I did not write this, and I take no credit for it at all. But I do share it.
Month One
Mommy
I am only eight inches long
but I have all my organs.
I love the sound of your voice.
Every time I hear it
I wave my arms and legs.
The sound of your heartbeat
is my favorite lullaby.
Month Two
Mommy
today I learned how to suck my thumb.
If you could see me
You could definitely tell that I am a baby.
I'm not big enough to survive outside my home though.
It's so warm and nice in here.
Month Three
You know what Mommy?
I'm a boy!!
I hope that makes you happy.
I always want you to be happy.
I don't like it when you cry.
You sound so sad.
It makes me sad too
and I cry with you even though
you can't hear me.
Month Four
Mommy
My hair is starting to grow.
It is very short and fine
but I will have a lot of it.
I spend a lot of my time exercising.
I can curl my head and curl my fingers and toes
and stretch my arms and legs
I am becoming quite good at it too.
Month Five
You went to the doctor today.
Mommy, he lied to you.
He said that I'm not a baby.
I am a baby Mommy, your baby.
I think and feel.
Mommy, whats ambortion?
Month Six
I can hear that doctor again.
I don't like him.
He seems cold and heartless.
Something is intruding my home.
The doctor called it a needle.
Mommy, what is it? It burns!
Please make him stop!
I cant get away from it!
Mommy! HELP ME!
Month Seven
Mommy
I am OK.
I am in Jesus' arms.
He is holding me.
He told me about abortion.
Mommy, why didn't you want me?
Every abortion is just...
One more heart that was stopped
Two more eyes that will never see
Two more hands that will never touch
Two more legs that will never run
One more mouth that will never speak.
Abortion is wrong. People are here on earth for a reason, and some mothers don’t want their babies.
If you are against abortion copy and paste!!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Music of the Night
Good afternoon, dear reader
You may or may not have noticed my 'sudden' infatuation with music. Or, more correctly, with The Phantom of the Opera. Very seldom am I moved by music, but this is one piece that gets me every time. And by 'moved', I mean inspired. Yes, dear reader, listening to and watching the musical does me good. It gets my creative juices flowing. And so, today I want to share with you a little part of the journey that I take when I hear the music of the night.
"Lot 665, then ladies and gentlemen". On the original London cast recording, this is where the journey begins. In other productions, it may start with a different lot, but that is sort of irrelevant. Yes dear reader, at those very words, I am transported to an auction in old France. I can feel the emotion in the voice of the Viscomte de Chagny as he looks upon the musical box in the shape of a barrel organ with the figure of a monkey dressed in Persian robes (still in working order!). I can feel his pain as he remembers his love. I am in pain with him.
But alas, dear reader, that is merely the beginning of the journey. Truly it is the next lot in the auction that really makes one feel alive...lot 666 then. Ah the very chandelier that figures in the famous disaster. After a brief description as to what the electricians have done to it (wiring it for the new electric light), we are transported even further back in time...it is at this time that my goose bumps have goose bumps, and the shivers going down my spine are shivering themselves. For now, dear reader, we are introduced to the panic and fear when he appears, or seems to appear. I have lump in my throat, dear reader.
At this point, I can feel a noticeable difference between listening to the score, and watching the full production. I have done both. I first heard the Phantom in the late '80s. My brother had seen it in the Pantages Theatre in Toronto, and he brought back with him the cd, to which he introduced me. And that was the beginning of my love for this brilliantly designed piece. Roughly 8 years later, I saw The Phantom live, in San Francisco. Time has erased many memories of it, but I do remember the chandelier falling...by far the best I've seen. And I remember the awe I felt as I tried to see what was going on from way up in the nosebleed section. It was magical.
Then on September 14, 2006 I saw it again, this time in Edmonton. This time Dianne and I were in the center of the stage, 8 rows back. We were close enough to see the sweat of the performers. We could hear and see things that I simply didn't remember from San Francisco. My love was re-kindled, and I really wanted more. Seeing the production again, however, was not meant to be. Until recently.
