his home so he went to his cottage. Of course that got a mini uproar but I can’t blame him. Why would you go home where a crowd is causing a disturbance and the news showed someone using a flashlight beaming into his home windows. Personally, I think there should be a law that people can only protest at the government buildings even though I hated that when going to school at UofT. Disturbing neighbours on residential streets has nothing to do with the protestor rights. Whose rights are we protecting when people cannot go to work at hospitals or get the care they need without being harassed? Toronto the good, I miss you. However, we have many many wonderful people who do so much for others. There is a greater divide due to lack of increases in pay. People should start paying their employees rather than disturbing and making a mess with junk in space. Remember that car? Really? Food prices will increase this year and a family of four will have to pay about 14,000 or 15,000 a year. How can people feed their families and pay rent if they are making the minimum pay? We have a lot of work to do, but I have hope for us and just in case hope is not enough, I have plans to travel as much as possible and see what I have yet to see before we do too much damage to our planet. We live in such a beautiful world and the majority are good. We are a tad rough and not too bright as a professor needed to research to determine. Remember him? He thought he was enlightening me that the average person was not all that bright. My response…..”You needed research to figure that one out?” Yup, just look at the world and all the dictatorship, hate etc…..Does that really make sense? That too is just a fallacy. But again we have amazing people and we need to connect better and display more love for each other. That is not easy at times because some take advantage of it. This Christmas why not think back on this last year and thank God for the blessings you have encountered. It may be one positive experience or more. The pandemic has been challenging for many. What have you learned from that? Has it made your family closer or has there been more of a divide? Sometimes we can lose sight to what is important. What is important to you? Have you shown kindness? Merry Christmas to you all and yours and Happy Holidays. I have had an amazing year and am looking forward to the next surprise. Santa sorry I did not write to you this year personally. But, I promise I have been good because quite frankly I had no choice. There is a pandemic and I am keeping my tiny family safe. What do you think? P.S. For anyone buying a book, I will include Hey Guy Buy Me. That is for actual books and not ebooks. I will just throw it in with either The Internet Murders or For Love of Country - Military Policewoman. Have fun but be safe.