Good Morning from Prince Edward Island.
Put the kettle on. Oh, you are on your second cup?. What are you having this morning? I am enjoying one of my favourites, our 2020 Organic PEI Breakfast
Are you interested in having me send you a bag of our blended-in-house 2020 Organic Prince Edward Island Breakfast Tea? Please respond in the comments, and I will put those names in the hat and choose three winners.
I don’t know about you, but I find it hard to believe it is August 22, 2020.
The conversations around the building with staff is interesting as we have teachers who work here part-time, and we have Mom’s preparing to send their children back to school for the fall. And with all the talk of a second wave, the stress levels are moving the needle a bit.
We have to keep moving, thinking and acting safely. I also feel we need to treat each other with decency and empathy.
Do you like lighthouses as much as I do? The history lives, and stories behind them have been the fodder for many books and films.
One of my favourites is the Blockhouse Point Lighthouse, built-in 1876 as the outer light for the Charlottetown Harbour. Take a peek at Brian McInnis’s photo essay of 19 of Prince Edward Island’s lighthouses.
I mentioned two weeks ago that I was back in book reading mode to complete 20 books in 2020. Happy to say, I finished #8 this week, “See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love by Valerie Kaur
Valarie Kaur is a renowned Sikh activist, filmmaker, and civil rights lawyer. Her excellent storytelling takes readers through her own riveting journey as a brown girl growing up in California farmland finding her place in the world; as a young adult galvanized by the murders of Sikhs after 9/11; as a law student fighting injustices in American prisons and on Guantánamo Bay; as an activist working with communities recovering from xenophobic attacks; and as a woman trying to heal from her own experiences with police violence and sexual assault. Drawing from the wisdom of sages, scientists, and activists, Kaur reclaims love as an active, public, and revolutionary force that creates new possibilities for ourselves, our communities, and our world. See No Stranger helps us imagine new ways of being with each other—and with ourselves—so that together we can begin to build the world we want to see. (taken from her Amazon bio and edited)
There were many items I highlighted in this book, and some of my favourites were:
"The more you love, the more you grieve.”
“Any act to change the world around us begins within us.”
“I do not owe my opponents my affections, warmth, or regard. But I do owe myself a chance to live in this world without the burden of hate.”
“Listening is a strategic choice. The more I listen, the more I understand. I am persuaded that there is no such things as monsters in this world, only human beings who are wounded.”
“Empathy is cognitive and emotional-to inhabit another person’s view of the word is to feel the world with them.”
“We can have all the empathy in the world for a group of people and still participate in the structures and systems that oppress them. We might believe we are listening, but we have journeyed only half of the circle. We have drawn close to the story and lost ourselves in another's experience, but we haven't returned to ourselves and asked: What does this demand of me? Is it the reckoning of my privilege? Is it an expansion of whose struggles connect with mine? What will I do differently now?
“True understanding is not possible unless we risk changing our worldview.”
“You don't have to make yourself suffer in order to serve. You don't have to grind your bones into the ground. You don't have to cut your life up into pieces and give yourself away until there is nothing left. You belong to a community and a broader movement. Your life has value. We need you alive. We need you to last. You will not last if you are not breathing.”
“Without loving ourselves, our other efforts to love fail.”
“Joy returns us to everything that is good and beautiful and worth fighting for.”
If 'See No Stranger" is a book you would be interested in, I am happy to pass it forward to one of you. Please let me know in the comment section of the blog if you are interested. I will add everyone’s name to the hat and do a draw.
Yesterday, I started #9, The Library Book by Susan Orlean.
From My Learning Journals this week.
Active vs. Passive
The hard truth is that most things in your life – good and bad – are your fault. The sooner you realize that the better things will be. Here’s how to cultivate an active mindset and take control of your life.
The passive mindset is defined by an attitude, an assumption that life happens to you, and you’re not responsible. People with this mindset also say things like, “Why does this always happen to me?”
When the language you use about things going on in your life is passive, you slowly convince yourself that nothing is your responsibility. This makes you feel good because it absolves you from responsibility. It means you don’t have to look inside yourself and change anything. It means you’re not in control.
Well, I have news for you: you are in control. You’re in control of how you respond to the ups and downs of life. You’re in control of how you talk to yourself.
