Remembering Anne

I just learned that a lovely soul just passed on to the next life.

Anne, anyone that ever met you knows that you were irreplaceably one-of-a-kind.

I sincerely hope you meet all your beloved cat friends again wherever your soul is journeying to right now.

C'etait un plaisir de te faire connaissance.

Sinking in a Winter Wonderland...

Knee deep in the snow, I stand, immobile, immersing myself into the silence offered by my pristine surroundings. It is tempting to use the phrase “dead silent” as there are few signs of life. Yet despite the blanket of snow which dominates every inch in my vicinity, suffocating life beneath it, I know full well it is only a temporary state of affairs. In the distance, just beyond the conifer sporting a tall, white hat lies a portion of the Georgia Straight, shimmering golden thanks to a few of the partially hidden sun's shafts reflecting onto the waters. The sky above is predominantly overcast, except for a single brilliant strip of blue sky close to the horizon. The contrast is striking and the sheer clarity of the blue reminds me of my baby boy's magnificent eyes.

Gabriola Island is a winter wonderland. Normally a vivid, soggy green due to rain, the cedars, ferns, bushes are all weighed down by several inches of the magical, fluffy white stuff. Why even the giant gunnera which set such a lovely backdrop for our wedding a few months ago are completely buried under the weight of the snow. I, for one, could not be happier about these odd weather patterns, Then again, I am not in the city and I don't have to leave the house except to go out and play. And I'm not stuck in an airport either. Another being that keeps welcoming more and more falling flakes is Flea. Her deer-like bounding through the forest - as natural as if she had done it her whole life - is a sight to behold. Few Taiwanese street dogs are able to boast about the thrill of bounding through snow two-feet deep. Supposing she went back for a visit and was hanging out with some of her old buddy's, how would she even begin to describe the experience to her canine pals back home?

I've been on vacation for less than a week and already I'm fearing a return to a working man's routine. Ah, the luxury of time. Time to write, time to play with Kael, time for long walks in the woods, time to listen to music, time for just sitting around – that's what the holidays are all about. And of course the holidays are about family. It's only natural that I think of my own family firmly entrenched in winter's grasp in Ontario and Quebec. At least with a blanket of white covering everything, not to mention the constant worry over driving conditions hovering in the air, it really “feels” like Christmas in BC this year. I heard on the news that it will the first time since the 1970s that Canada will enjoy a white Christmas coast to coast. That is definitely something to celebrate.

This will be Kael's second Christmas experience. Last year, he – I mean, we – were given the best gift ever in the form of a jiggling chair that shook our colicky little guy into a comatose on Christmas day. It sounds mean, but we were all better off with him a little more “relaxed”. And as the picture shows, the stocking was bigger than he was. This year, he will at least match the stocking in size - if not outsize it. He will also be more aware that something extraordinary is happening, though he is still won't quite get it. Proof came when he was exploring around the tree and tried to use one of his presents as leverage . His hand pierced right through, and with a simple lift of the loose paper he could have had a sneak preview of his gift. Yet instead of stealing a glimpse, he merely ignored it and continued with his original plan: to grab the shiny ornament hanging on the tree and stick it in his mouth.

The fact that he is not yet interested in the gift part of Christmas is a blessing because in our family, as with many of you who do celebrate, it promises to be very low key year in the gifting department. And that's fine with me. Michele calls me a scrooge for having this attitude, but the truth is that I do find it difficult to summon that Christmas spirit. Maybe it's because I'd rather be inspired to give rather than pressured to do it. And the barrage of same old tunes everywhere (none of which is James Brown Funky Christmas) and the same old sentimental movies on Tv don't help one iota. 2008 is teaching us that it takes a recession – a forcing of the hand – for us to realize that it isn't the gifts that makes us happy during the holidays, but the time off. For his part, Kael is oblivious to the point where we could wrap up his existing toys and he wouldn't know the difference. Of course, I'm not so frugal as to not get him anything, but the truth is, the kid is happy to run around house which offers plenty of space and dive bomb down the staircase. Toys at this particular stage in his development, do not interest the lad.

