Trudeau speaks against Hamas and those supporting them

Catching up, sick, work and Conferences and the news is depressing of course.

Of course I got sick. However, I feel better every day. I cancelled my live attendance at the Men's Conference tomorrow and Friday but will attend via webinar. I was hoping to attend in person and socialize but it appears I must skip this year. I am also missing out going to St Jacobs, but what the heck. If sick, stay home is my motto. I haven't been to the gym either and I have been binge watching on my days off. Of course I am still working but taking it slow. I am so fortunate that all my work can be done on line. Toronto went from warm temperatures where air conditioning was needed to brrrrr cold where my heat is on in a week. I know that as a Canadian I can go South for six months to the USA and that may be a consideration once Mr Attitude rests in peace. However, he is still verbally active to a point where he appears human and belligerent. However, at 100 years in animal years, he is mine for life as all my pets have been. Actually, he thinks I am his pet and lets me know when he is pissed. It has also been hard watching the news of what is happening in the Middle East and I could not help but cry when I learned what Hamas has done to babies. It is so unfortunate that innocent people on both sides will die during this war. What was also difficult was watching protests happening in my city which is so disrespectful. I even sent an email to our Mayor indicating that unsanctioned protests that take over our city streets should have hefty fines and billed for the services of the police and any other costs incurred. She did ask for anyone who had ideas to let her know. You see we have a deficit and need to find money. I have been thinking of my own time in the Middle East. So what I shall be doing as I post pages of my book, For Love of Country Military Policewome is skip my order in the chapters and move to the Chapter of the Middle East. Writing this book was writing my biography. I had to be careful writing this book and not write anything that I shouldn't be writing. I don't want to face jail time for leaking anything I shouldn't. My Chief assured me I was safe. Since publishing this book, every once in a while someone I served with contacts me to tell me he agrees with what I wrote and memories are stirred for that person. At book sales Jewish men normally come to buy a copy when they see it. One woman not in the military told me she cried reading my book. Of course there are always those who hate the military. One woman actually hissed at me (where was Mr Attitude and Holy Terror?). Another woman told me that women should give life and not kill - Wow. What I believe is that we need a strong military to ensure and maintain democracy. We are being faced with so many challenges. I remember reading about a Soviet Defector many years ago. He had come to Canada and eventually went to the States. What he said that unless a person has a knife against his throat he (or she)does not acknowledge or see a threat. I resonated with that phrase at the time and see it more in action today with the threat of the consequences of global warming, COVID and other diseases, and acts and attempted take overs of countries. The sad part is also that civilians are killed more now than ever before as our weapons become more sophisticated. Can you imagine walking around with so much hate? We need to have a wakeup call and not wait until a knife is at our throat to see the dangers. We cannot be oblivious of it. Anyhow, this is all I am going to write about regarding wars and terrorists for awhile. For now take care of yourselves where ever you may live. I will write about what I glean from the conference. I had already planned what sessions to attend if I was attending in person and have no idea how it is going to work virtually. As for you, try to find balance in your life. If you are grieving, allow yourself to do so. Each person has their own way of grieving and if that person comes to you, allow them to grieve their way. LIsten to them and don''t feel you need to advise them or contradict them. Sometimes all a person needs is a person they can trust to confide in. Take care.

An email from Dr Bennet, Minister in my riding to her constituents - Contact numbers for Canadians in Israel

Dear Silva, Today I am reaching out to you to affirm and declare that we unequivocally stand with Israel and condemn the terrorist actions committed by Hamas over the weekend. Now is the time to stand with Israel and affirm its right to defend its sovereignty, its security and its people. My heart and thoughts are with all Israeli people at this time. We are appalled at the rallies that are happening to celebrate and justify the murder and horrific attacks on innocent civilians by Hamas terrorists. The Palestinian people deserve better. The terrorism must stop, the violence is absolutely unacceptable. As a little girl, I remember singing Shalom Chaverim. I knew it was about wishing friends peace. Until my first trip to Israel in 1998, I think I took living in peace for granted. I chaired the Canada-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group for five years. I have been to Israel eight times. I led a delegation of Parliamentarians during the 2nd Intifada, I was part of the MPs in the summer of 2014 during the Gaza war. From the bomb shelters in schools, the iron dome, to all young people doing military service, the threat of attacks and violence was always palpable. On Monday evening in Mel Lastman Square, I stood in solidary together with my fellow MPs in the moving vigil for Israel Expressions, with prayers & singing Hatikvah led by Rabbi Splansky of Holy Blossom Temple. It moved us all. This recent attack on Israel reinforces the need to support Israel’s ability to defend its borders and the necessity of addressing the terrorism of Hamas and its risk to the region and the world. Shalom Chaverim My heart is with everyone affected by the horrific attacks. Carolyn   Canadian officials in Ottawa and in our missions in Tel Aviv and Ramallah are working around the clock to provide emergency consular assistance to Canadians in these difficult times. For emergency consular assistance, Canadians can contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre: By calling +1 613-996-8885  By text message at +1 613-686-3658  Via WhatsApp at +1 613-909-8881  Via Telegram at Canada Emergency Abroad Via Signal at +1 613-909-8087 By e-mail at sos@international.gc.ca A message from the PM Our Prime Minister has made it very clear - Canada stands with Israel, and we unequivocally condemn Hamas' attack. To read his full statement visit: https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2023/10/08/statement-prime-minister-trudeau-attacks-against-israel or watch the videos below.

