Annus Horribilis=Annus Mirabilis

Other than myself someone of Royal stature said at least one of these revered words in a speech. Ah las it indeed has been one of those years where there are events to be remembered and others to be forgotten. This period of the calendar year pushes one to reflect and wonder where it started and where will it end. Every year we hope to achieve more and accomplish yet another aspiring goal. As I look back on this year 2008 I had a chance to be away in other lands and experience behavourial patterns . This time away helped me to nuture my inner soul which had been badly battered by a man made inflicted storm. I seemed to be listless and without direction caught in the fog of a self propelled dilemma .Being away forced me to lay on the physcological couch and analyse layer by layer who ,why and when will it stop. The curtains in the room where flowing as if wanting to cradle me in my childhood state. I layed there knowing that only I could find the answers to open the door and get on with my responsibilities. After much contemplating of finger pointing I saw in the mirror a reflection of the guilty culprit. As he tried to escape I kept the key and refused to open the door. A familiar face indeed I remarked as he trembled and started to sweat. You shall not leave this place until we settle our score. As he paced the floor not knowing what to do nor say, I arose from my deep sleep and felt the tropic air blowing on my brow as the curtains wiped the sprinkles of water from my forehead. I then decided to go and take a walk along the boardwalk once again and watch as if the waves of the Ocean carried with them chapters of my last lived year and like a short film traces and images of myself seemed to reflect from the waters surface, indeed there were the difficult moments but also a year of wonderful had won the day. I continued to accompany the waves along as if we were partners of life. The sounds of whispering rang in my ears as a smile of joy became apparent I began to speak ever so softly, "Looking back on this year has been at times Annus Horribilis but since meeting you the trumpets roar of a reigning Annus Moribilis.

Chaos and the Human Spirit

I have been here in South Beach for awhile and it seems like the Cirque de Soleil which actually is here seems to follow. The morning sun rises and I walk briskly along the boardwalk as human souls walk, run and push baby carriages along the way. I observe through sun glasses the circus like atmosphere that parades along the boardwalk and ocean front. The sounds of faded music of I-Pods hardly diminishes the pounding waves from the ocean. Each one of us here has our agenda put out and up front. We take in the morning moistured air as a friendly welcome and quickly take note of the heightened activity that now joins the dispersed flock.The morning herd now begins to grow as more decide to join in. As I walk the ever changing sounds become more apparent as the vibrations of feet announce yet another soul. This much needed ritual of morning paces prepares me for a daunting day of once at work where to begin. I have been here before and once again nothing stays the same. All the actors have left the stage and now what remains are only the stage hands. My mind thought once again reminds me that I am stil here on the boardwalk and not yet at work. After a certain time this episode draws to a nigh. I now must face chaos and the human spirit.

My name is Geoff

My special friend.His eyes are childlike and painfully seek acceptance. The smile radiates across the club becoming an addiction. The laughter so innocent yet hiding a deeper secret. When he arrives you sence his presence,it is as if without him there is something lacking. His generosity is unmeasurable and at times almost a death wish. I observe nervously his every move and when out of sight too long I become anxious. It is hard not to love him but yet there are those who will suffocate him. Longing to be responsible for their happy moments has been a terrible price to pay.I feel his disappointment of the callous behaviour by his subjects.The songs that he sings are lived wounds and also healing messages. One can feel his warmth and tenderness yet it has cost him. As evening comes to a nigh and the sounds of the human species becomes a wimper everyone leaves a good-bye in every direction. There is Geoff and myself left in the midst of a room once filled but now empty. We hug and kiss and say tomorrow knowing that another night waits for us like a woman in waiting.I walk and let my shadow lead me to my destination knowing that soon my special friend will soon walk by my side as our shadows converse and his shadow will say to mine , My name is Geoff.