Channel surfing is a wonderful thing, and it is because of browsing tendencies that I saw an airing of The Phantom on KSPS. And it was not just any old performance. No, dear reader, this was the 25th anniversary gala performed in the Royal Albert Hall in London. This was magical. I can only imagine what the atmosphere must have been like that night. Naturally, I PVR'd this broadcast in high definition. And, as a self-professed junkie would do...I have watched the performance a couple times now.
I have had the pleasure of seeing 3 different Phantoms now, and Ramin Karimloo (a good Canadian lad!!) in my mind is the best I have ever seen. I have not been fortunate enough to see Michael Crawford or Colm Wilkinson, so I cannot compare. But the sheer passion that Ramin brings to the role is astounding. He embodies everything that the Phantom means to me. I almost feel his madness, his confusion. Listening to and watching this translation of the mad musician makes me feel as if I am wearing the mask. His pain, his love is real. And so is the evil that lurks inside. Is he a man or a monster? I dare say that he is both.
And then there is Christine Daae. Again, 3 different interpretations of this role, and 3 very different emotions. Maybe it is the length of time between me seeing each performance, but the most recent one is clearly head and shoulders above the rest. I don't and can't compare her to Sarah Brightman (the original Christine), for I have not witnessed that performance. But I have to say that Miss Sierra Boggess has turned in a marvelous piece of work. Watching her bring Christine to life is something I will never forget. So convincing and real was she that I hung on her every breath, her every emotion. I believed every tear, every plea, and every profession of love...yes each kiss was not a seemingly brief screen kiss, but a kiss of love.
Yes, dear reader, I am a fan of The Phantom of the Opera. Near the end, as Raoul was hanging from the magical lasso (he forgot to keep his hand at eye level!), I was hurting. But I didn't hurt because the young Viscomte was in dire trouble...no, I hurt because the mad genius who only wanted love was being tormented by a decision he had to make. And I hurt because the one person who could save him from the destruction of his own mind could not love him as he wanted.
Yes, as Ramin and Sierra and Hadley Fraser (Raoul) played out these closing moments, I felt a rush in my very being that I don't think could ever be matched. I felt the pain of love that all 3 actors portrayed so well. I felt it, dear reader. And at that very moment as the Phantom disappears behind his cloak, I was transported to very spot where only his mask lies on the chair. I was there with Meg Giry as she picked up the mask. I was there, dear reader, wondering if ever again I would hear the music of the night. And then I realized that yes I will hear it...in my head, in my very being. Music moves me, dear reader. It inspires me. And when the Angel of Music is played around me, I will always now associate the sweet sounds with Ramin and Sierra. I thank you both...the music of the night has never sounded quite like that.
FF
You may or may not have noticed my 'sudden' infatuation with music. Or, more correctly, with The Phantom of the Opera. Very seldom am I moved by music, but this is one piece that gets me every time. And by 'moved', I mean inspired. Yes, dear reader, listening to and watching the musical does me good. It gets my creative juices flowing. And so, today I want to share with you a little part of the journey that I take when I hear the music of the night.
"Lot 665, then ladies and gentlemen". On the original London cast recording, this is where the journey begins. In other productions, it may start with a different lot, but that is sort of irrelevant. Yes dear reader, at those very words, I am transported to an auction in old France. I can feel the emotion in the voice of the Viscomte de Chagny as he looks upon the musical box in the shape of a barrel organ with the figure of a monkey dressed in Persian robes (still in working order!). I can feel his pain as he remembers his love. I am in pain with him.
But alas, dear reader, that is merely the beginning of the journey. Truly it is the next lot in the auction that really makes one feel alive...lot 666 then. Ah the very chandelier that figures in the famous disaster. After a brief description as to what the electricians have done to it (wiring it for the new electric light), we are transported even further back in time...it is at this time that my goose bumps have goose bumps, and the shivers going down my spine are shivering themselves. For now, dear reader, we are introduced to the panic and fear when he appears, or seems to appear. I have lump in my throat, dear reader.
