Spitfire Pilot's Poem

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of; wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.

Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew -
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untresspassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

Written September 3, 1941 by John Gillespie Magee, Jr

American serving as a Spitfire pilot with the Royal Canadian 

Air Force in England; he died shortly afterwards.

Hugs Always
Karen
May 21, 2013

Sarah

Sarah - My niece, goddaughter, and the person who got me going on adventures!

Sarah taught us all about living life while you can, and to the fullest, no matter what you do.  

February, 2010 my life, and many others in our family was turned upside down.  Sarah had been visiting with me here in White Rock, a few days later she would be meeting her new classmates in Brazil, to take her 1st year university aboard the Class Afloat Tall Ship Concordia.  Everyone was so excited for her, and you can see from the smile on her face how happy she was, and of course I am taking credit for the ballet boating shoes.  

Then 2 weeks later, Doris called (Sarah’s mother), the Concordia had gone down 500KM off the coast of Brazil in a storm, the ship was gone, but everyone had gotten into life boats.  For 41 hours they were in several life boats, not knowing if everyone was in the others until the rescue ships came.  The waters were not calm for any of this.  I was attached to the TV, watching every channel for any news.   I nearly jumped through the window when I finally saw Sarah on TV in Brazil, I was so excited.  

Over the next few days, I drove to Oliver, BC where Sarah would be returning.  I knew I was still in shock, and disbelief over this, but would forge ahead going through the motions to get things done that were needed.  When we saw Sarah, and could hold her, I think I finally breathed normally.  

Sarah taught me all about living life while you can, and to the fullest, no matter what you do. 

Today, Sarah lives in Victoria, BC on a sailboat with her boyfriend Mark, a fun loving couple full of life.

Hugs always

Karen

May 10, 2013

Mum and Daddy

Mum and Daddy

Below is a picture of my parents,  now you know where I got my good looks, and blue eyes from;)  They are amazing.  

Mum is 93 years old, has all her marbles, a tad deaf, and I can’t keep up with her. 

Daddy left us in April, 1995, a very said day for everyone, he was funny, emotional, knowledgeable, loved Ice Cream, Fish and Chips, and gave great whisker burn hugs. 

My parents were ahead of there time in so many ways.  They have been computer literate since the 1970’s.  Retirement for them was travelling the world, sailing, golfing, family, friends, charity, and volunteer work.  Sitting still was never an option for them.  

Both my parents served in World War 2, my Mum as a Registered Nurse, and Daddy as a Pilot.  Over the years I have learned that some people who did not talk to their children about the war, saw things that no one should see.  My feelings are that my parents were trying not the give us nightmares, or scar us in telling us what they saw.  I know I am very grateful that my parents came home, and that all veterans should be honoured.

Hugs always

Karen 

May 7, 2013

Be there for someone

Ryan glad you asked for help today, and that we could all be there for you.  If you are having a bad day, ask, and your friends will come a running.

Hugs always

Karen

May 4, 2013

Find your stride, not someone else's

My mind is running amok, questions, answers, thoughts, hopes, dreams, doesn’t matter what, at times it continues 24/7.  I think of it as an eclectic mind, wanting to know something on a variety of topics, no tunnel negative vision here.  So to that end, I have set out to have a blog to answer my dream of writing about a wide variety of topics.  

 Come follow me on my new adventure.  I will be interviewing interesting people, letting you know about my travels, and also taking requests of what you might like to know about.  

Hugs always

Karen

May 3, 2013

 Ferrari's are red, and only red