Well, let's see what is on today's to do list:

1)perfect the snow angel
2)gulp excess amounts of hot chocolate with a hint of Bailey's
3)listen to Brazilian music for contrast
4)nap just for the hell of it
5)use the time to send out positive vibes to all friends and family scattered around this planet

Much love to one and all

oj

Philosophical Funk - Vol 1

There may be no decade that is easier to make fun of than the 1970s: bell bottomed slacks, afros, ludicrously large cars, loud-coloured clothing etc. Yet as ridiculous as some of these styles to emerge from that bygone era were, there was also something fantastically important to come out of the 70s: funky music. And the more one delves deep into the funk music library, the more often one hears the the same shared themes of equality, moral righteousness, togetherness and openness, which only add to the funky beats. The message is in the music.

Every song included in this mix espouses a sound philosophy. Listen hard, my friends, because these are words to live by and to groove to. Just copy and paste the URL link below, look for the "click here to start download", and you're good to go! And if you're looking to get real nerdy about the selected music and its relevant philosophy, the playlist with added comments can be found below.

www.mediafire.com/?m5zydthmygd'

My only wish is that this mix brings joy, positive energy and a little reflection to your life as you bring in the new year, wherever you are.

oj


Funk Philosophy – Vol 1.

1)Kool and the Gang – Heaven at Once

On a side which includes heavyweight tracks such as Jungle Boogie, Hollywood Swinging, Funky Stuff and More Funky Stuff, Kool decided to break things down with this cheesy dialogue. Or is it? And when asked, “What are you doing to make things right?”, Kool answers, “You see, we are scientists of sound/mathematically throwing it down”. Amen to that, Kool.

2)Skowa & Mafia – Deus Me Faca Funky (God Made me Funky)

A cover of the Headhunters classic by Brazilian outfit Skowa & Mafia. God made me funky is simply another way to say, we are born to create.

3)Isaac Hayes – Do Your Thing

We lost a good soul earlier this year when Isaac Hayes passed away at the age of 65. In this classic track, he lets us know that whatever it is we want/need to do in order to be happy – whether screamin' to let off steam or makin' love all night – to just do it.

4)Chocolate Milk – Action Speak Louder Than Words

The first thing you hear is the guiro, then the slow, heavy groove kicks in and, well, it's on. Lots of talk in this world, but as the saying goes talk is cheap.

5)The Meters – People Say (Rejuvenation)

Bar none, one of the top funk bands of all time. Drums, bass, guitar and keys, the no frills basics of The Meters is often mimicked, but never duplicated. It's a sure bet they'll be another Meters track on volume 2, but can you guess which one?

6)The O'Jays – For The Love of Money

As the economy enters its own funk, the O'Jays remind us how money changes us in ways we often aren't even aware of. As we all strive to make that mean green, how many of us stop to think about what is essential to our happiness? If it involves possessing lots of it while accumulating possessions, it may be time to re-evaluate .

7)James Brown – Take Some and Leave Some

“I don't want it all/ I just want a little bit”. James Brown at his funky buddhist best. Nuff said.

8)Kool and the Gang – Life is What you Make it

We often feel swept away by the forces around us, but Kool reminds us that we are the ones who create our lives. Whatever your situation, the choices you've made have got you there, and the choices you make will alter your reality. You can pretend that it's all beyond your control, but the truth is, it's all on you, in every moment of every day.

9)The Universals – New Generation

Some of the finest funk to ever come out of Florida, this 1970 recording never found its way to the distributor and was released in 2006 by Jazzman records. Too bad, that generation could have used it.

10)Mandrill – Positive Thing

Funk-rock heavyweights Mandrill released this gem in 1974. The simple message of love and togetherness is delivered with an ultra-heavy groove and accentuated by punchy, catchy horns.

11) Skull Snaps – It's a New Day

The instantly recognizable beat at the beginning sets the tone for this classic promoting positivity and new beginnings.

12)Charles Watts and 103rd Street Rhythm Band – Express Yourself

Sampled and popularized by NWA in the early 90's, Charles Watts and company urges us all to tap into our creative selves with this soulful groove.

