Six Months ago today

Spirit
Originally uploaded by M.dk.

Because my Mom just had surgery, I am reminded of how precious our lives our—and how happy I am that she is here in my life. She keeps us laughing through it all, she’s strong, loving and kind….
So, today I am reflecting a bit about what I was doing six months ago today....
Saying Good-bye to my Dad.

I miss him…..but I don’t miss seeing him sick. So for that, I am happy that his soul is freed from his body that was broken.
When I miss him, I think about all that he loved and that brings me closer to him more than things he owned or even his burial site.
I think about his love of plants, and I see my plants or the plants @ my Mom’s house and I can almost feel him smile.
Birds remind me of my Dad. He so loved birds….now, I think he’s able to fly around heaven just like them.

Montreal Wedding Adventure! George & Borka~~

When you place 7 people in a small van, very funny things can happen! You are thinking what happened, what happened?????? Sorry, you will have to wait for the movie to come out…starting: Di, Umesh, Sofia, Elsa and Cipppp Cippp Cipppie, Sergio, Henrik and our Ford Van! Of course....I must thank George and Borka for inviting Table #5!
And, as these pictures show...we partied like true people from Monreal~

And, thanks to Jon and Kia....for the historic ride to ol' Montreal..... for listening to my Valley analogy (fly paper must be banned!) My stomach never ached so much from laughing on this trip..(and from Jon’s evil laugh!)...that back seat of the Van made us all kids again! Many warm hugs George and Borka, may you have a beautiful life together....don't worry...we will be a part of it....watch for us comingg to DC.....drivin’ in our Ford van! :)

My first Published Paper!

Friends - do read.
Originally uploaded by crabtreecharles.

Ok, so it's not a book. BUT it's a book review!
Check out my first published paper.

http://www.gsa.buffalo.edu/AAMMM/BOOKREVIEWS_HARDY(SEP06).pdf

This is the quote from my advisor: "Congratulations to Sherene, Diane, Mary and Tomoka. They are very good reviews! And book reviews are legitimate scholarly work for your CV."

Coming from her....it's a REAL compliment.

On to the next phase....publishing in a top journal~~~

New York Reunions....

This weekend was marked with fantastic tennis moments...and fond friendship reunions.It's funny that going to such a dynamic city like NY....always makes people compare ....where they are 'from' to this cosmopolitan place that is like no other. As I reflected upon that notion, I realized that it doesn't really matter where my cool friends (Dirk/Ish and Vivan) go....it's all about the time we spend together....What a better way to do that than some good-food/drinks and some "hubbly bubbly"....

US OPEN highlights~ Agassi's last game~

Walking into Arthur Ash stadium in Flushing medows, I had chills for sure as we watch Andre Agassi play his last tennis match of his career. Thanks to Umesh...we watched over 5 matches---of course Agassi, Rodick, Sarena Williams, Sharapova and James Blake... And, as you can see from some highlights....I got to flirt a bit with my favorite Nadal....ohhh la la...

Stay tuned for more highlights of my fantastic weekend...

First week of class!

So classes have started again....and campus is full of life. It's a good kick start for me too to get excited again about school. I have been excited to meet all the new international students....and WOW 1000+ is a lot of new faces!

I do really love classes, it's nerdy of me, but it's such a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded people who are passionate about social justice and change.

So if you don't see me very often in the next few months...go to Lockwood Library...I will be there~

beautiful people in my life

So this is the international gang that was honored by Elsa's culinary delights....I just love this picture because all of these people really hold such a special place in my heart.
Thanks again guys!

Cheers!

Elsa's dinner from around the world....

Elsa and Cip were so sweet to host all of us for a dinner. Each dish she made reflected each one of our cultures.
Elsa's kitchen is magical....you can feel the creative energy! And the taste....well, I am sorry to say this cannot be described, it just too yummie....hopefully you will someday be lucky enough to try her magically wonderful food!

Nigel and Falicity rock orientation

This orientation has been absoulty crazy. We have over 900 new international students this year...more than ever! It's wonderful and draining at the same time. I think we have all lost a bit our minds ---I suppose this can be seen in the fact that Shyam and I have transformed into Brits!

So the orientation crew let loose after our long reception wednesday by drinking beer and transforming into our British altra-egos and kickin' ass @ poker~

Go Fall 2006~

Late Birthday wishes....Many hugs Ashish

Saturday we surprised Ashish with a VERY belated birthday dinner. He thought most of us forgot his birthday. It turns out I was out of town...as many others as well...
So, we had an Indian feast...and then ejoyed the Shisha pipe @ Sahara grill..ummmmmm...

