Authentic Enough

     Only a precious few of our closest relatives truly know our story.  Climbing the ladder of creativity together with my partner Jay, living the long but true tale coupled with the journey of the starving artists.  It's not for everyone, It's a category all of its own. As on some days, we may not have been able to eat very much, in those days behind closed doors our love was established.  Where money rather spent on art, would most times outweigh a decent sized sandwich. We have always had art brushes, papers and pens, markers, a guitar and a keyboard. We had old broken down computers, gently refurbished smartly by our family members, to date we have owned about 7. Behind closed doors, from years past, there have been many days where even eating Kraft Dinner, Mr Noodles or Peanut Butter was near impossible. The times when we were lavished with food, we coined it Gourmet Kraft Dinner which includes beef, onions and garlic powder. We found out that seasoned pancake mix makes for an excellent fish batter and that syrup can be used in a large number of ways and is quite tasty. That's really thinking outside the pancake box. For many years gone past, water with salt and whatever else we could create as hearty food would be purely meant for survival.  Our friends through social media would never know.  Behind closed doors, it was our biggest and most well kept, well-hidden secret! We knew that by banding together in this way, our love and our creativity would grow and perhaps one day, fulfil our dreams and flourish our hearts.

     Lettuce soup was one meal that Jay created, it actually became quite tasty and favoured, though only behind closed doors. It's not like we could or would snap a picture of Jay's creation to post on Facebook. In other news, I have had episodes of bipolar mania, due to me having this rather glorious illness.  I've heard comments, people saying to me about others they know who have bipolar; they say, "Oh you know that girl, stay away from her, she's crazy, she has bipolar, she's awful." Little do they know sitting before them is that girl filled to the brim with bipolar.  Sometimes I tell them I have bipolar, friendships just don't last very long. There have been times way before social media and prior in many attempts in mental health awareness where I've shown up for work in an awful state of hypomania, (What is that?) Many times depression; rather embarrassing! Jay too has had his share of the taboo illness.  Growing up and then becoming a man, he never realised that he had any such thing until professionally treated and diagnosed. The many days where I either slept 18 hours for months at a time, either that or was up for a count of 8 days trying to rid myself of medication that was keeping me from becoming a Mom.

"Captivating picture of what Bipolar looks like"

     What is the purpose though, of me dishing out this "dirt" that happens behind closed doors?  You Guessed It! You never truly know what another person is going through... Images on social media highlight our best moments and memories, our most courageous undertakings, our love for life, family and friends and our many accomplishments.  The year we ate "bland food" did not make the cut in our media. Having a breakdown or bouts of depression did not spark Jays urge to bring out the camera in celebration. When walking down the street, on a bus, in an elevator, at a game, in the gym, during a meeting, working, riding a bike, at a park, out fishing or anywhere. You nor I really have no complete understanding what it took for someone to just get out of bed and to show up.  What though, if someone's clothes are ripped and torn and not in a designer fashioned way? What if someone makes a spelling mistake that is so ridiculous, "They don't even know how to spell, they have no right even to comment." Does this create mocking, teasing, snickering and put-downs, even as personal thoughts?  Could it sadly be that it may be all that person has to wear?  Or that person who has spelling issues, was too busy while commenting to notice a gravely mistaken misspell?

     We are all living and feeling beings, where ill judgement is a choice that can be easily dismissed. Graciously knowing that for someone having to do just about anything to get through the day, that has been, for them unbearable, because in reality, the night before they wanted to end it. It's someone who gets your order wrong while grabbing takeout, we cause a fuss, where they may be having just a really bad day, perhaps we are the one having a bad day making such a fuss? It's someone who has been up all night, someone who just lost their pet, someone's feet getting wet from the Canadian winter snow causing them to become mildly disgruntled at work.  Though these moments of "damning bliss" are never really captured for all to see and are not celebrated through social media?

     No way, we hide it, we shy away from it. What will people think if I take a picture while my hydro is being turned off? We can not ever really be honest because possibly we want people to like us. "How could they possibly, if they can't see my bright smile in a flattering light?  Do we then as human beings really have the capacity to be "OHH so Authentic?"