13)Notations – Superpeople -

A Curtis Mayfield sounding joint whose message is perhaps even more relevant than the day it was written. In a world of egos gone wild, it's time to get grounded.

14)Donald Byrd – Change (Makes You Wanna Hustle)

Touching on the topic of impermanence, Donald Byrd reminds that “nothing stays the same/things just rearrange”. With his distinctive horn and use of funky strings, Byrd encourages us to act rather than sit there and be overwhelmed when life changes course.

15)BT Express – Do It (Till You're Satisfied)

Many will recognize the much sampled intro to this danceable track which, like Do Your Thing, encourages us to follow our dream, whatever it is.

16)Brass Construction – Movin'

This song is about getting your shit together and feeling groovy because of it.

17)People's Choice – If You're Gonna Do It (Put Your Mind To It)

This Philadelphia outfit reminds us not to do things half-assed. If you gonna do it, might as well put your mind to it.

18)The Isley Brothers – Fight the Power (part 1)

With “all of the bullshit going down”, the Isleys remind us to not give up the fight against those who insist on keeping the status quo for their own personal benefit rather than for the good of the whole.

19)Gerardo Pino – Shake Hands

Bought this one in a record store in downtown Nairobi (AKA Nairobbery), this is by far the rarest track of the bunch. It's moody, raw African groove about unity.

20)Black Heat – Love the Life You Live

If you don't get sent into orbit by this intense cover of the Kool and Gang original, then you need to get yourself checked out (or checked in!). The brilliant chorus' lyrical reversal of “love the life you life/so you can live the life you love” says it all.

21)Brass Construction – Take It Easy (Kenny Dope Mix) –

In times of stress, Brass Construction offers some sage advice: relax our minds and take it easy. You ain't gonna solve anything by stressing out about it! Brew up a bowl of mate if you need some help relaxin' that busy mind of yours.

22)Frankie Beverley's Raw Soul – Color Blind

Pre-Maze Frankie Beverley confronts racism in this track, wondering why we get so caught up on the colour of skin. Shouldn't we all be colour-blind by now?

23)Roy Ayers – People and the World

A plea for all of us to make the world a better place by living together by the living legend himself, the preacher of love and goo vibes, Bid Daddy Roy.

24)Earth, Wind and Fire – Shining Star

Every single person has the potential the shine and no one says it better than Earth, Wind and Fire in this funk-disco classic from 1975.

25) Tower of Power – Only So Much Oil

This jazz-funk brass powerhouse from Oakland warned us back in 1975 of our limited oil supply. Given the controversy surrounding oil prices and supplies that exist here in 2008, not to mention a war over it, maybe it's time finally time to listen.
Veggie fuel anyone? www.mofilms.org (Freedom Fuels)


26)Cymande – The Message

Among the best funk bands to ever emerge out of England, Cymande's bass-heavy grooves are complemented by soulful voices with rastafarian messages of peace and unity. “Together, we can grow/Forever, like it was before”.

27)Ellen Mcllwaine – Higher Ground

A riveting cover of the Stevie Wonder track featuring Mcllwaine's unique vocal stylings along the lines of Janis Joplin accompanied by some amazing bluesy guitar work. An unforgettable version of a song that encourages us to persist until we reach that next level of consciousness.

28)George Carlin – Values

Another great human soul was lost in 2008 when George Carlin passed on to the great gig in the sky. Think about it: What will you do with $10 and what would you do for $10? The revolution indeed is about values. RIFP (rest in funky piece, George)

All Hail Kael (#1)

(In the tradition of Cliff)

All hail Kael
Who today turns one
Congrats on being the first Pady male,
The first Chrishele Blady bun.

You emerged from the womb
On a rainy day in November
Into a forgettable hospital room
Gifting us a memory to remember forever.

You cried and cried and cried
All through the first fourteen weeks.
We lied and lied and lied
Saying all was good - even though it was a little bleak.

We tried myriad ways
To calm you down and console you.
But nothing would eliminate the greys
Prompting Dad to exclaim: "The kid is inconsolable!"