Ashish is really a wonderful person and a great friend. We have traveled a similar path in the past few months....dealing with similar problems...and I realized ever more than before how glad I am that he's my friend. He's caring, funny and GREAT on the guitar!

Happy Belated Birthday Ashish!

Two new paths.....

Downtown Calgary Overpass
Originally uploaded by kootenayvolcano.

So, this past week has provided me with two amazing opportunities. I am really so happy today, I feel like I can see these two great opportunities providing me with the path my soul sees for me.

First, I got a great promotion in my office! I am not an International Student Advisor (and for those of you that know--- my current job is just that, I just wasn't get paid for it)....

Second, today I was offered a teaching job! I will be teaching Master's students research methods! When I got the position I again realized that I am a teacher at heart...

So, my Fall semester begins with brand new opportunities. I am excited about taking these two paths......I feel it's just the beginning for me......

And, it's a bit funny. I have been feeling such loss in my life...loss of my Dad, loss of other people...etc. This gift has reminded that with every loss, there is something positive too that can happen in your life.
So....cheers!

BAT in the HOUSE!

Little Brown Bats [composite]
Originally uploaded by Aaron G Stock.

AHHHHHHH This is the second summer I was awaken to something flying above my head.....yes, my Bat friend was back. He must have missed Whitney Place, well, he can move in, we are movin' out!

Thanks to Mike (who I woke up VERY early this morning)....the Bat is safely on his way.....maybe to YOUR house next? Tip from Di, tape up any holes in your screens :)

Yummie late summer dinners

I just recently got back into cooking again after taking a nice vacation away from the kitchen. I echo Angela's thoughts (check out her cool blog! http://imaginedrose.blogspot.com/) about cooking being therapeutic as well as a cultural bridge.
Last night both Ang and Mike enjoyed Di's Pai Thai and tonight...Mikie got to enjoy Di's Kofta! Ummmmm.

So, I guess this is the start back into (my) normal life: school starting, new students etc....German Mafia/Frenchie parties....dinners and dancing the nights away......then hours at the library. Ya know, I really like that craziness!

While I am happy for it all to start again, I feel as though I was living in a bit of dream this summer. As Catalina reminded me, it was a good vacation, but did it feel like 'home'? I'd have to say 'no'........my experience this summer wasn't safe or full of unconditionalities but like a rollercoaster ride~

So, am I ready for safety? Do we need to scream this proclamation throughout the valley to somehow get the power to get out?

Happy Birthday Rachel~

Today I honor Rachel! We celebrated her birthday tonight at Left Bank. Rachel is very sweet, caring, and Brilliant---I so enjoy her in class, she enriches the discussions with fruit for the mind as well keeping Rita and I happy with her beautiful drawings!

I thank the universe that this really wonderful woman has entered my life...

Out with the old

garbage can with eyes
Originally uploaded by milkshakepants.

This cute trashcan will soon be the recipient of my old stuff. I am working on our big move from Whitney Place to "little Summer" (stay tuned for pictures!)

I am really looking forward to this new start. And it is allowing me to throw away things I no longer need but also work on getting rid of my old bad habits too!

As I am on my current quest is to realign myself, I find I am leaving behind things that no longer hold value to me. But that means opening up these boxes I haven’t in a long time….and letting those go that do want/cannot follow my similar path.

So, out with the old....in with the new....
(good bye valley!, hopefully?)

Socrates said, "One thing only I know, that is that I know nothing"

Chakra
Originally uploaded by Gypsey.

My journey has drawn me to these words. I feel this deep in my soul, the need to continue to learn...and in essence to teach the “need to continue to learn”. And in my quest, it’s to learn to listen to my inner voice.

Repeatedly, this motif has entered my life. I have somehow become deaf to voice which resonates in many places. My Reiki session allowed me to understand to listen to the song which whistles in my ear. Also, I must not question this song with my intellectual mind but just listen, and “go with the flow”.

I stumbled across this mode of reflection from Gail! I highly recommend seeking this type of energy cleansing if you are seeking answers to the question, “WHY does this keep happening to me”! (Something most of you know I have asked in the past week).

