Radical Sustainable Living. Biology meets Architecture. The documentary film; 'Garbage Warriors'; the global work of rogue Architect Mike Reynolds, demonstrates simple eco-friendly building designs as well as the red tape beurocracy in changing building and urban planning law. Absolutely beautiful homes made of cast away; beer cans, tires, water bottles, mud etc. that are thermal mass, energy independent and totally off the grid. A must see.www.garbagewarrior.com
The Wolves of Positano: A holiday-from-hell mystery on Italy's glorious Amalfi coast.
Virginia's life had come to a dramatic fork in the road. She had spent the past 10 years married to Dr. Godfrey Gilmore, a periodontist, and a man who seemed to prefer the reading of the morning newspaper and the viewing of his patients' dental structure more than he did the company of his loving spouse. There were no children in the marriage between Virginia and Dr. Godfrey Gilmore – there wasn't much love, either, and there was most assuredly no passion, no fun and absolutely no spontaneity.
What, precisely, is a woman to do under such awkward circumstance? How does she find a way to avoid losing herself in a sterile, barren relationship? How does she get her life back? That's where her older sister Sylvia, the sibling with the artistic flair, comes into the picture – she's just invited Virginia to spend some relaxing, rejuvenating time in Positano on Italy's gorgeous Amalfi coast.
A summer in Italy? Well, why not? But in all that sunshine, some sinister forces are lurking. And what had once promised to be an endless summer of sheer delight quickly turns into something dark, mysterious – and very frightening. Was it the wolves that killed and mutilated the body found in a cave – or was it something else? And back home in Toronto, what is going on with Dr. Godfrey Gilmore? He may not be quite as stodgy and passionless as Virginia has been led to believe. He may have a side to him that Virginia has never seen.
This is the setting that lays the groundwork for The Wolves of Positano, the latest novel from the marvellously creative, prolific pen of Canadian author Charlotte Fielden. This is Fielden's fifth novel – she's written nine books in total – and it is one of her most memorable.The plotline is complex and bracing, the cast of characters superbly defined – and Fielden pushes the story ahead in a masterly, suspenseful fashion. Every page, every chapter has something to rivet the imagination as the author deftly weaves a web of mystery that turns a summer vacation in sun-dappled Italy into a sinister holiday from hell.
Fielden's many fans will find The Wolves of Positano right up their alley – the perfect mystery for the perfect summer weekend at the cottage or the patio.
Chapters/Indigo is hosting a book signing for author Fielden's first mystery novel and ninth book, The Wolves of Positano. LOCATION: Indigospirit - Mt. Sinai, 600 University Ave., Toronto DATE: Thursday, 16 September 2010 TIME: 12:00 to 4:00 pm For more information call Brian Bradley: 416-979-9428
Auhor Fielden's first mystery novel The Wolves of Positano is having a launch, reading, sale, and signing sponsored by Wychwood Public Library. LOCATION: Wychwood Public Library, 1431 Bathurst St., one block south of St. Clair West, Toronto DATE: Thursday, 7 October 2010 TIME: 2:00 to 3:00 pm For more information call: 416-393-7683 *submitted By; Volumes Publishing, courtesey of Charlotte Fielden
"INSIGHTS: The Healing Paths of the Radical Spiritualist" by Author; Robert Egby Three Mile Point Publishing, New York 2010ISBN-10: 0615356923, ISBN-13: 978-0615356921
Interchange the word 'Spiritualist 'in Robert Egby's latest book entitled; 'INSIGHTS: The Healing Paths of the Radical Spiritualist' with 'Healer', or Spiritual Seeker' or 'Artistic Creator' and you have a first class, cutting edge handbook for all things quantum physics. Sit back and allow yourself to receive some bits of sacred wisdom and hands on tools. For the novice or seasoned healer, this handy book introduces the Religion of Spiritualism, with particular respect to the clinical and metaphysical aspects of the Healing Arts. Complete with personal anecdotal case histories and 'how to's' in working with the power of Prana/Sound/Colour, Spirit Healing Guides and Angels, spirit rescue, dowsing, assisting the dying in their cross over, Audible Sound Stream or Voice of God, Hands-On Healing, Imagery and Suggestion Therapy, and Geopathic Zones, as well as numerous 'how to' hands on exercises. Egby's example case histories to illustrate his personal knowledge, include a Vietnam Vet, a cyclical "cancer bed", past life pain healing and Spirit Rescue of earthbound Spirits. Of particular interest to seasoned Healing Arts Practitioners and Spiritual Seekers, is a section on advancing your abilities with 'Shabd' and sacred sounds, such as; 'HU', the Audible Life Stream. "It is the medicine which cures every sickness. It is the one remedy which the great physician, the Master, offers for the relief of all ills."(Dr. Julian Johnson; The Path of the Masters'.) Accessing this level is where we unite our Soul with the Essence of the Absolute Supreme Being, the path of light and sound, self-realization and spiritual evolution.