     The struggles that I mentioned casing what went on behind our closed doors, were not examples of our life's best moments, to then share them on our "OH SO Friendly" social media pages, where bullying is a thing! We had to think better of introducing new boiled salad and syrup recipes.  Four months of my life I hadn't a home, call it homelessness or short-term homelessness. That may be more socially acceptable? I don't remember during that time bringing out

my camera, sitting up straight and tilting to capture the mood of the moment. Possibly though I didn't own a camera. In days prior, Jay and I spent a lot of time travelling to our families home to pick up a bit of food, very often people would see Jay and I walking together; though yelling at one another, being hungry- flapping our arms in the air, even using forbidden curse words. Where some have relayed to me that they didn't believe that we were really in love. Though, behind closed doors and once fed, when no one is looking, there is always an incredible amount of deep love and affection. Could we be so pro authentic to relay our hunger on our travels to a post? Or would a post about our deep love be quite acceptable, I posted the favourable moments instead.  Truly one never knows what others are actually burdened with. To treat everyone in kind should be the only authentic truth. Lately, people have been saying to me, "I Love how you try to do all these things"  Which is a very nice, positive remark from some lenses. Though, honestly, I am just wanting to continue to eat a lot of food.

     Through the years, as artists, Jay and I grew a strong survival instinct. Eating lettuce soup, with a squirt of syrup will sometimes do that to a couple. Sadly we've learnt to hide our love now, just as we hid our hunger. It served us well as a wonderful survival tactic.  Still, behind closed doors our love is strong and pure, for me, it still feels very much brand new.  Every step yelling through town our bond reached further. We've said goodbye to those drabby days of misusing syrup.

     Proudly, presently we have a fresh can of English Toffee Cappuccino, OH LA LA, look how far!

It's a heavenly delight where celebrating with the snap of a camera capturing this moment I suppose with a cute selfie and the rich tasting drink. Doing some regular thing like cleaning my floors in high heels? Then people will see that I am really really wonderful, though not purely authentic.  I would much better like to bust the myth portrayed perfectly on media pages; give people who are struggling with real-time problems a vantage point.  Where authentically radiating positivity takes time and space. Where being authentic has only one meaning; acceptance. Found only in what is true and yet uniquely honest, in all of us.  Where perfect genuine human nature can never really be judged, though is felt in the quiet moments, behind doors and in our hearts.
-Tamara Thompson

A Young Living Alternative

Tina Diblasi is a Young Living Essential Oils (YLEO) independent executive and business consultant who enriches people's lives with her brand of Essential Oils. She also cares for and nurtures her family and friends as well as her pets with the oils, infused with healing agents that promote and support strong health, energy, well being and vitality. Tina has been highly educated and well trained in the many everyday uses of the Young Living Essential Oils brand. She thrives on helping others who want to feel abundantly healthy, with more energy, less stress, with care and healing that permits recovery.

YLEO is a networking media company that offers anyone the opportunity to become a YLEO business consultant. Tina is a true nature and animal lover. Visiting her beautiful home last week, I got to meet all of her animals, including a chicken coup holding a flock of chickens that she lovingly refers to as her pets. After a long day, she sits with her three dogs, giving the care to help Luna feel a sense of calm, by massaging her with an essential oil for nervousness.

Visiting her home that day, her granddaughter felt as though she was falling sick. You know that awful achy feeling we all get at the onset of a cold and fever. Tina immediately brought out her oils, kneeled down to then rub her grandchild's feet, immersing them in oils that would enhance her recovery from common cold symptoms.

I was meeting Tina for coffee, when she learned of my chronic knee pain, she offered me relief using her oils. I rubbed it in listening intently to her instruction of proper application.  Later that night I found that there truly was a huge difference in the level of pain I was in. I was able to move and do things without the pain and discomfort that I usually endured. Surprisingly, for the next week, I was able to walk with ease, decorate my house for Christmas, I even attended a Burlesque class I’ve been wanting to join. My knee pain comes and goes, though using YLEO I have confidence that the pain won’t last long and I can get back to all the activities I look forward to. Today I am going skating with my two and a half-year-old boy, it will be his first time. Applying the oils to my knee prior, I am sure I will be able to enjoy our winter outing.

