This photographic journal is by Maria Pavlik, co-creator of With My Umbrella, I Can: The Magical Journey of Penelope Puddle, in B.C., CANADA. (Header shot is by NASA.) “Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera.” - Yousuf Karsh
Heroes & Helpers
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I am no butterfly fluttering freely, independent of all else, though I sometimes imagine I am. The Poets and Storyteller United prompt "I couldn't have done it without you" had me realizing how accidentally or purposely many lift me up along the way.
Interdependent no matter how strong our "wings" might feel, we are effected and assisted by what others do. From a chain of unknown folk who facilitate daily comforts, to those who spread supportive messages and etch wiser paths to tread, to nearby and virtual friends and strangers. Personally, I don't know what I would do without each and everyone of you.
Of course, our four-legged friends bring an especially warm glow to the shadows.
And lest we forget ... Remembrance Day in Canada is on November 11th. The poppies we wear, tiny expressions honouring those who fought for just causes. The grievances leading to two world wars have dug us into the mire of current hostilities. What would we do without those who fight our battles or intrepid reporters exposing devastation within combat areas or humanitarians and doctors stepping into danger, bringing critical aid to people in war zones. We can't do life without heroes and helpers.
Yet what a marvelous dream if everyone everywhere put down their arms, stopped this mad destruction of the planet, life and structures. Most agree protecting the homeland from invaders is instinctual even noble. But when innocents are crushed in the lines of fire and the lines between righteous defender and ruthless aggressor blur ... generals can't do war without soldiers we send into battle. Let's evolve to inspire a better way.
...I didn't realize that Donovan sang Universal Soldier. I often listen to Buffy Sainte-Marie's version. I consider myself a pacifist, and now our grandson is a Army medic.
Long time since I've heard that song. The John Lennon lyrics come to mind: Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion, too
I am always very leery of those who begin conversations with, “I don’t care what anybody says.” I then pretty much no longer care what they say. As for war, and the continuation of war, and human greed, avarice, brutality and the capacity for more brutality, it is sadly the only constant in the history of Homo sapiens, an entirely inaccurate epithet! Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.
Ah, those 'angel strangers'! And the good friends too. What blessings they are. Remembrance Day is November 11 in Australia too. And yes, it is very sad indeed that so many, now, don't remember well enough, and so few understand the truth in 'Universal Soldier'.
We can't do life without heroes and helpers. Glad you gave a nod to the angel strangers the virtual friends who get you through trials and tribulations. I love your little poem and relate to its message.....Rall
Oh beautiful angel strangers everywhere. Here remembrance day is in April and we wear poppies as well. Yes the sad thing about war is that so many families and children get killed and hurt. When does world peace break out
My mood has been kept sinking. Men’s brutality and stupidness has never changed. I hadn't known “Universal Soldier" till now. War cannot exist without soldiers - the idea gave me different perspective.
Hello, Yes it so true, we need those angels who help to lift us up. They can be friends or strangers, I loved you poem and the photos. Cute doggie, I am sure the dog brings smiles to it's humans. I am not a fan of war , I pray for peace and the safety of our soldiers who are willing to give their lives to protect us. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend.
Love the poem and the song. The way things are going, and countries getting more aggressive, I'm afraid it's going to get worse. We have to be vigilant and protect ourselves (with technology, financial, our borders, you name it) at all times.
Your post is inspiring, and a great reminder to look for the helpers in all that is happening - for they are everywhere. Thanks for your visit to my blog. Gratitude for what is is what keeps me going in these troubled times......Mother Earth still showering us with beauty in spite of everything........thanks for stopping by!!
Hello :=) A smile by a stranger in passing can make someones day. Yes, we are indebted to our angels and helpers who could be friends or strangers, it doesn't matter, what matters is they give us help in our hour of need. I love the song, and your poem. I am reminded of the John Lennon lyrics "Imagine there are no countries" What a wonderful world it would be without wars and hate. All the best Sonjia.
Thankfully there are many earth angels who appear when we most need them. They are there to remind us that there are good people in the world and not to lose hope. One day, one day, a more peaceful world, for the sake of children and their chilldren's children everywhere, and here I am living in hope. Thank you for such a powerful post, the beautiful images and the song. I always enjoyed Donovan but it's been a long time since I heard him.
"On the Web we all become small-town visitors lost in the big city." - Alison Gopnik President Joe Biden's inauguration was bursting with inspirational speeches and events. Heaven knows many who now breathe a sigh of relief also needed a good laugh. That's when Bernie stepped in with his cool attitude and awesome mittens. I couldn't resist joining so many others who included him in various ways in different spaces. I think he looks super cute and cozy on a sofa designed for the cover art of my Couch & Company story. Hope you enjoy it and explore more of the artistic side of life at Paint Party Friday . Still the kid I used to be Visit Postcards From Penelope Puddle and Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride to view more West Coast scenes. Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report .