Egby is an Ordained Spiritualist Minister, Medium and teacher, accredited Hypnosis Practitioner, Sound Healer, Hypnoanalyst, Dowser, Hands-on Healer, EFT practitioner is a former resident of British Columbia, Washington State, New Jersey, and currently upstate New York. Following success with his book 'Cracking the Glass Darkly', he wrote the award-winning 'The Quest of the Radical Spiritualist', which became a finalist in the USA Books News awards as well as the First Annual International Book Awards. In the works is Egby's autobiography of his young adult experiences in England, as are porter/photographer/broadcaster/editor in the turbulent Middle East, Germany,and then British Columbia. Following overseas travel and weary of politics and violence, he delved into the spiritual and healing arts. Another book in the works is entitled: 'Kings, Killers and Kinks in the Cosmos'. Robert is also reputed as an engaging guest speaker, and seminar facilitator. Good work, Robert Egby!!! Find out more; www.amazon.com,www.robert-egby.com, Facebook, www.youtube.com. Review by; Jan Porter—Copyright; August 2010
A group of globally powerful women met back in October of, 2004, where some 13 Indigenous Grandmothers from the mountains of Tibet, the Arctic Circle, the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, Brazil, South Dakota, the Americas, Amazon rainforest Africa and Asia—gathered in Phoenicia, New York state, surrounded by forests, fields and streams. These wise and savvy women have formed a global alliance, committed to working together for common global as well as their respective regional goals. Intent on bringing balance back into the world, they suggest that we ought all listen to those who came before us, the ancestors whose traditions, stories and lessons served us all for thousands of years.
They encourage; listening to the living spirits of nature that awaken to all of life and the Ancestral ways of prayer, peacemaking and healing, offer courses that nurture, educate and train children, uphold ceremonies, call for the right to use plant medicines free of legal restriction and insist on the protection of the lands which are all tenants to safeguard traditional medicines and teachings. Notably, we are at a crucial moment in history where leadership for ourthe human race dictates nothing short of a jump in our evolution for healing, cooperation and peace. Women of prayer and action, these Grandmothers offer leadership with wisdom, hope and inspiration within the fundamental laws of nature teachings steeped in respect for all of life.
A few of their current Projects include a documentary Film entitled "For the Next 7 Generations" some four years in-the-making and shot on location in the Amazon rainforest, the mountains of Mexico, North America, and at a private meeting with the Dalai Lama in India. An official Vatican request to revoke Papal Edicts regarding Indigenous Peoples. They havedeveloped an innovative philanthropic model ‘Flow Fund Circle’ that increases the number of philanthropists via social innovators, healers and visionaries www.flowfunding.org. The Center for Sacred Studies, www.sacredstudies.org; (CSS) a non-profit school, dedicated to sustaining indigenous ways of life, cross-cultural spiritual practices, ministry and education. The book entitled ‘Grandmothers Counsel the World: Women Elders Offer Their Vision for Our Planet’ by; Author Carol Schafer offers a collection of the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers teachings and stories.To find out more www.grandmotherscouncil.com
Ode toBlack Fly A.k.a.; BuffaloKnat, May Fly or %$#&^.