And then one miraculous morning,
A grand grin suddenly spread wide across your face.
It came from nowhere, without warning
To light up our tiny, little place.

From that momentous moment on
The "K-man" has been a happy boy.
His mysterious blues are long gone
An empty yoghurt container his favourite toy.

He's got big blue eyes
And wrist and ankle bracelets too.
Everyday he drops off a stinky surprise
In his wearable loo.

He doesn't yet talk, but he likes to babble
Recounting his day's adventure's before sleep.
He doesn't yet walk, but he does like to straddle
Getting studier by the day on those little feet.

Kael puts anything and everything into his kisser
Including mud, rocks and random dangerous things.
And when momma leaves the room, he sure does miss her
Wailing so loud it makes poor Daddy's ears ring.

He's an EXTREMELY active baby
Which sometimes drives mom a bit mad.
He sneakily gets into all the places he shouldn't be,
As if it were the latest fad.

He's headstrong and determined
And knows exactly what he wants.
Sometimes his parents' patience grows so thin
They consider shipping him off to Vermont!

Of course, we would never do that
Because K-man, you bring us too much joy.
Even if you occasionally drive us to the edge of the vat
You will always be our precious boy.

We look forward to seeing you blossom
In your second year on the planet.
May your next year simply be "totally awesome"
And, well, full of joy damn it!

Diaper Changing is the New Gym

I used to scoff at people who moaned about the difficulty of changing diapers. What's the biggy? Your wee angel just lies there on the changing table, sedate, patiently staring at you with adoring eyes, until the new diaper is secured and clothes are back on. What is so hard about that? It wasn't until Kael was six months old - the age where we first introduced solid foods – that I began to realize what all the stink was about. Along with the most potent smelling of daily poos, our angel turned into a little ball of pent-up energy as he began to explore the art of movement. Apparently, stagnant is boring. He's got a point, but did he have to figure it out so quickly? With every squeal, screech and kick on the changing table, I can't help but wonder if the funky president himself, James Brown, was reincarnated into the Kman.

Whereas changing diapers or clothes used to be cinch, it has turned into a dreaded duel. He wriggles like a fish, twists into pike position with the grace of an Olympic diver, struggles with the ferocity of a caged tiger, and protests as loudly as a howler monkey; in short, he is slowly driving Maman and Papa insane. Recalling Jon's words of wisdom, a proud papa himself, “distraction is key”, I conjure up a toy he can stick into his mouth or attack him with an unexpected zerbert, providing a momentary break for my sobbing, pleading eardrums. And yet, the distractions never lasts long enough to finish the job. Before I know it, he is on his tummy threatening to launch himself over the edge of the changing table like Blondin in a barrel.

I've meditated on ways to sedate him, from tranquilizer shots (what!? they do it to elephants), straightjacket (thereby also eliminating the need to change clothes), to good old fashioned shackles. And don't be fooled by their miniature statures, babies can be very strong. In fact, after a few months more of training, I do believe myself ready to enter the next Stampede. Those calves have nothing that our “determined” boy can't dish out.

Now just over 10 months, the evolution of the K-man is progressing at a fast and furious rate. He learned first to pull himself up into a sitting position. Not a week later, he had hoisted himself up to a standing position using the window sill. The first time he succeeded, he turned around with a wide grin, wildly happy with himself because he was able to look out the window. His current favourite trick is to get himself into standing position, and then slowly dangle one arm out, as if publicly demonstrating his amazing prowess to the world. Check me out! A couple of times, he has thrown caution to the wind (I wonder where he gets that from...) and just lets go completely, wavering in the air for a few nano seconds of hang time, before losing balance and plopping back down to earth landing on his bottom with a thud that would be sure have papa sitting on a rubber donut for several weeks. Of course, you can't learn without falling flat on your face so we will undoubtedly witness many more bonks, close calls, and fortunate landings in the months to come to go along with the scratches that already adorn his chubby cheeks.