An active attitude means ownership. You own your failures. An active mindset means you are responsible for the things you control. ~ Shane Parish, The Knowledge Project
With children heading back to school soon, perhaps the teachers could get some inspiration from the following or better yet the principal and the administration could welcome the staff back to school. What do you think?
Today, I have been listening to Gabriel Stern, Bach: Goldberg Variations. Sample listen here.
With love from Prince Edward Island.
Have a wonderful day, let’s dance...
Sincerely,
Bruce & Mille
ps.
"How was your blind date?" a college student asked her roommate.
"Terrible!" the roommate answered. "He showed up in his 1932 Rolls Royce."
"Wow! That's a very expensive car. What's so bad about that?"
"He was the original owner!"
Comments
Joan Todd said:
Is it too late to enter the draw for the tea? I just looked at this Blog this morning.
That flash mob brought tears to my eyes actually. That is so interesting to see the
surprise on people’s faces. And the lighthouses….absolutely love them and have yet to see one!
Anything nautical. Just bought the latest magazine on the Titanic.
Happy Sunday Bruce! JT
August 29, 2020
Kristin Murphy said:
Hi,
I am interested in being entered into the drawing to receive your blended-in-house 2020 Organic Prince Edward Island Breakfast Tea. Thank you!
August 25, 2020
C Carlyle said:
Your blog is my Sunday reading ritual, thank you for sharing your thoughts and learning. I would love to be included in your tea giveaway (tea is my happy place).
August 24, 2020
Jillian said:
Hi Bruce! My dad loves your blog and this week he wanted me to have a read. I’m sure he would love to be added to your draw for the book as he’s too shy to ask. PS. I love your blog and especially love your Island Preserve Company. Couldn’t make it to the island this year due to Covid but I’ll be back as soon as possible – cheers Jillian
August 24, 2020
Gail Smith said:
Thank you so much for your inspiring and thought provoking weekly blogs. They are always a great weekend read! I would love to be a part of your tea draw and a chance to win a great cuppa! Keep up the good work on your books.
August 23, 2020
Robin Burns said:
Bruce, your words inspire me to be a better person. Your reading suggestions, quotes and tales add a new perspective to my outlook on life and open my world to different possibilities. Thank you!
While I lovey morning tea, I would be honoured to be included in your draw for passing along the book “See No Stranger” and if my name is selected promise to continue your path by passing it forward to another reader. May I suggest you sign or write a message inside the cover so each future reader can see what this book has meant to those that have already had the pleasure of its writings
August 23, 2020
Denise Richard said:
I would love to receive some PEI breakfast tea, it is sooo good. I was so happy to see a picture of Millie, she is so pretty. Is she going to learn how to dance??? Have a wonderful day.
August 23, 2020
Mary Zelli said:
Good evening Bruce, I look forward to your blog every Saturday. You are an inspiration with what you write and I love the pictures and stories of Millie. I’d love to read Valerie Kaur’s book and enjoy a sample of your tea while doing so. The quotes you provided were thought provoking and I’d like to read more. I’ve done lots of reading and walking since the virus began and would love to be able to travel to your beautiful island someday if/when the borders ever open again. Be safe and keep on reading and writing.
August 23, 2020
Brynhilde Roth said:
Bruce,
Sitting at home in Virginia, wishing our bags were packed and ready to go in the morning! Tomorrow (August 23) was to be the beginning of our trip to Prince Edward Island! In the morning we’ll enjoy a cup of tea and some of your strawberry preserves on English muffins; we’ll toast you, your family and staff, wishing all of you the very best!
Take care and stay safe, Bryn and Dick Roth
August 23, 2020
Donna W. said:
I would love to be included in your tea drawing. I enjoy all of your products. I hope we can visit next summer!
August 23, 2020
Joyce Gaudette said:
Would love to try blended-in-house 2020 Organic Prince Edward Island Breakfast Tea. We are still hoping to visit PEI this year without a 14 day quarantine. Maybe in October it will be possible. We so miss our annual visit to relatives and friends, attending ceildahs, and touring the beautiful landscape. I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts. Thank you
August 22, 2020
Jennifer Reschke said:
I truly enjoy your thoughtful and uplifting blog posts. I have been meaning to make the Lemon and Lavender Shortbreads from the recipe posted and few weeks ago. The Breakfast Tea would be a wonderful accompaniment!