I Am Free

The last few weeks have been most hectic and I at times have had difficulty in staying focused. Million of thoughts running about loosely in all directions. I would be there in the present but unhinged about my awareness. People would address me but I would not really be present. I seemed to be distracted and felt a certain emptiness. I remember my sister Michelle who died so suddenly and not having a chance to say au revoir. I yearn to have her once more by my side. You cannot find peace if you do not live life. Yet I do believe it is possible not be happy and still not be happy about it. It is important to recognize these moments of troubled waters as they do eventually leave like an uninvited guest whos name is not on the guest list. My parents have gone away on a trip for a week and for some reason I miss talking to them on the phone. I love to hear the laughter of my parents when we are discussing a subject on the phone. There are moments when I think that the time clock is advancing and one day shall be their last. I feel that they are my children that I must watch over and not knowing what hotel they are staying at is quite annoying, I shall scold them. I do have a certain peace of mind and I am quite blessed to have the respect and fraternity of my fellow dear friends and wonderful family. Each day is another gift to cherish and discover yet pleasant moments. Like a cloudy day that has overstayed its welcome the sun shines once again to joy and laughter of families and friends conversing to each other. The demon of despondency will flee to other peoples and other places. I am free.

Oh Canada !! !! !! !! !! !!

Well to-night is going to be a miracle waiting to happen. As the world waits with bated breath for the outcome of the presidential election. I feel that a sense of euphoria has swept the consciousness of the American citizen. They have thrown off there cloak of disillusion and have decided to no longer live in the bowels of fear and deception. We all want to believe in our Governments but in the last decade there has been a decaying of trust. We as Canadians look at our political family as a collective rights and not individual rights. The structure of Canada has been to govern to all and support the social fabric that makes this country. Our society has made gains in womens rights, gay marriage, abortion, socialized health care, always respecting the Canadian Charter of Rights and Liberties .Issues that are hotly contested in United States are non issues in Canada. We are a society that has always looked at the person and not the colour, we have progressed and often Canada has been complimented for its role in World affairs as peace keepers. Gazing across the Canadian landscape we feel a wind of change blowing . The north to the south, east and west. The compass needle is spinning pointing towards the Potomac river. This is history in the making my mother says, destiny. In Canada we feel a nervous twinge hoping to be a witness in some small way to our sisters new suitor. Hands are reaching outstretched across the globe towards the New Continent. The people will have spoken and turn towards us to say " We did it " as tears of joy tumble from their cheeks, Obama the next President of the United States, it is 18:56 pm and I predict and say with joy it will be, and say with swelled emotion Oh Canada !

Fraternity among Men,,

If ever watching a sports match live in person at a stadium or arena, you will not just be looking at two teams opposing each other but much more. The history of sport has many qualities that represent the functioning of society. There is a someone who is a leader on the field for each team. After there is a coach who gives instructions to the team leader and these are put into action as the coach observes what is happening on the playing field. The players are executing different skills in each assigned role. The sociale role of each one is too recognize and put forth his talents in order to help his side accomplish victory. In breaking down the philisophical tissue of the sports team structure you will see that in order to function and claim victory there must be a recognition of respect and fraternity between each other. It is like two countries defending their beliefs and honour, one will win and one will lose. Another comparison is two political parties that try to put their message out to the spectators, one political party will win and one will lose. In war you will have two opposing armies each using manouveres to outsmart the other in order to claim invincibility. Looking at how we as human beings behave even in business work teams, there is always a leader and the team that works together to achieve success. All throughout history there has been a social structure of who does what, what role we play, on what side are we on. In order to continue and prosper and move forward up the ladder of accomplishment we use our sense of wanting to belong and find ourselves in groups of people brought together to express our confidence in one another to be a team.In any role ther will be the Alpha as there will be Beta and Omega even in a prison ward,have you ever noticed even in going out at night and meeting girls or boys there is the Alpha Male who will take charge as the pack around him will dilgently stand in the background supporting the Alphas every move. Whether it be sportif, social, adminstrative, gouvernement there has to be a leader the domiant one ,, he who takes charge. Respectful of each ones pecking order is essential,,This is what I call the fraternity among men.