Baby proofing our cubicle of a home has been challenging to say the least. Nothing that is beyond grasp will escape from his persistent little hands. More amazingly, I'm beginning to suspect our boy has telepathic powers because he seems to have the uncanny ability to beeline towards whatever object I'm thinking to myself I hope he doesn't go for. “Not the mate, not the mate...shit!” Anything and everything that you don't want him to grab turns into his main target. Supervising Kael is not like being a lifeguard because you actually have to be aware and present of the baby's actions at ALL times. We are forced to constantly shift, rearrange, toss, move and hide things or they end up in his mouth or spilled onto the floor. And even though we went out and bought him some fancy Fisher Price toys that take up more space than our furniture, his favourite toy continues to be Flea's red and black sequenced dog leash. He loves to just sit there and twirl it around like a ribbonist (can you tell the Olympics are still fresh from my similes) before inserting the metal clip on the end in his mouth, After all, who doesn't love a good bite on something metallicky to quench that...what the hell does that quench for him anyways?

And speaking of chewing, he now has six teeth with which to munch his meals with. And he now insists in his determined way to eat by himself, refusing to depend on us parental units for delivery anymore. So we do what all parents must eventually do – give in. And so we plop a mound of mixed up food onto his tray, and watch as he reaches for a handful and then shoves it in the general direction of his mouth. Initially, maybe 10% of the grabbed nourriture made it to his mouth. The leftover after a feeding session would have been enough to feed an ant colony for an entire year. Lately though, I have to admit, he's getting pretty good as his manual dexterity improves. He still winds up with food in his ears, hair and worst of all, up the nose (broccoli up the nose really tickles, you know) but Flea isn't exactly getting a full second meal courtesy of Kael anymore.

Finally, the dreaded period of disciplinary action has begun. I despise discipline. Never wanted to enforce it - even as a teacher. But just as it is crucial to instill in the classroom for there to be any productivity, you must also ingrain it into your children so you don't wind up with spoiled brats. The Kman has definitely reached the age of mischief with intent and therefore instilling discipline early could save us much chagrin in the future.




Flea and Kael's relationship is a one-way affair, but in the opposite direction from what it used to be. In the beginning, Kael would ignore Flea as if she never existed, going on about his business without even acknowledging her presence. My how times have changed. Poor Flea can no longer get a moment's rest without Kael's face lighting up at the prospect of grabbing onto her fur and then beelining as fast and as determined as he can. The maniacal grin that paints his face reminds of Jack Nicholson in the Shining. Flea simply growls, gets up and moves. The scene then repeats itself dozens and dozens of times in the span of a few minutes. The real issue is that there really aren't many options for poor Flea. And now that winter approaches, the outside getaway will no longer be viable either. This has been going on for weeks now with no sign of either one of them ready to change their ways. Again, I don't think Flea will actually ever hurt him, but she does growl pretty deeply whenever he approaches and has come close a couple of times when Kael grabs a hunk of her fur not-so-tenderly- receiving severe reprimand from both mama and papa bear afterwards.

All in all, I'm so in love with my family. Kael's eyes are no less mesmerizing, Flea's no less wonderfully ferral and Michele is no less beautiful and funny in her role as mother. Things may not be perfect in terms of job, house, finances and whatnot, but we've got love and that overrides all else. Now let's hope that we can get rid of this cold virus we've passing back and forth to each other for the past few weeks so we can have our health back to!

I'll leave you with a quote from Alan Watts, which of course made me think of my little guy when he's in the stroller just staring around in amazement at the world going on around him. I just hope I can play a part so that some of that wonder and curiosity never leave him completely.

“Wonder, and its expression in poetry and the arts, are among the most important things which seem to distinguish men from other animals, and intelligent and sensitive people from morons.”

oj

Mr Mom

Regret, mixed with a hint of humour of the “how could I have been so stupid” nature, is written all over Michele's face as she lays down on the floor, staring upwards at the ceiling. It's the quiet moment after the an action-packed sequence of events.

Kael was in crib, gregarious for well over half an hour: “What is it with these people, George? Can't they tell I don't want to sleep? I'm clearly letting the out the 'I'm not tired screech”. Grrr, my parents are so dumb!” Finally, the dialogue dimmed until it was silent. I had gone into his room stealthily to check out the situation and saw him twitching ever so slightly, eyes three-quarters closed. It is absolutely vital for him not to see you during this delicate phase of the nap process. If he does, it's game over. He's up and he's screeching with more vigour than you can possibly imagine coming from such a tiny little being. I tippy-toed back out of his room unnoticed, intending to close his door in a couple of minutes when there was no chance of a wake-up.