Blog connections

I was sent a really interesting Blog. This is a picture which sent chills through my spine. The blog is written by a young Lebanese woman my age---who is experiencing war.
Muzna's blog reflects back to the summer of 1982, where she was living in a civil war. She blames those around her for allowing the war to happen...and today she feels helpless, but her agency in this conflict is her voice....
" I was hoping the blog will help me write more regularly. I need to write, for my own sanity, I need to tell the stories to be able to let go of them. I will do soon"

I share her need to talk. To let the problems go through words. I wish I could help her like so many friends have helped me with my problems.

So today, I honor this strong woman. I share her love for family, friends and this idea of peace for Lebanon.

Muzna's blog: http://hakaya.blogspot.com/2006_07_01_hakaya_archive.html

Happy Birthday Sofia and Mihai

Yesterday we celebrated Sofia and Mihai's birthday. My friends are two very vibrant, smart, caring and passionate people......

AND, to add to it all, we were lucky enough to have Chip read our cards......
If you have never had Chip read your cards, you have missed out on learning about your life.
He has always been "right-on" for me....and yet again he was today.....I so love all these beautiful people in my life. They are honest, loving and display their love for their friends in beautiful ways. (like the food made by Elsa and Sofia!)

So, as the cards say, I must make a decision, and not wavier---and that means that I must change. To change parts of yourself that you hold dear---this isn't easy. BUT, I am determined to get out of the valley :) Sorry Sofia and Anant~~~

I found clarity from this cloud over my head. Thanks to Chip and Catalina.... I am grateful.

Our old friends

Old People Sign
Originally uploaded by rileyroxx.

So today I was in a hurry as usual....then life just made me stop and think. I was walking into a book store and this older man was struggling to get up the sidewalk and into the store. Of course I helped him with the door, but I realized how fragile he was. As we get older we lose our agile body functions, but does this too make us lose our happy nature?

I think about my Dad a lot when I see older people trying hard to walk. In the last months of my Dad's life he struggled to get in and out of places....but he seemed to try hard not to be sad in front of us.

So I think,
Is this our collective fate? Well, not me! I am determined to eat up life as long as I can.......heeeheee...well, hopefully my kids will enjoy that!

My Dreams

Picture 010
Originally uploaded by didihardy_72.

For the past 3 months I have been having some really vivid and crazy dreams. Some make me laugh, others freek me out, but all-in-all, it's interesting....like LIFE.

So, last night I dreamt that Mike bought this house (this is his favorite house in Buffalo)... He was SO happy in the dream. I too was very happy, I had a floor of my own!

For those of you outside of Buffalo, this is a place to appreciate for sure. We Buffalo people take these amazing homes for granted.

Buffalo GardenWalk

Picture 004
Originally uploaded by didihardy_72.

Sunday was such a treat....Mike and I walked from Whitney Place all the way to our new neighborhood the "Cottage District"...you can see from this picture how lush the flowers were! Next year party on Little Summer~~~~

Toronto Jazz festival

Angela, Sofia, Umesh, Milena, Nels and I rocked out at the Toronto Jazz festival........I think the coolest part of the festival was the Brazilian martial art dancers~~~

Toronto has such positive energy---we all felt it even through the rain..... So go and enjoy this cosmo city to the north~

Happy Birthday Michael....

Today is Michael's birthday. So today, I celebrate Michael. Michael embodies PEACE. In all aspects of his life, he seeks knowledge, experiences and love while providing for me a beautiful example of becoming a MASTER. He puts problems into perspective in order to make opportunities. He envisions people for their best potential, and in this affirmation---helps sets in motion this positive energy for others.
Today I thank God, the Universe and the Powers-that-be that Michael is my nephew, roommate and one of my best friends in the world.
I LOVE YOU!!!

Letting Go

'cause there's beauty in the breakdown
Originally uploaded by luigifosco.

I think for most of us care-giver types, letting go is a very challenging part of our lives. While I consider myself someone that is a facilitator of allowing people to discover themselves, I find that at the same time I have a hard time letting go of those who are very close to me--- and it is out of Fear. Fear is a horrible thing; it is hell, the absence of faith in the universe. So, I think that this a great time for both this person and me to grow--For me to “let it be” and for him to discover the beauty that lives within him.

Reggae Tuesday

Tuesday in the Park was so much fun....
what better way to celebrate summer Freedom than via Reggae Music... I think this type of music speaks to us who are making our life's work about Social Justice.
These songs of Freedom, is all I ever had...Redemption song...

