Measuring Who We Are... Rolly A. Chabot

Freezing rain followed by a skiff of snow is what I see greeting us out there this morning. How lucky we have been to date as the past few years winter has arrived much earlier. Care needs to be taken on my driveway as I have a crazy 18 degree slope. Trust me mornings like this are not exactly the best for walking in leather cowboy boots... I know from previous experience.

So here I sit with my faithful canine editor Quigley. The fireplace is emitting this beautiful warmth, steaming cup of coffee awakens the senses. This morning I have two loaves of Sourdough bread baking in the oven so there is yet another tempting smell wafting its way throughout the house. Please gather around and find a place to settle in for a while. Leave a comment if you like and know that you are all welcomed here at the Fireside... attached are the must have and must give hugs... so welcome.

The bike has been stored for yet another year along with many of the summer toys. The sailboat, pontoon boat and all the fly fishing gear have been stowed. In anticipation of tying some fly's for the 2017 fly fishing season has my supplies all in one place. For me there is a certain appreciation in tying a fly that will attract that elusive trout. The key is to offer them a duplicate or as close to a duplicate that nature provides. Once a trout takes your offering the satisfaction of knowing you have done well gives a sense of peace. The second satisfaction is lovingly releasing the fish knowing they will come back another day.

The garage has been cleaned out. My studio I built a few years back awaits for woodcarving again. It is a labour of love to watch a creation appear from a select piece of wood. Often it will sit for years before the right subject emerges. This year I have several commissions to complete for people. I have taken just enough on where I can still enjoy what I am doing rather than being bogged down creating and attempting to meet dates for special occasions.

I have so many hobbies I prepared for this time called retirement, yet another is painting. Over the past few years I inherited the supplies of two very talented artists who have passed away. The mantle has been passed down to me. Both experimented in all forms of painting, Charcoal, pastels, acrylics and of course oils. I could open a used artist supply store with all I have on hand. Alas this is retirement and of course I have writing which keeps the creative side flowing.

I would be remiss if I were not to comment on World Affairs. It has been a year of massive change and uncertainty. A time when I see civil unrest reach a new high, fear, anxiety and uncertainty have brought anarchy to a new level.

As many of you know I am a christian, for me it is simple I know who is the true leader. It is not man and his or her ideology. I am not here to cast judgement on anyone and or their belief systems no matter what they are. Nor will I impose mine on you. I will and do take a stand when I am told if I do not follow what you believe you assume you have the right to take my life. Nor will I live in fear of repercussions should I be confronted with the threats that seem to encompass the world.

People are living in an unsettled state. They all have to work to be able to provide for their families and their lifestyle. We are all caught up in not knowing or understanding the increase in the cost of living. The cost of all our services are on the rise and as consumers we need to continually adapt to changing time. Crime is on the increase, laws have been changed in an effort to not impose on anyones rights. When I was young the penalty for murder was death. Now I am seeing murderers getting off with only a few years. Recently in my small town where there is no crimes several cases of arson have been reported. Peoples property have been vandalized, paint being thrown on peoples cars, houses defaced with graffiti and for what? Anyone with any of the basic morals and values in life are being tested to their limits, once targeted they become victims and the unrest grows.

Elections of Governing parties with recent election campaigns have taken a new all time low. In the US after 18 months of being inundated with fighting and bickering, name calling and slanderous remarks there has been a definite outcome. So does that satisfy everyone, in a perfect world yes, in reality no. Who do I lean towards is not the point as I do not have a vote. It is not my country. Do I have a voice in Canada's last election, certainly. Did my choice make it into office... No and as I sit back and think we have another 3 years of this governing body. About all I see coming from the decisions that are made is a daily accumulation of massive debt.

The rioting and discourse we see happening in the US can be blamed on many things. But stop and think of this for a moment. After a full 18 months of televised fighting and arguing have the leaders not taught others it is ok to create havoc? Have they not set the tone for people to respond? Have they not created the sense that anything can be considered normal? How do you stop the insurgence of anarchy other than using force, in my opinion there is no one in power who wants to be the one to call in the National Guard. After all that may tarnish their image and yet the rest of country has to live in fear of will their business be the next to be destroyed. What is it we here in North America can do as a people to quell those who demand being heard?

I certainly do not have the answer and yet I know deep in my heart that people simply want to live in peace. What would it look like if we had a world that could get along?

Personally I think the answer lies deep within each of our hearts. We were created to love each other. I am not talking about this "Airy Ferry" kind of tupper-ware love. What I mean is this deep desire to care for each other no matter the colour of our skins, no matter what our belief system is. All lives matter, all lives have a purpose, all lives have the right to be whom they want to be.

Random acts of kindness, reaching out to another and showing genuine compassion can open doors to everyones world. Trust will come after it has been established. Please take the time today to speak to a stranger. It takes nothing but a little of your time and a smile, nothing more, nothing less. Conversations can be started over anything, just simply say hello.

Thank you for stopping today, you as always are welcome here. Share with me if you like how that small token of kindness as opened the door to a smile from a total stranger. If you are a stranger here introduce yourself and know that you are welcome... Hugs and blessings to all...

© Rolly A. Chabot