Yes, I Believe In Miracles

As we live our lives and try to live a good life, we cannot predict what may happen along the way. Looking into the crystal ball is not a sure way to know the future. The daily surprises of what could have been are not always a welcome suitor. The tribulations of the depressed, the neglected, the unwanted, lowly appreciated or even scorned are the invisible and untouchables that we no longer notice. The fragility of the human spirit is at its lowest as we feel more and more isolated from what our purpose is as human beings. The problems of health, finance, exclusion, grow more and more. Where do we start, how does it begin? I have found that each morning before work I like to lite a a few candles at the Notre Dame Basilica to say thank-you to God for this time and ask for guidance and help that I may make good choices and to help all in need. This time of prayer and candles to me is a way to connect to the human spirit. I am not a religious person but more of a spiritual person, lord knows that I like to be happy when out at night into the early morning. My life is not always easy, some due to my lack of good judgement or being naive and yes even stubborn. Yet I have have been able to lead a prosperous life and I do try to give back. Looking back at times I could say there have been " annus horibilis " in my life but also " annus mirabilis " where only because of a miracle could this take place. I will continue to embrace life and hope to grow as a responsable human being taking in the graces of this wonderful yet sometimes painful existence. If I did not feel that there is more to life I would be listless with no direction. We all wonder at one point where does it start and where does it end. Looking through the annals of time I have been a witness to direct intervention from above and at times this has been close to home, I shall say no more but yes I believe in miracles.

Once Upon A Time,

As the rain continues to wash the memories of certain things gone by I remember parts of my childhood looking through a kalidescope. The innocence of childhood pranks, careless wandering walk abouts and the curiousity of discovering something new. This time in my life that comes to tap me on the shoulder ever so often is often a welcomed friend. The childhood Lord Fauntleroy memories seems to hover around me like a playmate. My long curly locks, big brown eyes, velvet pants and chapeau to finish off the look. I believed then that I was the Petit Prince and would carry myself in such a royal way treating my subjects with disdain if I did not get my way. Even though harmless my actions at times surely hurt the ones that I dearly cared for. I sometimes miss these innocent romps of childhood carefree moments. The time has advanced and I have less time to slip back to mind wander. I have learned from these passages of life and it has led me to where I am to-day, still curious , naive and wanting to be noticed but more liking to serve. I most enjoy the time spent talking to people wanting to know more about them and feeling a kinship of just maybe having a new friend. I am glad that I am who I am as I will always keep these child like ways forever. My life stories are for all to read and the the first sentence starts, Once Upon A Time.

If Only We Knew

I would like to say to one and all it is a pleasure to be alive and healthy. As we look around us and take the time to realize that life is indeed a blessing. Neither one of us is untouchable or invincible to an ailment or injury. We can all in some way testify to human suffering of a family member or relative. We wake up this morning to see yet another day has been granted and oh how fortunate we are to be able to experience another awakening of human wonder, the sky above, the stars at night, the sun that shines so bright, the moon that lights up the darkness as we go about happy and carefree. The blossoms of the flowers and butterflies that nervously flap their wings prancing from one petal to the next. The sound of birds conversing as the winds senouslly pass through the branches of the trees, indeed life is the gift that has been bestowed upon us. How blessed we are to be able to have all of this around us, but nothing last forever. The hands of time tick away and the gurantee of lasting forevers becomes only an illusion. How priviliged are we to be able to testify of yet another day. Nothing is promised but we have the choice to live and uphold the values of respect for one another and to cherish the thought of being alive. Others are not so fortunate, suffering and anguish it is like the rolling of the dice you just don't know.How many of us express the happiness of being alive, maybe only when we have someone close who will not have this chance that we will have another day and they will not. To all where ever you are in any situation you have a powerful message to share I Am Alive. What a honor bestowed upon us. If only we knew.

