Posted by jodietonita on March 7, 2009
For Tam & Josh
Tam always precedes Josh when I refer to them as a couple. It’s Tam & Josh. Tamara was my first connection. She is Mark’s older sister and over the years she became my sister of the *heart*. Someone who cares deeply and illustrates it in the care and attention she brings to her living and loving. Someone who resonates beauty in the most humble of ways. The kind of person that you want to be around because through her example you learn to be a more healthy and giving being. A steady and nurturing presence through good and bad… thick and thin… always there to pour the tea, listen to your story, uncover the humour, and leave you smiling. A daughter, a sister, a mother, a partner, a friend and in all of these roles… her way of being generates deep joy and powerful love. Just look at Noah and you’ll see what I mean.
Then there’s Josh… My spirit brother and faithful friend. Who is always there to share, to listen, to learn and to laugh with. And to put up shelves and move boxes. He is nearly as crazy as I am and that is incredibly comforting. He is my brother of the heart. His love for Tamara and for Noah and his dedication to his extended family and friends awes me. He is there for me in the most precious of ways and I see him holding that sacred container of support for so many. Many of you in this room understand and experience how truly giving he is of his energy and love. To be one of Josh’s friends and a member of his family is an amazing gift.
And then there is Noah… a being that is so super charged with joy that he spreads love and care and compassion where ever he goes. He is the best of his parents with his own kooky nature baked right in. Thank you for keeping your parents so young at heart little monkey. I love you to the moon and back.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAM & JOSH! MANY BLESSINGS ON THIS JOYOUS OCCASION WHEN WE DELIGHT IN CELEBRATING ALL THAT YOU ARE AND ALL THAT YOU BRING TO YOUR LIVING!
MAZELTOV!
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Posted by jodietonita on January 27, 2009
i am a smart-ass
i love to travel
i dream of green hills
i know that striving for what’s right is what matters
i’m willing to listen
i sometimes even change my mind
i dream it, i see it, i get it done
i am the strong one
i understand that family is my responsibility, my sorrow, my joy and i embrace it all
i think that richard john tonita walks on water
i know he loves me. i know it in my bones
i believe and trust in god
i know when to hold and when to fold
i love my grandmother and will cherish her for all eternity
i am all these things because i am my grandmother’s grand daughter
she is with me always…
rest now dear one…
we will carry on…
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Posted by jodietonita on January 25, 2009
I am connecting with my Grandma in the most special of ways. I am feeling the satisfaction of a life well lived. I feel her faith and her trust. I feel her appreciation. I feel the relief.
I am whispering in her ear… i love you grandma… god loves you… thank you for all that you are… and all that you bring to your living and loving. Thank you. I love you.
You can rest now… You can let go…
Be well dear one. Be well. Trust in god.
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Posted by jodietonita on November 18, 2008
Photo: Andy Clark/REUTERS
The downtown core of Vancouver and the Lions Gate Bridge rise above a morning fog in this view from Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver
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Posted by jodietonita on October 10, 2008
i was recently asked by a perspective renter of the upstairs apartment at my soon to be old place if i had any tips on the hood. here’s what came out…
welcome to the Pink House! i am moving out mid-october.
wisdom and tips… hmmm…
you are catching me at a time where I am really burnt out re: the neighbourhood. i can share what has worked for me…
in the daytime, being open and connecting with people. at night, shutting my energy down and not connecting. the not connecting piece and being more shut down I have found avoids people approaching me to buy sex. i found that i would rather learn to avoid the interaction than get better at dealing with it.
not sure how you relate to systemic oppression… but the DTES is where people end up who have fallen through safety nets. and where people started from and what support was available to them has really dictated their opportunities. many of the folks you see will die in the downtown eastside. it’s a stark reality.
baseline… people driving by will assume you are a sex trade worker and are addicted. it’s very much a gawker experience. that takes getting used to and brings up a lot of interesting stuff.
it’s super deep and powerful and sometimes is just too fucking much. so make sure that you have happy, light, nature places to escape to.
also, CRAB park and the Chinese Gardens are close and lovely.
hope this helps.
j
(prologue… she didn’t move in)
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Posted by jodietonita on October 7, 2008
I have a niece who is 3 months old. She’s incredible. Her name is Molly Rebecca Grobman.
Here she is…
She has a pretty tremendous story but for this post I will try to stay focused on her gear. I want to share with you a couple of items of clothing I have been unable to resist acquiring on her behalf. I have been on the road so I have yet to see them on her. That moment is coming soon and I will be sure to provide pics.
and
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Posted by jodietonita on October 2, 2008
Photo: AP
A lion rides a horse in a circus show in Xiamen, China.
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Posted by jodietonita on September 15, 2008
Photo: Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press
A man carries a skim board as the sun reflects off tidal pools during low tide on the Strait of Georgia in White Rock, B.C.
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Posted by jodietonita on September 8, 2008
Photo: AFP/Getty Images
A wave hits the waterfront in Baracoa, eastern Cuba, ahead of the expected arrival of hurricane Ike.
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