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving Day in Canada. When I woke up this morning I thought of all that I have and am thankful for. I thought I would share. I am thankful for who I am. I am thankful for my faith in God, a good God and not a nasty one. I am thankful for having only one country bordering mine and that the USA is not trying to invade me or kill me. I am thankful for a good neighbour whose values of peace and democracy I share. I am thankful for living in a country where I can say whatever I want, do whatever I want, dress however I like and for being provided the opportunities for growth. I am grateful for all that I have. I am grateful for serving my country and always having careers where I could help my country, my people and all people. I am grateful for being able to live a life where I have good food to eat, a roof over my head, and a healthcare system that has kept me healthy. I am grateful for all the opportunities I have been given, even those I have rejected. I am thankful for the freedom to be able to do all this. I am grateful for learning how men should love women from the way I saw my father love my mother. He adored her. I am grateful for each friend that I have had and still have. I am grateful to all who love me and will love me. I am grateful for all the pets I have ever had. I am grateful for the choices I am able to make. I am grateful for the choice to be single or married and to change my mind if I choose to. I am grateful for all that I have experienced because it has made me. I love myself and I love all of humanity good and bad and I am grateful that I can. I am grateful for so much. I have had wonderful friends and mentors and still have friends from my childhood. I am grateful for each breath that I take and shall never take it for granted. I love life so much. I am thankful that I can still help people in my work. I am not so thankful that I have difficulty suffering fools, but hey, no one's perfect. Thank you God and country and everyone I know who enhances my life. What are you thankful for? No matter what you may be going through at this moment or day in your life, try to step back and think of one thing you are thankful for. What do you think?

Israel I am so sorry of what is happening. Hamas release the innocents.

It is so tragic what is happening in the Middle East. So many people have needlessly been killed and kidnapped simply enjoying a concert. I support the Jewish community here at home and overseas. Hamas has also taken Canadians as well and has killed at least one Canadian as well as people from other countries. What a mess and needless suffering. I have been watching the news with what is going on and support Israel. Terrorists should never be tolerated. They are a threat to the entire world dominated by hatred and evil acts. Taking civilians including women and children and watching men saying they would trade themselves for their families is heart breaking. Israel will retaliate and rightfully so. It is so unfortunate that so many people from all sides will be suffering and killed because of terrorism. It doesn't have to be this way.

What should you do today?

I was wondering what to talk about today. Should I talk about the Nazi in the house? Should I talk about countries where women have to cover their lovely faces because of ugly men? There is certainly no religion that your face needs to be covered or your hair. Actually Mohammed wanted to protect women. Should I talk about global warming and how there is resistance in trying to keep us alive? Sounds depressing? Yes it can be and that is why balance is important. For many just getting out of bed is a chore. There are things you can do to manage your mental health. I always suggest spending time in nature. I have created my own oasis in mine. Gaze up at the sky and take in what you see, walk through the park or forest and take in the sounds. Lay on the grass and just be with nature. What do you hear, what do you feel as well as what do you see? Have a favourite plant or flowers for you to enjoy and just inhale the fragrance and beauty. Listen to music and even better dance to it. Sing. Choose a new hobby. You may be surprised to find you have a talent you never knew you had. Take a class. Focus on your breathing and feel the sensations of your body. Socialize with people you like and enjoy. Don't know any? Join a club or rereation. Create boundaries with those who cross the line. It is ok to protect yourself. Learn how to love yourself, if you do not. Learn to live and enjoy. It may be by just leaving your room. If need be, get the help that you need. Get a physical if it has been awhile, exercise, walk and know that you can make changes one step at a time. Have a good week everyone. Try to balance your life. What do you think?

Men's Conference Oct 12-13, 23 (I can't seem to paste the schedule. If interested provide an email I can send the program to. Sorry.