What's Goin On

It has been more than a few days since I have written something, it has not been for a lack of something to write about but a question of time. I have had a very busy week since the elections for the S.D.C. Vieux-Montréal and also federal gouverment. In between the meltdown of the Stock Market and weakening of the world economy we seem to be in supended air not knowing when the cord will be cut and how far the fall will be. At this moment in time we all need to be reassured that this will only last for a moment and then we can forget and get on with the business at hand. If only that were true, the good times have come to a screaching halt as the conductor of the train has called for all to disembark. If only we could learn from this situation, it is like when we were all shocked to see the World Trade Center fall like tinder boxes, the aftermath was that a new era of understanding of peoples on the world stage would be implemented and put into action. Unfortunately this did not happen as the species that we are ,we did not live up to what we should have done. Instead America let there gouvernment place them in fear in order to have full control of the new political agenda. Canada, France, Mexico, protested and refused to be bullied into accepting a war that could not be justified, has the world bcome safer since Saddam Hussein is no longer there? Canada has sent troops to Afghanistan losing our reputation as a peace seeking nation, we once again elected a minority gouv't not having confidence in any one party to form a majority. We have lost touch with the human pulse, the intelligent race of mankind has become inward no longer to see beyond himself or his/her shortsighted desires. Instead of being respected they are despised, apathy is rampant and we are all to blame we have let ourselves become victims of our weaknesses, we have decided that nothing will make a difference, everything is the same. In a few weeks people will have a chance to take back their country if they so desire as the rest of the world holds its breath. What's goin on

THANKS , THANK-YOU , THANKFUL,THANKSGIVING

The day starts and we go about our business running at a torrid pace or nonchalantly like a tortoise who at one point or another will get there. How many of us as we get up in the morning say thanks to those who are always there, who if were not we would be in some way less apt to be as good as we project to be. To those dear friends, lover, family members and even fellow co-workers I say THANKS. As we move about in our prospective positions and duties less we forget to say THANK-YOU to those we may not know who come into contact with us : the person who opens the door, the teller at the bank , the waitress/waiter, the nurse/doctor,the person who works at the depanneur, the housekeeper,the hairstylist,the parking attendant, the bartender,the chauffeur,and to all who wait upon us in some way. I say to you who feel downtrodden, forgotten, neglected,abused in some way I light a candle for you so the light will shine and let you know that someone somewhere cares and remembers. My beloved Michelle who is in heaven with the angels I think of you as if you were next to me, oh how your brother misses you, but I am THANKFUL for the short time we had to share. To those who grow the crops so we shall eat and be fulfilled I say to each one of you thank goodness you are there. At this time of year we take a pause to harvest all of the wonderful moments that we shall not forget, the bountiful riches bestowed upon us from all you this season our canadian THANKSGIVING

Times are a changing

As we look beyond the plains swift winds are a blowin, the once blue calm skies are grey. There is a nervousness in the air. Everywhere you read there seems to be a perception that we are about to experience an unstability of new dimensions. The untouchables are now being scorched by the fury of wreckless behaviour. The once secure establishment has now lost its lustre and the beacon of light has dimmed. We are now looking at troubled unchartered waters. The compass of direction is no longer a source of surety. The captain has abandoned ship and it is each man for himself. The last count of unanswered is still unknown. These are turbulent times and the waters keep rising claiming victims in every social status. The mouth of greed is swallowing the have's and have not's showing little mercy. Each and everyone of us knows a casuality and fright has taken ahold of us. As human beings we are the hunter being captured by the game. Indeed times are a changing.

Politics, Politicians, Reality

The other night there were elections held in a basement of a world famous church. Democracy was being expressed on a human scale in a small way. Each candidate had a certain alloted time to expound his or her opinions about the Old Montréal Business Community. After the different speeches had been said the time arrived for each person in the audience to cast their vote. Once counted the results were announced. Joy was expressed by most in the audience and deception felt by those who were rejected by the crowd at hand. These moments can be most uplifting for those chosen and agonizing for those who lost. In a small way the people spoke and asked that there voice be heard. Celebrations were held and hugs and kisses were distributed freely. For those who were chosen , now they will carry a great responsibilty to the electorate. Each one of us will have to make wise decisions and be better than those who we preceeded. A great task lies ahead and we will be judged by the choices we make. I for one look forward to this challenge and will do all in my power to be the best President of the S.D.C. Vieux-Montréal. I look across the borders of Canada and see the wind of change is blowing across the lands of the United States and yet here in Old Montréal we have risen to elect a black man to a most prestigious post to represent the berceau of Montréal, how times have changed, we have even surpassed our southern neighbour , once again Montréal takes the lead, and now all that is left is for Americans to follow in our footsteps. People are looking for the best person to represent them in these troubled times. In a small way we have set the pace and we wait with great anticipation for others to follow. Maybe Obama next, but we were first, and that is a reality.