At this point, I can feel a noticeable difference between listening to the score, and watching the full production. I have done both. I first heard the Phantom in the late '80s. My brother had seen it in the Pantages Theatre in Toronto, and he brought back with him the cd, to which he introduced me. And that was the beginning of my love for this brilliantly designed piece. Roughly 8 years later, I saw The Phantom live, in San Francisco. Time has erased many memories of it, but I do remember the chandelier falling...by far the best I've seen. And I remember the awe I felt as I tried to see what was going on from way up in the nosebleed section. It was magical.
Then on September 14, 2006 I saw it again, this time in Edmonton. This time Dianne and I were in the center of the stage, 8 rows back. We were close enough to see the sweat of the performers. We could hear and see things that I simply didn't remember from San Francisco. My love was re-kindled, and I really wanted more. Seeing the production again, however, was not meant to be. Until recently.
Channel surfing is a wonderful thing, and it is because of browsing tendencies that I saw an airing of The Phantom on KSPS. And it was not just any old performance. No, dear reader, this was the 25th anniversary gala performed in the Royal Albert Hall in London. This was magical. I can only imagine what the atmosphere must have been like that night. Naturally, I PVR'd this broadcast in high definition. And, as a self-professed junkie would do...I have watched the performance a couple times now.
I have had the pleasure of seeing 3 different Phantoms now, and Ramin Karimloo (a good Canadian lad!!) in my mind is the best I have ever seen. I have not been fortunate enough to see Michael Crawford or Colm Wilkinson, so I cannot compare. But the sheer passion that Ramin brings to the role is astounding. He embodies everything that the Phantom means to me. I almost feel his madness, his confusion. Listening to and watching this translation of the mad musician makes me feel as if I am wearing the mask. His pain, his love is real. And so is the evil that lurks inside. Is he a man or a monster? I dare say that he is both.
And then there is Christine Daae. Again, 3 different interpretations of this role, and 3 very different emotions. Maybe it is the length of time between me seeing each performance, but the most recent one is clearly head and shoulders above the rest. I don't and can't compare her to Sarah Brightman (the original Christine), for I have not witnessed that performance. But I have to say that Miss Sierra Boggess has turned in a marvelous piece of work. Watching her bring Christine to life is something I will never forget. So convincing and real was she that I hung on her every breath, her every emotion. I believed every tear, every plea, and every profession of love...yes each kiss was not a seemingly brief screen kiss, but a kiss of love.
Yes, dear reader, I am a fan of The Phantom of the Opera. Near the end, as Raoul was hanging from the magical lasso (he forgot to keep his hand at eye level!), I was hurting. But I didn't hurt because the young Viscomte was in dire trouble...no, I hurt because the mad genius who only wanted love was being tormented by a decision he had to make. And I hurt because the one person who could save him from the destruction of his own mind could not love him as he wanted.
Yes, as Ramin and Sierra and Hadley Fraser (Raoul) played out these closing moments, I felt a rush in my very being that I don't think could ever be matched. I felt the pain of love that all 3 actors portrayed so well. I felt it, dear reader. And at that very moment as the Phantom disappears behind his cloak, I was transported to very spot where only his mask lies on the chair. I was there with Meg Giry as she picked up the mask. I was there, dear reader, wondering if ever again I would hear the music of the night. And then I realized that yes I will hear it...in my head, in my very being. Music moves me, dear reader. It inspires me. And when the Angel of Music is played around me, I will always now associate the sweet sounds with Ramin and Sierra. I thank you both...the music of the night has never sounded quite like that.
FF
Saturday, February 11, 2012
No More Facebook...
Hello dear reader
If you are a friend of mine on Facebook, you may or may not have noticed that I am no longer around. That's right. Like many before me, I have disabled my Facebook account. Now, the question I have is this: How many readers will still read what I write here? Normally when I write an article, I post it on my own Facebook page and on my Fifafan page. That will not happen anymore for obvious reasons.