Tina explains; “These products work, they do so much to promote health and healing, giving a boost in energy and vitality” Tina explained, “The oils I use are enriched with so many healing properties if used correctly they could have a profound and lasting effect." Tina has found her calling and passion in life. Helping to support her family and friends to take care of their health is all the gain that she needs. Tina enjoys helping others who want to create a lifestyle that promotes a non-toxic environment, consulting for Young Living Essential Oils, sharing in wellness, that has helped many, knowing that they have a seed to seal guarantee and a backing of many lab testing to ensure a complete 100% pure natural oil.

Her mission is to sense the effects of well-being after using all of the YLEO oils, equipped with vitamins and supplements, oils and cleaning aids, beauty products for men and women. Her hair came out feeling soft and manageable, garnished with a silky and hydrating moisture. She tastes the refreshing taste that gives stimulating energy after adding Lemon oil to her water. She begins using the YLEO vitamins and supplements, sensing an intense peak in her energy level. Tina admits she was completely hooked on glass cleaner as her main cleaning agent. Though after feeling abundantly well, she knows her families health is in good hands. Deciding to toss out all of her regular cleaning aids that were consumed with harsh chemicals. Her home is now endowed with essential oils that stimulate healthy living and wellness. Young Living Essential Oils are the only oils that have been approved by Health Canada. It is a great product that can be used for anything and everything, every day. Tina loves finding new uses for her oils, she is planning to make creams and lotions fortified with all of the goodness found in her oils.

After learning about the onset of her father falling ill. Tina knew her essential oils would promote a happy and healthy outcome aiding in his recovery. Tina’s daughter who is a Young Living Essential Oil Silver, spent weeks applying the oils to her grandfather. Gladly, he is doing much better and the oils played a big role in regaining his health. Assured of the impact that these oils have had on her friends and families health. Tina wishes to help others enjoy the same benefits that Young Living offers, hoping that one day every household will utilize these products, receiving the same health gains and enriching lives. Grace Giummarra Andrecchi is an associate of Tina’s and a Young Living Essential Oils business consultant.  She says; “I love Tina’s energy, she is always there for me when I need information about Young Living, she is an amazing person, a true blessing!”  

Tina tells me of a time when a friends baby was congested, her friend called her in a panic. Tina was able to guide her friend, suggesting the appropriate use administering the oils, she massaged her baby and followed Tina's instructions. Not too long after the mother was relieved when she noticed a peak in her babies health. Tina makes a point to set timeout every day to reach out to her associates, mentoring them while making sure they are on track for their YLEO activities and meeting their business and/or personal goals.

Tina is thriving in her pursuits to help her friends and family enjoy the same health advantages that she has experienced through Young Living, where over her first year in business she has become a highly rated YLEO executive, selling her first five boxes, immediately after her first YLEO product meeting. She gives hope to those who are wanting an alternative to normal health practices. Guiding those in establishing healthy habits, encouraging others on their journey to get the most out of living a happy, vibrant and fulfilled life, with the care of Young Living Essential Oils.

You can reach Tina Diblasi for any information about Young Living Essential Oils.
705-279-0821
Email Tina: tinadiblasi@puresenzes.com
Visit Tina's Young Living Essential Oils Website:
https://puresenzes.com/tinadiblasi/

Christina Summer's, A Perfect Journey.

In front of you stands a door, you have the key, and on the other side lay your dreams just waiting to be fulfilled. Do you open the door and run right through, even though you have no idea what you will encounter on the other side? All that you really factually know, is what lies beyond that door is something you will achieve through hard work and dedication. Life is made up of many successes and missteps that happen along the way, but that’s the recipe for how dreams are achieved.

Christina Summer's; Actress/Member of
Director's Guild Of Canada.

In 2016, Christina Summers was brave, that's when she opened that door. She ran right through to meet herself for the first time in 21 years as a single lady with two grown children. A drastic life change opened up a brand new opportunity for Christina to find herself again, and boy; that she did. Ambition is a character trait of Christina’s that never ceases to amaze me while watching her journey. Her fierce courage and strength are the badges of honour she wears proudly. Her trust within is the most amazing. How she has no doubt that she will, she can and simply is able to create her life, knowing she can do anything. All dutifully earned through many of life’s trials and tribulations in her 41 years.

