Free hugs in downtown Vancouver during the Olympics..

There's lots of action going on in Vancouver with the 2010 Olympics here and so I went down to the city to get caught up in all the festivities and fun. Red patriotism everywhere which is quite incredible for us Canadians who are usually fairly reserved, and great food and coverage of the games everywhere. While I was wandering down Granville street, past musicians and artistic displays, past human statues, and jump rope artists I came upon a sign being held by a friendly looking fellow that said "Free hugs". Well, at any moment in life - someone could use one of those so I stepped right up and even got a photo for a souvenir. The day was clear and sunny and this random act of cheerfulness was a pleasant surprise. Some may say creepy - but I just didn't get that impression. So part 2 of this story is that I was looking through our local papers and there was an article called "Free hugs create smiles during Games". It was the story about a couple of guys, one whom I apparently met named Klezli. The article coined him as the happy-go-lucky guy with the dreadlocks, big blue eyes and huge smile. He is part of the Free Hugs campaign. Something that started in Australia in 2004 by a young man using the pseudonym Juan Mann. According to his story, he was living in London and when he returned to Australia, there was no-one to greet him at the airport. Standing in the arrivals terminal and watching friends and family hug each other, he wanted to feel the same sense of connection. It took off as a world-wide thing. Klezli says he does it himself just for fun, with a chuckle. He says the best part is watching the expressions on people's faces and absorbing all the positive energy.
I didn't realize there was such a story to this whole random thing - and I like it. Not much is free these days - but a hug still is, and it's pretty much guaranteed to be well worth the money. Our city is bursting with visitors and locals alike. The sun has shone, the snow has melted and then the rain showed up that put a little more snow on our mountains. That's Vancouver, unpredictable but delightful. Come see us when the crowds are gone and you will probably even find a parking spot!

Is love in the air ?

Not the true cupid which lies in the heart of deep admiration and respect for someone - but the imposter......Valentines day... It's the month where we are suppose to tell and show others or perhaps someone special how much we love them. I wonder, really - is it right that we have to do this on 1 specific day of the year? How does that really work? The other 364 are just left to chance - a "but you know I love you anyways" kind of thing. I admit full well that I don't exude love at all moments at the best of times but deep inside where all secrets lie I cherish and value the people I love for many reasons. A card here, a flower there, candies, candles, lingerie, dinner or a coffee or a tea, they are all a pleasant surprise but I think the best thing is the random compliment that everyone could use when you least expect it - It serves as the best way to say I love something about you and I'm compelled to tell you. The hug that makes you feel like someone truly cares about your well-being and the phone calls that say "just checking in because I heard you were sick". That's my kind of Valentines day. So I wish you all a day full of love and compliments - and as you see all the stores brimming with things that your suppose to buy to show your love - remember that it's the behavior that shows love and not the gift itself.

Love you all - everyday.

100 things I'd like to do.... someday......

1. Publish a book
2. Sleep under the stars
3. Play bass guitar in a band
4. Visit France
5. Drive a Ferrari
6. Give more than I can afford to charity
7. Go to Disneyworld
8. Live in a penthouse suite
9. Hold a butterfly on my finger
10. Sing karoke
11. Have a black weiner dog
12. Design my own home with a huge fountain for a hot tub
13. Climb a lighthouse
14. See a ballet
15. GO GATOR HUNTING! Did it!
16. Pay for my shopping with a black Visa
17. Walk to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grow my own vegetables
19. See the Mona Lisa in France
20. Sleep on an overnight train
21. Have a water fight while washing the car
22. Hitchhike
23. Take a sick day when I'm not
24. Built a snow fort
25. See my children find love and success in thier lives
26. Go skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ride in a gondola in Venice
29. Meet Betsey Johnson
30. Watch a sunrise
31. Hit a home run
32. Go on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visit the birthplace of my ancestors
35. See an Amish community
36. Learn to speak Italian
37. Have enough money to treat a friend when I feel like it.
38. See the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Bath in a warm waterfall
40. See Michelangelo’s David
41. See a big fashion show in Milan or
42. See Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Buy a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visit Africa
45. Walk on a beach by moonlight
46.
47. Have my portrait painted by a street artist in Europe
48. Swim with dolphins
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Be at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Go scuba diving or snorkeling with giant turtles
52. Kiss in the rain
53. Own a 59 Cadillac convertible with big fins
54. Go to a drive-in
55. Be in a movie
56. Visit the Great Wall of China
57. Start a business
58. Watch a movie in the back yard on a big screen
59. Experience a turkish bath house
60. Serve at a soup kitchen
61.
62. Go whale watching
63. Get flowers for no reason
64. Donate a body part .
65. Have a little getaway cottage on the water
66. Win a jackpot in Vegas
67.
68. Fly in a helicopter
69. Live in a brownstone with a rooftop patio
70.
71.
72. Make a pieced quilt
73. Stand in Times Square
74.
75.
76.
77.
78. Be on a speeding motorcycle
79. See the Grand Canyon in person
80.
81. Visit the Vatican
82.
83. Walk in Jerusalem
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89. Save someone’s life
90. Sit on a jury
91. Meet someone famous
92. Join a book club
93. Host a costume party
94.
95. Have a photo published in a magazine
96.
97.
98.
99.
100. Ride an elephant



I have left some blanks so I can add to my list when I feel the need to. Something to think about anyways. Have you ever thought about your list? You might surprise yourself.