So if you read this, dear reader, please leave a comment to let me know that you still check the blog once in a while. I suspect I won't get many readers anymore. And if you really want to follow me on social media, join the Twitter universe and follow me there. My twitter handle is @fifafan1969. Or click the twitter button at the bottom of the page.
Until we meet again...ciao.
FF
If you are a friend of mine on Facebook, you may or may not have noticed that I am no longer around. That's right. Like many before me, I have disabled my Facebook account. Now, the question I have is this: How many readers will still read what I write here? Normally when I write an article, I post it on my own Facebook page and on my Fifafan page. That will not happen anymore for obvious reasons.
So if you read this, dear reader, please leave a comment to let me know that you still check the blog once in a while. I suspect I won't get many readers anymore. And if you really want to follow me on social media, join the Twitter universe and follow me there. My twitter handle is @fifafan1969. Or click the twitter button at the bottom of the page.
Until we meet again...ciao.
FF
Friday, January 20, 2012
I love bacon, but not being sick...
Happy Friday evening, dear reader
I sure hope you are having a wonderful evening, and also that your weekend will be brilliant. I just wanted to pop in and give a quick thought on being sick. I don't like it. I don't like colds. I don't like the flu. I don't like headaches. Nope, dear reader, I don't like being sick. Now, I don't get colds very often, but I do get headaches quite a bit, and the flu hits me hard if the bug comes close. My blood sugars go all stupid if I get the flu, and that makes me feel even worse. Thankfully, a flu bug doesn't last long, and a day of sleep cures the headache. And so, I have given my thoughts on being sick. I don't like it, and I felt I should share it with you. And that, dear reader, is all I've got.
FF
I sure hope you are having a wonderful evening, and also that your weekend will be brilliant. I just wanted to pop in and give a quick thought on being sick. I don't like it. I don't like colds. I don't like the flu. I don't like headaches. Nope, dear reader, I don't like being sick. Now, I don't get colds very often, but I do get headaches quite a bit, and the flu hits me hard if the bug comes close. My blood sugars go all stupid if I get the flu, and that makes me feel even worse. Thankfully, a flu bug doesn't last long, and a day of sleep cures the headache. And so, I have given my thoughts on being sick. I don't like it, and I felt I should share it with you. And that, dear reader, is all I've got.
FF
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Decisions, decisions...
Good afternoon, dear reader.
I have a decision to make. Or rather, the missus and I have a decision to make. And I (we) have no idea what to do. Two of our choices will cost a fair bit of money, one will cost us nothing. You're probably wondering why this is so difficult...choose to NOT spend money. I wish it were that easy. Oh, I suppose it could be as simple as that, if I really wanted it to be. But eventually I will be forced to make the choice. I just choose to try make it sooner than later. Read on, and I'll try to explain.
So, it comes down to this. Eventually, I will need a new (or new to me) vehicle. Also, I will need to renovate my house so that the carport becomes a living area. Fine, I don't need to do that, but I want to. Both projects are going to cost a good chunk of change. And this is the dilemma. Which do I do first? Buy a vehicle and put off the reno's for 5 years? Do the reno and hope like crazy my van lasts for 5 more years?
Do you see where the problem is, dear reader? And please, if you're going to be all logical about it, keep it to yourself. I don't want logic. I don't want to talked out of making a 'money-spending' decision. I want someone to tell me what I want to hear. I want to spend the money (which I don't have, but the bank does (hopefully)).
So, why do I want to do this? Why do I want to renovate? Why a new (or new-to-me) vehicle? Well, the renovation would be good for a few reasons. It would increase the value of our house, it would increase the total living space, it would provide a room for the organ and maybe a fireplace area, and it would allow me to make the living room a full sized living room. This is something the missus and I have talked about as our 'really long term plan', but with the arrival of the organ, I think this plan has become our 'not so really long term plan'. Plus, as the kids get older, they will be having more friends over and it would be nice to have a wee little bit more space. Make sense, dear reader?