Christina’s new journey began on a cold 2016 September evening in a forest secluded far away from the noise of the city. The silence was golden and proved to be the voice and medicine she needed to be reminded of her authentic self. Since that night, she has propelled forward on this journey of self-discovery which serves as an inspiration for us all to watch. Christina spends her summer months on the golf course, where she relishes in the earth’s abundance of beauty that Canada is so blessed to possess. She flips the video screen and adds to her social media; photos and videos of golf swings and the luscious surroundings she sees daily on the course. This is Christina’s life, making her mark, taking a swing and hope for the best.

In the winter months, Christina is an avid traveller to tropical destinations. Her first solo vacation last year was the most frightful of all, but soon thereafter she began to immerse herself in the blessings of being able to travel to different countries experiencing different cultures and locations. Overcoming her fears of being alone, this brave woman got on a plane and did just that. Vowing to live each moment fully, filling each day with purpose and pleasurable experiences.

Three years ago her journey began as a background extra in film and television. Christina is a background member of ACTRA. It was always Christina’s passion to be in front of the camera, until this year, where being behind the scenes gave her an abundance of joy, with a sense of belonging she wasn’t expecting. With this new momentum, she joined the Director’s Guild of Canada. Currently working towards her days on set to become a full member. This summer/fall, she and two producing partners made a short film called “Somewhere in September”; a short film shot & produced with local talent in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada.

"My​ ​views​ ​on​ ​life​ ​change​ ​every​ ​year ​because​ ​we​ ​grow​ ​and​ ​learn​ ​from​ ​our​ ​experiences.​ ​ ​One​ ​thing about​ ​me​ ​never​ ​waivers​ ​though. ​The​ ​love​ ​for​ ​myself.​ ​I ​am​ ​very​ ​strong​ and ​fierce​ ​like​ ​a​ ​dragon.​ ​​In my​ ​opinion,​ ​life​ ​is​ ​what​ ​I​ ​make​ ​it​ ​be.​ ​I​ ​choose​ ​passion​ ​and​ ​creativity​ ​to​ ​guide​ ​me​ ​on​ ​my​ ​journey".

I asked Christina for any advice she would say to someone that found themselves in a similar past position. Her answer was spot on. “I​ ​would​ ​tell​ ​them​ ​to​ ​make​ ​an​ ​A​ ​to​ ​B​ ​to​ ​C​ ​to​ ​D​ ​plan​ ​and​ ​check​ ​off ​each​ ​step.​ ​And look,​ ​you​ ​achieve​ ​what​ ​you​ ​want.​ ​Break​ ​the​ ​goals​ ​down​ ​and​ ​then​ ​they​ ​become​ ​achievable.” If you have ever wondered what it takes to fulfil your passions, Christina Summers is the one to turn to. She teaches us to follow our heart, proving that anything is possible, if there is a will there's a way.

As a young girl, Christina wished to be a singer. Aware that she didn’t have a certain voice. Christina never stops there. Instead, she finds herself singing in a recording studio, recording a song. There you have it. A woman who approaches her dreams and passions, filling every day with creativity that is full of bountiful experiences.

Spending her days on different movie sets, either behind the scenes embellishing multiple roles or in front of the camera electrifying the screens. Christina wants to know every side of the movie business. Watching her on her journey, there is never a doubt that she will live out all of her creative desires. Her message exemplifies power, her talent speaks of courage, her beauty from within beams and radiates as stunning; her conviction is unrelenting. She is unequivocally unstoppable.

Christina Summer’s projects a strong and powerful role model for very many. The many who want to follow their dreams, possibly though, somehow feel held back or stuck.  She appreciates her life, past and present and the person she is today. She makes no apologies for meeting her authentic self and finding her “perfect journey”.

A Creatively driven soul lives within her, discovering all that there is. She shows us that it is eminent that we can all do the same; not being afraid of our journey and what could be. To be honest and true, to ask questions, to challenge ourselves to live fully. Mirroring that we all have a platform and a key to unlock any door to open.