August 22, 2020
Annie said:
Wonderful, uplifting post – thank you! And, as a teacher, I laughed heartily at the suggestion that the administration welcome us back with a surprise choreographed dance – but I assure you, when I get to see my students face to face, I plan on dancing up a storm!!! Oh, how I would dearly love to win some tea…online grading is easier with a cuppa.
Thank you again for all you do through your blog – you are encouraging so many and making this dark world so very bright every Saturday.
August 22, 2020
Susan W. said:
I once again thoroughly enjoyed your blog, particularly the active vs. passive commentary which I thought was excellent. Please add my name to your drawing as I would love to try that organic breakfast tea. Many thanks!
August 22, 2020
Jane Hoeksema said:
Thank you for the story on PEI’s lighthouses! Love the pictures. Would like to visit your beautiful island again someday!
August 22, 2020
Teddie Steede said:
It was so nice to read your blog. I have written some of the sayings in my affirmation Diary. It is very important for me to read things to help keep my mind clear during these times.
Thanks for continuing to be an inspiration.
“Stay Safe and Stay Calm“
Teddie from BC.
August 22, 2020
Shirley Dail said:
Bruce
You are the best. I look forward to your blog every Saturday since we visited your place in 2017. I send it on to two friends too.
If you send to the US I would like to be in the drawing for tea and the book
All the best to you and your family from another Shirley in North Carolina
August 22, 2020
Penny Wright said:
Loved everything about this blog…. see you tomorrow, Penny Wright
August 22, 2020
Sharon Kalich said:
The dancers are amazing….what a way to come to work! I look forward to all your words of wisdom and goodies every Saturday. Makes my day! I would love some of your PEI tea to savour in the middle of winter so please enter me in the hat. Your dog is so adorable…would love to see a furry pic at the end of your blog every week.
Sharon
August 22, 2020
Joan Cummins said:
Enjoy your blog each Saturday with a cup of tea. Sharing a cup with you would be good 😊
August 22, 2020
Brenda Saluk said:
I enjoy waking up every Saturday to your Blog in my in-box. There seems to be something that touches each and every week!
I would love to read the book by Valerie Kaur, it sounds like a very good read indeed. Please add my name to the draw for that.
As I am a “tea granny”, I would also love to receive a sample of the organic breakfast tea.
Brenda
August 22, 2020
Elizabeth Tilley said:
Loved the lighthouse tour. Perhaps I’ll do the tour in person this fall and have a nice piece of your raspberry pie as a treat at the end.
I’d love to be in the tea draw- a huge tea drinker.
August 22, 2020
Julie Joly said:
Good morning from Alberta. Great blog! Always been fascinated by the lighthouses on Prince Edward Island definitely am missing our visit there this year. Love the mob dance. Dancing always does make for a happy heart. I would definitely be interested in my name being entered into your tea or book draw. I would – if chosen for sure pass the book forward as well. Thank you and have an awesome week. Julie
August 22, 2020
Barbara Niblett said:
Having my second cup of tea. Enjoy your blog to get me started for the weekend. I would love to try your PEI organic breakfast tea.
August 22, 2020
Kay said:
I love your tea & would love to be entered in the draw! That is one of your teas that I don’t have in my cupboard…. yet. Love your preserves too, I am definitely going to try the pavlova recipe. Thanks Bruce, I look forward to your blog every Saturday. Keep them coming. 👍
August 22, 2020
Claudette B said:
See no stranger appears to be a much needed book for our times. I would be honoured to read a copy of the book. Keep up your inspirational Saturday morning blogs. Truly refreshing. C
August 22, 2020
Susan E-J said:
YAY!! Thanks – as always – every Saturday morning – for contents of your inspirational blog, Bruce! This week, I couldn’t measure the smile on my face when watching the ‘Dancing Security Guards’ clip :) That was awesome! And, yes, in the words of the Maestro (Bowie) …. “Let’s Dance!”
Have a wonderful weekend – and Thanks again.
Best,
Susan.
August 22, 2020
Laurie said:
Thank you for sharing the piece on lighthouses. I enjoyed reading about them and admiring the beauty in the photos. It would be lovely to try your PEI organic breakfast tea, I might imagine myself there. I was not able to visit this summer.
August 22, 2020
Melanie Taormina said:
Thank you, Bruce for the Valerie Kaur quotes. Her voice, among others, offers us hope. I think you will enjoy The Library Book! I’d welcome being entered into the tea drawing.
With gratitude,
Melanie T.
Pennsylvania
August 22, 2020