It's a Big World...Sort of

“You are a function of what the whole universe is doing in the same way that a wave is a function of what the whole ocean is doing.”
― Alan Wilson Watts

The story I am about to share, about being connected to the people around you, is 100% true.  You will probably read it and question the above statement (and possibly my integrity), and that's okay.  That's what humans do.  Question away!  But it happened in a room full of people...while my hubby teased me about thinking that the outcome that did occur...would occur.  Confused?  Read on... 

 

I have to back up the story here, so you can more clearly follow along.  Peach and Pickle went to a different school than they go to now, when they started their adventure in the wonderful world of education.  So we have been fortunate to meet lots of different parents and little people!  I am continually amazed by the fantastic mix of people that exist on this planet.  I love you all! 

 

It was Mother's Day weekend, and my hubby and his family arrived Saturday to celebrate the day.  As we were sitting around chatting, the phone rang.  It was a long distance number, so I answered it.  The German accented voice asked for a name that I didn't recognize, so I informed her kindly that she had the wrong number.  She questioned if she had reached the city I live in, and I confirmed she had.  She explained to me that someone had left a message on her answering machine and she couldn't understand the last few numbers of the phone number, so had dialled mine in error.  While this explanation is in the process, I discover I recognize her voice.  Now - she is calling from Germany - I know that - but here is where it gets weird - and I get teased.  I ask her if she has a son named Willy (this is the exact point that hubby starts rolling his eyes and joking with his family that I think I know everyone).  I can hear his laughter AT THE SAME TIME she says, "Yes."  So I laugh and reply, "Is this Seigret?" She confirms it is.  This is the point that "It's a Small World After All" starts tinkling in between my ears (because I'm weird like that)...I respond - "Seigret - it's Kathy Pettit - Peach's mom!"

 

At this point I am envisioning my husband choking on a mouthful of crow, as he listens to our conversation, catching each other up on what our kids are doing.  She had moved back to Germany with her family, so had left the region permanently.  We hadn't exchanged phone numbers, as we had moved to another school , and young girls being what they are, stayed more connected to the female students of their past.

 

So, in that small twist of fate, she had mistakenly called my house, thousands of miles away, to prove the theory that we are all a function of what the universe is doing - at any given time.  Be nice to everyone.  You never know when you'll meet them again...

 

I can't believe it but...I was right.  I was right.  I was right.  Sorry - don't get to relish in that statement too often - had to do a verbal 'happy dance' of sorts!

(Small personal truth, courtesy of Douglas Adams - “I'd far rather be happy than right any day.”)

 

On that note, be happy!

Kathy Pettit

 

 

 

 

 

Friends on the Move

There are some moments in our lives, that when they appear, they come with no pomp, no circumstance, and no bolt of lightening.  When they happen we may never realize how the impact of that exact moment, location and decision has changed the course of our future.  But each choice, each smile, and each time our hearts open, we change the very fabric of our future.  I am referring to the first time you meet someone that you now consider a friend.  That moment they wove their thread into your loom and life, they changed it.  A real friend adds colours and patterns, brings light where there may have been dark.  They add challenges, accomplishments, and celebrations!

I was inspired to write this post for two reasons.  The first being I have been blessed with an abundance of friends in my life - which I am eternally grateful for.  Secondly, some good friends are moving very far away, and I will miss them terribly.  We will miss their daughter immensely who is very much like family to all of us.  While I am happy for them and their new adventure, I feel a sense of loss with them leaving.  They are beautiful people, so kind and generous, and so thoughtful in everything they do!  But, I worry about them, as they head off to this new adventure.  They are Korean, and struggle with their English, but my husband and I have been there to help them when they needed an English voice behind them.  From the blind perspective of someone native to Canada and English speaking, I just assume (wrongly) that everyone is nice and patient with language barriers.  I can share, from my experience of speaking on their behalf, that this is not the case.  From their landlords, to the bank, even to the government - they were not treated as well as I would expect to be treated.  That was until I would get involved and speak for them, at their request, to help them understand.  Then suddenly the person at the bank became so friendly and willing to help, the landlord recognized it was their job to fix things that weren't working in the house, the government admitting to other options that were not shared directly with them.  So I worry, when they are so far away, that there will be no one there to step up and help them. 

They are fabulous people, and I pray that their decision to smile at a stranger and open their hearts - will result in the receiving person doing the same to them, so they can be blessed with the same friendship that I hold dear.  You never know when friendship will strike.  But always be prepared with a ready smile - just in case!  Ours started at a school playground, while waiting for our daughters to come out at the end of school - and luckily the connection sparked and bloomed into a warm, happy friendship.

I can't believe it but...it is so easy to make friends - and so hard to make enemies - why can't we cherish all of those around us as friends?

Happy friend-finding,

Kathy Pettit :)

The Tales of a Tale

Writing can be hard work!  Sometimes the creativity gets sucked out of your very being when you   think too hard.  That's why I tend to avoid thinking really hard...it's just easier that way.  Mindless roboting is WAY more creative.