To dive into a life filled where there are blessings, possibilities, and fulfilment. That there are pleasures to seek, where there is only one life to live. Where beyond that door is a pool of dreams being realized, where the alternative is not opening your door to your dreams and accomplishments, is but one thing. A choice that is yours to make?

Bye Bye Stink, Hello Pink.

Feeling Pink at Salon 2000
With Ronda Curry &
Kayla Churchley

Bye Bye Stink, Hello Pink
Written By; Tamara Thompson
Children's Author/Poet/Professional Blogger.

     Just about three and a half weeks ago, I suffered a loss, I had no idea how I would react to this loss.  I found myself sleeping almost all of the time, with no zest for my normal activities.  There was no skip in my step. My usual rosy disposition had vanished. I was in a rut, and going down hill fast. So who did I call? Ronda Curry from Salon 2000 in a small little town in Stayner, ON.

     About a week before my hair appointment, I thought long and hard about any new styles or colour that I would like. Seeing that I needed something to perk my spirits, I immediately thought PINK! "A whole head of pink". I spoke to my husband, he of course just wants to see me be happy and thriving.  He knew I would get a lift from something so fun and different!  I love pink, I adore pink, I always wear pink.  Pink lipstick, half of my wardrobe is coloured in pink, my slippers are pink, my jewelry is mostly pink. So, why not my hair too?  I asked my friends to choose a colour between pink and purple.  They all pointed to purple. But being the Pink Lady that I am, I wanted to colour my hair fully loaded in HOT PINK!!  I asked Ronda and Kayla, they agreed fully!  I knew my cheeks would be hurting after visiting my favourite salon. Though, I had no idea if my thoughts of a "rut kicker" would actually work.  I hoped that this pink shade and do over, would help bounce me back out of my stink. I was more then bouncing around.  After Ronda and Kayla, worked on my hair, from start to finish; the whole experience not only lifted my spirits,  it put me back on the road to success and fulfillment. Just three days later, I was offered not one, not two but three different job opportunities.  I blame my PINK locks and everyone at SALON 2000!

Tamara Thompson after visiting
Salon 2000 in Stayner, ON
"When I got home from Salon 2000
October 22nd, 2017

      I took a picture of my hair when I got home.  I was asked by Ronda, -to leave my hair without washing for at least 4 days.  She also instructed me to -wash my beautiful pink locks in cold water and -she said it would be good if I used a shampoo that is light, like a baby shampoo.  I listened intently and did exactly what she had asked.  Except, I left my hair without washing for five days instead of four.  I did what she said, I washed in ice cold water and I used baby shampoo.  My friend had mentioned that her hair after having the exact same colour, rinsed out after washing.  I am almost positive, that she had not been given these great suggestions. My hair appointment was on October 22nd 2017.  I decided on Tuesday, October 25th to wash my hair in cold water, with baby shampoo-"The results were nothing less then picture perfect pink!"

Tuesday, October 25th 2017
Picture Perfect Pink!
Salon 2000 Stayner, ON

     I was floored when I came out from washing my hair, it still looked the same as the day I went to visit Ronda and her staff. My friend obviously did not receive the same great suggestions.  I use to work in a Salon for a couple of years, so I knew that her instruction would keep my hair bright and beautiful and I still feel, almost six days later; "on top of the World". This pink shade and the ladies at Salon 2000 not only helped me kick my stink  away. Since that day at the Salon, I have been offered three very attractive job offers.  Where, I literally have to choose between them. I have had two interviews where the companies are wishing to hire me.  Pink really does suit me well. Pink got rid of my stink and Ronda the owner of Salon 2000 knew it!

     Salon 2000 is a small town salon in Stayner, ON on Hwy 26. Vacationers drive by this Gem, every time that they vacation at Blue Mountain, ON in Collingwood, ON; Wasaga Beach, ON; or Thornbury ON. The staff seem to flit from customer to customer so effortlessly, some what like a butterfly or bumble bee would; if butterflies and bee's could actually do hair. The ladies are always on top of their game, always making you feel like you are the only one in their chairs.  They listen to what you want, they take their time and never make you feel rushed. Ronda and her staff answer all and any questions or concerns thoroughly, they certainly make you feel beautiful.