Unbeknowst by me, Michele reappears from our room and also decides to investigate the nap situation. She pokes her head in but cannot get a proper visual. She inches forward but still can't see as he is hidden from view at the front of the crib. She ventures further, risking much at this final stage before sleep. Suddenly, Kael perceives movement or hears something and with the quickness of gopher popping its head out of the hole, his head shoots up over the edge of the crib to see what's up. Michele panics, ducks and then lunges out of the room onto the floor as if she were an extra on A-team episode after Face had just launched a grenade nearby. Kael screams, as if to say, 'I saw you! I saw you!” “Merde”, is all Michele can say in a half-giggle/half-frustrated tone.

Later that afternoon, it's my turn to get caught. Kael has been in there about twenty minutes and there is the baby monitor expresses only the hum of the humidifier (used primarily to drown out other sounds). I sneak up to the doorway and bam! I'm dead in the water just like that. I didn't even get the chance to pretend I was a ninja tis time. It's like getting ambushed 1 minute into a paintball game. Splat! Hmm, that was fun. Kael happened to be positioned at the back of the crib, facing the doorway. In consolation, I never had a chance.

Mr Mom - Day 5

Groan. Quick glance at the clock. 6:02 .He has just been fed and should be going back to sleep like he does most every other morning. But he isn't. We gambled last night by staying up a little later so we could finally spend a little alone time together, and now we are being burned for it. No one ever said life was fair... Neither one of us is in the mood to officially get up and out of bed just yet so we decide to bend the rules a bit this morning by bringing him into our bed.

Not surprisingly, once sandwiched between us, he doesn't doze off instantly (he only sleeps in his crib now). He is too curious about his new surroundings – especially Daddy's hair, lips and cheeks. Gouging daddy's eyes is a particularly amusing activity, too. There is much staring at one another, like two people staring at the board wondering what their opponent's next move will be. His eyes are beautiful; they are oceans; mesmerizing; whirlpools I drown in over and over again. Yet, they hold no secrets as to what is going through that tiny, ever-growing seed of a brain. Poor Flea is jealous. Back in Taiwan, it used to be her that would be beckoned up on the bed to cuddle with us. Michele motions for her to come to the side of the bed, which Flea, the opportunist, interprets as an invitation to join the party on the bed. Ca y'est! The whole family is in bed. Fun, yes, but it won't satisfy that desire to sleep...

His schedule throughout the enire morning remains out of sync. He is uncharacteristically fussy and out of sorts. His teeth must really be bothering him. Great, only one more year of teething. It takes him 40 minutes of grappling with his bedmate, Curious George, interspersed with a few attempts at escaping, before he finally collapses from sheer exhaustion.

Our baby boy's day winds down after dinner with a daily bath. I think the purpose of the bath is to calm Kael down before sleep. That is not happening anymore. While he used to be content to lounge back, full stretch, sucking on a bath toy (all that was missing was some candles and a glass of wine) while papa held his head and momma wiped in all his nooks and crannies, he now uses bathtime as his aquafit session. Gone is the relaxed personna, having now been replaced by a much more animated K man who would rather march in the tub rather than lie down. Washing his hair, as you can imagine, becomes a challenging task to say the least. And the fact that he is getting stronger doesn't help matters either. There are times when I forcefully try to coax him to sit, but he just won't budge. I foresee trouble in the future...

After the bath, Kael is dried off and has his pj's put on, afterwhich he has a little feed. It is just about 8 pm. We perform the last leg of our nightly ritual - one which I have grown to adore - by forming a circle and singing him a gentle lullaby. Then we set him down in his crib, give him his blanky, tell him we love him and leave him to fall asleep on his own. After some talking and flailing - the duration varying by day – he finally lies peacefully in his world of vivid dreams. It's a sight beautiful enough to make this grown man cry.