Now how about the vehicle? Why should I consider this as a priority, or a quasi-priority. Well, my van is a 2003, but does have relatively low KM's. In theory I suspect it could go for quite a number of years yet. The body on it is starting to develop rust...apparently it is a common thing with these vans. The van seats enough people...we can get 6 kids, the missus and myself in there. So space is not an issue. Why then, should I consider a new (or new to me) vehicle first? Well, first of all, I rely on my vehicle for work. I have to drive. So if my vehicle dies, then I have to get a new (or new to me) one immediately. Right now my van is working great. Will it last 5 years? I don't know. Of course, any vehicle could cause problems, and I recognize that. That logic will not influence my decision. Second, I would like to be able to tow a trailer. Currently, my van can't do that AND take stuff and people with me. And no, having a second vehicle for this purpose or for commuting to work is not an option. We are a one driver family. One driver = one vehicle. Third...well, I haven't thought of a third reason yet, but I'm sure it's out there somewhere.
Anyways, dear reader, thus is my problem. To spend or not to spend is not really the question (although I know what the missus thinks). The question really is what to spend on first...house or vehicle. I am sure that it will take the missus and I a while to figure out what we're going to do. As of this very moment, we just don't know. Hopefully we'll figure it out soon. In the meantime, I'll try not to spend at all.
FF
I have a decision to make. Or rather, the missus and I have a decision to make. And I (we) have no idea what to do. Two of our choices will cost a fair bit of money, one will cost us nothing. You're probably wondering why this is so difficult...choose to NOT spend money. I wish it were that easy. Oh, I suppose it could be as simple as that, if I really wanted it to be. But eventually I will be forced to make the choice. I just choose to try make it sooner than later. Read on, and I'll try to explain.
So, it comes down to this. Eventually, I will need a new (or new to me) vehicle. Also, I will need to renovate my house so that the carport becomes a living area. Fine, I don't need to do that, but I want to. Both projects are going to cost a good chunk of change. And this is the dilemma. Which do I do first? Buy a vehicle and put off the reno's for 5 years? Do the reno and hope like crazy my van lasts for 5 more years?
Do you see where the problem is, dear reader? And please, if you're going to be all logical about it, keep it to yourself. I don't want logic. I don't want to talked out of making a 'money-spending' decision. I want someone to tell me what I want to hear. I want to spend the money (which I don't have, but the bank does (hopefully)).
So, why do I want to do this? Why do I want to renovate? Why a new (or new-to-me) vehicle? Well, the renovation would be good for a few reasons. It would increase the value of our house, it would increase the total living space, it would provide a room for the organ and maybe a fireplace area, and it would allow me to make the living room a full sized living room. This is something the missus and I have talked about as our 'really long term plan', but with the arrival of the organ, I think this plan has become our 'not so really long term plan'. Plus, as the kids get older, they will be having more friends over and it would be nice to have a wee little bit more space. Make sense, dear reader?
Now how about the vehicle? Why should I consider this as a priority, or a quasi-priority. Well, my van is a 2003, but does have relatively low KM's. In theory I suspect it could go for quite a number of years yet. The body on it is starting to develop rust...apparently it is a common thing with these vans. The van seats enough people...we can get 6 kids, the missus and myself in there. So space is not an issue. Why then, should I consider a new (or new to me) vehicle first? Well, first of all, I rely on my vehicle for work. I have to drive. So if my vehicle dies, then I have to get a new (or new to me) one immediately. Right now my van is working great. Will it last 5 years? I don't know. Of course, any vehicle could cause problems, and I recognize that. That logic will not influence my decision. Second, I would like to be able to tow a trailer. Currently, my van can't do that AND take stuff and people with me. And no, having a second vehicle for this purpose or for commuting to work is not an option. We are a one driver family. One driver = one vehicle. Third...well, I haven't thought of a third reason yet, but I'm sure it's out there somewhere.
Anyways, dear reader, thus is my problem. To spend or not to spend is not really the question (although I know what the missus thinks). The question really is what to spend on first...house or vehicle. I am sure that it will take the missus and I a while to figure out what we're going to do. As of this very moment, we just don't know. Hopefully we'll figure it out soon. In the meantime, I'll try not to spend at all.
FF
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