Inner Circle

When you see them you are pleased, they make you laugh, they let you be yourself. You are willing to share and bare your soul, knowing that they will listen and give you a word or two. I feel at ease with them and can be just me. We do many things ensemble, we dine , drink wine and even break bread together. These people are from all walks of life, each one leaving there mark in one way or another. They express there desires and dreams and goals . We all have an appartenance in each other's lives. We enter and leave like ships coming into dock never knowing for how long we will stay, but always assured to come back another day. Each one of us sharing a link in the chain that keeps us as one. To see us together is to imagine the world as it could and should be, each one us representing a flavour of difference. Each one of us starting from somewhere and never knowing where it will lead, the unexpected, the challenge, always ready for the unknown. We all have strengths and weaknesses, but one thing in common ,we have a bond to always love and cherish that which is most important to us all, " Ladies and Gentleman "let me introduce you to the " Inner Circle "my most beloved mates, Geoff, Frank, Catherine,Louis and Momo.

To Whom It May Concern

We all seem to have an opinion about something, even though at times it does not mean that our expressed thoughts are always words of wisdom. I think at this moment people are trying to make the right choices to better there current situation. At the same time we see how people in high places are trying to woo voters in there proper camp. Honesty is not unfortunately the most cherished quality in the political sphere. People are searching for clear solutions to solve the immediate meltdown of their life savings. Frantically, economists are all giving their dire predictions to catastrophic consequences if the matter at hand is not rectified concerning these private instituions. People are wanting to believe that , yes these times are perlious , but generations ago not so far away lived through such terrible times. The human spirit is strong and we as a society when given the honest truth are able and willing to pull to-gether to help the downtrodden and those without. Mankind is a force to be recognized as a powerful tool that when needed will rise up and face the reality of what is at hand. All we ask is to be given the facts and not have the information spun and woven to satisfy certain interest groups. Self interest is a dead end solution that leads to know where and does not address the global problems facing us. We are all affected by this downturn so we need to hear words of truth and wisdom from our elected officials and those who wish to join those ranks. We will survive these challenges that we are about to confront, let us be bold and innovative in finding solutions. Attention politicians we too are concerned.

Situations,Solutions of hope.

I was thinking about the economic crisis that is happening at this time. Throughout the hemisphere there seems to be a nervousness about what is happening and how far reaching. We see people are no longer able to pay their mortgages because of being over extended. The world economy seems to be having jitters. One also can observe food prices have also risen causing the cost of living to rise. This situation is affecting affluent nations such as The United States of America and Canada to a lesser degree. We as a people have become overly indebt and now we are paying the price of our greed. Each one of us will have to find a way of downsizing our appetites of great expectations. The depth of this economic downturn is deep and will linger for a certain period of time leaving casualities along the way. Each and everyone one of us will have to become creative in finding ways to cope. Families will bear the brunt of this disaster inflicted in part by our desire to have more. Some of us feel untouched and others silently suffering along the way. We will have to scale back our friviolus desires of more, more and more. I have no solution for those in dire straits but only to pray that this crisis will teach us valuable lessons. Just maybe we will be able to come together and help one another and have a sense of community. In helping others you help your self, what do we have at this moment but hope.

Beliefs, Faith, Religion

Saturday evening , my parents who were visiting with me asked if I would go to a church service with them. The church where they worship when in Montréal is situated downtown. Many a time they have spoke of this Elder who is supposedly a very good orator. I replied that Sunday was a day where I always attend Mass at Basilica Notre-Dame. This is well known by close friends that Sunday mornings I will be out of circulation for at least an hour or two. We all have forms of belief.. Having values helps us carry ourself in a certain way.I believe that each one of us has values guided by those beliefs. Sunday morning arrived and each one of us went in our respective directions letting faith lead the way. Sitting in the Basilica for me is a time of listening to the choir sing, the organist playing the organ, and little one's running about as frantic parents try to silence their indisceplined angels. As the priest gives his sermon of the day I am able to find solace in his words of scripture. I do not profess to be religious or have religion but having a peace of mind at those moments of solitude surrounded by many a peoples. Young, old men women ,we are all there for different reasons but one in common to all, is to give thanks. The end of the Mass draws to it's final spoken word and now it is time to say good bye and meet again another Sunday. In leaving the Basilica I stop to light a candle to those dear to me , loved one's gone by and friends in need. Knowing that I will soon see my parents and we will compare notes about who said what. I feel that maybe this ritual is not for all, but each one of us is able to find his belief, express his faith in whatever religion it may be,with tolerance and respect for one another.

