Good Morning from Warren Grove, Prince Edward
Where the snow hangs on in the woods sending its melting crystals to thirsty streams waiting.
Where the stubs of hay stand erect, saluting the sun through the last remnants of snow while they wait for their rooted feet to thaw and release the energy stored around them.
Whereas a 9-day old retiree, I am getting used to the calendar popping up at 6 am to tell me, “you have no scheduled events today.”
~ Ada Limon from "Notes on the Below" in THE CARRYING
It is heartbreaking to see the evil carried out in Ukraine, but as the darkness of events clouds our view, there is light there.
You will always find people who are helping.”
Here are just some of the helpers:
There are hundreds of helpers, but one needs to choose wisely.
( I have not researched their administration % costs versus dollars to those who need it, nor the validity of the organizations; I feel safe suggesting these.
World Central Kitchens. Chefs around the world go into harm's way to feed people. https://wck.org/story
Global Empowerment Mission GEM has supported missions in 28 countries, 50 US states, and territories, including the Caribbean. In addition, the organization's complete 360-degree response has a long-lasting institutional impact.
Flags for Good. Buy a Ukrainian Flag
Voices for Children Their objective is that every child suffering from the war in Ukraine must get psychological help in time.
Their values: respect for child’s dignity and rights; understanding the needs of every child to be heard; faith in getting the best results only with the help of partnership and mutual aid.
They work in various villages and towns along the frontline in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Russian philosopher Leo Tolstoy,
You should respond with kindness toward evil done to you, and you will destroy in an evil person that pleasure which he derives from evil.
Thinking about our species humankind led me down many paths, but trying to keep this blog to around 1000 words, I will focus on music and the second part of human-KIND.
Kind and caring people have come into my life at times. So many of us have been blessed by the love and kindness of others.
Before you know what kindness really is, you must lose things and feel the future dissolve in a moment like salt in a weakened broth. What you held in your hand, what you counted and carefully saved, all this must go so you know how desolate the landscape can be between the regions of kindness. How you ride and ride thinking the bus will never stop, the passengers eating maize and chicken will stare out the window forever. Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness, you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho lies dead by the side of the road. You must see how this could be you, how he too was someone who journeyed through the night with plans and the simple breath that kept him alive. Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside, you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing. You must wake up with sorrow. You must speak to it till your voice catches the thread of all sorrows and you see the size of the cloth. Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore, only kindness that ties your shoes and sends you out into the day to mail letters and purchase bread, only kindness that raises its head from the crowd of the world to say, it is I you have been looking for, and then goes with you everywhere like a shadow or a friend.
– Naomi Shihab Nye
Music is one area of living where people can agree that music, in most cases, brings people together regardless of one's culture and beliefs. Everyone can stand in awe of music that seems to have been conceived by someone's musical skill touched by a higher power.
I am not naive to think there is no “B-side” to this record; music is used to whip up emotions to the point of tribal group-think mindlessness.
We need always to question our personal beliefs. But it is not up to me to “challenge” yours.
Many people need more knowledge and less judgement. ~ Kushand Wisdom.
Vladimir Horowitz was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 1903 while it was under Russian occupation and part of the Russian Empire.
On December 18, 1925, Horowitz made his first appearance outside his home country, in Berlin. He later played in Paris, London, and New York City. Horowitz was selected by Soviet authorities to represent Ukraine in the inaugural 1927 International Chopin Piano Competition in Poland but decided to stay in the West and did not participate.
He passed away in November 1989. After watching the video below, I imagine if he was playing this today, his tears are for the pain being experienced in and for Ukraine.
Last week, we sold our little company to Adam and Marsha Doiron. This blog post goes into detail regarding the change. However, I am grateful they asked me to continue writing Bruce’s Muses for the unforeseeable future.
I started a new blog as well to keep myself engaged with life.
A Bunch of Good Things is where I plan to write daily. Covering subjects inspired by studying things about philosophy, psychology, spirituality, music, cultures, nature, personal development, architecture, or whatever thread I feel inspired to pull on.
The site is less than 70% ready but 100% ready to have you sign up.
Last week, we asked for emails only and thanks to those who signed up. You made me feel hundreds of waves of warm gratitude.
I was disappointed with the system not allowing me to only ask for emails and first names.
Using their protocol, I asked for first name, last name, and email this week.
Please understand I DO NOT share any information with anyone. It is strictly between you and me.
If you signed up last week, you could sign up again with your full name and same email address. However, you will not get two newsletters.
I would love to send a newsletter using your first name. I hope you will sign up here.
"If you look deep enough, you will see music; the heart of nature being everywhere music." ~ Thomas Carlyle
( I can’t find the author's name. Anyone?)
I wish everyone a peaceful weekend.
With love from Prince Edward Island.
Sincerely,
Bruce + Millie
ps. Your Morning Smile
A first-grader came to the ophthalmology office where I work to have his vision checked. He sat down, and I turned off the lights.
Then I switched on a projector that flashed the letters F, Z and B on a screen. I asked the boy what he saw.
Without hesitation, he replied, "Consonants."
Comments
Irena said:
I was catching up reading your blogs and just read that you have sold the company. Happy for you and Millie and wish you both all the best success and every happiness You were so much THE Preserve Company that it seems impossible you won’t be there……
May this new journey be freeing, inspirational and fulfill your every hope and dream!