Salon 2000
In the Heart of Stayner, ON
A step away from Blue Mountain ON &
Wasaga Beach, ON

     I use to get my hair done in the city and time and time again, I would leave disappointed, if not devastated.  To the hair dressers in the city, it seems I was always just a number.  It was apparent with my hair done wrong, that the city stylists never took the time to listen. Time and time again I would walk out of a Salon, having to hide my hair.  I remember one time, I wanted layers. It was the era when layers had just became the thing, once the TV Show Friends was hot.  Somehow I ridiculously came out of the salon looking like Carole Brady from the Brady Bunch, rather then Rachel from Friends.  Salon 2000 is a GEM!  I won't say it's a hidden gem, because they have their seats filled with happy returning clients, hourly!  Not only did the "Pink kick my Stink".  I was able to get back in the game of life and gain fruitful employment.  I am so relieved that Ronda new right away that Pink would suit me perfectly.  I left Salon 2000 happy, pampered, cared for and listened to; with my pink hair just right, with three job opportunities to really wrap my PINK head around.

Salon 2000 Staff (R) Kayla Churchley (L)
Owner and Stylist of Salon 2000; Ronda Curry (Middle)

Tamara Thompson
Stayner, ON, Resident
Author/Poet/Professional Blogger

How Canadian Tire Beat Depression

I took a trip, a bus trip. Something that many people do many times a day.  This bus trip seemed different in so many ways.  I was headed to a place to shop.  Again, something else that happens trillions of times a second, everywhere. This trip seemed different right from the start.  I don't know why, but it felt good, it felt right, it felt somehow nice.  You see in the small town I live, having a bus system is a luxury. Prior to our bus service, the people living in our town seemed to be stuck and isolated.  And, we were! We had many areas to shop in our downtown core, many fun things to look at, some fun things to do, though what we did not have, was options.  I first remember hearing about options in high school.  Teachers would say we can do anything, we can be who and what we wanted to be.  In the 1980s, there was the onset of many options.  Prior to that era, was the 1970s, where there was a woman's movement.  This movement, changed the course of life, for women, mothers, wives; giving options opened up a landslide of opportunity for working class women and their families.  My mother was one of them, she was a very strong force in the working world and helped build that ship.  That mark then lead the children of the 80s to have almost too many options. There was so many choices that we hardly knew what to do with them all. We wanted to practically try them all on for size. We saw how hard a lot of our mothers worked, and never took that grace for granted.

The bus system, in the town of Stayner, ON has brought that much strength to the community that I choose to live in.  Not only, did it allow me the eagerness to work, though I choose to work close to home, it gave me a feeling of freedom in so many ways, opening doors that were once shut. Traveling roads, led my family to have our lives back.

One late night, after work I took a very spontaneous bus trip. I was steadfast on purchasing something for my husband, to help him out of isolation. A hobby that he wanted to do since he was a young boy, was to jaunt out with a metal detector in hand. His friend had one growing up and he never stopped wishing for the same since. That bus trip was for him. I was steadfast on purchasing this for him from a Canadian Tire Store and I wanted to surprise him with it. I wanted him to know that there is a path he can travel on, a road that does not have to be deep and dark full of pain and suffering. That day, I took that bus ride to Canadian Tire to help my husband kick depressions ass!

A buddy of mine had told me that his metal detector was on for about $170.00 and I was not able to pay much more then that. I was told by the clerk at Canadian Tire that it was not that price and it cost close to $200.00  Not $170.00. Knowing my buddy, he rounded the price to what he recalled paying. Shockingly it was not that. I thought that was it for my navigating machine that would help steer away depression and isolation.

The next thing that happened, was something that I will never forget. Trevor, a superior Canadian Tire sales clerk was trying to help me out of my disbelief from a higher price point. I gasped, I could not handle the cost of $200.00 for this depression piece of armor.  I could not by it for my husband.  this hobby was his only wish for getting outside in the winter, summer, fall and spring.  I could not wait to surprise him with it and anticipated my ride home and walk through the door to show him his new metal sword! My buddy was already making plans go out together to use there feisty machinery, with the odds of finding something truly fantastic.