One of my favorite Reggae Songs is by FINLEY QUAYE--check out the lyrics...
Ride on and turn the people on
My bassman is a ghostAnd my ghost is a news carrierNews carrier back me up man
I had some painI becameYou're satelliteGot to get it all right
SightI know a man called SylvesterHim have to wear a bullet proof vest y'allNo kinda way no kinda way at all
Music liveChildren learn
I may be trigger happyBut I wished I had a pappy
To show me right from wrongAnd good from evil
This is the future heyI ain't gonna shoot you hey
And if you feel you got to moveI man can supply a groove
I man can soothe for real
Had a daddy had a pappaWho ran away from my mother
SeeThose who have eyes like mineLet them shine All time all star
I had some painI became you're sonic satelliteGot to get it all right Just right
I know a man called SylvesterHim have to wear a bullet proof vest y'allNo kinda way no kinda way through the day
Music live??? learn
I may be trigger happyBut I wished I had a pappyTo show me right from wrongAnd good from evil
This is the future heyI ain't gonna shoot ya hey
And if you feel you got to scream'Cause you're dealing with the creamYou're not wrong
Had a daddy had a pappaWho ran away from my mother
Had a daddy had a pappaHim inspire and entertainThen my mother mash up in brain
So had a daddy had a pappaW
ho ran away from my mother yeah
My friend he is a snapperBut enjoy dress up snapperDapper snapper dapper dapper snapper
Gunshot a capellaShoot out a capellaRocket interstellar
Take it interstellarShoot out a capella???

Ride on and turn the people on

Never mind morganThieved my mamma's tomatoThieved her sweet potatoReball the bananaThen they make it hyperFor us to live togetherMy generationGot to stand up in loveThe higher the moreThe stronger the harderDo you see itHeyThose who have eyes like a donRide on and turn the people on

Ride on and turn the people on ...

Here comes the sun....

“Here comes the Sun”…la la laalaalaa…
What a real surprise Sunday @ the Beach. First sunshine, then RAIN! But we played Frisbee through it all….then our Portuguese Friends Horatio and Luisa enriched all of our lives…..when they came to the BBQ the music we made replaced the missing sunshine for sure! Nothing makes you feel more alive than creating music and dance together….
Really these wonderful people showed me that we can so easily connect with each other….our bridge was music and dance today (and some nice wine too)….
Thanks to Ashish too for his guitar and also wonderful talent~

What is prayer....how do you see it?

prayer
Originally uploaded by kimxtom.

If you are reading this today, take a second to send some positive energy to my nephew Mike...he's taking the big test today and tomorrow....and he could use a bit of energy during those tough questions.

As a non-relgious yet spiritual person, I do not believe in praying in the sense to a God created by man, but to the energy source we all share..>I believe we are all ONE, and by giving a bit of our energy to Mike today, helping him out succeed in his goal.....
So Mikie..>I love you! Good luck~~~~

A Buffalo Welcome home

Tonight I experienced such a nice welcome home....... Gail and Chris joined me for some Latin Jazz in the park (where we had some awesome snacks)....where we meet up with Rita, Ali, Dawn and Luisa for some post Jazz Martinis....Our dynamic together was electric, chatting about social justice, Cuba and Dr N. (Don’t call me that!)......we were having so much fun.. we are all planning our next adventure....where to? Lisbon/Morocco/ LATVIA!

DixieLand Tour 2006

Y'all gotta get to the South....it will invite you and make you smile for sure.....
If it's not the food, then it's the music that will make you not want to leave the warm coastal shores of the gulf coast.

I shared this trip with a great new friend Rico.....It was his big move to Florida and he planed this fantastic trip---with many cool surprises~~
He is a really wonderful person, and I feel so lucky that he’s entered my life….I wish him lots of luck with the start of his new life in St. Augustine~~

Southern U.S. Roadtrip~ Here I come~

Roadtrip Mirror
Originally uploaded by thedak.

Today I leave for Dallas, Texas ! YEEEEEHAW. Going on a Roadtrip from Dallas to Jacksonville, Florida.

There is something so exciting about a randomness of travel, epsecially when you just unexpectedly at a small town in the middle of nowhere, where I think I might find, a lot of really cool things are happening.

I am excited to experience this part of the country---I am sure it will be such a cultural experience....Stay tuned !

Cheers!

A Beautiful wedding

Last weekend I was lucky enough to see my good friends Chip and Elsa get married. They are such a beautiful pair and I wish them love and happiness.....
Plus, it was a blast of wedding, we danced the night away...

Happy Birthday Umesh!

Today is dedicated to Umesh.....we have become great friends in the past 3 years....and I am really happy that he came into my life....he reminds me to just "play man"...and enjoy life,
so Cheers Umesh...to many more games of tennis~

Love Di