Tomatoes and Bacon

Looking forward to an awesome 2020. Cheers.
Life is like a journey on a train...with its stations...with changes of routes...
and with accidents ! We board this train when we are born and our parents are the ones who get our ticket. We believe they will always travel on this train with us. However, at some station our parents will get off the train, leaving us alone on this journey. As time goes by, other passengers will board the train, many of whom will be significant - our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of our life. Many will get off during the journey and leave a permanent vacuum in our lives. Many will go so unnoticed that we won't even know when they vacated their seats and got off the train ! This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, good-byes, and farewells. A good journey is helping, loving, having a good relationship with all co passengers... and making sure that we give our best to make their journey comfortable. The mystery of this fabulous journey is : We do not know at which station we ourselves are going to get off. So, we must live in the best way - adjust, forget, forgive and offer the best of what we have. It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to leave our seat... we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life." Thank you for being one of the important passengers on my train... don't know when my station will come... don't want to miss saying: "Thank you"
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The Circle Of Sacred Smoke..Devils Tower National Monument

What we need in this country is a Peaceful Insurrection.

“The Western obsession with productivity and accumulation of wealth has led the world into a crisis.

“To come out of it, we need a radical departure from this constant rush forward—the constant quest for more and better—that we’ve been carry out not only in the financial,but also in the realms of science and technology.”

”It is high time that integrity,justice,and sustainable development be allow to prevail.”

“There are grave issues. Our adventure on Earth is imperiled, and should man persist in making the planet uninhabitable it will come to an end.”

White Buffalo Calf Woman

“The traditional story is that, long ago, there was a time of famine. The chief of the Lakota sent out two scouts to hunt for food. While the young men travelled they saw a figure in the distance and as they approached, they saw that it was a beautiful young Indian woman in white buck skin. She had dark hair, skin and eyes. One of the men was filled with lust for the woman. He approached her, telling his companion he would attempt to claim her as a wife. His companion warned him that she appeared to be a sacred woman, and to do anything sacrilegious would be dangerous and disrespectful. The man ignored the other's advice. The second man watched as the first approached and embraced the woman, during which time a white cloud enveloped the pair. When the cloud disappeared, only the mysterious woman and a pile of bones remained. The bones were the remains of the man. The remaining man was frightened, and began to draw his bow, but the holy woman beckoned him forward, telling him that no harm would come to him as she could see into his heart and he did not have the motives the first man had. As the woman spoke Lakota, the young man decided she was one of his people, and came forward. At this time, the woman explained that she was wakȟáŋ (holy, having spiritual and supernatural powers). She further explained that if he did as she instructed, his people would rise again. The scout promised to do what she instructed, and was told to return to his encampment, call the Council and prepare a feast for her arrival. She taught the Lakota seven sacred ceremonies and gave them the čhaŋnúŋpa, the sacred ceremonial pipe. After teaching the people and giving them her gifts, Ptesáŋwiŋ left them, promising that one day she would return.”

Joe Todd and Linda touching the wall of Devils Tower. This is a Sacred Site to American Indians and maybe it should be for all. Have a “Quality Time” day………

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Cape Breton Highlands National Park & The Skyline Trail

 

 Acadian Coastline, Gaelic Folklore, Celtic Culture and The The Mi'kmaq Nation… To say the least there is a lot going on in Cape Breton Nova Scotia. A “My Quality Time” post.

The Skyline Trail::: “Length: 7.5 km (4.7 mi) return or 9.2 km (5.7 mi) loop Elevation: 290 - 405 m (950 - 1,330 ft) Time: 2 - 3 hours
Significant Features: Headland cliff, ocean Main trail suitable for most skill levels.  Boardwalk with steps at headland.  Rugged back loop.” Linda and I with my sister Sara and her husband Larry did the In-Out trail not the loop.

If one is going to do just one hike in this area this is the one to do. There are hundreds of wonderful blog posts/web sites devoted to this area with detailed photos and descriptions of the hike. You can do your own research if interested. Here are a couple links I really like: One Journey and Wandering Not Lost .

On this hike you may see moose and bear but we did not… so it goes…   Instead I offer up a “At A Breton Calvaire” from the book::”Cape Breton Tales” by Harry James Smith 1880-1918.

“Upon that cape that thrusts so bare.. Its crest above the wasting sea-Grey rocks amidst eternity- There stands an old and frail calvaire, Upraising like an unvoiced cry Its great black arms against the sky. For storm-beat years that cross has stood: It slants before the winter gale; And now the Christ is marred and pale;

The rain has washed away the blood That ran once on its brow and side, And in its feet the seams are wide.

But when the boats put out to sea At earliest dawn before the day. The fishermen, they turn and pray, Their eyes upon calvary:

“O Jesu, Son of Mary fair, Our little boats are in thy care!” and when the storm beats hard and shrill

Then toil-bent women, worn with fear, Pray for the lives they hold so dear, And seek the cross

upon the hill: “O Jesu, Son of Mary mild, Be with them where the waves are wild!”

And when the dead they carry by Across that melancholy land,- Dead that were cast up on the strand

Beneath a black and whirling sky,- They pause before the old calvaire; They cross themselves and say a prayer.

 

O Jesu, Son of Mary fair! O Faith, that seeks thy cross of pain! Their voices break above the rain,

The wind blows hard, the heart lies bare: Clutching through dark, their hands find Thee,

O Christ, that died on Calvary!”

Film crew getting ready to shoot a documentary… and now I’m HUNGRY:::

 

The Beggars Banquet a chance for you to get into period costume and gorge on a feast of local seafood in a replicated 18th-century tavern.
Hope you enjoyed the post/photos… and as always have

a great day…. Joe Todd reporting for “My Quality Time”

 Cape Breton Highlands National Park & The Skyline Trail

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