But, when you have a tale to tell you have to think and plan ahead.  I have finally started the second draft of my novel (which, in case you were interested I started several years ago and dropped like a hot potato while juggling diapers, bottles, and otherwise time-occupying tasks!).  I say second draft...but to be perfectly frank, I don't yet have an ending in my first draft - but I do have a hefty portion completed.  You see all the ideas are kind of percolating in my head....dripping through the grinds of my brain...finishing with a fine cup of coffee great ending.  I feel a bit embarrassed that I am admitting, publicly (as only a few know my fanciful dream of publishing a book) this little "secret."  The thing is, it's on my bucket list.  If it goes nowhere - I can still say "I did it, I wrote a book."  If it goes somewhere, I can pretend I am very accomplished, carry around a Sharpie so at any time I can make a fans' day by applying said Sharpie to various body parts of the book.  But it's hard.  I am sure the second draft will be grammatically challenged.  Luckily my hubby is the best editor on the planet (according to moi)!  Before I can apply Sharpie sigs to any book, he'll first take his red pen and tsk-tsk me into grammatically perfect form.

So my fans (sorry, a little carried away with the fame and fortune thing) friends, if you want to contribute - I think it would be kind of neat to allow my readers to come up with an idea or name (it is a fantasy/fiction novel) every now and then.  Please add your suggestions to the "comments" section and I may include them in my novel-to-be - and of course credit you in my long list of people I need to thank in my life! 

I guess I am sharing because I feel like I have now made a commitment, cemented the end result.  Publicly (although, there is a handy-dandy delete post button just in case!).

The very first bit I am looking for suggestions on is:  The name of the boat for the "bad" royalty.  It's fiction/fantasy so let your imagination run wild!

Happy reading!

I can't believe it but...my project is public knowledge.  Gulp! (Sorry that wasn't nerves, it was a swig of wine!)

Kathy Pettit

GivingThanksGiving

Forget the turkey, the stuffing, the potatoes, the gravy, the pumpkin pie, the cranberry sauce (hard to do - I know - but I am going somewhere with this!)...try to conjure up an image of something else that represents Thanksgiving....  It's hard to do, but hopefully what you are left with is "family."  Family is an all-encompassing term representing all whom we hold near and dear to our hearts. People who may either be in our lives by choice or chance - but are here nonetheless!  

I have a thankful heart.  I truly appreciate what I have, where I come from and who I have in my life.  There are some pretty special people who have joined my adventure.  People who have helped me grow, those who reached out a hand when I stumbled, took the time to show me the sunshine when all I saw was rain, who laughed at me and with me, and who guided me towards what was right. 

I have a father.  A warm-hearted, loving, hard-working father.  A father who raised my brother and I when my mother didn't want to.  A father that was humble enough to ask for help when required.  I grew up in Ontario housing, in a neighbourhood that selfishly cycles it's poverty to the next generation.  It's difficult to get out unscathed.  My dad pushed us to finish school and pursue a secondary education.  We listened.  Although I will be eternally grateful to The Food Bank and their contribution to our meals, I wanted more for my future and my family.  I worked hard because I wanted to live so that I could become the giver and help those in need where I could.  A kind of Pay-It-Forward feeling.  I look around at my house that we own, at our stuff, at my kids, at my loving hubby - and FEEL the appreciation right in my bones.  I am so blessed.  God has blessed me in abundance.  I will NEVER forget where I come from.  It is humbling to share with others that I was a recipient of The Food Bank.  It is not a dirty secret, but a fact that helped us survive.  Sometimes, putting a face to an organization helps one realize that their donations do matter, that they are making a positive difference in someones life.  

One thing I have learned along the way is: Be happy and joyful in everything you do.  Remain humble and appreciative.  Don't forget where you came from and how you got to where you are today.  For me, it was a fabulous journey, and the lessons learned along the way were invaluable to my future. 

Thank you everyone for reading.  And - hey - pass on some good deeds to a charity near you!  It will come back to you - I promise!

I can't believe it but...I feel good about having shared my humble beginnings.

Happy happiness,

Kathy Pettit

   

Weaving Words

Best Designed Library Kansas City

I have a tendency to exaggerate.  I have always been a self-diagnosed story-teller.  Not the kind of tales that car salesman and fisherman make us all raise an eyebrow to.  (Sorry to my car-selling friend - totally NOT referring to you, ahem.)  That was awkward....!  But rather, I like to SEE stories in the mundane and everyday.  One tiny moment triggers a bit of a chain reaction in my squidgy brain.  The event may be something my kids or hubby says...it may be something I see or hear.  All these tiny little threads are weaved into a story or memory that I feel the need to share.  All of your threads have made their way into my tale.  Whether you are the reader, the crossing guard, the person who sells me my coffee, or even someone from my past, you have been gently woven into my being and my tale.  You fit in perfectly.  Especially after a nice glass of blush wine...because everything is better with wine.

If you are reading this, you and I are linked across the time space continuum (I don't know what this really means, but sounds smarty-like).  Thanks for being a part of my story.  Especially you.  Yeah -YOU!  You're awesome! 

I can't believe it but...I am admitting to a teeny tiny, barely noticeable, smidgen of a flaw in myself. 

Happy story sharing,

Kathy Pettit