Cyberspace, Internet, Relationships, Writing a Letter

As some of you know my penmanship is atrocious. My handwriting is at certain times unreadable by even myself. I feel that with all the technology at our beck and call we are able to type a letter, a quick response or send an e-mail to a friend or loved one. Our mode of communication is that an invitation R.S.V.P. is now the norm accepted by e-mail. This type of technology has in some ways increased the accesability to many who would want to be in touch with there friends, co-workers, family and more often personal relationships. I ask myself has this mode of communicating de-humanized us in some way. I remember when we would write to each other in little school , and how the teachers would write by hand our bulletin grades with always remarks written on the side. I cherish letters that my mother writes to me and I am always in awe as how beautiful her and my father's penmanship is to this day. After much hesitation I now type my letters and invitations by computer as reading my handwriting is a most difficult task. In our cyberspace of mankind we are now able to chat with perfect strangers who are from far away lands. People now go on the net for many different reasons including pleasure. In speaking with people there seems to be a certain desillusion to the fact the cyberspace can also be a unenjoyable voyage. It is so easy to click and there you have all the world or almost in front of you on the screen, the good , the bad and sometimes the ugly. If we do not like what we see we, click off and go no further, or go to the next human offerings.We as human beings have now become desensistized to no longer take the time to know someone or take the time to learn something. Everything is now at our hands literally. The human aspect of writing the note of encouragement, or thank-you, the love letter written by hand has now become almost obselete. We have become the enemy of ourselves, progress. " I Want It Now" and by any means. I shall try to improve my penmanship to win back a piece of the human pie, the written letter is such a precious personal treasure that I will always cherish, a testimony to that person who loves , who writes again by hand.

Childhood Memories, Parents

Yesterday my parents arrived. This has been in the planning for a few weeks now. Of course I waited until the last moment to prepare for this anticipated visit. Telling friends that my parents were about to arrive seemed to be concieved already as a blessed event. Sarcasm plays a major role in my family matters. The first sighting give's one a pang of nostalgia flash of days gone by with your parents holding your hand making sure you do not fall. Now it is not quite the holding of their hands but making sure that they watch there step , don't forget to have breakfast, where are you going for lunch?, what do you want to do to-night? The roles have almost reversed each jocking for there respective new identitiy. I look at a distance and see two people who have stood the test of time. This has not always been a kind and easy road, there were moments of sheer suffering by the loss of my baby sister, I will always remember as my mother said ," Normally you children should be standing here putting us in the ground " These words have stayed with me and have never left. I shall maybe never have an experience of being a parent but those words repeated by my mother left an emptiness and my dear Michelle who departed to soon never had a chance to say au revoir. As the clock of life continues to tick we have all become independent and yet dependent for news from each other. This visit has given us all a chance to share meals to-gether, take walks in the Old City, attend cultural events, sharing laughter and just simply being a family.

Quiet Moments, A Time of Reflexion, Parents

As I began to write I was thinking what will I write about to-day. I have been having a quiet moment since this morning engaging in conversation only when necessary. The fact that I am often involved with people for hours at a time I appreciate ever so often a quiet moment. During these quiet moments I like to lose myself doing absolutely nothing, even going so far as daydreaming. This time of intellectual emptiness gives me a chance to be nonchalant caring about little. At one point or another I hear things that I probably would not have necessarily heard and notice the small things that may have been missed. The quiet time is a vacum at one moment waiting to be filled. As I slowly submerge from this cocoon of emptiness I slowly become aware of the immediate surroundings around me. I remember that my parents will be arriving this Monday and I have many things to take care of before they arrive. It is always good to receive family, mine visit for 10 days. I always find this a busy hectic time and with family, Mother and Father and myself at times it can become stressful as the fact is I continue my work schedule . Thus, as an only garcon in the family you feel that just maybe you could be neglecting them during there stay. Also as you observe your parents and you see them maturing as time goes by you reflect on the time factor and push aside the thought that this could be the last visit.