I’m sure that it is helpful to know that this winged critter is a member of the Simuliidae of the CulicomorphaInfraorder family. You may also be interested to knowthat there are some 1,800 known species of black flies around the globe, thankfully 11 are extinct and Canada is home to more than 100 of them. They get their nourishment by feeding on the blood of other animals, as well as us. The most popular nuisance for unsuspecting and ill prepared tourists, they can and spread disease. (Yes, I checked Wiki) Ask some seasoned Northerners who love to share stories of ‘Black Fly Madness’ and you forego your tour and retreat to the mall. Be of faith and fear not. Ask other more seasoned Northern dwellers who respect the critter’s reign on how they cope and they will tell you that in knowing their habits, what is the best way to survive and enjoy your time outdoors. Basically, their seasonal reign begins toward the end of May on through until mid to late summer and are most active at sunset. (Good to know that they do go to bed at night and spare us with their inability to live long indoors.) Also good to know is, that their larvae thrive in flowing water, creeks and waterfalls. The adults have an uncanny knack for finding hair lines, eyes, ankles, entrances via sleeves and pant legs but don’t seem to bite through most clothing. Oh and yes, they do bite repeatedly. Bites are those small, bloody and intensely itchy spots behind our ears and elsewhere that can cause headaches, nausea and even lymph node swelling or allegoric reactions. Like me, another unsuccessful master of the Black Fly high road is Wade Hemsworth.This traumatised fellow wrote the musical ditty; "The Black Fly Song" in 1949while working in the wilds of Northern Ontario. Incidentally, the song became an animatedNational Film Boardshort film 1991; www.nfb.ca/film/blackfly, or on You Tube; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjLBXb1kgMo&feature=related. Give in to the critter madness and start a new festival or at least a new summer Olympic sport of Black Fly racing. Take respite indoors with some ‘Black Fly Beer’ and watch re-runs of the short lived ‘Black Fly’ television series. Or curl up and read Giles Blunt’s novel; “Black Fly Season” and read about murder in Algonquin Bay where the black flies aren't the only ones out for blood. Story comes complete with an Ojibwa shaman, and a good haunting. On the upside, there are those who firmly believe that they actually pollinateBlueberries which are rich in antioxidants and yummy. What to do: Timing: Strategize your day and avoid being outside during the morning, late afternoon and early evening. That means the bonfire is best after 9pm, after they’ve retreated for the night. Clothing: Wear light colours, tuck in your shirt and pant legs into socks or try a mosquito net for your head. Repellents: You can ammo yourself with insect chemical warfare and expensive attire. Commercial products such as Citronella might work but may need to be re-applied frequently. My father swears by the spraying of self and surrounding area with Listerine. Change Perspective: This is the higher theory and not quite wholly mastered by the author; change how you think of this critter. In your OM approach, visualize the little critters contentedly pollinating wonderful blueberries and staying clear of you. Whatever method you choose in order to cope, may the calm of ‘the All That Is’ be with you this Black Fly season an enjoy your summer.
Ever notice how upon meeting new people, some just seem to stand out, with their spirit staying with in your thoughts long after the conversation took place? Regional semi-celebrity John Foreman graced the fundraiser for Maggie's Resource Centre and launch of Mystical Voices magazine this past May with a display of authentic Broad Axe Hand Hewing and folk music, is also the talent behind the Millennium Park’s bands shell built in 2001. A side conversation drifted intoJohn’s personal philosophy regarding forest management and harvesting practices. My mind drifted to a blurb, in the news recently about David Suzuki’s Foundation’s new Agreement with other Sustainable Forestry partners. Once back at home office, I Googled the topic. (Incidentally, John has a web site for those wanting to now about his handhewing works, as well as videos on You Tube. ) ‘The Canadiangovernment, and several environmental organizations, which address some 72 million hectares of public forests, primarily Boreal Forest. The intent is to conserve forest and other wilderness areas while protecting caribou and numerous other living things within. Hopefully this initiative will mean a turning point to address our vision for the future. Since a vast majority of Canada’s Boreal Forest is First Nations territory, with Aboriginal treaty rights and title issues still unresolved,government is obligated to consult with Aboriginal people as partners, in order to do justice to our grander vision.
On a more micro level, are the John Foreman’s of the world, who in the early 1990’s found his grandfather's broadaxe on the garage floor of the old Foreman family homestead. His Broadaxe methodology, used in manufacturing square timber, and in the Band Shell, is the craft of hand hewing where this interesting pushing 80 lumberjack continues to build and teach. John speaks softly from his soul attempting to articulate his philosophy and approach to finding and choosing his woodworking material. Reminiscent of Suzuki’s own Biological systems and Productivity Theories. Simply, Suzuki and Foreman share a view in a harmonious human and nature balance of long-term maintenance and wellbeing that depends on the health of nature while responsibly using natural resources. While Scientists and Academics research and develop new technologies, John’s approach is not new.
