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Are You Mourning?, A Class Divided, Sheep Smarts

Are You Mourning?, A Class Divided, Sheep Smarts

Good Morning from Prince Edward Island,
 
Time for a quick cuppa? Great, thank you for inviting me in to your world today.
 
I am here, but I am mourning.
 
2020 is proving to be a tough year.
 
Globally, I mourn for the lack of civility being shown by those in positions of power.
 
Globally, I mourn for those who have died because of the colour of their skin.
 
Globally, I mourn for those who died defending freedom.
 
Globally, I mourn for those who raised or educated in a system perpetuating racism or judgement of any kind.
 

There is a once in a lifetime (hopefully) global pandemic along with a centuries-old global systemic problem of tribalism.

Yesterday, demonstrators marched in Charlottetown against anti-black racism in wake of the George Floyd murder. CBC story here.

Pitting people of a different colour, sexual orientation, and social status against another is wrong.

What can I do?
 
I need to pray.
 
I need to listen.
 
I need to listen again to all communities of people. I will work to have a deeper understanding of their experiences and pain.
 
I need to commit to doing everything I can to fill gaps in my knowledge about systemic racism. Books, podcasts, and film.
 
As a company, we commit to our continuation of being inclusive. And support our staff who experience difficulties in life because of ignorance.
 
I need to do my part to speak and work against systemic racism.
 
We are all one of a kind. Let’s be kind and one.
 
When I started to write this Saturday morning blog, I committed to myself speaking with a voice of encouragement and hope.
 
Today, I am still hopeful of peace-loving people coming and working together for change.
 
We receive our “education” in many places, home, school, church, on the street, and media.
 
What is said, and not said affects us all.
 

If you have the courage, I recommend watching, “A Class Divided.” Jane Elliott, the teacher deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. The wisdom shared by the grade three students brought me to tears.

Logic will lead you from point A to point B. Imagination will take you everywhere. ~ Albert Einstein

Artists have always been a voice for change.
 
In many cities where boarded-up windows are part of the landscape, artists are painting messages of hope and inspiration.
 
 

I do not want my house to be walled on all sides and my windows’ shutters to be shut and nailed: I want culture of all countries to flow into my house freely. And yet, I do not want to be knocked off my feet. ~ Mahatma Gandhi

This morning I have been listening to Bach: Unaccompanied Cello Suites Yo-Yo Ma 

Yo-Yo Ma plays J.S. Bach's Cello Suite No. 1


 

Yesterday, our photographer, graphic designer and friend, Katherine MacLaine captured wonderful photos in our gardens and share them in our Gardens of Hope blog. Click here to view.

Starting today and until next Friday we have a contest. Three lucky winners will be able to choose any mug from our selection of Dunoon Fine Bone China and we will send it to them. Enter Here. Tell me which one you would like. 

Much love to you and yours, and please be safe out there.

Take care. Each of us is our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper.
 
Sincerely,
 
Bruce & Millie
There is enough dividing us, let’s unite in hope. And humour helps.
 
ps. "The restoration of humour is one clear mark that a person is getting healthy because I think ... finding something funny means being able to distance yourself ... being able to manipulate ... being able to think about things in multiple ways, which really is the core of a healthy, well-lived human life." ~ Dr. Steven Gimbel
 
pss.
“I love my job,” a farmer says out loud. A sheep replies, “Ha! All you do is boss me around all day!” The farmer, clearly upset by this responds, “What did you just say?” The sheep replies, “You herd me!”
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Comments

June Erlandson - June 6, 2020

Well stated….
We weep, pray & seek to do something positive.
I am a retired nurse. Nursing is a team effort and often having
diverse coworkers gives us strength.

althea - June 6, 2020

Bruce, for me, your finest blog yet. Humble. Truthful. Thought provoking. Courageous. Simple in its beauty and honesty. Thanks, once again, for Katherine’s lovely shot of the gardens. Helped ease a 1965 Montreal memory brought back from A Class Divided. Love. Hugs. Peace. Blessings.

Patricia Jones - June 6, 2020

I certainly hope our borders will open soon and I can drive over the bridge.. it was such a treat to see the beautiful photos , and Hope Cottage where I enjoyed a few days last summer, and your heartfelt message..
Stay safe..
Patricia

Mary Mosher - June 6, 2020

Hi Bruce – If I were to win the mug draw I would love to have the Henley birdsong pink. I am awaiting tendon surgery on my hand and have dropped and broken 3 of my beautiful mugs. I miss the morning ritual of choosing the cup of the day for my coffee.
So look forward to your blogs each week. Thank you for taking the time to brighten our lives.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=210226790420522 – came across this on You Tube and thought you would enjoy it. Take care

Marlene Boakes - June 6, 2020

Amazing video “A Class Divided” and beautiful view through the gardens. I miss coming in with the coaches. Always a great blog. Have a super day.

Mary Larson - June 6, 2020

Very much appreciate your blog. I remember fondly our visit and the excellent food. I just entered for a free mug, but because of my computer skills, I may have requested the wrong mug if I win. Don’t know how to change it.

Julie MacKenzie - June 6, 2020

I love Jane Elliot. I saw that clip of her in the classroom about 2 years ago. It was all-telling…such a simple experiment…but just showed how easily that kind of division can separate & cause anger & hatred. A great lesson learned. She is genius. We all live in an imperfect world…but, the awakening has started & we just have to realize we are one race. The “Human race”. Your Blog was wonderful. Realizing there is a problem, is a start for change. One step at a time…;)

Tati - June 6, 2020

Dear Bruce, Thank you again for your post. I look forward to them every Saturday morning. I listened to this blog post by Brene Brown this week. You may find it of interest https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-ibram-x-kendi-on-how-to-be-an-antiracist/
Thank you for all, your words, thoughts and always the music shared with us.

Marlene Andrews - June 6, 2020

Spring is such a beautiful season and the pictures of the gardens are lovely. Thinking of you and your family as you face an uncertain summer.

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