What's said; what we hear

Much like the impact of punctuation - as illustrated so cleverly in the best-seller, 'Eats, shoots and leaves' - how words are spoken radically impacts their meaning and their interpretation. Everyone who's been in a relationship will know this. "The door was left open again." No names mentioned. Depending on the delivery, this can be a covert accusation or simply a statement. Why should conversations with our healthcare professionals be exempt from scrutiny of our own rules of engagement. Our interpretations have such immense repercussions, you'd think there'd be some training with role modeling or eavesdropping or video taping, so the sometimes subtle reactions to something we think we've heard that causes us to rear up, shut down, shut out anything else the good doc says. Like for instance, a simple: "Hmmmm" can be a killer. I recently heard this story, while tuned into CBC radio."They'd been married for 20 years, and drove together every day to work. At the beginning, they'd talk all the way. But eventually, their trips became silent. Each lost in their own thoughts. Each feeling the loss and loneliness of the silent ride. One day, he absentmindedly started humming, I've got you under my skin. 'What's that supposed to mean?', she snapped. And they lapsed back into silence. The power and the potential of what's said, and what we hear.

Back to health

Conceived a year ago, with the name coming to me whilst in a head-stand, my new baby, Ability4Life is launched. If you're in any way shape or form involved with caring for an elderly/aging person, this site's for you. The Story of Ablity4Life.. coming soon

Done with Dragons

I am very very frightened, as I watch this season's DD unfold. They're meaner. Editing speeds the pitches onto the kill. I shudder at what could be left on the floor - or worse - left in - if I make it into the last few shows before the season ends. And if I don't, I'll spill the beans here on the outcome which exactly met my goals. Until then here's breathing fire at you.

Post DD Taping Apprehension

I so enjoyed my taping day with the Dragons: was well prepared, was not intimidated, was confidently able to counter cynicism, skepticism, numbers questions, was only slightly thrown when the video excerpt broadcast waaay out of synch and even had a response (and was hoping!) for Kevin's: "This is the worst idea.." I did smack the microphone attached to my neckline that's a real 'ouchie' for ears (it was a moment of emphasizing something) on the other hand, I didn't lose the mic pack around my waist (to accommodate cartwheel) and I made them chuckle. I loved being behind the scenes again (impressed the heck out of the sound guy when I asked if he needed a sound check) and only think I looked moderately Charlie Chaplin-esque striding through the studio to my 'spot' on the stage (kind people comment that I walk like a dancer) Now, as I watch this season, I wonder if my confidence, well thought-out and thought-through pitch won't fit in the meaner leaner American Idol circus approach.

Diving into the Den

After much thought, my wardrobe decision is based on looking as professional as possible, while also accommodating various bits incorporated into my pitch (as a solo 'act', it's my mandate and mission to be as memorable as possible - whatever the ultimate outcome) I have severely restricted use of anything white (causes a camera's brain to imbalance) so it's just the collar of my shirt that crisply makes a statement under a snug navy blue t-shirt. A gently fitted faux blue-jean boyfriend jacket and an above-the-knee navy and bisque chiffon skirt with navy silk lining. Princess heels are navy, nylons are neutral. No-one would ever guess the spandex short-shorts until my cartwheel (lots of practicing went into that) Upside down, I thought I heard Arlene's "Well done" Right side up , Jim Treliving offered: "You're very spry". Later, they'd learn that while doing warm-up cartwheels outside the Pitcher's 'holding room' the woman assigned to keep a-watch on us Pitchers, spoke into her headset: "I'm off air for 30-seconds" whereupon she attempted a cartwheel (considering her age, I dunno, 21? nicely done). Then the KMPG business advisor arrive. He also felt the need (considering he's a guy: passable) At a certain point, the joint was careening with cartwheelers. If nothing else, that'll be my Dragon's Den legacy.