Frank "The Limo Guy"

To-day, I would like to share with my readers a personal story, actually each writing is a personal account of people, events and places. Last year I had been to the Turquoise Islands to do some Scuba Diving. I most definitely recommand this type of activity, as the marine life lets us humans see how they live in there still beautiful surroundings. After leaving the Turquoise Islands after a 14 day holiday junket I left behind baby white powdered sand, turquoise hued water and some of the most beautiful sunsets only angels could command. Four hours later I hear Bienvenue a L,Areoport Pierre Elliot Trudeau as swirling angry winds toss falling snowflakes carelessly about. My paradise is far behind me now and I must literally deal with the elements, custom authorities , lost baggage maybe , and another Montréal Winter 2007.After having recovered my luggage, and smiling ever so deciously at the female customs officer,I whisked through the line to face the elements. As the turning doors opened a gust of Artic air wrapped itself around me like a blanket never to let me go. The penetrating winds was a unwelcome suitor. As I turned to seek shelter a smiling oh so wickedly gentleman had the door of his Black Limousine beckoning me to enter, and I did . The black leather around me was warm and conforting. It was like being whisked away on Santas Carriage. I then asked as the doors shut and locks locked where were we going maybe to the North Pole . The driver told me to relax and enjoy and would take me wherever I wanted to go, hmmmmmmmmmmm maybe the Turquoise Islands again, no back to my senses home please. My friendship thus started this way with Frank "The Limo Guy". Being in the business that I do Frank is a valuable commodity. He takes people where they have to go to, and helps people live a dream if for a moment around the block or to hidden secret views of breathtaking scenes. Frank is the person who makes you feel like you are the most important person and as he says you are. Everyone should have a Frank in their life to share a story with, to talk about the wonderful things and yes the sad or troubled things, Frank will always be attentif and listen and share his life stories. I think of the film Venus with Peter O'Toole and the young girl being taken for a limousine ride and the expression on her face, this is what Frank my dear friend " The Limo Guy " does for us , when he takes us from one place to the next and we are all there with a smile and our eyes big and childlike, Frank each time he helps us feel special. You know that winter blizzard day arriving at the airport became a special feeling of warmth and comfort all because of Frank " The Limo Guy".

The Day After, 11 September 2008

Bobby said it all, "Michael you know how to throw a party." After 50 bottles of Champagne and 700 oysters, smoke salmon and wonderful Quebec cheeses. Everyone did there part and the playground emptied at minuit. The music, the Artwork, the people who came in great numbers (150) people was the last count. I feel that the beauty of theses events is that it brings people to-gether. Last night was a sheer success because of all the people who contributed their time , talents and energy. I want to say thank-you to all of you who came and participated in making this happen. The young musicians, Geoff, Antonio,Philippe, Solange,the staff of Garconniere,the media , Christian who filmed the event, Maciek who photographed everyone making us feel like we were stars of the movie screen. Some maybe would say that this is frivilous or decadent, I think and this is only my opinion, the musicians who played , the people who sang and rehearsed , the gentleman who opened 700 oysters , the beautiful woman who opened served the champagne, all of the people who decided to be there , the Artist who worked to have his works judged , all of this put together says something about the human spirit. It let's us know that the appreciation of one another is strong and we all being together as one is recognized. I would like to take this moment to say to all MERCI for to all and do not forget those who could not be somewhere with there family or loved one's, as to-day is the 11th of September. I thank all you, my family of friends who took the time to be with me.