So if you happen to be in downtown Bancroft’s ‘Millennium Park’, consider the band shell’s stage design and the man’s philosophy behind the structure; Kudo’s to John foreman; innovative thinker, handhewing expert and talented musician!www.handhewing.com
My wilderness son introduced me to Geocaching some two years ago, I can’t recall ever having had so much fun toddling about the country side is search of hidden treasure boxes.
So what is it?This outdoor treasure hunting activity is where people try to find hidden containers usinglatitude and longitude coordinates with a handheld GPS receiver. The GPS unit is used to navigate by entering the coordinates of the location that hosts the container. Now, the GPS only displays direction and distance to a destination, but once you get there, youstill have to interpret the clues in order to find the hidden container, which can be as small as an old photo film or as large as Tupperware tub. Apparently some containers
Are as big as a 5 gallon bucket and some are donning camouflage coverings. Now that you have found the locations container, opening it up is a logbook for geo hunters to sign. Other trinkets within are for trade and add to the fun. The rule of thumb here is that if you take one out you put another in, typically, something interesting or some Geo Hunters have signature items, such as; crests, badges, coins, toy dinosaurs etc.
Geocaching is getting folks like myself, out hiking, walking, exploring nature, learninglocal history and the environment.
Geocaching can be considered a high tech treasure hunt version of orienteering with it’s inception in 2000 by the US military with the original intent to increase the accuracy of civilian use of their GPS satellites by a factor of 10. Growing at a phenomenal rate of more than 450,000 Geo Hunters in over 192 countries.
To find out more information about Geo Hunting, check online; www.geocaching.com., See how and where users search for caches, then download the data into their GPS's, while keeping track of the caches they've found.
One such concentrated Geo area is the Wilberforce and Greater Surroundings, which boasts as the "Geocaching Capital of Canada" www.GeocachingCapitalOfCanada.com.
This community, in Scotland is in actuality, a Sustainability Centre that is proactively working to find hands on solutions to global environmental problems. Current project aims are: to reconnect people with nature, inspire people to reduce impact on the earth, promote ecological technologies and ways of living, while encouraging a greener mentality.
A few of their current projects are; using the islands sheep's wool as insulation that is sprinkled with Quassia chips to deter moths, solar panels with trackers,a vehicle designed for transporting goods that is an electric milk float which isrecharged by hydro and solar power, addressing Dry Rot by curing damp materials and treating the good wood with natural linseed oil.
The Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, set up in 1997 to secure the island's sustainable future with Earth Connections, provides practical demonstration projects, workshops and residential courses. Reconnecting People with Nature courses include elements of ecobuilding, organic gardening, climate change, and wilderness exploration.
Many hard-workingCanadians are struggling; this film takes 3 Canadians overseas where people have what they need, housing is affordable and education is free. If other countries can do this, why don't we? Hosted by Mary Walsh, shows how others have mastered poverty while strengthening their economies. It offers hope, explains the roots of the economic crisis, and what can be done. www.poornomore.ca
Kudos Prof Vizenor, Public Energy, Trent U. & staff!
Co-lecturer; Prof Gerald Vizenor @ Trent U. this past Feb. is a Native American (Anishinaabe), innovative thinker & author of some 30+ books, fascinating speaker is a Professor of American Studies at the University of New Mexico.
My personal philosophy is if one person born of one culture is drawn to another for the spiritual path, and lives the good and right way, then wonderful, "Viva la Diversity"! Spirituality and personal growth are as unique as our fingerprints, and the individual makes the determination. The spiritual and personal path belongs to all, each in their own way.
In the sharing of diversity and by celebrating the vast uniqueness out there, we grow into a more global community consciousness. This does not mean "One Way" only, but rather with inclusively honouring other viewpoints.
While studying, we learn about many global religions and philosophies etc. There are threads of sameness and oneness interwoven throughout all, despite cultural diversification, and those threads are the Spiritual Laws of the Universal. There is a higher order of how the world and the universe operate than man's limited thinking and perceptions. This is the "One" higher mind concept, which knows not exclusivity nor physical limitations.
Whether we like it or not, and while we may want to hold tight to old ways of thinking and being, we are evolving into a global consciousness more in alignment with the universal laws, premised in unconditional love, which does not judge, exclude or or adhere to one perception; a prophecy in indigenous and ancient traditions: One Tribe
Inspired Soul Works Blog is an occasional independent freelance media venue.
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Jan Porter, author, inspiration, empowerment