Sharing my love of photography...

Tour de France 2007

I am just watching the end of the Tour de France. What a race. The final minutes, I was on the edge of my seat, my heart pumping, just trying to imagine the adrenaline rush these bikers must be experiencing.....What a race indeed! The yellow jersey winner - Alberto Contador - of Spain. A 24 year old who also won the White jersey for Best Rookie at La Tour. His goal coming into the race was just to win the White jersey...but he surpassed even his wildest dreams. It was such an inspiration watching the determination of this young rider. He rode with a crazy sense of passion that led him straight to the podium. He rode the race his own way. Didn't pay mind in many stages about conserving energy and doing what the others did. He did what he had to do, and it was quite the win. I am often in awe at these atheletes. From them, we could certainly learn that with big dreams, hard work, determination, a sense of self and passion...why even limit oneself with goals?...the sky's the limit.

TTC Rant!

Ok - so this is what really ticked me off a few weeks ago. We live in a 1st World country, in a big, modern city. How is it that there is only air conditioning on some subways, buses and streetcars? In the sweltering heat of summer, it truly feels like a bunch of humans in a tin can with the lid on. It is quite sad that we are ahead on some things in this city, but so very far behind on others.
Taking public transportation, I also find people truly irritable and rude on the nowadays. Rarely do I hear an "excuse me" or "sorry". People just bump right into you, poke you, step on your toe and don't feel that they have to apologize for any of it. I have a hard time in itself when strangers invade my personal space. I find that as I try to move away from the other person, the other person just uses up more space and gets into mine once again. Then add to that the smell of sweat and I start thinking that I would prefer to drive into work the next morning!

A truly Honourable Lieutenant Governor

I am so happy to learn that David Onley has been appointed as Ontario's new Lieutenant Governor. I am not big into politics, but do follow current events and issues regularily. I am so pleased that a man who has always been true to himself and to others has finally been recognized. Mr Onley has never been one to shy away from his disability. He is a confident, well spoken and genuine man, who I believe, will make a true difference in his new position in Ottawa. As he says in his own words, "I really want to be the compelling and driving force to help make this province a more accessible place," he vows. "I believe there's an enormous amount of generosity and goodwill out there as ... aging boomers dealing with elderly parents suddenly realize if you make something accessible for someone with a disability, you made it more accessible and safer for everybody." (cp24.com) Congratulations and best wishes, your Honour.

Lucky Day 07/07/07

So superstitiously it is supposed to be a lucky day. It is also Live Earth Day. And it will take more than luck to help our ailing planet. I just took the Live Earth Pledge to help end the climate crisis. The pledge will be signed by millions of people from every part of the world, to launch a movement to save our selves and our planet. This generation is finally gaining momentum when it comes to environmental issues. Together we must forge ahead to save our planet and continue to ensure that the proper checks are in place so that we don’t continue to destroy what is so precious, but rather slow down or eliminate altogether, pollution, forest erradication etc. We can no longer take Mother Earth for granted.
Here is the pledge. Please sign it, and ask everyone you know to sign it as well:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/climate_pledge/tf.php

Thanks!
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I PLEDGE:

1.To demand that my country join an international treaty within the next 2 years that cuts global warming pollution by 90% in developed countries and by more than half worldwide in time for the next generation to inherit a healthy earth;

2.To take personal action to help solve the climate crisis by reducing my own CO2 pollution as much as I can and offsetting the rest to become "carbon neutral;"

3.To fight for a moratorium on the construction of any new generating facility that burns coal without the capacity to safely trap and store the CO2;

4.To work for a dramatic increase in the energy efficiency of my home, workplace, school, place of worship, and means of transportation;

5.To fight for laws and policies that
expand the use of renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on oil and coal;

6.To plant new trees and to join with others in preserving and protecting forests; and,

7.To buy from businesses and support leaders who share my commitment to solving the climate crisis and building a sustainable, just, and prosperous world for the 21st century.

Live it!

Life...yes, it's a bitch sometimes, but you just have to prioritize and let things roll off the shoulder. Pick your battles. Know when you are wrong and don't be afraid to admit it. Give yourself and others a second chance. Push and challenge yourself, but don't drive yourself over the edge. Be kind to others. Wear your heart on your sleeve sometimes. Be mysterious. It never hurts to ask. Do something out of the ordinary. Let your inner child out. Smile. Take a time out for yourself. Get out there and do something you never thought you would. Surprise yourself. Listen when someone is talking to you. There is beauty everywhere, appreciate it. Don't take others for granted. Believe in yourself. Dream BIG. It's life....we only get one chance. Live it!