Support, Encouragement, Special People

It is almost that time, in 1 hour everything starts to unfold and I am still at work and not the least concerned what is happening at the Penthouse at this very moment. By habit or tradition I always arrive when people are alreadly there. This morning I received encouragement from special people. I shall mention a few, Lotfi e-mailed from Paris, Jane from Miami Beach, Jean from Quebec City, Nick from Ontario , Nicole from New York, and Alexandre from Spain just to name a few. I warmly accept this expression of love from them who cannot be there in person but in spirit, and to-night when the band starts to play and the people arrive from the elevator into the Penthouse , and the singing starts, the champagne starts to flow, the oysters , cavair and foie gras, I will remember those who are there dear friends, new friends ,but surely those who let me know in some special way that were there thinking of me this day, this night , merci to my special people. I will raise a glass to you ce soir, my special people.

Anticipation, Bringing It All to-gether

Tomorrow the 10th of September 2008 will be the countdown to the main event, Quiros514, photo exhibit, Artist Antonio Quiros from Miami Beach , Geoff who will be launching his singing career, with the Francois Rousseau Group, this gathering of young spirits all nervous and excited at the same time. I have Christian Pomerleau filming the event, Maciek a photographer will be there to take pictures of the people in attendance. People ask me why I do this , for me it is a pleasure to see people realizing their dream. Also I feel like the gentleman in the film The Great Gatsby (Robert Redford ) it is fascinating to watch how everyone is getting along with each other in a controlled environment. The laughter, the human spirit at it's best, If I enjoy these moments it is because of the generosity of my friends who allow me to put on a show , so there is my Ego rearing its head. I am almost at one point nonchalant just before the main event .. I do feel that tomorrow will be my soirée in glory with everyone putting on there own special show in front of a live audience. Frank the limo guy who I will talk about in my future text will be there to encourage Geoff as so many others. Frank has had the pleasure of being there when Geoff decides to break a note or two. Frank is our dear friend and the limo guy. That is the context of this moment, everyone who will be participating tomorrow are all people who have affected my life in a special way. When I reflect for a moment and see all the different participants who will be there including the media I feel truly grateful and say : I guess this my way of saying MERCI ,, Thank-You to all of you. Oh by the way Happy Birthday to my dear friend Nicole, who works and lives in New York , that will be another story to write with a lot of enthousiasm, a demain.....

I Want To , I Will , I Have,,, Sharing a Dream

Yesterday I wrote about Artists, to-day is about sharing the dream, a dream that becomes a reality. I have a dear friend Geoff, who I have known for a short period of time. We quickly became goodfriends, each other understanding the kindness, and childlike innocence of each other. We laugh to-gether and at times literally hold each other up, but always being the gentleman that we are. Our friendship has grown leaps and bounds and we talk about life in general but oh so much about his dream. Geoff has the habit and a good one at that to sing for us at any moment where ever we may be, in his car, in a limousine, at the club,or in Old Montreal in a lane way. I have yet to tell him, or maybe I have, I remember when as a young lad I sang acappella in a private choir and enjoyed and still do being upfront in the spotlight. We were talking at one moment in between his serenading and I decided he must sing at one of my Artists Vernissage shows. This has been a dream of Geoff to launch seriously his singing career. He has shared this with us all in a personal way, and now we will all live his dream with him. Wednesday the 10th of September 2008 Geoff will sing and be accompained by the Francois Rousseau Group, a group of young musicians and back-up singers. That is what is so beautiful about my dear friend, he will share his dream with us all and in front of friends and strangers soon to be friends.

Art, Artists, and the World

Next week I will be hosting an Art show of Photos taken by Antonio Quiros, who is showing his works for the first time. I always am fascinated how artists see things a certain way and are able to put this on paper. The exhibit is called QUIROS514 ,being that the Island of Montréal area code is 514. Antonio 's photo exhibit features signs that confront us everyday as we walk and drive to and from. It will be interesting to see how someone from Miami Beach interperts Montréal signs. I have been involved in supporting Art Exhibits in my penthouse for a year now and it has been a most rewarding experience for myself and the different artists. It is exciting to see the evolution and changes as you watch the artist progress. I always say that if the world was run by artists probably the world would be an intersting place, maybe naive to say less wars, just imagine Canada being run by an artist this would be most definetly a better gouvernment then we have at this time. Looking back I feel that I have helped in a small way to contribute to give artist a platform to show their works. This has been and continues to be a positive contribution from the artist and the public who have shown there enthousiasm in great numbers. Hope to see everyone there the 10th of September 2008.