Trevor then contacted Theresa, the manager of Canadian Tire. He explained to her the misconception and my bewilderment.  She started looking through paper work, looking through binders, through piles of scattered notes and then looking on her computer.  I was beginning to lose all hope.  Hope for my husband, hope for his metal detecting journeys, hope for kicking depressions ass in September of 2017.

Theresa, stood in front of me, her eyes pierced such a bright blue, her badge and coat were made for Canadian Tire managerial employees, she took a pen and my heart began to sink. She said to me; "Well, the price of the metal detector is $189.00 +tax".  My heart plummeted to the bottom, closer to my sinking hips then my stomach. The bus ride was a waist, except for the nice people, and breathtaking view. I thought, I will have to go home empty handed, with no way to help combat my husband's depression.  Theresa continued, as Trevor watched her as if he was wanting to mimic her one day; "The metal detector goes on sale next week".  My heart took a skip and shot two flights up from sink ville".  She continued "And because it is on sale next week..." My eyes widening, my smile returned..my chest opened up from being so tightly wound.  She said, "I am going to give this to you for next weeks sale price , for $99.00!"

"UMM WHAT, REALLY, ARE YOU SERIOUS, OH MY GOD, WOW, NO WAY, OH MY -WOW, THANK YOU"   I know I don't have to mention who said that.  I could not believe it, I thanked Theresa, with my arms flaring, my eyes widened, my voice fluctuating at rapid speeds.  I thanked Trevor for his diligent efforts to get to the bottom of this.

(Note, Theresa and Trevor NOT Shown in Picture below, although this is another nice Canadian Tire Employee named Emily)

All I had to do then, was pay, as I was checking out, talking to the next Sales Clerk about my experience of what had just occurred.  Her saying to me, "Well we like to make our customers happy"  My response was, "Yes I can see that"!

It was not the purchase of a material item, it was more then that.  It was the bus ride over, the bus ride that has given our town options, it was the bus driver, the people on the bus, that I would never have met as we all sat chatting away about our days, our lives, our thoughts and about Stayner, ON; our home.  It was more then that because I got to the store on time, it was more then that because my boss helped me out knowing how much this meant to me as well...It was Theresa and Trevor who were just as excited as I was for leaving with the magnetic force of my idea of winter blue's destruction. It was all of it, because I had options

Since then I have been able to see my husband laugh for the first time! Sadly, I don't remember him laughing, giggling, with his blue eyes brightly smiling like they should.

A man got his laugh back, because of Canadian Tire and because of the roads that we travel and the options in life.  If you want to know where to shop, It's Canadian Tire, in Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada.  Tell them I sent you and please thank the staff for all of their great efforts in wanting to make their customers happy.

Since then, because of the lift it gave to my family, our family has had doors open up, one right after another. The good feeling that Canadian Tire has given us, has stayed in our hearts, since that one spontaneous bus trip! It is true that what is in our own back yards should never be taken for granted, I did not have to go far, for the best shopping experience, ever!

I suppose that when ONE person reaches out, the person that reaches back, could change someones life forever.  That one thoughtful sentiment can cause a positive vibrational avalanche. That a keen smile and hello can change someones outlook in an instant. I suppose that one word of kindness can change everything! Thank you Canadian Tire and the transit route in Stayner, Ontario
- for the option to beat depression-.

This Girl

Written By: Tamara Thompson

There's this girl I once knew,

I still know her to this day,

I have not seen her in a while,

though, time has never ceased to change.

She has lived on, lived on in a far off place,

a few hello's, with many good bye's along the way,

though this girl has never ceased to change.

She has the same sparkling smile,

the same giddy giggle,

she still continues to make others laugh,

with all that she has to say.

This girl though, I have not seen in many years,

she can still make me smile, giggle and laugh,

right up till' this day.

Her hair is quite the same,

her features have not faded,

her beauty resonates, through the winds of change.

She has never made me sad,

has never made me blue, nor mad...

she was my best friend,

and nothing from the past, can ever be erased.

