More of the Canadian Blazing Fiddlers from a Christmas Party - Have a good weekend World - Dance, play and Sing

Blazzing Fiddlers at Christmas Party

Christmas can be depressing - Please take care of yourselves

I come across many people living in Toronto and I am reminded outside of my practice, how many people are dealing with food insecurity, social isolation, sadness and worse. For years I didn't take holidays during the Christmas holidays because of the suicide rate. So, I am talking to you. Though your life may seem without hope, don't give up. First of all today why not examine who is in your life? Do they enhance your life or is it the opposite? I have often been told by people living in what appears to be desperate situations that they are more afraid of making changes because of a fear of the unknown. It can perhaps be easier to stay in an abusive situation because at least you know what you are dealing with. But is it easier? Yes, making changes can be hard and the future can be frightful, but what is beyond that? As children you don't have much choices, but as adults you do (and children if you are reading this and something is not right, tell an adult you can trust perhaps a teacher at school or a Priest?). Perhaps it is time to take power back for yourself. Who is in your corner? Do you not have enough to eat and are ashamed to go to a food bank? Don't be and go get yourself nourished because having enough food in your belly and sleep along with exercise is important for you to think clearly and to have strength which you require for change. Go for walks. Try to spend time in nature. Find a support group and find out what resources your community offers. If I had a magic wand and could give you whatever you wanted - what would that be? What can you do to make yourself get there, with little steps along the way? Start a journal and write about your daily life. What stirs you? What motivates you? What makes you smile? What makes you sad? Why not examine who in your life does not appreciate you, and find those that do. I understand that we are living in difficult times with political strife and crime at unrecorded levels. People when desparate do terrible things and though for some there is no remourse, for others it mounts. Examine your spirituality. Are you angry with God? That is ok? God can take it. Do you not believe in God? Think of some higher power and try to connect with it whatever it may be, as long as it doesn't take you on a downhill spiral. Reach out for help. There is no shame in asking for help and finding the resources. What may seem terrible today can clear up in the future. Remember that. Decrease your social media, the news reports and anything else that can only spew negativity. Why not today get out of bed and go for a walk. Talk to nature. I do wish you all a Merry Christmas. Can't afford a gift? Make one? It can be as simple as a drawing as an expression of your love. Stay clear of people who encourage you to think worse about yourself in real life or in the media. Why not take a deep breath and go outside. Perhaps you can volunteer at a food bank or shelter and know that you too can make a difference to someone in a positive way. Should you ever want to ask me a question, don't hesitate.

Persistence - Snowy Owl by Michael Pape

Long Postal Strike in Toronto

I just want to let you know that our Postal Workers are on strike (for awhile) and so I won't be able to ship books out until it is over. I would recommend that you order ebooks only at this time. I will let you know when the strike is over. Sorry.

The Federal government has transferred 1.9 billion of our pension funds into government accounts - What do the other politicians say? Help.

Federal Retirees is calling for the government to reinvest surplus funds in initiatives that benefit those who helped generate them. The National Association of Federal Retirees is concerned about the federal government's handling of non-permitted surplus funds, which has resulted in the transfer of $1.9 billion into government accounts. We are troubled by the potential appropriation of an additional $9.3 billion from pension funds, representing the deferred compensation of retirees and employees. Although current legislation permits such actions, allowing the government to take a contribution holiday without providing equivalent benefits to those who have contributed, we firmly believe that there are more equitable alternatives available. Retirees and employees have made significant contributions to their pension plans and the overall stability of the pension system; therefore, they deserve fair and respectful treatment in the allocation of surplus funds. “It is our position that surplus funds be reinvested in initiatives that benefit those who helped generate them, particularly retirees —– starting with improving the Pensioners Dental Services Plan,” said Anthony Pizzino, CEO, National Association of Federal Retirees. The Pensioners Dental Services Plan (PDSP) has not been updated in over twenty years and is now vastly out of step with current employee plans and the rising costs of dental care. The association has asked the minister to provide retirees with the same plan on a cost share basis. This issue is especially pressing for retirees facing ongoing affordability challenges. This situation highlights the critical importance of maintaining strong defined benefit pensions, as recently emphasized in the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) study, which play a fundamental role in the economic well-being of communities across Canada. The National Association of Federal Retirees stands united in advocating for the rights and interests of retirees, ensuring that they are recognized and valued in our nation's decision-making processes.

Look what I got!

I bid and won - good find.