There it was ... a bright dollop of sunshine in a tangle of forest greens, browns and silvery grays. The yellow door snuggled against a tree said Fairy Hall and, in tiny faint lettering beneath, No Trolls . Oh, how I'd love to know what goes on inside Fairy Hall. I wanted to tap on the door but, a giant by comparison, I didn't want to cause a scare. I often take the Sandy Trail with its gravelly path, woodsy stumps, well-trod stairs, rabbits, birds and squirrels. I know every twist and rustling sound. But I hadn't noticed the small door before. This unexpected bit of whimsy magic tucked into the forest floor made me curious about what else was in the mysterious thicket I'd yet to explore. When I continued on my way, the trees leaned in ... as if they had something to say. Later, I found another fairy door (below), welcoming but only to a select few. See OUR WORLD to explore more sights from around the globe and SIGNS, SIGNS . Still the kid I used to be
Rain puddles vanished and a blast of scorching heat settled over B.C. recently, including in my region which reached 105 ° F at one point. Records were broken. (About 145 miles northeast in Lytton it was over 120 degrees; the entire village caught fire.) The air outside felt like a thick wall of hot steel. All fans were on duty indoors. The weather foretold of the wasteland that will arrive sooner rather than later if carbon emissions are not majorly reduced. Dozens of mostly elderly didn't survive the wake up call. At this writing, the heat is far less intense, thankfully. A sweet sense of normalcy has returned and the slight morning chill sits on my shoulders like a delicate shawl. In my neighbourhood, the birds are singing again and searching for treats. A different kind of wave also hit us all. I was relieved to get my second shot "to knockout Covid" on Canada Day . It was a perfect way to celebrate July 1st. Explore more at OUR WORLD . Still the kid I used
...I didn't realize that Donovan sang Universal Soldier. I often listen to Buffy Sainte-Marie's version. I consider myself a pacifist, and now our grandson is a Army medic.
ReplyDeleteYour grandson is a hero!
DeleteLong time since I've heard that song. The John Lennon lyrics come to mind: Imagine there's no countries
ReplyDeleteIt isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too
I cannot listen to those lyrics without crying .... will never forget them as The Killing Fields came to an end.
DeleteYou post is impactful, stirring ... yes, we need to find a better way. Our Veterans Day is November 11, also a day of remembrance.
DeleteOld men start the wars and the young men fight them.
ReplyDeleteI'm just praying for good for our planet.
ReplyDeleteMankind seems firmly on the path of self destruction. Hope am proved wrong.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteI am always very leery of those who begin conversations with, “I don’t care what anybody says.” I then pretty much no longer care what they say. As for war, and the continuation of war, and human greed, avarice, brutality and the capacity for more brutality, it is sadly the only constant in the history of Homo sapiens, an entirely inaccurate epithet! Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.
ReplyDeleteA thoughtful reminder that life is a team endeavor.
ReplyDeleteAh, those 'angel strangers'! And the good friends too. What blessings they are.
ReplyDeleteRemembrance Day is November 11 in Australia too. And yes, it is very sad indeed that so many, now, don't remember well enough, and so few understand the truth in 'Universal Soldier'.
We can't do life without heroes and helpers. Glad you gave a nod to the angel strangers the virtual friends who get you through trials and tribulations. I love your little poem and relate to its message.....Rall
ReplyDeleteOh beautiful angel strangers everywhere. Here remembrance day is in April and we wear poppies as well. Yes the sad thing about war is that so many families and children get killed and hurt. When does world peace break out
ReplyDeleteMy mood has been kept sinking. Men’s brutality and stupidness has never changed. I hadn't known “Universal Soldier" till now. War cannot exist without soldiers - the idea gave me different perspective.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteYes it so true, we need those angels who help to lift us up. They can be friends or strangers, I loved you poem and the photos. Cute doggie, I am sure the dog brings smiles to it's humans. I am not a fan of war , I pray for peace and the safety of our soldiers who are willing to give their lives to protect us. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend.
Love the poem and the song. The way things are going, and countries getting more aggressive, I'm afraid it's going to get worse. We have to be vigilant and protect ourselves (with technology, financial, our borders, you name it) at all times.
ReplyDelete"Let's evolve to inspire a better way." I'm game - if only.
ReplyDeleteYour post is inspiring, and a great reminder to look for the helpers in all that is happening - for they are everywhere. Thanks for your visit to my blog. Gratitude for what is is what keeps me going in these troubled times......Mother Earth still showering us with beauty in spite of everything........thanks for stopping by!!
ReplyDeleteYes, we're all interconnected and depend on each other in various ways. Thank you for sharing these meaningful thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHello :=) A smile by a stranger in passing can make someones day. Yes, we are indebted to our angels and helpers who could be friends or strangers, it doesn't matter, what matters is they give us help in our hour of need. I love the song, and your poem. I am reminded of the John Lennon lyrics "Imagine there are no countries" What a wonderful world it would be without wars and hate.
ReplyDeleteAll the best
Sonjia.
I'm delighted by your inclusion of "angel strangers". There have been lovely chance meetings that enriched my life too.
ReplyDeleteThankfully there are many earth angels who appear when we most need them. They are there to remind us that there are good people in the world and not to lose hope. One day, one day, a more peaceful world, for the sake of children and their chilldren's children everywhere, and here I am living in hope. Thank you for such a powerful post, the beautiful images and the song. I always enjoyed Donovan but it's been a long time since I heard him.
ReplyDelete