I remember the day we met, 

the things that she would say,

how she picked me up out of the rain,

out of a puddle,

Showed me the moon.

With a smile, a giggle, a laugh,

this girl could shine up a room;

I tell you, better then anyone-

never missing a cue,

chasing away everyones bad mood.

This girl was the light, on many dark nights,

her care was the hand of a mothers care,

the times when I would fall, her heart was always there...

I have never had a bad word for this girl,

with the smile, giggle and laugh-

you see, she held my hand the most,

when my life was quite lost.

Now, I know that things could never be the same,

our lives are much different, and we could not live it over,

though, I'm not sure if I have ever told her,

how much her friendship has meant,

through all my years, as I grew older...

Careless Words

"Wow, that's cool, omg awesome, that's rad, seriously, I feel ya, I got your back, gag me with a spoon, ewwww grody; that's sick, Sick yo, omg did you see her, did you see that, whacko, idiot, pervert, jerk, I hate her, hey did you hear about so and so, Ya, so stupid, what a Bitch, What an Ass."

"Hey did you hear about so and so  "........." Ya, I heard-it's awful!  What? He jumped! WHAT? He was great, always smiling, always helping me with my Math, he was so smart, I had no idea, hey guys he wasn't that bad, Ya I liked him to

Careless words, do they hurt? The maybe - IT COULD! Do you build a thick skin, do you bow down and believe the careless words, would it make any difference if you stood up for yourself and stood your ground, do you shrug it off, start to feel bad, need reassurance, do you carry on and be a ...... Do you listen, do you become those Careless Words?

DO I? The answer is, I COULD, I have, I use to eons ago, there was a time, did it hurt me? Ya, once or twice. Does it sting? ONLY LIKE A MASQUITO BITE.

I have lived a life, coming from Toronto, you meet all sorts, all kinds of life, from every walk. You learn a lot living in a city, an inner city, the suburbs-Where I come from.  You learn about the Joe's, the Jack's, the Jim's, the Lucy's, the Fran's, the Jane's, the Julian's, the Dominic's, the Graces, the Steve's-there are always a lot of Steve's.  The Mr. the Mrs. the Miss and the Mam's.  Growing up in a metropolis, you learn about the high roads, the low roads, the roads in between, the roads over head; and you travel them!  Each day, every day...through Subways, tunnels, busses skyways, through traffic, through races, beating lights, beating time, beating the Sun and the Moon.  YOU ARE A GOER, you GO, you GO, you GO and you Go. 

Personally, seeing first hand about the angst, the bitterness, the misunderstandings, the unruly careless words.  I am Luckily able to TURN any masquito-word, the one's flying aimlessly hovering, into my blessed gift of CREATIVE WRITING. Using MY HEART, MY PASSION and the CRUELTY I SEE AROUND THE GLOBE and I do see it, (I have to I am a Writer) I and WE Creatives turn this Careless word into blessed ART and nothing else. This masquito is conviction, it gives an edge and NO, we don't jump and EITHER DOES HE, nor THEY.

I have lived in many areas along the GTA.  Actually, I lived in EVERY area in the GTA including Toronto, Burlington,
St. Catherines, Mississauga (my happy -beautiful home town) Oakville, Barrie, Thornbury, Woodstock and where I am attending right NOW-Stayner.  I met City, Country, Inner City, College Town, Tourist Town, The Suburbs, high society, Factory areas, Farm areas, Beach life and a Ghost Town.

I met everyone that did not like, the one's that did, the ones that hated, the one's that befriended, the one's that stood by, the one's that got in trouble, the one's that helped, or the ONES THAT TRIED AND TRIED- and Tried..TO SABATOGE ME!  Then I ask you;

DO Careless Words Hurt, NO, no they don't...Words simply provide me with Better Words, Positive Words, Postive Thoughts, Positive Actions, Positive Feelings, a Positive Mindset.  Does this hurt them, him and her?

It may, it could, it will, it does, and What if?

How about, we just stop wanting to hurt people? You don't know what they are made of, they may just create THEIR MASTERPIECE!

DO Words hurt? The answer is, No, you don't let it.