Godspeed!!!!
(Any chance you might make “guest appearances” – in Highland dress?)
April 23, 2022
Carter Cincotta said:
Good for you Bruce. Now you will have time for yourself. Being retired is being free. You will keep busy, but at your own choice. You built a great company with great products and service to be proud of. You and Shirley can do things you always wanted to do. But keep yourself busy.
April 17, 2022
Derinda said:
Thank you for another interesting and thought provoking Blog again. Hope you are settling in to Retirement. Do you still live in New Glasgow. The Music was beautiful. We will be in your part of the world in August and hope to visit the PEI Factory again.
Derinda
April 10, 2022
Norma said:
Dear Bruce
When I read in the newspaper that you had sold the business I was disappointed at first. I was comforted when I realized that the BLOGS will continue…Love them ! Best wishes to the new owners and to you, Bruce. take time for yourself, enjoy the little gifts life brings along. Hope to get to New Glasgow soon.
April 10, 2022
Murdock Morrison said:
Hi Bruce – it must feel a little different now that you are not overseeing the Preserve Company but I am glad that you still plan to write with A Bunch of Good Things . Your helpers idea was a really good one as the list you gave is very good. The Voices for Children was great too and the focus on " kindness " and then on “music” brings it all into a reality that we need in our lives. I will watch the video on Horowitz later but I sense that it is a moving and tender piece. We are getting ready in a month to go to our cottage in Cavendish as that is where we always want to be. Murdandcon
April 10, 2022
Kay said:
Congratulations on your retirement, you may find you are just as busy as before. Thanks for your blog, the beautiful music & scenery.
April 09, 2022
Margaret E. Howard said:
Bruce, I feel like I’ve known you for a long time, not well, but through your restaurant. I was surprised to learn of your selling the business but pleased it was to locals. I dropped in on Saturday and introduced myself. It meant nothing to them but when I told them I was known in this area as Mark Gallant’s wife, they lit up and named his family. It was my friend, Judy, who told me about your blogs recently. I’ve enjoyed the first one I have read, which was todays. Thanks for your message. It is much appreciated. Good luck and many blessings in your retirement. Glad to read you are going to guide the new owners. That will be priceless for them.
April 09, 2022
Nancy Hammerton said:
Bruce, I left a job I loved, but it was time, perhaps you feel that way, too. It was at the beginning of May. The first few days I could not get the hang of what time it was, let alone what I could/should do. Finally, I went out and spent May in my gardens. That time outdoors put me right again. Maybe your gardens will be for you what they were (and still are) for me. I agree with the person who said, “Look out! You can find yourself busier than when you were working .’” Now I love my days and wake up thinking, “Today I get to….”, not “today I have to.” May it become so for you and Shirley.
Nancy Hammerton
April 09, 2022
Marylou Sinnott said:
Congratulations on the sale of your business – you will be deeply missed
April 09, 2022
Julie MacKenzie said:
Enjoy your retirement. Looking forward to reading “A Bunch of Good Things”. Keep on, keeping on. Have a great weekend!
April 09, 2022
althea said:
Mornin’, Bruce,
Lyrical blog. Beautiful.
Thanks for list re helpers.
Keep on truckin’, chum. Keep on truckin’.
love and blessings.
althea
April 09, 2022
Susan B said:
Bruce and Shirley,
Congratulations on the difficult decisions you have made.
You will now both have time to reflect on your wonderful accomplishments !!
The PEI Preserve Company and everything associated with it is your lasting legacy.
I am so happy that we will continue to be in touch.
Susan B
April 09, 2022
Lyndal Joseph said:
As to your retirement, consider the words of Willie Nelson, “Still is still moving to me”.
I look forward to your next chapter.
Lyn
April 09, 2022
Bob Griffin said:
Bruce, your positive spirit and unfettered sharing of your life and thoughts has been a blessing over the years. And your preserves have been a tasteful reminder of PEI as each jar is opened.
April 11th marks 1 year since my retirement, the 12th selling our house, and the 13th moving from our now-empty home of decades to a village of hundreds of retirees 1100 miles away. At 73, it was past time for retirement, with strength and health fading fast. But it WAS not easy.
It still IS not easy. It is a return to life as a 5-year-old again. In those first years of life, I never had a thought about an alarm clock, a schedule, a bank account, or a pantry. After those halcyon days, life became regimented, regulated, with school, university, seminary, 51 years of pastoral ministry. Then back to no alarm, no list of must-do chores, no heavy demands.
But it is simply another step along the journey, embraced by love of family and friends, held by God’s omnipotent hand, pointed by faith in the direction of the heavenly while still walking on terra firma. These 12 months a transition much like heading out the door to kindergarten again.
I covenant to pray for you, your bride, and Millie, in your transition back to kindergarten. And your progression step by step on toward eternity. Your blog has been a one-sided friendship to an old preacher that needed a friend more than you could realize.
April 09, 2022
Nancie Stevenson said:
I look forward to your blogs. They are inspiring and so enjoyable to read. I wish you and Shirley well. I suspect you will not be totally retired. I am busier now than I was a few years ago and am loving every minute. Take care and blessings on your next adventures.
April 09, 2022